Grand Seiko unveils the latest addition to the Sport Collection: the Snow Valley-inspired Hi-Beat 36000GMTSBGJ277. With its robust architecture, high-performance movement and captivating aesthetics, the new watch is a reliable travel companion for all environments.
With a diameter of 44.2 mm and a distance of 50.6 mm between the upper and lower lugs, the stainless steel case showcases the exclusive Zaratsu technique of the crown blue lion and highlights the alternating mirror polishing and fine-grained brushing of the individual parts. The lugs are curved downwards and elegantly hug the wrist, creating the illusion of a shortened distance between the upper and lower lugs. Combined with the offset crown at 4 o'clock, the case size is visually reduced and the overall wearing comfort is improved.
The blue and white bezel rotates in both directions, marking a 24-hour scale. The edges are grooved for easy grip and precise control. At the same time, the crown is covered with a sapphire crystal for added durability. The white part of the bezel glows green in low-light conditions, making it vivid and eye-catching.
The dial has a silvery-white hue and is decorated with a textured pattern inspired by snow valleys. The silvery-white dial contrasts with the green scale rings and GMT markers and hands on the flange and bezel, recreating the magnificent mountain scenery of summer when snow and greenery coexist.
The hands and indexes are bold and meticulously crafted, and are coated with Lumibrite fluorescent material to ensure excellent legibility day and night. It is worth mentioning that this watch has two 24-hour scale rings, one on the bezel and the other on the flange of the dial, so that the time information can be effectively tracked in three time zones.
The watch is powered by the automatic calibre 9S86, which beats at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 55 hours with an average error of +5/-3 seconds per day. The calibre 9S86 has a Voyager GMT function and allows the local hour hand to be adjusted independently.
The Crown Blue Lion Sport Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ277 will be available in May 2024 with a price tag of US$6,800, equivalent to about 49,300 yuan. (Photo/text: Xu Chaoyang, the home of watches)