ReviewKing Of The Jungle: Meet The Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC253
Grand Seiko welcome a new addition to their sport collection—a chronograph that draws inspiration from their iconic lion emblem. A tribute to the king of the jungle, this timepiece embodies the brand’s commitment to precision and style, setting a new standard for exceptional watchmaking
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Grand Seiko has gained a reputation for their meticulous attention to detail, breathtaking finishing, and unparalleled craftsmanship. A majority of their timepieces are designed with practicality in mind, with minimalist designs that are perfect for everyday wear. However, every once in a while, the brand steps up their game and shakes things up, creating timepieces that demonstrate their exceptional horological abilities. The new iteration of the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT is a stunning example of this. It is inspired by the lion.
Grand Seiko’s Pride
The lion has long been regarded the king of the jungle, and has been a prominent symbol of Grand Seiko since the line’s inception in 1960. With the ultimate goal of crafting watches that are not only accurate and durable but also visually stunning, the lion serves as a fitting symbol for the brand. The Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC253, with its angled case, Zaratsu polishing, and golden dial, pays tribute to the apex predator, and is perhaps the best interpretation of this imagery to date. Although Grand Seiko has explored this theme in previous Spring Drive chronographs, this latest offering truly embodies the spirit of the lion.
The Mane Talking Point
The lion’s mane pattern on the dial is a breathtaking sight, and is exclusive to this particular case shape. The delicate design captures the essence of the majestic lion, showcasing both its beauty and strength. The ivory-white textured pattern adds warmth to the dial’s appearance, while also reflecting light from every angle with an understated brilliance.
The dial is loaded with features, including a 24-hour additional time zone with a separate hand, a central seconds chronograph, a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour counter, small seconds, a date window, and a power reserve indicator. The applied markers and large hands are all coated in LumiBrite, while the dial is shielded by a dual-curved sapphire-crystal glass that is anti-reflective. The hour and minute hands are designed for maximum visibility, and broad indexes further enhance the ease of telling the time. The dark red accents on the dial also allow for quick and effortless timekeeping. All of these details come together to create a timepiece that not only looks stunning but is also practical and easy to read.
The Lion’s Claw
Crafted from high-intensity grade 5 titanium, the ultra-angular case of this watch boasts a bold and stylish design. Measuring 44.5mm x 16.8mm, the case is finished with brushed and Zaratsu polishing, giving it a substantial yet refined look. The use of titanium instead of stainless steel increases the durability of the watch while also reducing its weight by 30 per cent. The fixed 24-hour bezel features a luminous scale coated with LumiBrite, and the large pushers and screw-down crown provide a water resistance rating of 200m.
At the heart of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC253 lies the exceptional in-house calibre 9R86, a Spring Drive chronograph GMT that boasts precision like no other, with an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month, and the ability to measure elapsed time up to 12 hours. The power reserve is nothing short of impressive, lasting up to 72 hours when fully wound, and effortlessly monitored through the indicator conveniently located near eight o’clock. The exquisite finishing of the movement is elegantly revealed through the display caseback, showcasing the intricate details and expert craftsmanship that make Grand Seiko a horological legend.
Final Thoughts
Grand Seiko has once again created a masterpiece with the SBGC253, combining precision, durability and beauty in one stunning timepiece. The watch is a true representation of Grand Seiko’s commitment to excellence, and a fitting tribute to the lion emblem that has been an enduring symbol of the brand’s journey for over 60 years.
