Grand Seiko has always been a pioneer in the watchmaking industry. Grand Seiko has done it all from the regular beat to spring drive from mechanical movements to high-end quartz. However, Grand Seiko has once again proven itself to be a giant of the industry by introducing the Grand Seiko Sport GMT Hi-Beat SBGJ239 and SBGJ237.
These two new editions may look and feel familiar at a cursory glance. This is presumably because these are based on the same idea as current GMT watches from Sports range, such as SBGE251, SBGE215, and SBGE201.
In addition to the brand-new color schemes and combinations, there are significant changes in the current SBGJ239 and SBGJ237. One of the most significant differences is that Grand Seiko has used a mechanical engine instead of the traditional Spring Drive motion. Let’s take an in-depth look at these watches.
- Grand Seiko SBGJ237
- Grand Seiko SBGJ239
What Do These Watches Offer?
Both of these watches are the same in terms of design, case, and bezel. These come with the same case design, watch strap, and bezel position, but differ slightly with the color scheme. The SBGJ237 comes in a lovely blue and white color while the SBGJ239 has a white and green color pattern. Let's find out what Grand Seiko has to offer.
Case
The latest Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT SBGJ239 and SBGJ237 offer relatively wide case designs. Since these watches belong to the Sports Line, the cases come with a 44.2 mm diameter and a height of 14.4 mm.
Both of these designs fit conveniently for someone with a wrist over 17 cm and sit comfortably around the wrist. Moreover, the case for both of these watches is built and assembled in accordance with the GS design.
There is a mixture of finely painted textures and polished highlights, with the Zaratsu method offering a smooth and clean finish. This caseback for both of these models is closed, and the watch, together with the screw-down crown, offers convenient water-resistance of 200 m.
In-House Movement
Grand Seiko eliminated the Spring Drive movement and opted for a mechanical one with the 9S86 caliber to power these GMT models.
This movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. Grand Seiko can precisely regulate this movement, with a precision measured at +5 to -3 seconds every day.
This movement further offers a power reserve of 50 hours. Grand Seiko also included a date window at 4 o'clock. This function makes sense in this GMT setting.
Color Scheme and Bezel
For these brand-new mechanical Hi-Beat calibers, Grand Seiko opted for a rather stylish green dial type on a leather harness, and high-end finishing throughout for SBGJ239 model and a lovely blue dial on a metal bracelet for the SBGJ237 model, both looking wonderful and being a superb choice.
The very first thing to capture the attention is the appearance of a gorgeous bezel around the dial. This is a bi-directional bezel and is fitted with a 24-hour scale. This serves as a second time zone when positioned in front of the central hour hand.
This bezel brings a great flavor to the watch with its material, color scheme, and two-tone implementation. This two-tone scheme reflects day and night hours, while Grand Seiko printed the scale on the insert's inner side. Grand Seiko marked the day hours with the black color and marked the night hours with a green-ish or blue-ish color on the bezel.
The Bottom Line
If you are among the lucky ones who have already bought one or both of these models and want to pair up these or any other Grand Seiko watches with amazing watch straps, DaLuca Straps is the place for you.
You can find a wide variety of watch straps ranging from leather military watch straps to custom shell cordovan watch straps. You can also find nylon watch straps to pair up with your SBGJ237 or SBGJ239. The choice is yours.