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VIDEO: Grand Seiko’s epic Spring Drive Chronograph – the SBGC203 VIDEO: Grand Seiko’s epic Spring Drive Chronograph – the SBGC203

VIDEO: Grand Seiko’s epic Spring Drive Chronograph – the SBGC203

Felix Scholz

In general, Grand Seiko has a reputation for being somewhat stealthy on the wrist — but, to be honest, that’s not the case with this chunk of finely crafted steel, better known as the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC203. 

At a sizeable 43.5mm across by 16.1mm tall, this isn’t the sort of watch that slides under the cuff, and even if it did, those oh-so-distinctive chronograph pushers would happily be peeking out, no matter what. But really, this is the sort of watch that you lean into. It’s a big and bold example of Grand Seiko’s best technologies — there’s no hiding the quality of the case or dial work, and the chronograph pushers have been so exceptionally engineered that you’ll be looking for any excuse (boiling eggs, timing car parks — the usual) to start, stop and reset. The goodness extends to the inside too. The 9R86 is a technical wonder — adding a GMT and a chronograph with a very unique layout to Grand Seiko’s already superlatively accurate Spring Drive technology. With this set of features and the fact that it’s rated to a decent 100 metres of water resistance, it’s a watch that can go anywhere, and do pretty much anything, in distinctive Grand Seiko style. 

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC203 price

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC203, $11,500 AUD

Made in partnership with Grand Seiko. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.