For a long time now, Grand Seiko has represented some of the finest value in mechanical horology today – but we’re here basically to, re­write that old wives tale.

(From L-R) References SBGJ001G, SBGJ011G, SBGJ013 & SBGJ003G

Just earlier in the week, at a rather cozy meeting with Seiko at their office here in Singapore, we found ourselves in the company of this incredibly handsome quartet. The watches aren’t particularly musical, but there was music playing in my head for sure.

The Mechanical Hi-­Beat 36000 GMT is no doubt one of the finest examples of Grand Seiko’s astute design philosophy and execution of craft. And where Grand Seiko demonstrates this best is in their details.

Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 GMT References SBGJ001G

This quality is apparent on the watch’s case with keen beveling, brushing, and highly reflective polishing. The treatments and these resulting lines seem to offer new dimensions to discover with every tilt of the case against light.

Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 GMT Case Profile

The dial work is just as impressive. Note the attention that has been paid to this dial surface with its sunray pattern and the even more impressive polish work on the baton indices.

But what caught me most by surprise, and what I’m a little shocked I’ve never seen an example of before, is the polish work on the edges of both the hour and minute hands. I mean, just look at that sheen! It’s absolutely beautiful.

Finishing on hour and minute hands

Here’s another example of the Mechanical Hi-­Beat 36000 GMT (SBGJ013), with this incredible black tuxedo dial and again the polish on those hands.

Tuxedo dial on the reference SBGJ013

And really the fact is that every aspect of the watch exudes this sense of quality – from the way the crown feels when you unlock it to wind the movement, to the bracelet and the reassurance the clasp provides when you fasten it.

Grand Seiko’s three-fold clasp with push button release

Before we end, it’s necessary to briefly talk about the 2014 Grand Seiko Caliber 9S86, which powers this watch. As it says so in the watch’s name – the movement itself is a Hi-Beat one, with its balance wheel whizzing away at 36,000 vibrations per hour, along with a 55-hour power reserve.

9S86 Mechanical Automatic Movement

In totality, the watch is great. The craftsmanship that goes into it, is what makes it so great. But in Singapore, what’s about to make it greater is Seiko’s decision to take on a different pricing strategy for their Grand Seiko watches. Let’s just say that it’s a decision that works in the buyers’ favor. And just so you know exactly what your money will get you, we’ll leave you with detailed specifications of the 4 iterations of the Mechanical Hi-­Beat 36000 GMT presented here. 

Specifications:

Model No: SBGJ001G & SBGJ003G (Retail w/GST: $8860)

Movement

9S86 Mechanical Automatic Movement (hand winding capability);

Loss/Gain: +5 to -3 seconds/day;

Approximately 55-hour power reserve (when fully wound);

Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour

Case

Diameter: 40.0mm;

Thickness: 14.0mm;

Material: Stainless steel;

Crystal: Dual curve sapphire with anti-reflection coating on inner surface;

Screw-down crown with see-through sapphire crystal caseback;

Water resistance: 10 Bar;

Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m

Bracelet

Stainless steel with three-fold clasp with push button release

Model No: SBGJ011G & SBGJ013G (Retail w/GST: $9202)

Movement

9S86 Mechanical Automatic Movement (hand winding capability);

Loss/Gain: +5 to -3 seconds/day;

Approximately 55-hour power reserve (when fully wound);

Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour

Case

Diameter: 40.0mm

Thickness: 14.0mm

Material: Titanium

Crystal: Dual curve sapphire with anti-reflection coating on inner surface;

Screw-down crown with see-through sapphire crystal caseback;

Water resistance: 10 Bar;

Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m

Bracelet

Titanium with three-fold clasp with push button release

Live photos courtesy of our own, Adi Soon (Editor in Chief – REVOLUTION Asia / REVOLUTION Australia).