Coming into their own in recent years, Grand Seiko have successfully become the thorn in Swiss watchmaking’s side that Seiko envisaged in 1960 when they decided to start their new luxury division. Today, Grand Seiko are undeniably positioned as the next hot brand as they challenge the Swiss establishment, and the SBGE249 embodies that challenge in its entirety. Released in 2019, as a US-exclusive limited to 250 pieces only available through Timeless Luxury, the Texas-based authorized seller of Grand Seiko timepieces, the SBGE249 combines the latest in Grand Seiko technology with their most up-to-date aesthetics to create a truly contemporary timepiece. Powered by Grand Seiko’s infamous Spring Drive technology, the SBGE249’s cal. 9R66 movement integrates the accuracy of quartz technology, that the Japanese pioneered, with the aesthetics and craftsmanship of mechanical horology. Debuting on the market in 2006, the self-winding cal. 9R66 was so far ahead of its time that to this day it still transcends the competition. With 72 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds a month the 9R66 is virtually without fault. However, besides just an incredible movement, the SBGE249 is praised for its gorgeous monochromatic design that doesn’t try to distract too much from its impressive craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning silver-white dial inspired by a blizzard in Shinshu, Japan, the home of Seiko's Epson factory, the SBGE249 continues the Grand Seiko tradition of being inspired by the natural world. Featuring polished dial furniture such as hands, indices and date aperture frame, the SBGE249’s display is reserved and simple. Its blue elements, such as its power reserve at 8 o’clock and GMT hand, are designed to heighten their legibility while not totally compromising the timepiece’s understated display. Offered in a 40.5mm diameter case that sports Grand Seiko’s famed Zaratsu polishing along its banana-shaped sides and bevelled lugs, the SBGE249 is a truly spectacular timepiece indeed.

Watch is in near-mint overall condition, showing minimal signs of use. Bracelet was sized for the previous owner, but the removed links are included with the watch.

An elegantly executed timepiece that retains Grand Seiko's craftsmanship, design inspiration, and impressive robustness, the SBGE249 is a limited edition timepiece that would have surely been popular all around the world had it have been a global release.