Grand Seiko SBGC223 Review
One of Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection timepieces, the SBGC223 combines form and function. This luxury timepiece has plenty of sleek styling elements to complement its quality craftsmanship. The SBGC223 is beset with 50 jewels and is designed to stand out while still remaining relatively discrete. The glass is made from dual-curved sapphire, the inner surface of which has been treated with an anti-reflective coating, which improves overall dial visibility and helps to minimize reflections or glare.
Additionally, the second and minute hands of the Grand Seiko SBGC223 include LumiBrite inserts to make them stand out against the black dial. The GMT hand markers and all the markers on the dial also have these inserts, allowing for increased visibility in low light or no light conditions. The Grand Seiko SBGC223 itself is made from high-intensity titanium and ceramic. This combination leads to the SBHC223 being surprisingly light and comfortable to wear while also having exceptional durability and longevity. It also has a ceramic bezel and combination titanium and ceramic bracelet.
The band of the SBGC223 is 190mm in diameter and features a three-fold clasp and push-button release. The relatively flat case measures 46.4mm in diameter and are 16.2mm thick. This is worth noting, as the flat shape of the case is specially designed to take advantage of some of the more unique properties of the SBGC223’s ceramic additions.
The ceramic parts also help add stylistic elements to the Grand Seiko SBGC223. These parts are all highly polished and maintain their luster throughout the SBGC223’s lifetime thanks to ceramic’s inherent strength. The ceramic edges are similarly finely machined and crafted, utilizing overlapping reflections to display appealing patterns. Grand Seiko even ensured that all metals used for their SBGC223 are hypoallergenic, allowing wearers with allergies to avoid any issues.
Using a hybrid high-intensity titanium and ceramic material for the SBGC223’s band offers impressive benefits. They make the bracelet resistant against scratches and damage, as zirconia ceramic is extremely durable and resilient. The zirconia ceramic inserts in the Grand Seiko SBGC223 are raised slightly above the high strength titanium parts. This further protects them while also adding multiple layers of depth for a unique look and feel.
The end result is a watch that stands up to damage without sacrificing its looks. The intricate designs, coupled with the sleek dial and sturdy case, really help the Grand Seiko SBGC223 to stand out as a jewel in the Grand Seiko Sport Collection. The watch is powered by Grand Seiko’s 9R86 caliber Spring Drive movement technology. This allows it to maintain the exact time for long periods of time. The Grand Seiko SBGC223 is accurate within ±1 second per day and ±15 seconds per month on average.
The Spring Drive movement is an intricate mix between more traditional mainspring technology to power the watch and the integrated circuit time control system. The mainspring is mechanically wound up to provide long-term power to the Grand Seiko SBGC223. Once the mainspring is wound, the quartz oscillator assists in maintaining high accuracy.
The SBGC223 isn’t able to maintain accuracy quite as well as a quartz watch but has plenty of other benefits. The Grand Seiko SBGC223’s hybrid movement combines a high torque mainspring motive force and low torque quartz watch battery to offer exceptional accuracy. The SBGC223 also has magnetic resistance and is rated for 10 bars of pressure, allowing a wearer to submerge the timepiece is up to 100 meters of water.
The Grand Seiko SBGC223 weighs a scant 158 grams and has a power reserve of 72 hours or three days. The power reserve indicator is located at the seven o’clock position. The chronograph function allows for 30 minutes and 12 hours, with both indicators being displayed to the left of the three o’clock position. The SBGC223 also includes a calendar-linked time difference adjustment function and a 24-hour hand. 24-hour indicators are placed around the bezel.
Combining form and function is what Grand Seiko does best and the SBGC223 is an excellent example of this adherence to quality. The SBGC223 also has a stop second-hand function, letting the wearer synchronize time with absolute precision. The SBGC223 has a screw-down see-through case back and a screw-down crown and the SBGC233 price is $14,800.
