Grand Seiko announced four Elegance Collection watches ahead of Baselworld on February 5, 2019. All four share the hand-wound 9S63 movement, a 39 mm case and a small-seconds-and-power-reserve dial layout. Their main differences are case metal, dial finish, edition status and original launch price: two rose-gold Urushi models, a limited steel model with a blue dial, and a yellow-gold regular-collection model.
At a glance: how the four references differ
| Reference | Case and dial | Strap and clasp or buckle | Edition status | Announced availability | Original recommended launch price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBGK002 | 18k rose gold; amber transparent Urushi lacquer dial with Mt. Iwate pattern | Crocodile strap; rose-gold buckle | Limited edition of 150 | March 8, 2019 in Japan; March 2019 in Europe | Europe: approximately €31,400; Japan: ¥3,200,000 plus tax |
| SBGK004 | 18k rose gold; black Urushi lacquer dial | Crocodile strap; rose-gold buckle | Limited edition of 150 | March 8, 2019 in Japan; March 2019 in Europe | Europe: approximately €31,400; Japan: ¥3,200,000 plus tax |
| SBGK005 | Stainless steel; blue Mt. Iwate-pattern dial | Crocodile strap; three-fold push-button clasp | Limited edition of 1,500 | March 8, 2019 in Japan; March 2019 in Europe | Europe: approximately €7,400; Japan: ¥750,000 plus tax |
| SBGK006 | 18k yellow gold; white dial | Crocodile strap; yellow-gold buckle | Regular-collection model at announcement | July 6, 2019 in Japan; July 2019 in Europe | Europe: approximately €20,700; Japan: ¥2,100,000 plus tax |
Prices are the manufacturer’s recommended launch prices in 2019, not current retail or secondary-market quotes. European amounts were described as approximate; Japanese prices were stated before tax. Grand Seiko’s February 5, 2019 English announcement gives the European launch recommendations and general timing; the Japanese announcement gives domestic prices and exact Japanese release dates.
Shared specifications
The four watches use the same hand-wound caliber 9S63. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or eight beats per second, and has a stated 72-hour power reserve. The dial places the small-seconds display at 9 o’clock and the power-reserve indicator at 3 o’clock.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Movement | Grand Seiko caliber 9S63, manual winding |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) |
| Power reserve | 72 hours |
| Stated accuracy | +5 to −3 seconds per day under static conditions |
| Case diameter | 39.0 mm |
| Case thickness | 11.6 mm |
| Crystal | Dual-curved sapphire with inner anti-reflective coating |
| Caseback and crown | Screw see-through caseback; screw-down crown |
| Water resistance | 3 bar |
| Magnetic resistance | 4,800 A/m |
Grand Seiko’s launch release stated, “Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds a day,” qualifying that figure as applying “when static.” It is the manufacturer’s specification, not a claim about measured performance on an individual watch or under all wearing conditions.
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#1 Best Overall
- Three-fold clasp with push button release
- Dual-curved sapphire crystal
- Power reserve display on the back
- Power resrve Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
What distinguishes each SBGK reference?
SBGK002: amber Urushi in rose gold
SBGK002 pairs an 18k rose-gold case with an amber transparent Urushi lacquer dial carrying a Mt. Iwate pattern. It was limited to 150 pieces and came on a crocodile strap with a rose-gold buckle. Grand Seiko said the transparent Urushi used for the amber dial came from trees grown in and around Joboji beneath Mt. Iwate.
SBGK004: black Urushi in rose gold
SBGK004 shares the 18k rose-gold case and rose-gold buckle with SBGK002, but uses a black Urushi lacquer dial. It was also limited to 150 pieces. The key choice between the two rose-gold references is therefore dial treatment and color: amber transparent lacquer with the Mt. Iwate pattern for SBGK002, versus black Urushi for SBGK004.
Rank #2
- Calendar-linked time difference adjustment function
- Movement Caliber 9S86,
- Dual-curved sapphire crystal
SBGK005: blue dial and steel case
SBGK005 is the stainless-steel option, with a blue Mt. Iwate-pattern dial. Its crocodile strap closes with a three-fold push-button clasp rather than a precious-metal buckle. The launch edition was limited to 1,500 pieces.
SBGK006: white dial and yellow gold
SBGK006 has an 18k yellow-gold case, a white dial and a crocodile strap with a yellow-gold buckle. Unlike the other three references, Grand Seiko announced it as a regular-collection model rather than a limited edition. It was scheduled to join the collection in July 2019.
Rank #3
- See-through case back
- Date display
- Screw-down crown
- 40mm Diameter
- Weight 178.0 g
Design and case details
Grand Seiko described the cases as polished using its Zaratsu method and characterized the curved dials and crystals as giving the watches a classic look. The minute and power-reserve hands are bent to follow the domed dial contour. These are the maker’s descriptions of the design and finishing, rather than independent test findings.
All four share the same 39.0 mm diameter and 11.6 mm thickness, as well as a dual-curved sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and screw see-through caseback. The listed water resistance is 3 bar, so these specifications should not be read as a claim of suitability for swimming or diving.
Rank #4
- BURGUNDY DIAL: this men's automatic watch features a burgundy deep, pressed pattern with a gloss finish and rose gold stainless steel watch case
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL & LEATHER: features a durable rose gold-finish stainless steel watch case paired with a brown leather watch band
- WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
2019 launch prices and availability
The European recommended prices announced in 2019 were approximately €31,400 for each rose-gold Urushi model, €7,400 for the steel SBGK005, and €20,700 for the yellow-gold SBGK006. In Japan, the corresponding launch prices were ¥3,200,000 plus tax for SBGK002 and SBGK004, ¥750,000 plus tax for SBGK005, and ¥2,100,000 plus tax for SBGK006.
The Japanese announcement named March 8, 2019 for SBGK002, SBGK004 and SBGK005, and July 6, 2019 for SBGK006. The English release described the first three as available from March and SBGK006 from July. Those dates and prices describe the original launch, not present-day stock, retailer pricing or resale value; current availability and market prices are not established here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE built to endure with style, making this watch your perfect daily companion
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT for seamless precision in every tick of this watch
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL to maintain a pristine look even with daily wear and tear on your watch
- LUMINESCENT HANDS for effortless readability in low-light conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment with this watch
- WATER RESISTANT DESIGN ensuring your watch is ready for any adventure, rain or shine
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
