The Grand Seiko Tribute to 44GS Limited Edition is a luxury watch that pays homage to Seiko’s watchmaking history and the iconic 1967 44 GS Reference. With a 38mm stainless steel case, silver dial, and a brand new black alligator strap, this timepiece exudes elegance and sophistication. It features hours, minutes, and seconds functions, and measures 12mm in thickness and 43.5mm from lug-to-lug. The watch’s vintage proportions and dimensions, along with its meticulously hand-finished polyhedron case, highlight the attention to detail and craftsmanship that Grand Seiko is renowned for. With only 700 pieces available in stainless steel, this limited edition watch is a true collector’s item.
The Grand Seiko Tribute to 44GS Limited Edition is not only a stunning timepiece, but also a testament to Seiko’s legacy as a watchmaker. Its vintage-inspired design, including the absence of a date on its dial and a narrow 18mm spacing between the lugs, stays true to the original 1967 model. The watch’s matte black alligator leather strap, along with its vintage-inspired buckle, adds a touch of classic sophistication. The polyhedron case, black polished manually using hand pressure against a tin plate, showcases the level of precision and attention to detail that Seiko is known for. With a high-end movement, diamond cut faceted indices, and a sapphire crystal dial, the Grand Seiko Tribute to 44GS Limited Edition exudes luxury and charm.
Case and Strap
The Seiko SBGW257 watch features a stainless steel case that exudes a sleek and sophisticated look. The 38mm case diameter is a perfect size for both men and women, offering a comfortable fit on the wrist. The silver dial complements the stainless steel case beautifully, creating a timeless and classic aesthetic.
To enhance the overall elegance of the watch, it comes with a black alligator strap. The matte black alligator leather adds a luxurious touch to the timepiece, making it a perfect accessory for formal occasions. The strap’s rectangular scale design adds a unique texture and visual interest, while ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
To complete the refined look, the Seiko SBGW257 watch is equipped with a stainless steel tang buckle. The tang buckle is not only practical and easy to use but also blends seamlessly with the overall design of the watch, giving it a cohesive and polished appearance.
Specifications
The 38mm case diameter of the Seiko SBGW257 watch is a versatile size that can be worn by both men and women. It strikes a balance between being too small and too large, making it suitable for various wrist sizes and preferences. The 12mm case thickness adds to the watch’s overall presence without feeling overly bulky.
One notable specification of the SBGW257 is its 43.5mm lug-to-lug measurement. This measurement refers to the distance between the lugs, and it plays a crucial role in determining how well the watch fits on the wrist. With a lug-to-lug measurement of 43.5mm, the SBGW257 offers a comfortable and secure fit, ensuring that it stays in place during daily wear.
Design and Details
The Seiko SBGW257 watch pays tribute to the iconic 44GS model, which was first introduced in 1967. The 44GS model played a significant role in shaping the modern Seiko design language, and the SBGW257 continues that legacy by incorporating similar design elements.
The vintage proportions and dimensions of the SBGW257 make it a true homage to the original 44GS model. The watch’s design reflects the elegance and sophistication of the 1967 timepiece, ensuring that it captures the essence of the vintage Seiko era.
Strap and Buckle
The SBGW257 comes with a matte black alligator leather strap that adds a touch of luxury and refinement to the watch. The rectangular scale design of the strap enhances its visual appeal, creating a subtle texture that sets it apart from standard leather straps. The matte finish gives the strap a modern and sophisticated look that complements the overall design of the watch.
To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, the SBGW257 is equipped with a vintage-inspired Seiko buckle. The buckle not only adds to the overall aesthetics of the watch but also provides a practical and easy-to-use closure mechanism. The combination of the black alligator strap and the Seiko buckle creates a cohesive and stylish look that elevates the overall appeal of the watch.
Case Finish
The case finish of the SBGW257 is a testament to Seiko’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The polyhedron design of the case adds a unique and modern touch to the watch, setting it apart from other timepieces in its class. It showcases Seiko’s ability to combine innovative design concepts with traditional craftsmanship.
To achieve a flawless and refined finish, the case undergoes a hand-polished black polishing technique. This technique involves meticulous handcrafting of the case surfaces, resulting in a mirror-like finish that enhances the overall aesthetics of the watch. The attention to detail and precision in the case finish exemplify Seiko’s dedication to creating high-quality timepieces.
The SBGW257 features a sapphire crystal bezel, which not only adds durability and scratch resistance but also enhances the clarity of the dial. The countersunk bezel contributes to the slimness of the watch, giving it a sleek and streamlined profile. This attention to detail ensures that the SBGW257 sits comfortably on the wrist and can easily slip under a dress cuff.
Dial
The dial of the SBGW257 draws inspiration from the original 1967 model, further emphasizing its vintage charm. The high-end Seiko diamond-cut faceted indices add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the dial. The faceted indices catch the light from different angles, creating a captivating play of light and shadows.
The absence of a date feature on the dial gives the SBGW257 a clean and uncluttered look, staying true to the minimalist design principles of the original 44GS model. The dial furniture and logos are meticulously crafted, showcasing Seiko’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Movement
The SBGW257 is powered by the long leg caliber 9S64 movement, a high-quality movement developed by Seiko. This movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch will continue to keep accurate time even after several days of not being worn. The 24 jewels in the movement contribute to its smooth and precise operation, reducing friction and enhancing reliability.
One notable feature of the 9S64 movement is its hacking or stop seconds function. This function allows for precise time-setting, as it stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. This feature is particularly useful when synchronizing the watch with another timekeeping device.
Seiko’s in-house Dia-shock protection system is also present in the SBGW257. This system protects the movement against shock and impact, ensuring its durability and longevity. All parts and oils used in the movement are created by Seiko, exemplifying their commitment to quality and reliability.
Water Resistance
The SBGW257 has a water resistance rating of 30 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear but not intended for sports or water-related activities. The 30 meters water resistance ensures that the watch can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water, such as when washing hands or caught in the rain. However, it is important to note that the watch should not be submerged in water.
Conclusion
The Seiko SBGW257 is a deluxe vintage tribute timepiece that combines rich design elements with a charming aesthetic. Its timeless elegance and attention to detail make it a standout piece in any watch collection. With only 700 pieces available, this limited edition watch offers exclusivity and rarity.
The SBGW257’s design and craftsmanship pay homage to the original 44GS model, creating a timepiece infused with the spirit of vintage Seiko. From the stainless steel case to the black alligator strap, every component of the watch is meticulously crafted to ensure a cohesive and sophisticated look.
For a complete and in-depth review of the Seiko SBGW257 watch, check out WatchBox Reviews on YouTube. Their comprehensive review provides detailed insights into the design, specifications, and overall performance of this exceptional timepiece. Whether you are a seasoned watch enthusiast or just getting started, their review will give you a complete understanding of the SBGW257.
In conclusion, the Seiko SBGW257 is a remarkable watch that combines vintage allure with modern sophistication. Its deluxe design and limited edition status make it a coveted piece for watch collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its rich history and timeless appeal, the SBGW257 is more than just a watch—it’s a piece of horological art.
