Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat Special GMT 18k SBGJ008

To commemorate 5 years of the 9S85 Hi-Beat caliber, Seiko has introduced a new 9S86 variant of the movement with GMT feature. The expression of three 18k gold models with 9S86 equip a "SPECIAL" movement that was 1st brought forth in 1970. To prove the quality of luxury Japanese domestic product as compared to luxury Swiss, the Grand Seiko "SPECIAL" standard passed more stringent tests then both the GS Standard and Certified Swiss Chronometer. Todays "SPECIAL" movement is even more strict then that of the past, performing within a -2/+4 second per day under static condition rating. The Hi-Beat GMT "SPECIAL" in 18k, has a unique and classic design with 24 hour indicator in a ring around the underside of the index. Each piece will have an 18k Grand Seiko Lion on the rotor, visible through the sapphire case-back. These limited production models will be produce in quantities of around 200 pieces annually inclusive of all 3 colors.

A great travel watch must do many things well, and the Grand Seiko SBGJ008 is one of our favorite travel watches because it does it all. First off, it has an excellent mechanical GMT movement for tracking two time zones, with the date linked to local time. But travel watches must also be stylish, versatile and ready to stay on your wrist wherever you go, including a formal event. The SBGJ008 does all of those things with a sporty spirit and graceful understatement.

The colorway here is a classic sunburst silver dial. Zaratsu polishing, which is a German method using a flat sanding belt and requiring a high level of skill and experience, creates a case that dazzles, and even more so in precious metal like the rose gold of this watch. That level of finishing is carried onto the applied dial markers, the incredibly sharp hand set, and even onto the frame around the date aperture. When you wear the SBGJ008 this GMT will always have you looking sharp.

On the dial of this dual signed watch is the word special, it is part of a small run of watches that were made to a higher standard of accuracy. Instead of the usual -4/+6 a day a chronometer is rated to, these watches were made to be within -2/+4 a day.

Information:

Reference: SBGJ008

Circa: 2010's

Strap: Aftermarket Brown Leather Strap w/18k Yellow Gold GS Buckle

Case Size: 39.5mm x 13.9mm Thickness x 46.9mm lug to lug

Lug Width: 19mm

Case Metal: 18k Yellow Gold

Movement: 9S86 - Automatic - Serviced 1/18/25 w/one year warranty

Functions: HMS, Date, GMT

Box and Papers: Outer box(no inner box), no warranty papers

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.25”

Condition:

Case has light micro wear with nothing notable. Strap has minimal creasing with little to no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Serviced 1/18/25 w/one year warranty.

About Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko emerged in 1960 as a high-end watch line from Seiko, aiming to challenge Swiss dominance in luxury watchmaking. The brand quickly established itself with Japan's first chronometer-grade watch and later gained renown for its innovative Spring Drive technology, which combines the best of automatic and quartz movements. In 2017, Grand Seiko became an independent entity, solidifying its position in the luxury watch market.

The brand's design philosophy, known as the "Grammar of Design," was established in 1967 with the Grand Seiko 44GS. This aesthetic approach emphasizes legibility, refined appearances, and distinctive features like multi-faceted markers and hands, a half-recessed crown, and the meticulous Zaratsu polishing technique. Grand Seiko continues to push boundaries in watchmaking, as evidenced by recent innovations like the "Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon," while maintaining its commitment to precision engineering and unique design language.