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#Kixntix: The brushed granite-cool of the Grand Seiko SBGH279 meets a killer pair of Nike Air Jordans #Kixntix: The brushed granite-cool of the Grand Seiko SBGH279 meets a killer pair of Nike Air Jordans

#Kixntix: The brushed granite-cool of the Grand Seiko SBGH279 meets a killer pair of Nike Air Jordans

Thor Svaboe

Have Grand Seiko poached all the best dial artists in the world? They certainly keep enlarging their repertoire with a range that’s as vast as it is colourful. From the lithe touch of the Snowflake with its silky feel of fresh snow, to the pink tinged cherry blossom dial of the SBGA413, last year was a treasure chest of dial art from Japan. This time, we revisit the monochrome formality of the grey dialled Grand Seiko SBGH279 from our story here, proving that the Zaratsu-skilled artisans can make magic happen even with a restrained lack of colour.

Grand Seiko SBGH279

Surface treatment and textures can prove just as important as a dazzling shade of pink to feast the eyes on. The SBHG279 might seem like a very restrained and tonally timid reference, but have a closer look and you might just fall in love – even if you have a colourful personality. There are discernibly bold vertical striations that create a distinct surface tension, making the hand polished end-faceted indices stand out as the architectural edifices they are.

Add the recognizably scalpel-sharp hands of the Grand Seiko Heritage line, and the formal grey surface comes to life, with a silky smooth sweep of seconds-hand due to the 36,000vph Hi-Beat movement, tempting you to turn the case around for a closer look at the craftsmanship of the self-winding 9S85 calibre.

The strict grey tone works as a sharp compliment to the silhouette of the 44GS case, its lugs angular with a straight inner cut bevel accentuating the dramatic shape. While the soft comfort of the three-link bracelet might remind you of a Speedy, the intricate detail work makes you wonder how it is possible to allow for such minute tolerances while ensuring soft comfort. And comfort with added street style is exactly what you’ll get with the futuristic shape of the Nike Air Jordan 11 “Cool Grey” kicks.

With its soft shape, it’s a contrast to the laser-sharp design of the Grand Seiko, but just as the cool grey brushed dial adds a dose of futurism to the traditional 44GS case, the almost malleable grey form brings the Air Jordan style language into our decade. While you might have to wait for the drop, make a note of this model.

Its grey-green top section, cross-over lace system and gloss grey base work damn well with the classic two-tone sole and crisp white laces. The Nike Air Jordan 11 ‘Cool Grey’  gets you a new monochrome stance for spring, for about $225 USD. Check it out here at Sneaker News

The Grand Seiko SBGH279 is $9,000AUD, available from Grand Seiko