Grand Seiko tends to offer only a handful of complications, but the popular GMT has been among its most enthusiastically received. In the Sport family and featuring the brand’s unique Spring Drive technology, the newest version combines all of these features for a striking colorway. The reference SBGE248 has a blue dial and sapphire crystal-topped bezel insert, but its solid 18k gold bezel and crown add some heft to both the watch and its price and make for a decidedly swanky package.
This particular color scheme, as well as the use of yellow gold for the bezel, are both firsts for Grand Seiko. The brand says it was “inspired by the morning sun floating on the horizon.” Otherwise, this model is functionally the same as the couple of other Spring Drive GMT Sport watches that have come before it. The 44mm-wide case is in steel (on a steel bracelet) with a not-insignificant 14.7mm thickness, meaning this is likely a watch that will make its presence felt on the wrist. A rotating bezel with 24-hour markings, in addition to the GMT hand and inner 24-hour scale on the rehaut, means that you can track three total time zones at once.
The use of gold in this SBGE248 model appears to drive the price up significantly in comparison to similar models in steel. Price for the Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive GMT in gold and blue is $11,500.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Seiko SPB055J Zimbe Sumo ($1,299)
Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive SBGE245 Watch ($6,100)
Pre-Owned Rolex GMT Master II ($10,295)
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