![\"bot-only-image\"](\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/images\/cleardot.gif\")
<\/a>For me, a large part of quelling that curiosity and intrigue about a watch is understanding and learning about what keeps it ticking. Luckily, for a watch like the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 \u2013 the beating heart is a large part of its design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Quick Overview of the Grand Seiko SBGJ277<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SGBJ277-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGrand Seiko is heralded as one of the world\u2019s greatest leaders in mechanical accuracy and has a backstory that outlines a rich tapestry of movement manufacture \u2013 each one pinpointing an important landmark and detailing the evolution of the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Grand Seiko launches a new product, it automatically becomes part of that backstory, like the \u201cSekkei\u201d or \u201cSnow Valley\u201d \u2013 a GMT with a splendid color variation that arrived during Watches & Wonders earlier this year. It carries a movement from the 9S Calibre series, which ultimately became a philosophy of sorts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, several models that adopted this same design language were designed by a CAD\/CAM system and played a crucial role in forming the backbone of many Grand Seiko designs that followed. Furthermore, what made these innovative designs special was their ability to deliver a mechanical accuracy that previous models had never reached before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That series still runs today, and you can find some of its finest examples in models like the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 \u201cSekkei\u201d \u2013 a design inspired by a phenomenon that occurs across the tops of Japan\u2019s luscious mountains during the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re ready to add a practical and super-accurate watch with tons of sartorial elegance to your collection, prepare yourself for the \u201cSekkei\u201d \u2013 a watch that joins a stable of other snow-inspired dials and one that I feel equally deserves as much recognition as the coveted \u201cSnowflake\u201d itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cSnow Valley\u201d has to be one of my favorite Grand Seiko watches of all. It speaks a language of intelligence, sophistication, and elegance. The green color on the GMT bezel, although deep, does pop on the wrist, and the texture of the dial is great for wearing on most occasions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the dimensions look large on paper, this is a watch that\u2019s going to wear smaller on the wrist<\/a>. I\u2019d say it will work well for anything over a 7.5-inch wrist. On top of all that, the mechanical movement inside is not easy to manufacture, which, for me, is part of the appeal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd although Spring Drive is what many connoisseurs consider the pinnacle of Grand Seiko\u2019s mechanical prowess – I happen to think differently. While we\u2019re on that note, there\u2019s a reason why this watch costs more than some Spring Drive watches<\/a>, and I\u2019m going to outline some of them in this review.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Background Behind the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is nothing new about Grand Seiko watches taking inspiration from nature. The vast, picturesque landscapes surrounding the brand\u2019s design studios form a backdrop that has long been a source of inspiration for some of the brand\u2019s most beautiful handcrafted dials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But snow in the summer is not something we see every day, and, like many natural phenomena, Grand Seiko chooses to celebrate this seasonal spectacle with another meticulously crafted dial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Grand Seiko, the dials do all the talking. They tell the story of the brand through chapters. Many designs, just like the SBGJ277 \u201cSekkei\u201d, are guided by the company\u2019s \u201cNature of Time\u201d philosophy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And while most fans of the brand will already be familiar with the \u201cSnowflake\u201d watch, there are other distinct dials worth mentioning at this point. Take, for example, the SBGJ201, with a dial inspired by the exposed mountain face of Mt. Iwate, or the ref. SBGJ251, which mimics the verdant boom of the spring equinox? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s the Birch tree-textured dial of the Grand Seiko SLGH005 and models inspired by the rippling waters of ponds and lakes in Japan\u2019s summertime. From the colors and the textures of the country\u2019s 24 changing seasons (or sekki\u201d) to ice formations, falling blossoms, and the growth rings of an ancient tree \u2013 Grand Seiko is dedicated to showing the truest expression of its work in all that it does. So, let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Deceptively Manageable Case<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, here are the all-important case dimensions you\u2019ll need to know if you\u2019re seriously considering adding the \u201cSnow Valley\u201d watch to your collection. The case diameter measures 42.4mm, and the thickness – 14.4mm. The case length is 50.6mm, while the lug width is 20.8mm. The crystal diameter on this watch is 31.4mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What I particularly like straight up about this case is the matt finish GS experts give to the top of the lugs. It donates a modest edge to the design, making it easier to pair with casual attire as well as something dressy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The polished case sides are not just any polished sides, either. They\u2019re the signature Zaratsu polish that Grand Seiko is so renowned for. The crown is another eye-catching feature. Being a sports watch<\/a>, experts at Grand Seiko position it at the 4 o\u2019clock location, engraving it with the GS logo on the surface.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe first thing I noticed about the bezel when I turned the case to the side is that it sits slightly above the case top, sealing to a domed sapphire crystal glass<\/a> that provides adequate protection over that beautifully textured dial. The bezel (which moves bidirectionally), along with the dial, is the star of the show in this design and serves a dual purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs if often seen in GMT watches<\/a>, the bezel is segregated into nighttime and daytime hours. The nighttime hours are represented in the deepest green color \u2013 a shade that almost looks black under certain lights. Grand Seiko designers apply the numerals between 18 and 6 in white, while the remainder showcases the opposite – the daytime hours in white with deep green numerals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nI like this juxtaposition. It\u2019s a rare and alluring one that interacts beautifully with the nuances of the snow-effect dial texture. Smoother and quieter than a dive watch<\/a> bezel, aligning the bezel with the GMT hand is an absolute breeze and certainly adds a fun edge to shifting across time zones with a companion like this. One more note on the bezel \u2013 its green proportions interestingly take up more real estate than the white, which adds a rather unusual dimension to the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother Snow-Inspired Dial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Representing the beauty of the snowy valleys that form the landscape surrounding Grand Seiko\u2019s Shizukuishi studio, the SBGJ227 is not the first to capture this unique location, as we know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Popular for its cold winters and mild summers, this region of Iwate hosts several special species of alpine flora, a rugged scenic shoreline, National Trust parks, crisp ski resorts, and a dusting of powdery snow atop its mountainous regions all year through, even in the summer. It is this particular phenomenon that Grand Seiko skilfully captures across the milky white nuances of its beautifully textured dial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love the layers, dramatic drops, and contrasting levels across the dial. Although subtle, they almost look like folding sheets of fabric draped on top of one another. Sometimes, the silvery nuances look nearly iridescent, and at other times, they mimic the look of silk or satin as they catch the light in ways unique to the Grand Seiko style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Seiko experts finish the indices on this dial to perfection, with rectangular-shaped appliques featuring around the hour track, along with rhomboid hour markers at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o\u2019clock locations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black minute sticks feature between each hour marker and a bi-color hour track can be found around the flange. Decorated in the same way as the bezel, the additional 24-hour track is finished in white and green, offering the advantage of a third timezone. The dauphine hands are squared off at the tip, creating a crisp and legible profile to track at a glance whenever you need to check the time while on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the GMT hand is easy, too. Trimmed in deep green,\u00a0 it features a triangular tip filled with luminous material to assist with timekeeping in the dark. Meanwhile, the silver, luminous-treated hour and minute hands are joined by a sweeping second hand<\/a> that glides effortlessly across the snow-inspired dial.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s the Hi-Beat movement that propels this hand with such grace and decorum. Even though the smoothly sweeping hand is a given in any Hi-Beat watch from Grand Seiko, it\u2019s still a huge gain for me. Look to the 3 o\u2019clock location, and you\u2019ll find the date set behind a color-matched background for legibility, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10 Beats Per Second<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Grand Seiko \u201cSnow Valley\u201d watch belongs to the brand\u2019s Sports Collection and takes inspiration from the original 44GS watch, released in the 1960s. That model housed a 10-beat manual movement that promised levels of the highest accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leveraged by the invention of new alloys and components, Grand Seiko moved closer, inch-by-inch, to achieving the \u201cideal\u201d watch, making a lasting contribution to the global standard in watchmaking precision. These specially adjusted hi-beat movements set the bar in accuracy and, for over half a century have been manufactured in-house at Grand Seiko \u2013 thus the Grand Seiko SBGJ277.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where else would a sports watch like this be built than at the company\u2019s Shizukuishi Studio? After all, it is the birthplace of the brand\u2019s proprietary Hi-Beat movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the entry-level Calibre 9S85 to the state-of-the-art, all-bells-and-whistles Calibre 9SA5 with dual impulse escapement \u2013 these ateliers offer quite the public experience \u2013 a place where collectors can let their horological dreams play out before their eyes as they absorb the atmosphere of one of the world\u2019s most impressive nerve centers of precision timekeeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Seiko collectors can schedule a tour of the place and immerse themselves in an educational mystery tour of calibers, artifacts, and workshops that tell the story of the brand thus far. The studio opened in 2020 \u2013 three years after the company became an entirely separate brand from Seiko Watch<\/a> Corporation and marked the 60th anniversary of the brand.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere, the fabrication of the components for each movement and the assembly and finishing of a watch is a very unified front. All parts of a Grand Seiko watch seem to work with a sense of equilibrium with one another, and the movement has a large part to play in that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Seiko\u2019s Hi-Beat movements are not all that common in watches today. The movements beat at a rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour. We already know that the benchmark standard for a well-running mechanical timepiece is 28,800 vibrations per hour \u2013 in other words \u2013 8 beats per second. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the record, that\u2019s more than enough for excellent accuracy, without imposing wear and tear on the delicate components of the movement. For a little perspective, due to the faster vibration rate of the Hi-Beat movements Grand Seiko was capable of producing (10 beats per second), these movements not only offered better accuracy but also higher resistance to shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also consumed more power from the mainspring. The 9S mainspring fitted to the heart of watches like the \u201cSekkei\u201d for example, can produce a power reserve<\/a> of 55 hours, making it particularly weekend-friendly movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Strap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the lugs of the Grand Seiko SGBJ277, these are drilled, leading to a 21mm opening. Such a lug width is not as common as a 20mm lug width, so finding strap options will require a little extra vigilance to ensure you\u2019re selecting the right size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, there are plenty of calf leather, alligator leather, and textile straps measuring 21mm on the market, as well as on the official GS website, that would be fun to play around with. I\u2019d be particularly interested in seeing this watch on a dark green leather band to match the bezel details, but I also like the idea of a dark grey calfskin band. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stainless steel bracelet the watch naturally comes fitted on, however, tapers down to 18mm and features a milled folding clasp, signed with the GS logo, and a micro-adjustment feature for achieving a close, comfortable fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On-Wrist Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watches with a 44.3mm diameter are obviously going to get some attention. If you like large watches, then don\u2019t let the deets on paper put you off the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 \u201cSekkei\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although slipping under the cuff of a shirt may not be its natural habitat, the watch is saved by the way it manages to belly out at the sides, spreading some of that depth. Topside, however, this watch is going to look like you\u2019d imagine a watch of such proportions to look. Large and confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A double-domed sapphire crystal up top gives the dial plenty of protection but unfortunately, this does serve as a bit of a thickening agent on the case, giving it a somewhat chunkier aesthetic when you view it laterally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Price and Availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is no scooting around the $7,200 price tag of the Grand Seiko SBGJ277. It\u2019s expensive. But what do you get for this, exactly? Well, the mechanical Hi-Beat movement is a specialty of Grand Seiko\u2019s, offering supreme accuracy and a high-end finish, as is the intricate craftsmanship of the case shape and the Zaratsu finishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s more expensive than the Spring Drive movement, and although with a Spring Drive, you can\u2019t see the beats in the seconds hand, the clean sweep of the seconds hand in this Hi-Beat watch is just as impressive. The watch is part of the current Sports Collection, too, so you won\u2019t need to worry about availability or sourcing one from Exquisite Timepieces<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Takeaway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGrand Seiko is heralded as one of the world\u2019s greatest leaders in mechanical accuracy and has a backstory that outlines a rich tapestry of movement manufacture \u2013 each one pinpointing an important landmark and detailing the evolution of the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Grand Seiko launches a new product, it automatically becomes part of that backstory, like the \u201cSekkei\u201d or \u201cSnow Valley\u201d \u2013 a GMT with a splendid color variation that arrived during Watches & Wonders earlier this year. It carries a movement from the 9S Calibre series, which ultimately became a philosophy of sorts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, several models that adopted this same design language were designed by a CAD\/CAM system and played a crucial role in forming the backbone of many Grand Seiko designs that followed. Furthermore, what made these innovative designs special was their ability to deliver a mechanical accuracy that previous models had never reached before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That series still runs today, and you can find some of its finest examples in models like the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 \u201cSekkei\u201d \u2013 a design inspired by a phenomenon that occurs across the tops of Japan\u2019s luscious mountains during the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re ready to add a practical and super-accurate watch with tons of sartorial elegance to your collection, prepare yourself for the \u201cSekkei\u201d \u2013 a watch that joins a stable of other snow-inspired dials and one that I feel equally deserves as much recognition as the coveted \u201cSnowflake\u201d itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cSnow Valley\u201d has to be one of my favorite Grand Seiko watches of all. It speaks a language of intelligence, sophistication, and elegance. The green color on the GMT bezel, although deep, does pop on the wrist, and the texture of the dial is great for wearing on most occasions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the dimensions look large on paper, this is a watch that\u2019s going to wear smaller on the wrist<\/a>. I\u2019d say it will work well for anything over a 7.5-inch wrist. On top of all that, the mechanical movement inside is not easy to manufacture, which, for me, is part of the appeal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n And although Spring Drive is what many connoisseurs consider the pinnacle of Grand Seiko\u2019s mechanical prowess – I happen to think differently. While we\u2019re on that note, there\u2019s a reason why this watch costs more than some Spring Drive watches<\/a>, and I\u2019m going to outline some of them in this review.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is nothing new about Grand Seiko watches taking inspiration from nature. The vast, picturesque landscapes surrounding the brand\u2019s design studios form a backdrop that has long been a source of inspiration for some of the brand\u2019s most beautiful handcrafted dials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But snow in the summer is not something we see every day, and, like many natural phenomena, Grand Seiko chooses to celebrate this seasonal spectacle with another meticulously crafted dial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Grand Seiko, the dials do all the talking. They tell the story of the brand through chapters. Many designs, just like the SBGJ277 \u201cSekkei\u201d, are guided by the company\u2019s \u201cNature of Time\u201d philosophy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And while most fans of the brand will already be familiar with the \u201cSnowflake\u201d watch, there are other distinct dials worth mentioning at this point. Take, for example, the SBGJ201, with a dial inspired by the exposed mountain face of Mt. Iwate, or the ref. SBGJ251, which mimics the verdant boom of the spring equinox? <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s the Birch tree-textured dial of the Grand Seiko SLGH005 and models inspired by the rippling waters of ponds and lakes in Japan\u2019s summertime. From the colors and the textures of the country\u2019s 24 changing seasons (or sekki\u201d) to ice formations, falling blossoms, and the growth rings of an ancient tree \u2013 Grand Seiko is dedicated to showing the truest expression of its work in all that it does. So, let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, here are the all-important case dimensions you\u2019ll need to know if you\u2019re seriously considering adding the \u201cSnow Valley\u201d watch to your collection. The case diameter measures 42.4mm, and the thickness – 14.4mm. The case length is 50.6mm, while the lug width is 20.8mm. The crystal diameter on this watch is 31.4mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What I particularly like straight up about this case is the matt finish GS experts give to the top of the lugs. It donates a modest edge to the design, making it easier to pair with casual attire as well as something dressy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The polished case sides are not just any polished sides, either. They\u2019re the signature Zaratsu polish that Grand Seiko is so renowned for. The crown is another eye-catching feature. Being a sports watch<\/a>, experts at Grand Seiko position it at the 4 o\u2019clock location, engraving it with the GS logo on the surface.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first thing I noticed about the bezel when I turned the case to the side is that it sits slightly above the case top, sealing to a domed sapphire crystal glass<\/a> that provides adequate protection over that beautifully textured dial. The bezel (which moves bidirectionally), along with the dial, is the star of the show in this design and serves a dual purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As if often seen in GMT watches<\/a>, the bezel is segregated into nighttime and daytime hours. The nighttime hours are represented in the deepest green color \u2013 a shade that almost looks black under certain lights. Grand Seiko designers apply the numerals between 18 and 6 in white, while the remainder showcases the opposite – the daytime hours in white with deep green numerals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n I like this juxtaposition. It\u2019s a rare and alluring one that interacts beautifully with the nuances of the snow-effect dial texture. Smoother and quieter than a dive watch<\/a> bezel, aligning the bezel with the GMT hand is an absolute breeze and certainly adds a fun edge to shifting across time zones with a companion like this. One more note on the bezel \u2013 its green proportions interestingly take up more real estate than the white, which adds a rather unusual dimension to the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Representing the beauty of the snowy valleys that form the landscape surrounding Grand Seiko\u2019s Shizukuishi studio, the SBGJ227 is not the first to capture this unique location, as we know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Popular for its cold winters and mild summers, this region of Iwate hosts several special species of alpine flora, a rugged scenic shoreline, National Trust parks, crisp ski resorts, and a dusting of powdery snow atop its mountainous regions all year through, even in the summer. It is this particular phenomenon that Grand Seiko skilfully captures across the milky white nuances of its beautifully textured dial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I love the layers, dramatic drops, and contrasting levels across the dial. Although subtle, they almost look like folding sheets of fabric draped on top of one another. Sometimes, the silvery nuances look nearly iridescent, and at other times, they mimic the look of silk or satin as they catch the light in ways unique to the Grand Seiko style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grand Seiko experts finish the indices on this dial to perfection, with rectangular-shaped appliques featuring around the hour track, along with rhomboid hour markers at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o\u2019clock locations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Black minute sticks feature between each hour marker and a bi-color hour track can be found around the flange. Decorated in the same way as the bezel, the additional 24-hour track is finished in white and green, offering the advantage of a third timezone. The dauphine hands are squared off at the tip, creating a crisp and legible profile to track at a glance whenever you need to check the time while on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the GMT hand is easy, too. Trimmed in deep green,\u00a0 it features a triangular tip filled with luminous material to assist with timekeeping in the dark. Meanwhile, the silver, luminous-treated hour and minute hands are joined by a sweeping second hand<\/a> that glides effortlessly across the snow-inspired dial.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, it\u2019s the Hi-Beat movement that propels this hand with such grace and decorum. Even though the smoothly sweeping hand is a given in any Hi-Beat watch from Grand Seiko, it\u2019s still a huge gain for me. Look to the 3 o\u2019clock location, and you\u2019ll find the date set behind a color-matched background for legibility, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Seiko \u201cSnow Valley\u201d watch belongs to the brand\u2019s Sports Collection and takes inspiration from the original 44GS watch, released in the 1960s. That model housed a 10-beat manual movement that promised levels of the highest accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leveraged by the invention of new alloys and components, Grand Seiko moved closer, inch-by-inch, to achieving the \u201cideal\u201d watch, making a lasting contribution to the global standard in watchmaking precision. These specially adjusted hi-beat movements set the bar in accuracy and, for over half a century have been manufactured in-house at Grand Seiko \u2013 thus the Grand Seiko SBGJ277.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where else would a sports watch like this be built than at the company\u2019s Shizukuishi Studio? After all, it is the birthplace of the brand\u2019s proprietary Hi-Beat movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From the entry-level Calibre 9S85 to the state-of-the-art, all-bells-and-whistles Calibre 9SA5 with dual impulse escapement \u2013 these ateliers offer quite the public experience \u2013 a place where collectors can let their horological dreams play out before their eyes as they absorb the atmosphere of one of the world\u2019s most impressive nerve centers of precision timekeeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grand Seiko collectors can schedule a tour of the place and immerse themselves in an educational mystery tour of calibers, artifacts, and workshops that tell the story of the brand thus far. The studio opened in 2020 \u2013 three years after the company became an entirely separate brand from Seiko Watch<\/a> Corporation and marked the 60th anniversary of the brand.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, the fabrication of the components for each movement and the assembly and finishing of a watch is a very unified front. All parts of a Grand Seiko watch seem to work with a sense of equilibrium with one another, and the movement has a large part to play in that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grand Seiko\u2019s Hi-Beat movements are not all that common in watches today. The movements beat at a rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour. We already know that the benchmark standard for a well-running mechanical timepiece is 28,800 vibrations per hour \u2013 in other words \u2013 8 beats per second. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the record, that\u2019s more than enough for excellent accuracy, without imposing wear and tear on the delicate components of the movement. For a little perspective, due to the faster vibration rate of the Hi-Beat movements Grand Seiko was capable of producing (10 beats per second), these movements not only offered better accuracy but also higher resistance to shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They also consumed more power from the mainspring. The 9S mainspring fitted to the heart of watches like the \u201cSekkei\u201d for example, can produce a power reserve<\/a> of 55 hours, making it particularly weekend-friendly movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting with the lugs of the Grand Seiko SGBJ277, these are drilled, leading to a 21mm opening. Such a lug width is not as common as a 20mm lug width, so finding strap options will require a little extra vigilance to ensure you\u2019re selecting the right size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, there are plenty of calf leather, alligator leather, and textile straps measuring 21mm on the market, as well as on the official GS website, that would be fun to play around with. I\u2019d be particularly interested in seeing this watch on a dark green leather band to match the bezel details, but I also like the idea of a dark grey calfskin band. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The stainless steel bracelet the watch naturally comes fitted on, however, tapers down to 18mm and features a milled folding clasp, signed with the GS logo, and a micro-adjustment feature for achieving a close, comfortable fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watches with a 44.3mm diameter are obviously going to get some attention. If you like large watches, then don\u2019t let the deets on paper put you off the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 \u201cSekkei\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although slipping under the cuff of a shirt may not be its natural habitat, the watch is saved by the way it manages to belly out at the sides, spreading some of that depth. Topside, however, this watch is going to look like you\u2019d imagine a watch of such proportions to look. Large and confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A double-domed sapphire crystal up top gives the dial plenty of protection but unfortunately, this does serve as a bit of a thickening agent on the case, giving it a somewhat chunkier aesthetic when you view it laterally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no scooting around the $7,200 price tag of the Grand Seiko SBGJ277. It\u2019s expensive. But what do you get for this, exactly? Well, the mechanical Hi-Beat movement is a specialty of Grand Seiko\u2019s, offering supreme accuracy and a high-end finish, as is the intricate craftsmanship of the case shape and the Zaratsu finishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s more expensive than the Spring Drive movement, and although with a Spring Drive, you can\u2019t see the beats in the seconds hand, the clean sweep of the seconds hand in this Hi-Beat watch is just as impressive. The watch is part of the current Sports Collection, too, so you won\u2019t need to worry about availability or sourcing one from Exquisite Timepieces<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Background Behind the Grand Seiko SBGJ277 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Deceptively Manageable Case<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another Snow-Inspired Dial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10 Beats Per Second<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Strap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On-Wrist Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Price and Availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Takeaway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n