Named (brace yourselves) the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT Limited Edition SBGC240, it is a model based largely off the regular production SBGC203 with just enough tweaks to tip it into limited edition territory. We say “largely” because the dodecahedron bezel on the SBGC240 is the most telling structural difference.
The two-tone execution is also quite the rarity in Grand Seiko’s books as yellow gold is used for the crown, pushers and bezel. As with most luxury sports chronographs these days, the bezel has a polished ceramic insert that gives a strong visual contrast with the gold edges. A matching black dial accented with gold details ties everything together, thus warranting the limited-edition tag.
Judging from the official dimensions, the SBGC240 is like the distant cousin of the more elegantly sized Grand Seikos. Coming in at 43.8mm across with a thickness of 16.1mm, it is a hulking presence both on and off the wrist. It is unapologetically bold, especially with the oversized crown and pushers that might throw some people off. The stainless steel case is zaratsu-finished as expected and is paired with a steel bracelet and an accompanying crocodile strap.
The Spring Drive calibre 9R86 is the brains behind the multi-complication timepiece, which boasts a chronograph and GMT. Grand Seiko rejigged the chronograph counters, placing them on the crown side of the dial. It feels foreign but offers a systematic way of reading the chronograph — the counters are outlined in gold for easy identification. The GMT hand is more discreet as its black base blends in with the dial, giving the illusion of a floating white-tip. Accuracy is estimated to be ±1 second per day regardless of the chronograph is in operation or not, or if the power reserve is low.
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