Reference SBGH311 commemorates the 25th anniversary of the first Caliber 9S while also honoring the distinct beauty of Shizukuishi.
Introducing a new pattern for Grand Seiko, the dial of SBGH311 evokes the sea of clouds that cover Mt. Iwate at daybreak. This mesmerizing phenomenon occurs when the air is so humid and still that dense clouds overlap and create a silvery-white sea. The contours of these clouds are expressed on the dial, which is made possible through electroforming. The diamond-cut hour and minute hands, tempered seconds hand, and multi-faceted indexes stand out against the dial's intricate texture, ensuring legibility at a glance.
The stainless steel case measures 37mm in diameter and 13.3mm in thickness, and it is paired with a stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp. The smaller case size is a nod to the original watches that debuted the first 9S movement back in 1998.
At the heart of SBGH311 is the Hi-Beat 36000 automatic mechanical Caliber 9S85. This exceptional movement is hand-assembled at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the center of Grand Seiko's mechanical watchmaking. It features an accuracy rating of 5 / -3 seconds per day with a 55-hour power reserve. Additionally, the titanium oscillating weight has undergone an anodic oxidation treatment, which gives it an eye-catching blue hue.
SBGH311 is a limited edition of 1,200 pieces.
Information:
Reference: SBGH311
MSRP: $6600
Limited: 1200 Pieces
Dated: 2024
Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet
Case Size: 37mm x 13.3mm Thickness x 44.6mm Lug to lug
Lug Width: 19mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: Grand Seiko High Beat 9S85 - Automatic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Accessories: Inner/outer boxes, warranty card, booklet
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.25”
Condition: Excellent
Case has light normal wear on the lugs with nothing notable. Bracelet has light normal wear. Dial, hands, and crystal are in perfect shape.
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.
