Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGW295 in Titanium and Urushi

Photo: Monochrome

Seiko introduced the first Grand Seiko watch in 1960. It was Seiko’s endeavor to develop the best, most wearable timepiece imaginable and was simply referred to as the “First.” It had a circular, 14K golden-filled casing little less than 35 millimeters in diameter, a readable dial with attached facet indexes, and exquisite dauphine markers. Furthermore, it became the first Japanese clock to achieve the +12/-3 second per day Swiss chronometer certification, which was in use then.

Photo: Seiko

Whereas the recently released watch is not a replica of the original, it has been beautifully reinterpreted to suit everyone, including celebrities. The new Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGW295 is based on a smart blend of a contemporary titanium casing and a conventional Urushi lacquered dial. Besides, this year, the Laurel (the first Seiko timepiece ever made) marks its 110th anniversary.

About the Watch

• The case

The SBGW295’s design resembles the original Grand Seiko pretty closely. Nevertheless, it has expanded, now measuring 10.9mm in thickness and 38mm in diameter. Similar to several of its Elegance Collection siblings, it has facet lugs and a slim, refined bezel. But because they are a little bit straight compared to those on most SBGW models, these lugs certainly make reference to the case’s spherical shape.

Photo: Seiko

Moreover, the casing is composed of Brilliant Hard Titanium, a material that has a brighter sheen than stainless steel. However, Grand Seiko asserts that it is two times as durable as stainless steel, helping prevent scratching on the Zaratsu-finished exterior.

Lastly, the case has a push-pull crown, smooth sapphire on the rear, and a dual-domed, AR-treated sapphire crystal on the surface. In accordance with the more elegant Elegance collection, it has a waterproofing rate of up to 3 ATM.

• A lavish dial

An “artisanal feel” is displayed on the dial. Although the design is similar to the original Grand Seiko, the craftsmanship is completely different and extremely opulent. Instead of a plain white backdrop which is historically precise, we have a deep, shiny black urushi lacquer. This varnish has been used since Japan’s Jmon era and has evolved into a classic example of Japanese craftsmanship.

Photo: GS9Club

Grand Seiko provides its lacquer an inky tint by adding iron before giving it a unique treatment to guarantee the color won’t fade with time. Despite the popularity of urushi, which is now sourced globally, the firm takes pleasure in employing solely domestically obtained lacquer.

• Caliber 9S64

When you flip the wristwatch over and take your eyes off the dial, you notice Grand Seiko’s proprietary 9S64 mechanism. This 72-hour power reserve 24-jewel hand-winding caliber is a pillar of the Elegance Collection.

Photo: Monochrome

It gives a precision of +5/-3 seconds each day and vibrates at 28,800 vph (4Hz). Additionally, this movement has magnificent perlage beneath the bridges, as well as perlage on the top bridges, plus sharp text imprints.

• Two leather straps

Two black straps are included in the SBGW295 watch. One has a texture that resembles sailcloth, although it is actually braided leather.

The other strap is constructed from soft black leather without noticeable stitching and an apparent grain. A tri-fold Brilliant Hard Titanium fastening with a press button release is also included with the timepiece.