Introducing the Grand Seiko SBGW291 and SBGW293

Definitely, Grand Seiko seems to have heard the fringe of its aficionados who are successively begging for smaller watches that fit on less advantaged wrists, and it is in this sense that we have seen an effort by the Japanese brand in recent times to manufacture watches for more moderate dimensions.

Back in April, following the 55th anniversary of its iconic 44GS design, Grand Seiko presented a limited edition SBGW289 of 1,200 pieces that came with a textured pink dial set in a steel case measuring 36.5mm in diameter by 11.6mm in thickness inspired by the classic 44GS design, contrary to the usual 40mm diameter case. It is now announced the arrival in September 2022 of two new variants of reduced size but in current production, the SBGW291 and SBGW293 both with a sunray pattern dial in shades of silver and chocolate-brown respectively.

The watches on the outside come in a stainless steel case with the traditional Zaratsu polished, slim profile thanks to its internal manual movement, fluted crown with the brand’s signature, sapphire crystal on the front, screw case back with the lion medallion in the centre, 100m of resistance to water and that weighs only 66g. On the beautiful sunray pattern dials, diamond cut indexes and hands, and applied silver brand logo at 12 o’clock followed by the inscription of the brand in the same tone in the brown variant and in black in the silver variant. Inside they are powered by the Caliber 9S64 which runs at 28,800 Vph and offers up to 72 hours of power reserve.

Both watches are offered with a crocodile leather strap, in black (silver dial) and brown (brown dial), prices are not yet known but should be below €5,400 for the exclusive edition, as the new watches are in current production and do not come with a steel bracelet.

Our Opinion

There is not much more to say than what has already been said regarding the brand strengthening its collections with more mid-size case watches, a policy that we continue to applaud and praise.

As for the two new watches, we really liked both variants, whose leather straps reinforce the elegance of their lines and their presence on the wrist, and unlike most of the time, our option is to go with the steel bracelet, although here it is only available with the limited edition of April, in this case, we have to confess that the option for the leather strap proves to be much more attractive to our eyes.

Read more here.

General Specifications:

Brand: Grand Seiko

Collection: Heritage

Reference: SBGW291, SBGW293

Dial: Sunray silver dial, sunray brown dial

Lume: No

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 36.5 mm diameter, 11.6 mm thickness

Crystal: Sapphire Glass

Case Back: Stainless steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Strap: Black or brown crocodile leather strap

Caliber: 9S64

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Winding: Manual

Frequency: 28,800 Vph

Jewels: 24

Power Reserve: 70

Availability: September 2022

Price: Not available at moment

Limited Edition: No