2022 is the 15th anniversary of Grand Seiko’s first Spring Drive chronograph. Commemorating this milestone, SBGC249 is a limited-edition Spring Drive chronograph and the first chronograph in the Evolution 9 Collection.
SBGC249 is made from High-Intensity Titanium and measures 45.3mm in diameter, 15.8mm in thickness, and 52.6mm lug-to-lug. The bezel insert is sapphire, which makes it highly impervious to scratches. The pushers for operating the chronograph function have been redesigned, and they now sit closer to the case. A dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating along the inner surface covers the Cosmo Blue dial. The Evolution 9 Style hands and indexes offer immediate contrast against the inky dial, and their size makes reading the time immediately possible. Legibility is further enhanced with ample use of LumiBrite on the hands, indexes, and bezel.
SBGC249 is powered by caliber 9R96, a Spring Drive chronograph with a GMT function. It features an 18k gold medallion on the oscillating weight, and it is specially adjusted to have an accuracy rating of ±0.5 seconds per day (or ±10 seconds per month).
SBGC249 is a limited edition of 700.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection SBGC249
Reference: SBGC249
Limited: 700 Made
MSRP: $12,400
Dated: 2022
Bracelet: High-Intensity Titanium w. three-fold clasp and GS Rubber strap
Case Size: 45.3mm x 15.8mm Thickness x 52.6mm Lug to Lug
Lug Width: 23mm
Case Metal: High-Intensity Titanium
Movement: 9R96 - Automatic Spring Drive
Functions: Time, Date, Power Reserve Indicator, Stopwatch, GMT
Box and Papers: Both box and papers
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition: Excellent Pre-owned condition
Case has light normal micro wear on polished lugs and is in great shape. The bracelet has light normal wear throughout. Dial, hands and crystal are in perfect shape. Running spec.
About Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko emerged in 1960 as a high-end watch line from Seiko, aiming to challenge Swiss dominance in luxury watchmaking. The brand quickly established itself with Japan's first chronometer-grade watch and later gained renown for its innovative Spring Drive technology, which combines the best of automatic and quartz movements. In 2017, Grand Seiko became an independent entity, solidifying its position in the luxury watch market.
The brand's design philosophy, known as the "Grammar of Design," was established in 1967 with the Grand Seiko 44GS. This aesthetic approach emphasizes legibility, refined appearances, and distinctive features like multi-faceted markers and hands, a half-recessed crown, and the meticulous Zaratsu polishing technique. Grand Seiko continues to push boundaries in watchmaking, as evidenced by recent innovations like the "Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon," while maintaining its commitment to precision engineering and unique design language.
