Grand Seiko SBGA373 Spring Drive Review
In recent years, there has been tremendous interest in Grand Seiko watches. Collectors, watch enthusiasts and the watch industry at large are beginning to realize Grand Seiko’s watches can rival that of their Swiss and German competitors. This interest is boosted by the fact that Grand Seiko keeps upping the ante with every new release. One of their most recent releases, the Grand Seiko SBGA373, will only help intensify this appeal. To save you the trouble, we have come up with all you need to know about this fascinating new release.
The History of the Grand Seiko SBGA373
The Grand Seiko SBGA373 was announced alongside the SBGA375 at the Baselworld 2018. This model is a modern take of the 44GS design. The 44GS, which was launched in 1967, was the foundation of the Grand Seiko design philosophy known as the Grand Seiko Style. The 44GS helped increase Seiko’s hold on the watch market back then and the company believes there is a need for a contemporary version of it. The SBGA373 is a part of the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection. A collection that includes prestigious models like SBGH279, SBGA211, SBGN011, SBGA384 and many more.
What is Special about the Grand Seiko SBGA373?
The SBGA373 Spring Drive is a simple watch. It features the 44GS contemporary design and is the first watch of that design to be driven by a Spring Drive caliber. Spring Drive technology is a strictly Seiko product. It was invented by the company for its sole use. This technology is powered by an impressive combination of electromagnetic, mechanical, and electrical power. It helps facilitate the smooth movement of the second’s hand and provides for astounding accuracy. It took the company's team of engineers almost 2 decades to perfect this technology.
Furthermore, the SBGA373 is equipped with the 9R65 caliber that helps it achieve an accuracy of ±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month. To make it more interesting, this model has a power reserve of 72 hours (3 days) with a power reserve indicator on the dial. This feature makes it stand out from the legion of luxury watches in the market. This watch comes with the expected English and Japanese test certificate. This certificate is proof of its efficiency. Aside from that, it also comes with the “Mechanical Watch Movement Handbook” – also written in English and Japanese. The movement handbook features illustrations of how to maintain the timepiece.
Grand Seiko SBGA373: Overall outline & features
The Grand Seiko SBGA373 Spring Drive is a contemporary version of the 1967 44GS design. The watch, which is adorned with 30 jewels, weighs 148.0 g, is 12.5mm thick and comes in 40mm diameter case size. Its stainless-steel bracelet is a three-fold clasp type, for tight and secure wrist grip – with a band perimeter of 197mm.
The SBGA373 Spring Drive has a see-through case back with the trademarked Seiko lion emblem on it – giving it that exquisite look. It features a screw case back, screw-down crown and has a stop second-hand function. Its water-resistant function enables it to withstand water of up to 10 bar. And not to forget, the SBGA373 is magnetic resistance. A great thing about Grand Seikos are their glass finishes and this one did not disappoint. It is made from dual-curved sapphire with an anti-reflective coating as expected. All these are made better by the elegant Zaratsu polishing. To cap it off, it has a date display at 3 0’clock as well as a power reserve display.
Grand Seiko SBGA373: Dial
The champagne color dial of this watch makes it blissful to have on your wrist. In bright light, it gives off a silver color. This makes it fit nicely with the silver-colored hour and minute hands. That, however, doesn’t mean the blue steel second hand is out of place. If anything, it only highlights the watch’s trademark glide motion.
Grand Seiko SBGA373: Price
When making a watch Grand Seiko always wants their customers to get more value for their timepiece. Hence the Grand Seiko SBGA373 Spring Drive price goes for between $5,500 - $6,500.
Wrap Up: Grand Seiko SBGA373 Review
The Grand Seiko SBGA373 Spring Drive is a timepiece invented by mixing the classic design of the 44GS with contemporary technology. In the watch industry, it is in a world of its own. It is elegant, efficient and can be enjoyed by wearers of any age.
But that’s not all. This model has a long power reserve feature, comes with certificates and papers in both English and Japanese languages and is hand-assembled by the best watchmakers in Japan. Lastly, its champagne-colored dial with matching and complimenting hands is a sight to behold. You can get your Grand Seiko SBGA373 at Exquisite Timepieces. We are authorized dealers of luxury brands. We also sell pre-owned watches of almost every brand. Trust us, there is no better place to get your timepieces than from us - even if we do say so ourselves.
