[JoeKirk]

A new take on a classic, the modern reinterpretation of the original Grand Seiko from 1960 makes it's debut at Baselworld 2017. This new model, SBGR305, takes inspiration from the original 3180, with many unique and distinct differences.

The SBGR305 is the first model to use a new Grand Seiko Mechanical caliber, the9S68. This new caliber makes it possible to increase the size of the date window, again enhancing the visibility of Grand Seiko. Another feature of this watch that was not the case in the original, is this piece will have a sapphire crystal case back, allowing you to see the high quality finish of this new movement.

A unique enhancement is the creation of a new titanium alloy, known as Brilliant Hard Titanium. Brilliant Hard Titanium retains the same light weight qualities of pure titanium, however, enhances it's hardness to twice that of stainless steel. This in turn, increases scratch resistance. The material also has a unique brightness that can only be achieved by utilizing the adopted method of Zaratsu polishing for this unique alloy.

The case design is inspired by the original Grand Seiko 3180, with narrow lugs, large dial space and large legible hands. A new attribute is that the case sides are recessed to give a slimmer profile more similar to the original. The case diameter is 40.5mm, and 13.6mm thick, a more modern size for today's world.

The SBGR305 will be limited edition, with only 968 pieces available globally, and paying tribute to the new 9S68 caliber. The price is set in the USA for $7,200 with delivery taking place this July.

Specifications:

SBGR305
Case: Brilliant Hard Titanium
Diameter: 40.5mm
Thickness: 13.6mm
Water Resistance: 10 Bar
Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
Caliber: 9S68
Driving System: Manual Winding
Accuracy: -3/+5 seconds per day (when static)
Vibrations: 28,800 bph (8 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Jewels: 24
Other: Crocodile Strap with Three-Fold SS Deployant Clasp
Limited Edition: 968 pieces
Price: $7,200 USD

 

[Watchseeker27]

Can you tell us more about the 9s68?

 

[ryan1524]

Why does this have to be limited. Why!!


Ryan

 

[T1meout]

Looks similar to the SBGD001, but affordable, automatic, plus date.
Must wear super light on the wrist.
I like it, but I find it a tad to pricey.

 

[MLJinAK]

I like that GS experiements with new materials!

However, it's a bit pricey for me... Sheesh... they really ARE trying to go upmarket.

 

[entrynmbrv]

I can't wait to see a comparison between this new titanium and what we've come to know in the snowflake, etc. I'm hoping at some point they'll be able to make a bracelet as well, but even on a strap this is the bell of Basel as far as I'm concerned.

 

[dcoffe01]

I like everything but the thickness. Why 13.6mm ?????

Dan

 

[JoeOBrien]

Yeah and I don't really get why they needed to make a larger date anyway. Were people having trouble seeing the 9S65 date? When we first heard of the 9S68, I figured it would have some useful advantage, like being slimmer. GS watches have always been criticized for being thick, so it would have made sense to develop a thinner movement.

Overall I'm not really sure why this watch was made. I could almost see the point if it wasn't a LE, but why do we need a larger, modern version of the beautiful new 3180 recreations, that doesn't look as nice, is bigger, and is also limited?

Also I have to say I think the 'Automatic' font totally ruins the dial.

 

[Ahriman4891]

Also I have to say I think the 'Automatic' font totally ruins the dial.

Agree - the modern sans-serif typeface doesn't really harmonize with the gothic (?) "GS Grand Seiko". Previously the "Seiko" on top sorta made it work.

 

[jeffreyt]

This may be the only new GS that I like. Besides this SBGR305, I may have to roll up my fanboy flag that I've been waving and go home. I'm sad about what has happened to my beloved GS. I guess that eight really is enough.

Jeff

 

[DustinS]

I like everything but the thickness. Why 13.6mm ?????

Dan

THIS!!!!!!

What is wrong with these people? It's a manual wind which makes this even worse. How thick is this date wheel?

 

[Gerald_D]

THIS!!!!!!

What is wrong with these people? It's a manual wind which makes this even worse. How thick is this date wheel?

Err, it's not.

Two clues - the rotor clearly visible through the case back, and the word "Automatic" printed on the dial...

 

[mui.richard]

USD7,200 for this? LTD edition or not that's a bit pricey for what it is.

Sent from my F8132 using Tapatalk

 

[DustinS]

Err, it's not.

Two clues - the rotor clearly visible through the case back, and the word "Automatic" printed on the dial...

well never mind, lol. For some reason it was in my head this was manual.

OK it's still too thick but I'm less surprised.

 

[T1meout]

USD7,200 for this? LTD edition or not that's a bit pricey for what it is.

Sent from my F8132 using Tapatalk

Are you aware that it is made from an innovative newly manufactured titanium alloy?

 

[mui.richard]

Are you aware that it is made from an innovative newly manufactured titanium alloy?

Yes I'm aware of that. I'm also aware that it's a limited edition and the movement is new with a bigger date, on a leather strap.

My logic is simple...the SBGR051 I own is listed at USD3,500. It's also a basic 3-hander with date, in "regular" SS with a bracelet. So the differences I outlined above is worth selling the new watch at double the MSRP?

A premium over my old thing? Sure I can understand that. But at double the price? I'm not so sure...

Sent from my F8132 using Tapatalk

 

[hotmustardsauce]

Too big too thick too expensive and that automatic font think presage looks better

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[daveto]

Clean, but that "AUTOMATIC" font make it looks ugly.

 

[whineboy]

I want to like it. Head on, the Blizzard-like textured dial, hands and indicia are lovely.
But the thickness, no. In side view, the unnecessary inward contour of the case makes it look like a drum, fer cryin' out loud. The chapter ring is too busy.
I don't see much grammar of design or a classic watch case here.
GS, please put that dial on something < 11 mm thick that's graceful and beautiful.
:roll:

 

[adi4]

I'm liking the use of the new titanium alloy, and the new GS logo actually works for me on this watch. Wonder if they'll think about bringing the alloy down to the Prospex range at some point, or a future GS diver?