Did Grand Seiko just give us the perfect two-watch collection?
Ricardo SimeA few days ago, as I sat in front of my watch box, a familiar thought crossed my mind. One I’ve already shared with you all before. And that’s the feeling that I own too many watches. Some may consider this a random thought but when 10 watches are staring back at you, it’s not that random. It also doesn’t help that in the span of a week, Grand Seiko dropped a quartet of watches that between them offer the perfect two-watch collection.
For many a collector, there is always this pull to consolidate. The thought of owning fewer watches that work in multiple situations is just so tempting. Not only for your bank account, but also for the time saved every morning trying to choose. There is also something romantic about your watches defining you, something more likely with fewer watches involved. And with these recent releases from Grand Seiko, consolidation is getting more tempting.
Dressy option
The first pair of watches released are SBGW291 and SBGW293, both landing within the brands Heritage Collection. At 36.5 mm wide and with a simple no-date dial, there is no question that these watches are a dressy affair. Especially in the 44GS case, with all its Zaratsu-polished surfaces.
At this point, I should note that earlier this year, we got a textured pink dial version of these same watches in the SBGW289 on bracelet. Here, we instead get a choice of two dials, both sunburst. One in a deep brown and one in a simple silver. And though the 289’s dial was beautiful, these two new references present as better “strap monster” options. A great characteristic to have as half of a two-watch collection.
Sporty option
It wasn’t but a few days later that Grand Seiko released a pair of sporty GMT’s in SBGN027 and SBGN029. As the resident GMT lover, these 9F powered quartz GMT really piqued my interest. Though their design and colours aren’t groundbreaking, they tick the boxes I know many people, including myself, look for in a GMT. From the 39mm size and the simple black and blue colours. To the high legibility and predominantly brushed case.
And the icing on the cake? Steel bezels.
As we take a closer look at the specifications from each pair, thoughts of a two-watch collection continue to be reinforced. Each has 100 metres of water resistance, which would stand up easily to day to day use. The movements inside are robust, reliable and would work well in a two-watch rotation. SBGW291 and 293, has the 9S64, which provides three days of power reserve on a full wind. (Think a full weekend and not needing to wind the watch till you pick it back up on Monday). SBGN027 and 029 are powered by the 9F86, a great timekeeper rated for +/- 10 seconds a year – great specs for a watch you can use as a reference in your collection.
When taken together, these two pairs of watches present a compelling case for a two watch collection. Like the Rolex OP and Explorer 2. Or the Omega Aqua Terra and the Seamaster 300. These watches represent Grand Seiko’s (non-limited I might add) version of a dynamic duo with all the GS DNA we’ve come to know and love from the brand. At $5200 for the dressy 291 and 293, and $3300 for the sporty GMT’s (USD), they also provide an affordable pairing from a storied brand that many would be happy to own.