Post by timelessluxwatches on Dec 5, 2017 14:33:34 GMT -6
This new Hi-Beat is quite a rarity, both in terms of its design and in terms of its availability. Looking to its design first, we can see that Grand Seiko used Arabic numerals instead of its much more typical numeral-free design. This isn’t the first watch Grand Seiko has used Arabic numerals on, but it is quite unusual for the brand nonetheless. The dial is also unique, and is apparently a traditional Japanese color of silk, called “Shironeri.” It appears to be a slightly off-white dial, which gives the watch a bit of a vintage look to it.
Unusual or not, the main draw is going to be these gold Arabic numerals, which blend really nicely with the dial and the matching gold hands. While GSes with Arabic numerals have been with us for a long time, like the old 5646-7040 for instance, GS has consistently focused on avoiding numerals entirely for the vast majority of its watches. Stylistically, this watch most reminds me of the SBGH013, which was a watch I was very fond of. Of course, that watch had stainless accents and the “classic” pre-update dial, so the differences between them are pretty significant.
The SBGH263 is equipped with a date, as all 9S85-powered movements are. It has a nice gold frame around it, which matches the other accents well. It would have been neat to use gold paint for the numerals instead of black, however, or perhaps just do away with the date altogether.
It’s powered by the 9S85, a high-frequency automatic movement that has achieved a very respected status among watch collectors for its accuracy and smooth seconds hand. It also has a 55 hour power reserve, particularly impressive for a 36,000 BPH watch, and it’s really a perfect fit for this design, given its historical connection to the legendary GSes of the ’60s.
The 39.5mm SBGH263 is a boutique-only model, meaning that most Grand Seiko dealers won’t have it. Fortunately, Timeless Luxury Watches is a boutique and we look forward to doing a full review of the watch as soon as we can. Click any of the photos to learn more or to reserve yours!
