The GMT remains one of the most unquestionably useful complications, and Grand Seiko has long carved out its own niche in this regard. The SBGE series, part of its Sport collection, is a perennial expression of GMT: a fourth central 24-hour hand that is set independent of the usual 12-hour timing, and a rotating bezel with 24-hour markings that allows easy checking of a third time zone.
Select locations in Asia are now privy to a special limited edition of this model, in the form of the SBGE267G (RM26,000). In typical Grand Seiko fashion, the dial is an eye-catching display, this time in brown sunburst with a bezel coloured to match. Champagne-hued hands and markers provide just a touch of ostentatiousness to the otherwise fairly understated watch. The bracelet and case are in stainless steel, with the former measuring 44mm in diameter, and has a water resistance of a reassuring 200m.
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It is powered by the 9R66 Spring Drive movement, itself a classic: introduced in 2006, it is a self-winding calibre with a three-day power reserve that has underpinned many a Grand Seiko GMT. In addition to the GMT function, it also has a power reserve indicator on the dial side and a date window at 4 o’clock. The electro-mechanical Spring Drive movements are, of course, a unique Grand Seiko signature, and its benefits include remarkable accuracy – the 9R66 is accurate to within one second per day – and a seconds hand that has a completely smooth glide.
The SBGE267G is exclusive to the Thong Sia Group, which distributes Grand Seiko in Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong and Macau, and is limited to a run of 140.
