Grand Seiko Sport Collection GMT

Looking at it for the first time, we recall all the opinions we have read about the brand and the model, the polarized camps of "European vs. Japanese", "Is Seiko Grand Seiko?", "Is Spring Drive automatic?", and so on. The very fact that the brand provokes such discussions speaks volumes. The SBGN021 version of the Grand Seiko Sport does not feature the renowned Spring Drive movement; instead, Grand Seiko uses a quartz movement that is almost 20 times more accurate than the Spring Drive. The model is quite clean - a dark blue dial, a dark blue ceramic bezel, a date at "4 o'clock", and of course, a GMT option. The light blue seconds hand and GMT function create a beautiful contrast and give the model a more interesting look. It is offered in a very contemporary 40 mm size and has water resistance up to 200 m. All these features, combined with the brand's unique design, make the model a true horological gem. In the design of this watch, the manufacturer has not tried to make it very different by adding any embellishments, additions to the case, extra crowns, or disproportionate bezels – and it is precisely this simplicity that makes the watch look very thoroughbred, which is also where the biggest criticism of these watches from the "Seiko followers" comes from – according to them, this watch is "too European" – for them this is a minus, but for me personally, it is a great advantage. The watch's bracelet is in the so-called "Speedmaster-style" with three brushed links separated by polished connecting elements, and what truly distinguishes Grand Seiko from Seiko are the detailing and the materials used for the dial. Such attention and precision in the craftsmanship of every marker, hand, and inscription is rarely seen even in the most established brands and models with centuries-old traditions. The other thing that deserves attention is the bezel and especially its coating – I don't know how the Japanese did it, but it's like another dial around the main one, as it is a sapphire crystal coating, processed and polished with a special technology – in person, the impression is indescribable.