Introducing the Grand Seiko SBGX47, SBGX49 and SBGX46 in 34 mm and With Quartz Movement

We hadn’t had the opportunity to talk about the launch earlier this month of two (three) reduced Grand Seiko’s with the references SBGX47, SBGX49, and SBGX46 (limited edition).

Despite the low profile of this model, it does not go unnoticed by the most attentive eye as it is a true anthem for elegance, discreet and minimalist, externally supported in a classically sized 34 mm case, and internally equipped with a superior quartz movement.

The new SBGX45 and 49 come with a stainless steel case 34 mm in diameter and 10.7 mm thick, with a lug-to-lug distance of 41.5 mm, slim bezel, and box-shaped crystal. Textured dials feature a minimalist design with diamond-cut hour markers and hour and minute hands, and finally, applied brand logo at 12 o’clock. The SBGX45 variant comes with a white dial and black alligator leather strap, while the SBGX47 variant comes with a blue dial and alligator leather strap.

Inside is the superior quartz movement 9F61, and before some of you start to turn up your nose because it’s not a mechanical movement, let’s remember that no one produces quartz movements with the wisdom, precision, and attention that Grand Seiko does. The Caliber 9F is assembled and crafted by hand, it features a twin pulse control motor, which means that the second-hand moves in two consecutive steps per second preserving battery life while in normal quartz movements it moves in a single step and just like the mechanical movements come with a regulation switch that allows you to control the watch’s accuracy when deviations arise. The movement accuracy is as high as that of the movement incorporated in the first Grand Seiko quartz introduced in 1988 with an accuracy rate of about 10 seconds per year. Both models are already available at the brand’s official stores and retailers for € 3,500.

As for the SBGX46 variant, as already announced above, it is a limited edition of 140 pieces, which serve to mark the 140th anniversary of the brand. This variant has exactly the same case dimensions as the other variants as well as the same internal movement. As for differences, on the outside it comes with a stainless steel case with 18k rose gold coin-edge bezel and crown. Inside, a white dial with gold hour markers craved with diamonds and gold hands. The watch is offered with a burgundy alligator leather strap for a price of € 9,900.

Our Opinion

We are thrilled that Grand Seiko is once again producing elegant 34mm pieces aimed at men and women, whose simplicity is not overshadowed by the elegance of these timepieces. Although the quartz movement still remains a drag for many enthusiasts, it doesn’t bother us and is always welcome when it comes to superior movements like those that Grand Seiko has accustomed us to over the years.