Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Grand Seiko watches lineup gets an update with a new must-see watch in its Elegance Collection

Time to buy a new watch? (We'll be here all week.)

Red Grand Seiko Elegance watch
Seiko / Seiko

Seiko has once again left the horology world in awe with its latest addition to the Grand Seiko watches lineup. If you thought you’d seen it all, think again. The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ273 has arrived, and it’s a masterpiece that marries craftsmanship and style in a way that only Grand Seiko can.

The SBGJ273 is a celebration of the vibrant red hues of autumn. “Yuka Momiji,” a phenomenon that depicts the interaction of fall maple leaves on the lacquered hardwood floors of a traditional Japanese home, is the source of inspiration for Grand Seiko. It appears as though Grand Seiko has succeeded in encasing the spirit of autumn in a timepiece. The GMT hand, rendered in a rich golden hue, adds the final touch to the dial, completing the fall-inspired color palette.

The watch has a striking red dial with a texture that draws attention right away. It’s a strong message, like the flaming leaves that cover the ground in the fall. The whole design is complemented by the stainless steel hour markers and hands, and the gold-toned GMT hand adds a dash of elegant seasonality.

Classic design meets modern innovation

The SBGJ273 pays homage to the classic case design from the Elegance Collection, which draws inspiration from the very first Grand Seiko watch created in 1960. The round case, measuring 39.5mm in diameter, showcases Seiko’s commitment to blending the classic with the contemporary.

The watch has a distinctly retro vibe thanks to the box-shaped sapphire crystal, which pays homage to mid-century design. It honors the watch brand’s illustrious past while looking to the future. Six screws hold the transparent case back of the watch in place. With this design decision, you can see the technical beauty inside while also adding a touch of modernism.

The Hi-Beat 36000 GMT Caliber 9S86 is the engine that drives the SBGJ273. The frequency of this mechanical marvel is 36,000 vibrations every hour or an astounding 10 beats per second. You will benefit from unparalleled precision as a result. You will always be on time, to the second, thanks to the watch’s average daily rate of +5 to -3 seconds. The SBGJ273 has an equally excellent power reserve, consistently operating for 55 hours on a full wind. This demonstrates the brand’s dedication to producing clocks that are both aesthetically stunning and impeccably functional.

Red Grand Seiko Elegance watch
Seiko / Seiko

A luxury watch with substance

It’s not a sporty diving watch, so its water resistance rating is classed as simply “splash resistant.” However, compared to other dress watches on the market, this makes it highly durable.

This watch is also equipped with a 24-hour hand, providing a dual-time display function. It’s a practical addition for those who frequently travel or need to keep track of multiple time zones. Additionally, the calendar-linked time difference adjustment function ensures that your watch stays in sync with the world around you.

The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ273 is an impressive timepiece, but it’s not without a few minor quirks. While the red dial is undoubtedly striking, some might find it a tad too vibrant for everyday wear, potentially limiting its versatility. Additionally, the price point of $7,100 places it firmly in the luxury category, making it less accessible to a broader audience. These are not deal-breakers by any means, but they’re factors that potential buyers should weigh against the watch’s undeniable craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Veldman
Freelance Writer
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
Seiko watches news: Seiko adds a GMT function to its Prospex Alpinist
These are the first non-limited edition Seiko Alpinist GMT watches
Seiko Prospex Alipinist GMT blue

When it comes to watches for men, Seiko has long been a name that resonates with both enthusiasts and the uninitiated. The brand's rich history and commitment to quality timepieces have solidified its place in the world of horology.

In the realm of Seiko watches, the Prospex collection stands out as a symbol of adventure, durability, and precision. And now, Seiko has added a new twist to its iconic Prospex Alpinist series, introducing the Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT. But it's not just any GMT watch; it's a timepiece that takes you on a journey, even if you're just sitting at your desk.
The Prospex Alpinist GMT unveiled
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist collection has always been about rugged elegance and the spirit of exploration. The addition of a GMT function to the Prospex Alpinist takes that spirit to new heights. GMT watches have long been favored by travelers and globetrotters for their ability to track multiple time zones. Seiko has embraced this feature, and the result is a timepiece that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and people who value aesthetics, as well as functionality.

Read more
IWC launches 2 new chronographs just in time for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
F1 and Mercedes team up for two new chronographs to celebrate the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Performance Chronograph 41 AMG PETRONAS

Gentlemen, start your engines! IWC Schaffhausen, the maestros of haute horlogerie, have dropped a horological bombshell just in time for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Brace yourselves for the adrenaline-fueled arrival of not one, but two performance chronographs dedicated to the speed demons of Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. These timepieces are not just watches for men; they are precision instruments designed for those who live life in the fast lane.
Racing DNA fused with Swiss mastery
IWC Schaffhausen's legacy of crafting instrument watches is deeply ingrained in the DNA of the company. High accuracy, robustness, reliability, and durability aren't just criteria; they're a way of life for these Swiss watchmaking wizards.

In a poetic union of racing prowess and Swiss craftsmanship, IWC watches initiated a partnership with Mercedes-AMG in 2004, venturing into the world of high-performance cars. The relationship blossomed, and in 2013, IWC became the "Official Engineering Partner" of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Now, in 2023, the saga continues with the launch of two performance chronographs, a testament to the enduring bond between precision timekeeping and high-speed motorsports.

Read more
Baltic introduces the affordable Hermétique Tourer watches collection
These field watches look great and are super affordable
Hermetique Tourer Blue on diver

Gentlemen, it's time to talk watches — Baltic watches, to be exact. And no, we're not here to give you a tedious rundown of every timepiece in its lineup, because frankly, we don't have the patience for that. What we do have, however, is a keen eye for the extraordinary, the unique, and the affordable. Enter Baltic's Hermétique Tourer collection.

Now, you might be wondering what makes these Baltic watches so special. First, let's address the elephant in the room: affordability. Luxury watches are often associated with jaw-dropping price tags, but Baltic is here to prove that you can get your hands on a remarkable timepiece without having to take out a second mortgage on your home --  this new watch collection costs €550 ($589). The Hermétique Tourer collection is the embodiment of this philosophy, offering exceptional value for watch enthusiasts without breaking the bank.
The perfect field watch for men
The Baltic Hermétique Tourer watches are a field watch aficionado's dream. With a case diameter of 37 mm, these timepieces strike the perfect balance between being substantial enough to make a statement and discreet enough for everyday wear. No, they won't weigh you down like an anchor on your wrist. In fact, the 10.8 mm (8.3 mm without the glass) thickness ensures they're sleek and comfortable.

Read more