With its time-tested functionality and familiar case contours, it is little wonder why Grand Seiko’s classically designed mechanical GMT made fans of watch collectors all around the world. Today, two new variations on the mechanical GMT evoke natural phenomena associated with the seasons of Japan, each redolent of the beauty to be discovered in the area right around the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.
Grand Seiko’s automatic mechanical GMT has long been one of its most compelling and popular offerings. Best known for its expression in the flagship SBGM221, based on the original SBGM021 design, the 39.5mm mechanical GMT has seen variations in different dial colours, patterns, and 24-hour hands. With its box-shaped sapphire crystal, elegant round case, and tapered lugs steeped in horological classicism, the design traces its inspiration, if not its precise dimensions and functionality, right back to the first Grand Seiko watch of 1960. Today, two new models take up the mantle of this classic GMT design.
SBGM255
SBGM257
As the winter’s chill recedes and the warmth of spring breathes life into the land, melting snow forms droplets that glisten in the bright sunshine. The SBGM255 “Snowdrop” manifests the beauty of this phenomenon observed as one season yields to the next. The patterned dial conjures the beauty of glistening droplets that harken the warming weather that will soon nourish verdant plant life.
On autumn nights, moonlight fills the evening sky with its soft glow. As temperatures fall, drops of dew form in the cool, crisp air and gleam resplendently in the moonlight. With its textured blue dial, the SBGM257 “Moondrop” expresses this beautiful moment and captures the richness of fall in the area around the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the home of Grand Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking.
Powering each new creation is the tried and trusted Caliber 9S66, enabling the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously. The 24-hour hand – tempered to a beautiful shade of blue in the SBGM255 and rendered in a luxurious gold color in the SBGM257 – can be set to one’s home time. The local hour, meanwhile, can be changed in simple and intuitive one-hour increments when the crown is extended to the first click position, without stopping the mechanical movement and the sweep of the seconds hand.
In addition to its GMT function, the robust Caliber 9S66 provides an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day with automatic winding and a power reserve of 72 hours. In each of the two new GMT references, the decorated movement can be observed through a sapphire crystal case back. Each model comes on a crocodile leather strap with a buckle, a fitting complement to a design that exudes classic elegance.
The SBGM255 “Snowdrop” and SBGM257 “Moondrop” will be available starting in December at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retailer partners worldwide.
