Overview
In 1968, Seiko launched their first 36,000 vph automatic movement–the caliber 61GS. This was an important achievement in a decade that saw Grand Seiko rapidly develop several highly-regarded mechanical movements. Soon after, the Quartz Crisis hit the watch industry and the brand instead poured their efforts into developing some of the most accurate quartz movements in the world. It wasn’t until 1998 that Grand Seiko would return to their mechanical roots and launch a new automatic movement–the caliber 9S.
Both the 61GS and the 9S represent the manufacturer’s dedication to creating the very finest mechanical calibers in the world. To celebrate their anniversaries in 2018, Grand Seiko released 3 limited edition watches: a platinum SBGH265, a yellow gold SBGH266, and a stainless steel SBGH267. All three shared the same caliber 9S85 movement, a newly designed 39.5mm case, and a radial mosaic dial. However, it was the SBGH267 that stood out, not only for its affordability, but for being the only one with a colored dial and a specially made anodized titanium rotor. The result is an incredibly beautiful watch that has become one of the most iconic Grand Seikos of this decade and is often simply referred to as the “Whirlpool”.
Specifications
Brand:
Grand Seiko
Model:
Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary 'Whirlpool' LE
Reference:
SBGH267
Year:
2018
Case Number:
0223/1500
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
39 mm
Lug Width:
19 mm
Thickness:
13.0 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
47.0 mm
Dial:
Blue
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
Grand Seiko 9S85
Bracelet/Strap:
Grand Seiko stainless steel bracelet
Max Wrist Size:
8in (16 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The case shows hardly any signs of wear with only a few hairlines and a couple micro nicks visible on close inspection. The faceted lugs are thick and sharp with excellent definition between brushed and polished surfaces. The caseback is consistent with the rest of the watch and contains a few minor hairlines. The serial number and model engravings are sharp and deep.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The blue mosaic dial and brushed sword hands are in pristine condition with no imperfections. The front and rear sapphire crystals are clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The fully-linked Grand Seiko stainless steel bracelet shows no stretching and practically no signs of wear with only a couple hairlines and micro scuffs present. The GS stamp at the clasp remains sharp and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and quickset date are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
