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Unfortunately, there was no Grand Seiko event this year. Normally, these annual get-togethers provide the perfect backdrop for new releases to first see the light of day. Instead, the Grand Seiko watches came to us. There is plenty to come over the course of the year (some of the novelties are still embargoed, of course). What I can say, however, having had the benefit of seeing what remains behind the curtain, is that the Grand Seiko SBGJ239 watch is absolutely one of my personal favorite 2020 releases.A green dialed GMT on a leather strap? Color me interested. It sounds amazing on paper, but it sounds even more unusual when we consider this watchs context. This watch sits within the Grand [...]
In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week, its all about blue. And now we need your help to decide between two very different watches from Rolex and Grand Seiko. Enter the Sky-Dweller and Skyflake SBGA407Last week was close. We anticipated as much. Despite the valid concerns surrounding our classification of a Rolex Datejust as a dre [...]
2020 marks the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko. The brand that we love so much here on Fratello. Earlier this year, we already showed you the Grand Seiko SBGH281 in this article. Grand Seiko sent us the watch for a closer look, so without further ado.As you probably know (because of this article), I am a sucker for the 44GS style case. For me, it embodies Grand Seikos specific design choices. It shows that a brand can have a modern watch, inspired by its heritage (1967) without becoming boring. Nobody ever accused Grand Seiko of lacking inspiration when it comes to the 44GS style case. I love all the little facets on the lugs and the wide case band on the 44GS style case. This Grand Seiko SB [...]
In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week, weve got another head-to-head for you. Could the Rolex Datejust 116234 and the Grand Seiko SBGA211 Snowflake, please enter the ringHey, hey Im on something of a roll. Old Benny Boy might have had my number when it came to our A. Lange S?hne clash a few weeks back, but in our three most rece [...]
In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week, weve got another head-to-head for you. Its getting deep this week. The Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 is going up against the Grand Seiko SLGA001.If we were running a competition for misleading titles, this one might win it. No, dear readers, we are not diving headfirst into the muddy trenches of [...]
Earlier this year, Grand Seiko introduced a number of limited edition series for their 60th anniversary. However, very silently, they also snuck in the SBGH277 and SBGH279 references.I will let the video do the talking (in fact, I did), but you can find some additional pictures of the Grand Seiko SBGH277 and SBGH279 below. These two watches are part of the Heritage collection from Grand Seiko.SBGH279 Brushed Grey DialSBGH277 Sunburst Silvery White DialZaratsu Polished 44GS StyleThe 40mm Zaratsu polished case has the famous Grand Seiko 44GS style. The original 44GS case is a design of 1967, and a bit different from the cases used today. Thats why we speak of 44GS style, and not just 44GS.Deta [...]
In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week, weve got another head-to-head for you. Lets see whether the Grand Seiko SBGH281? or the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 emerges as this weeks working-class hero.Last week saw a record-breaking contest twixt Ben and me. We enjoyed it. And judging by the 3,600+ votes you, our dear readers, cast, [...]
Heres our Top 10 Grand Seiko overview An overview of the hottest Grand Seiko watches according to our readers.We measured the reading and clicking behavior from May 2019 till now. The result? A list of the Top 10 Grand Seikos according to you, the Fratelli. Grand Seiko made big steps in the last few years. And with every new release, the brand figured out new ways to surprise us. Besides the unmatched dial and hands finishing, the cases are simply to die for. Zaratsu polishing for example, has become a standard. Only a few years ago, nobody except a few enthusiasts had heard about this. Due to the efforts that Grand Seiko took to create more worldwide awareness, the brands watches have becom [...]
Wow. Just wow. Even after all this time, after the thousands of watches that have passed through my hands and over my wrist, it is still possible to have my breath snatched from my throat. I didnt think I cared for gold watches. I guess I was wrong again. Congratulations, Grand Seiko, the SBGW258 60th Anniversary model has officially turned my head.I think its about time we started reviewing some truly terrible watches so you get the chance to see the uglier side of my character. All this syrupy loveliness is wearing a bit thin. But Im afraid theres nothing for it when it comes to the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Recreation SBGW258. Its just too good.I believe GS has delivered.It is understa [...]
In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week, weve got another head-to-head for you. The focus? Rugged GMT watches from Rolex and Grand Seiko.I love this column. Why? Because here, opinions run free. There is no diplomacy. Just full-blooded passion. Oftentimes, we pit writers with polarized opinions against one another. But not this wee [...]
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly article that puts your hand eye coordination skills to the test. Yes, we ask you to click a button in order to tell us if youd wear our watch of the week or not. Today, we look at a white whale of sorts with the Grand Seiko SBGX115. But firstLast week, I asked you to look at a homely kinda old Rolex Submariner 14060. It wasnt overly special, but it was special enough in your eyes to conquer with an astounding 85% Wrist Game win. Id liken that 15% to the one person who didnt vote for Derek Jeter on their Hall of Fame ballot. Jeez, and I cant stand the Yankees Were going to keep on the diving theme today with a look at the very recent, but [...]
When it comes to press release justifications for celebrating a non-centennial anniversary, few have left me with as warm a feeling in my chest as Grand Seiko's recent explanation of the logic behind its 60th birthday extravaganza. A person's 60th birthday is significant in Japan's culture. At that age, a human has lived through all phases of the Zodiac. As such, it is time to begin again. And, to mark the onset of a new existential era, the Grand Seiko SBGP007 is a fitting release.Let's face it. There's a reason why Grand Seiko ranks close to the top of every Fratello team member's hot-list. While each team member is an individual with individual tastes, Grand Seiko unites us all. Why? Beca [...]
After a couple of more open-ended topics, here we have a nice, simple, technical question to answer: Why do watches tick?Almost all watches tick. Generally, you will hear people saying that quartz watches tick and mechanical watches sweep. While this appears?true on the surface, it isnt technically correct.?There are very few mechanically-powered watches that dont tick. The most famous of which is the Grand Seiko Spring Drive?system. Exactly how that works and how it differs from more regular escapements is a conversation for another day. In the meantime, lets get back to the straightforward question posed: Why do watches tick?Every watch has a power source. For the sake of simplicity, lets [...]
Yeehaa The 13th episode of Fratello on Air, talking about some of the 60th anniversary Grand Seiko releases.The main topic of this podcast is a preview on some of Grand Seikos novelties for 2020. It is a BIG year for them, due to the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko. Corona or Covid-19 ruined it a little bit, as Grand Seiko was about to host their first Grand Seiko Summit in Japan, but decided to introduce their new watches nevertheless. Mainly digital, but we see that some of the new releases are traveling around the world to be introduced to journalists and collectors. Since this week, we have a few of them (see our Instagram feed), but that was after we recorded this podcast.After the mand [...]
For quite some time, fans of Grand Seiko have been hoping for a more centralized presence in Europe. And finally, it seems those prayers have been answered. On April 1st, 2020, a new subsidiary of the Seiko Watch Corporation, Tokyo, will set-up shop in Paris. Say hello to?Grand Seiko Europe S.A.S., the Japanese giants next step on its march around the globe.The wholly-owned arm of the Asian business will handle all the sales and marketing of the brand and its products across the continent of Europe. For those of us that a) love the brand, and b) work in the business of covering its moves and releases, this is incredibly welcome news. The products themselves are rarely in question. However, t [...]
With news flooding in thick and fast, you could be forgiven for missing the announcement that Grand Seiko is set to open a new Studio facility. As the brand hopes to kick-off its next 60-year cycle with a rush of positivity, the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi promises to boost production capacity for the future.A lot lies in wait for us in Summer 2020. Mostly, of course, unanswered questions when it comes to travel plans and the potential cancellation of major sporting events (like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics). But there is one thing about which we can all be very excited The opening of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, scheduled for June.The Studio will house the specially-trained watchmakers [...]
Grand Seiko is introducing a new version of their Hi-beat movement, the 9SA5. And what better way to do it than in an over-the-top gold Grand Seiko limited to 100 pieces only?At least Grand Seiko now has our (and your) attention with this new reference SLGH002 with a retail price of 45,000. Besides the awesome looks of the 44GS case and the use of gold, what is it that makes it so special?For Grand Seikos 60th anniversary, the brand has created a beautiful watch that looks like the 44GS design from 1967 and theyve made it of 18K yellow gold. If thats not impressive already, Grand Seiko also uses this (relatively) small batch of limited edition watches to introduce something pretty important. [...]
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition models are here and were treated to amazing engraved details that are meant to evoke Shizukuishi the home of the brand.Shizukuishi is the location in Japan where Grand Seiko watches are expertly crafted. It also happens to be a mountainous area well known for its natural beauty. In order to celebrate the area and the birthday of Seikos upper tier marque, we have the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition models. Two watches were created for this anniversary and well see that both boast some amazing detailing.SBGW263 Platinum and Engraved by HandThe first and most exclusive piece within the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition o [...]
Grand Seiko thrives on its legacy as an artisan. Its Spring Drive 8 Days Jewelry Watch (reference SBGD205) from the Masterpiece Collection captures the elegance of timeless design and the magic of the artistic crafts.This year marks a monumental moment in time for the house of Grand Seiko. 2020 heralds the Japanese watchmaker's 60th anniversary and debuts a new, cutting edge Masterpiece Collection. In honor of Grand Seiko's heritage and its watchmakers' desire to create a spectacular timepiece, the Masterpiece Collection revolves around the brand's history, its unique origin, and craftsmanship.I've always loved concepts that explore a breathtaking story. The release of reference SBGD205 is u [...]
Perhaps the most recognizable luxury watchmaking brand in Japan has just passed its 60th anniversary. Since its inception, Grand Seiko has been a pioneer in the fields of technology and aesthetics. There are few brands whose component finishing is as well-regarded as the masters of GS. And now, to mark a very important birthday in Japanese culture, Grand Seiko is debuting a rush of novelties.It can be hard to put into words the extreme admiration a watch lover can feel for their favorite brand. To verbalize what is often a completely visceral emotion can make a man or woman sound mad. But for many of us, it is totally understandable. Fans of Grand Seiko will surely be pleased to see that thi [...]
