Key Takeaways
1. Grand Seiko is launching two new GMT models, SBGM255 “Snowdrop” and SBGM257 “Moondrop,” priced at £4,550 (around $5,953), available in December.
2. Both models feature a box-shaped sapphire crystal, stainless-steel casing, and crocodile leather strap, combining compact dimensions with a traditional GMT design.
3. The Snowdrop has a white dial with a geometric pattern, while the Moondrop features a midnight-blue dial, both with a date display at 3 o’clock and exhibition case backs.
4. They are powered by the 9S66 automatic movement, offering a 72-hour power reserve, +5 to -3 seconds daily accuracy, and a 24-hour hand for tracking a second time zone.
5. Each watch measures 39.5 mm in diameter, 14.1 mm thick, and has a splash-resistant design, magnetic resistance rated at 4,800 A/m, and an anti-reflective coating on the crystal.
Grand Seiko is launching two new “Contemporary Classics Mechanical GMT” models this December, joining the recently introduced Quartz models: SBGM255 “Snowdrop” (white dial) and SBGM257 “Moondrop” (navy dial), both priced at £4,550 (around $5,953).
Design and Features
Each of these timepieces showcases a box-shaped sapphire crystal, a stainless-steel casing, and a crocodile leather strap. They represent a blend of compact dimensions with a traditional GMT design, all while boasting modern specifications. The announcement indicates that these models will be available in December, suggesting they won’t be ready for immediate sale but will arrive at retailers and authorized sellers at that time.
Dial Characteristics
The Snowdrop model features a white dial with a geometric pressed pattern that symbolizes the light of early spring, while the Moondrop comes with a midnight-blue geometric dial. Both watches are complemented by matching leather straps and have a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The exhibition case backs allow a view of the in-house movement and showcase classic finishing techniques.
Movement and Performance
Talking about the movement, these watches run on the 9S66 automatic mechanism that allows manual winding, offers a power reserve of 72 hours, and maintains a mean daily rate of +5 to -3 seconds per day, tested across six orientations for 12 days before being cased. The “accuracy in use” rating is between +10 to -1 seconds per day. This caliber includes a 24-hour hand for tracking a second time zone and features Grand Seiko’s calendar-linked time difference adjustment for easy travel updates, operating on 35 jewels.
Specifications
Both models share identical dimensions, measuring 39.5 mm in diameter, 46.9 mm lug-to-lug, and 14.1 mm in thickness, with a 19 mm lug width and a three-fold clasp that has a push-button release for the leather strap. The cases are made of stainless steel with a screw-down transparent back, and they weigh 92.0 g when worn on the strap. Described as “splash resistant,” these watches are designed for daily wear rather than swimming, and they offer magnetic resistance rated at 4,800 A/m, which provides basic protection in office and around devices. An anti-reflective coating on the inner side of the crystal helps minimize glare on the patterned dials.
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