Grand Seiko SBGR317 Review
The Grand Seiko SBGR317 reproves the excellence that has become a trademark of the Japanese watchmaker. Designed and made by master craftsmen in Grand Seiko studio in Japan, the SBGR317 joins the long list of watches in the heritage collection of the Grand Seiko.
Although a first look at the SBGR317 gives an impression of the typical male sports watch, it can actually be worn by both genders (Unisex), and it is made from top quality materials that ensure that the watch lasts long. Furthermore, the SBGR317 comes with the caliber 9S65 movement system which is one of the best movement systems ever created by Grand Seiko.
In summary, the SBGR317 is a classy watch that is made by experts to give the user a comfortable and wonderful time reading experience, and it is a must-have for those that are luxury watch collectors
Exterior
Longevity and durability of a watch depend largely on the quality of materials used in making its exterior and the accuracy of measurement in executing the design during the making process.
The Grand Seiko SBGR317 case is made from stainless steel, and a measurement of 40mm in diameter by 13mm in thickness is its size. The case is almost round in shape, and it sports a clean brushed, almost mirror-like finish. Attached to the case is three-links, chain bracelet made from the same material as the case, and spotting the same kind of finish. The bracelet is 195mm in perimeter, and it comes with a three-fold clasp with the push-button release for easy clasping and unclasping.
The case houses the dial, and this is covered by dual-curved sapphire crystal glass that is coated on its inner surface to be anti-reflective of sunlight or any other light rays and is also anti-scratch.
The back of the SBGR317 case is screwed, and it has the lion emblem of Grand Seiko which is a mark to signify the supremacy and excellence of the brand.
Movement
Mechanical, automatic with manual winding capacity, 3-days caliber 9S65 movement system is what is used as the engine of the Grand Seiko SBGR317. Of all the 9S automatic movement systems, the 9S65 is the most sophisticated and standard because it has more advantages and accuracy.
To achieve this accuracy, Grand Seiko revised the design of the previous 9S movement system, and also the materials used in making them in order to achieve the creation of the 9S65 caliber. Furthermore, Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) was added to the new caliber to increase its precision and accuracy.
Improving on its predecessor, Grand Seiko changed the magic lever mechanism used as the winding system, into a reverse gear train system which is more effective in the caliber 9S65. To increase durability and reduce wear and tear of its moving parts, the materials used in making the new 9S65 caliber were hardened mechanically and chemically.
To achieve its designed 28,000 vibrations per hour while still reducing torque, the caliber 9S65 movement system has 35 in-house made jewels (All made by Grand Seiko, ensuring their supremacy to other outsourced jewels made by third parties). Furthermore, this movement system has a staggering 72 hours power reserve which ensures that the watch runs for 3 days before requiring winding/charging.
Finally, the caliber 9S65 movement system of Seiko’s SBGR317 is designed to achieve +5 to -3 seconds accuracy per day when static, and about +10 to -1 seconds accuracy when in use. This makes it one of the most accurate luxury watches around in this dispensation.
Functions
Precision and accuracy are the most important thing when it comes to time. For a watch to achieve this irrespective of environment or condition, a couple of functions must be added to it. Grand Seiko SBGR317 comes with some of these functions, and this ensures its accuracy even when used in different environment.
Firstly, the new SBGR317 is water resistant (10 bar) and equipped with magnetic resistance. This allows the watch to function optimally even when used at up to a depth of 100 meters in water, or when used in/near a magnetic field. Precautions should however be taken with liquids as not all liquid are like water Secondly, Grand Seiko SBGR317 has stop seconds hand function. This is a device that stops movements to achieve the aim of to-the-second precision when the time is being synchronized.
Finally, the watch is equipped with thermal compensation which allows for little to no deviation inaccuracy when it is used in different weather conditions (winter or summer, spring or autumn).
Display
The display of the Grand Seiko SBGR317 is based on a pitch-black dial with no numerals, but with properly aligned three-dimensional hour indexes, and smaller 60 seconds indexes. The hour, minute and seconds hands sits on the dial, and they are set to align to precision with the relevant indexes as they tick.
A rectangular date window is located at the 3 o’clock mark, and the brand name and GS logo of the watchmaker is just under the 12 o’clock mark. Finally, the back case of the SBGR317 is see-through. This glass-like, see-through back case displays the caliber 9S65 movements system of the watch to the viewing pleasure of its owner.
Price
You can get the Grand Seiko SBGR317 at our store for a price of: $4,700
