The SBGW297 and SBGW299, being the first regular-production models to be offered on the bracelet at retail solves this potential pitfall. Now, I am not diminishing the value of the leather-strapped SBGW291 and SBGW293, but to be at their strongest, I did wish they were also available out of the gate on a bracelet. It was a pound-for-pound strong alternative to the likes of my Datejust 36, at least when offered on a bracelet. As a Grand Seiko fan and owner, this case’s debut in 2022 really excited me. The 36.5mm case is equally water-resistant to the 40mm models at 100-metres, with a screw-down crown, but it has the advantage of being noticeably thinner at 11.6mm and very compact across the wrist at 42.7mm lug-to-lug. Exceptionally hand-finished cases, with alternating hairline brushed and mirrored zaratsu surfaces, and, of course, the signature shoulder blade lugs with a distortion-free polished finish. While smaller in stature, the Grand Seiko SBGW297 and SBGW299 offer everything you would expect from the larger 44GS designs. But, where is my bracelet? Well, the new SBGW297 and SBGW299 correct that potential pitfall. So, it was fantastic to have 36.5mm 44GS-cased watches in regular production. The SBGW291 and SBGW293 would follow as standard production fixtures, but they were offered on leather straps, rather than five-piece link bracelets. Unfortunately, the SBGW289, with its Kira-zuri-meets- Shunbun cherry blossom pink dial, was a limited edition of 1,200 pieces. The SBGW289 offered a solution, with a 36.5mm, 44GS-cased design that returned the brand’s iconic case geometry closer to its original vintage proportions, while also offering a watch that was 100 metres water-resistant. Looking at their 37mm SBGW line in particular reveals a collection of handsome, colourful pieces that do not tick all of the ‘daily wear’ boxes for buyers with more active lifestyles, especially because of their 30-metre water-resistant rating. These numbers align with the market preferences of today, with sportier pieces being the majority within their 40-42mm segment, and more casual and dressy references within the smaller 37-39mm span. The largest two, according to their online boutique platform, are the 37mm-39mm segment with 57 watches listed and 40mm-42mm with 93 watches. The reality is, Grand Seiko produces watches in a wide spectrum of diameters, ranging from 27mm to 48mm. Neither are limited, with November 2023 availability, priced at US$5,400Ī common criticism Grand Seiko receives about their watches is that they can be too large in diameter or too thick, particularly concerning their chronographs and divers.

They are the first of the five to use ‘fan’ textured dials and the first standard production entries affixed to a bracelet.The new Grand Seiko SBGW297 & SBGW299 are the 4th and 5th introduced 36.5mm 44GS-cased watches.I/trending 2737 The Grand Seiko SBGW297 & SBGW299 bring back bracelets to 36.5mm 44GS cases Zach Blass

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