Four Grand Seiko’s Who Welcome Your Wanderlust

A remarkable number of watches in Grand Seiko’s collection feature a second time-zone complication. That makes them a perfect companion to have around the wrist when you travel the globe. Even more so because Grand Seiko offers them in a variety of different styles, so no matter where to you go or for what reason, you are bound to find one of your liking.

Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Hi-beat GMT ‘Special’ Limited Edition
Those who prefer modern materials but still have a soft spot for traditional craftsmanship are served well by the Blue Ceramic Hi-beat GMT “Special” Limited Edition. It combines high-intensity titanium with blue zirconia ceramic, which makes the watch not only light and durable but also gives it a distinctly modern edge. It has one of the most captivating dials in watchmaking with its intricate blue pattern. It is powered by automatic caliber 9S86, which is a high-frequency movement with 36,000 vibrations per hour. This also allows Grand Seiko to adjust it to ‘Special’ standards, which means that it has a daily deviation between +4 to -2 seconds. This is even more precise than the regular Grand Seiko standard.

Grand Seiko Elegance GMT
Reference SBGM221 is part of Grand Seiko’s elegance collection and might be the purest watch with a GMT-function that they offer. Its appearance is quite classic, mainly thanks to the brown crocodile leather strap in combination with the ivory dial. It is that color that contrasts so nicely with the blue hand which firmly yet elegant indicates the second time zone. A beautiful detail is also the box-shaped sapphire crystal. It has an anti-reflective coating on the inside so that no matter where you are in the world, you can read the time with just a glance at nearly any angle.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT
In recent years Grand Seiko has embraced precious metals more and more. A welcome development as it results in tantalizing creations such as this reference SBGC230. Its distinct case shape becomes even more expressive because of the 18k rose gold used to craft it. The movement is also something else. Caliber 9R96 not only offers the Spring Drive technology, with an accuracy of ±10 seconds per month but also a power reserve of 3 days. Next to the GMT-function does it even have a chronograph. Here Grand Seiko opts for an unusual dial layout, yet a convenient one, with the hour and minute counter placed on the far right side. That makes the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT a precious creation that proofs that beauty and practical use can smoothly go hand in hand.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT
With its diameter of 44mm is reference SBGE201 a bold watch. While its design is somewhat traditional, the sapphire crystal bezel adds a lot of character. This can also be said of other details such as the power reserve indicator, located between eight and nine o’clock. This Grand Seiko too can be read with ease, with a bold red hand telling the second time zone, and plenty of luminous material to also do this in low light conditions. The Spring Drive movement is tucked away safely in the metal case, and with a water resistance of 200 meters is there very little that this watch cannot handle. A pleasant reassurance when you are abroad.