INTRODUCING: The Grand Seiko SBGR321 is among the best blue dial steel sports watches of 2020, and you can probably get one, which is nice

Nick Kenyon

Grand Seiko continue to celebrate their 60th anniversary with another limited edition to commemorate the milestone. The latest anniversary model is the Grand Seiko SBGR321, which adds a fifth piece to the first four references that were released earlier this year. The initial four anniversary models included the hi-beat SBGH281, the ladies STGK015, the heritage quartz SBGP007 and the sports quartz SBGP015, which makes this latest limited edition automatic a nice addition to the family. All five of the anniversary limited editions feature striking and expertly finished rich blue dials, with red accents throughout.

The latest Grand Seiko SBGR321 is cased in 40mm of steel, measuring a robust 13mm tall and, in line with the rest of the anniversary references, comes complete on a stainless steel bracelet that is secured with a folding clasp. The attractive blue dial features an eye-catching sunburst finish that makes the richness of the blue pop even further, and is uninterrupted, bar the immaculately faceted and polished hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock.

The show really begins, however, when you flip the watch over, with a double-take prompting display caseback that hints at the inspiration behind the watch. Behind the sapphire crystal is a sparkling blue rotor that contrasts against a crimson rim, a colour scheme inspired by the rising sun over Japan’s Mount Iwate. The rotor also features the Grand Seiko lion emblem, and the text “60th Anniversary 1960-2020 Limited Edition”. The screw-down caseback also guarantees the watch to 100m of water resistance in a demonstration of the Grand Seiko philosophy of form requiring functionality.

Of the 60th anniversary limited editions, this is sure to be a popular model with its larger production run, popular case sizing and quintessential Grand Seiko design and finishing. Blue dial sports watches in stainless steel also continue to be some of the hottest watches on the planet, making the Grand Seiko SBGR321 a hot-ticket release.

Grand Seiko SBGR321 price and availability:

The Grand Seiko SBGR321 is AUD$7750, limited to 2500 pieces, and will be available from the Grand Seiko Sydney boutique later this year.