Escapement Watch Review: Seiko Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph


The case measures 43.5 mm in diameter, with a thickness of 16.1 mm, making it one of the largest Grand Seiko models I have ever handled. Moreover, prior to wearing the SBGC001, I was a tad concerned that the oversized push-pieces may hinder free movement of the wrist or chafe the skin. My concerns proved unfounded: this watch delivers excellent wearer comfort and the wrist can freely move without any hindrance.

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The SBGC001 is equipped with an exhibition caseback, allowing the movement to be appraised.

The movement:

The self-winding Caliber 9R86 is unlike the majority of movements I write about. Spring Drive is unique, it is neither a conventional mechanical movement, nor a quartz movement. It was invented by Seiko and remains “the only spring-powered watch in the world with glide motion hands.”

I have previously discussed Seiko Spring Drive in detail, when reviewing the SBGA011, and those with inquiring minds will be able to read the technical background on this genre of movement should they wish to do so.

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The most notable differences between Spring Drive and a conventional automatic watch equipped with a Swiss lever escapement are the advance of the seconds hand, the absence of a tick and, most remarkably, the incredible accuracy of a Spring Drive movement. Indeed, accuracy is stated as within a second a day. Such precision is beyond the reach of a conventional mechanical watch.

The finishing of the movement is stunning. The oscillating mass is openworked, revealing striped decoration on the bridges, polished jewel sinks and brilliantly gleaming bevelled edges.

Closing remarks:

In creating this timepiece, Seiko clearly illustrates it is an innovator, with its own approach to watch design. The dial is unlike any other I have seen. The push-pieces are different to those items found on other brands’ chronographs and the movement is a wonderful exemplar of ingenuity which can only be found in Seiko models.

At first, I was unsure about the large chronograph push-pieces. They seemed too large, and I questioned whether they would impair the free movement of my wrist. However, with increased familiarity, such concerns proved to be misplaced and I now consider them to be a key attraction of this model.

This is a watch that is highly practical and easy to live with. It offers the convenience of a chronograph, 24-hour GMT, and power-reserve indicator, all packaged in a very wearable and comfortable form. While I appreciate the large push-pieces and crystal clear display, it is not necessary to be middle-aged or short sighted to derive benefit from the individual design language. Indeed, this watch makes a compelling case for itself irrespective of your age, dexterity, or eyesight.

Technical Specifications:

  • Model: Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph Caliber 9R86 SBGC001
  • Case: Stainless steel; diameter 43.5 mm; height 16.1 mm; water resistant to 10 bar (100 meters); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
  • Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; power-reserve indicator; chronograph.
  • Movement: Caliber 9R86, self-winding movement; Spring Drive; 50 jewels; power reserve 72 hours.
  • Bracelet: Stainless steel with three-fold clasp with push button release
  • Price: £7000 (as of 23.9.2014)

Acknowledgement: I would like to thank CW Sellors Jura, for kindly providing access to this remarkable timepiece.

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  1. George Tobler

    Bought my Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chrono 4 months ago. Despite its large size, it wears very comfortably. Most importantly, it is incredibly accurate and well built. Last month, it was off by one single second. It is in a completely different category with its precision from my mostly more expensive Swiss chronometers from Omega, Zenith (otherwise my favorite) and Breguet. Swiss watchmakers beware! Don‘t let anybody fool you: this is not quartz competition. It is a fully mechanical watch with many more parts than any Swiss watch I know of. Good thing (for Swiss watchmakers) that Zenith promised to bring us its Defy. There is hope. Can‘t wait!

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  2. DokDoom

    Excellent write up Angus.

    The Grand Seikos are growing on me in a big way to the point that when I buy my next watch I’ll definitely give these a going deal of consideration.

    The sheer quality of the dial/hands/case is what’s really attracting me here.

    It’ll be interesting to see how Grand Seiko are perceived over the next few years as they become more available outside of Japan.

    On an unrelated (sort of) note I’m still kicking myself for not picking up a Seiko Ananta when in Singapore a few years ago. now it looks like Seiko have phased them out :(

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  3. Acrowot

    I loved the write up about the Grand Seiko. Would love to be able to spend money on one. I have quite a few Seiko watches and have a Premier Kinetic, which is a fabulous timekeeper. From our winter time to spring time change of the hour (October – March), this watch has gained just 2 seconds. Fabulous timekeeping. Thank you for your piece about the Grand Seiko.

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  4. Carl Dreher

    Seiko “Spring Drive” technology always leaves me cold. At its heart, it is still an electronic watch. The time-keeping element is quartz. It is all very clever, yes, but it just seems like a hybrid that neither achieves the engineering honesty of a purely electronic watch nor the artistic purity of a mechanical watch.

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