Grand Seiko SBGA Owner Review : Zen, dazzling and serene

A steel case without frills, 3 sharp and extremely precise hands, a simple and effective date window, a black dial, a single "Spring Drive" line and, as the only folly, a 4th small hand indicating the power reserve. At first glance, this watch is simplicity incarnate, but on closer inspection we are undoubtedly dealing with one of the most elaborate "general public" watch pieces there is... 2 concepts to prove this: The spring-drive, obviously, which completely redefines the concept of a timepiece by finally managing to transcribe the passing of time in a fluid manner, as in real life. With this second hand (I imagine we can no longer call it a "second hand"?) which turns without any hitches, without respite, as if to remind us that life is only one whole. Perfection and watchmaking revolution that combines the automatic movement that can be admired in its magnificent sapphire crystal on the back of the watch that allows us to appreciate each piece worked and magnified with a quartz crystal that allows this fluidity of time and above all a precision to any test, unique in the industry of "battery-free" watchmaking (you would be very unlucky to have a second difference at the end of the day). The polishing! Between the Zaratsu polishing on the case that shows us a unique mirror polish coupled with brushing to the nanometer and the polishing and treatment given to the hands that is simply incredible, the watch offers rare reflections, whatever its inclination or the brightness, this Grand Seiko shines brightly and reinvents itself with the slightest movement of your wrist. The little detail that makes all the charm of this watch for me is of course the power reserve, dug inside the dial itself which gives all its charm to this black which could at first glance seem a little boring. Having replaced a Rolex Explorer I with this Grand Seiko Heritage, do not make the mistake of thinking that it is a "sports" watch like the Rolex, it does not live very well with scratches and it is in reality a watch for great evenings, a watch for suits, beautiful shirts and offices. Take care of it as the Japanese craftsmen of Grand Seiko took care of it when it was created.