Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronograph SBGC205 Review
A black dial accentuated with gold highlights helps the Grand Seiko SBGC205 stand out in no small way. The case material is made from high-intensity titanium, which offers both durability and comfort. The choice to use titanium instead of steel for the case helps keep the the SBGC205 reasonably light and easy to wear. The glass face of the Grand Seiko SBGC205 is constructed from dual-curved sapphire, the inner surface of which is coated with an anti-reflective surface.
The result is a fantastic mix of sleek design and comfortable functionality that also minimizes glare. The SBGC205 also has built-in magnetic resistance, which allows it to keep accurate time despite fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field. This also makes the SBGC205 perfect for people who deal with high-intensity magnetic fields on a regular basis, like electronic engineers. Furthermore, the SBGC205 is built to last, offering exceptional scratch and corrosion resistance that more than stands the test of time. This spectacular watch is the pinnacle of luxury and Grand Seiko outdid itself by also providing remarkable functionality in their SBGC205.
The Grand Seiko SBGC205 weighs 124g in total. The perimeter of the band measures 200mm, featuring a three-fold clasp and a push-button release. Additionally, the case has a diameter of 43.5mm and a thickness of 16.1mm. The SBGC205 is beset with 50 jewels that dot its surface, adding to the luxurious look and feel of the watch. The hands and indices are displayed in gold. This helps them stand out at a glance and the glossy finish of the SBGC205 completes the look.
A lion emblem graces the see-through, screw-down case back. Grand Seiko designed their SBGC205 with allergies to the metal in mind, ensuring that the luxury timepiece is hypoallergenic. A true gem, the SBGC205 is a staple of Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection; it truly embodies their renowned attention to detail, along with their strict adherence to functionality and comfort.
The movement of the Grand Seiko SBGC205 is powered by their Spring Drive chronograph. The Spring Drive 9R86 caliber is unique in that it incorporates the motive force of a mainspring with the pinpoint accuracy of a quartz watch. All of this is rounded out with the added functionality of a chronograph with 30 minutes and 12-hours displays. The 24-hour hand offers a dual time display function. The 24-hour numbers are located between the gold 12-hour indicators and seconds indicators ring the face of the SBGC205.
The Grand Seiko SBGC205’s chronograph is designed to utilize a Ready/Start button with a half-press shutter to make setting time an easy and hassle-free process. This means higher accuracy when adjusting the time, especially with regards to its stop-seconds hand function. This functionality also incorporates ergonomic principles to make it even more intuitive and pain-free. Even the button’s resistance has been finely-tuned to make using the Grand Seiko SBGC205 as comfortable as possible.
With a 72-hour power reserve, the Grand Seiko SBGC205 is a long-lasting timepiece, capable of maintaining the exact time. The power reserve indicator can be found at the seven o’clock position. Similarly, the calendar display is set just to the left of the three o’clock position. This works hand in hand with the SBGC205’s time-adjustment function that further improves its range of uses. The Grand Seiko SBGC205 is accurate within an average of ±1 second per day and ±15 seconds per month. The Spring Drive allows for this accuracy even when the SBGC205 is being worn regularly.
10 bar water resistance allows the SBGC205 to be fully submerged in up to 100m of water, making it a perfect choice for divers or anyone else who spends a lot of time on the water. An impressive timepiece, the Grand Seiko SBGC205 will fit in perfectly when it comes to both casual and board-room settings. When it comes right down to it, Grand Seiko’s SBGC205 has something for everyone and is well worth its $9,600 price tag.
