The Grand Seiko SBGP007 Is A Stunning Tribute To The Brand Itself
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? Because of its intrinsic quality. Although, it is fair to say that not even one of our favorite brands is beyond criticism…
Not only is product photography difficult, but it is also a nuanced beast…
Product photography is an oft-forgotten art. Some brands are great at it. Most just get by. Sometimes, it can be hard for our readers to understand why we — the lucky few who get to handle vast numbers of luxury watches — rave about certain products when all they have to go on is the press release. It is totally understandable. Not only is product photography difficult, but it is also a nuanced beast that requires each product to be shot in a different way. Bringing out the character of a timepiece that would otherwise look vaguely vanilla is Fratello’s photographer extraordinaire Bert Buijsrogge’s specialty. And today, we’d like to share with you some particularly illuminating shots of the Grand Seiko SBGP007.
A different light
We covered this watch upon its release in January We were pretty excited by the clean design and the luscious blue dial, but, truthfully, we weren’t fully prepared for the boldness of this aesthetic in the metal. When we finally got our hands on it, we were blown away by the color. And while we’ve come to expect the very best finishing standards from Grand Seiko, seeing this watch in person, having the chance to observe it from many angles, under many kinds of light, has made all the difference.
At first glance, this watch appeared a good, if safe addition to the Grand Seiko range. Now, however, I see it in a different light. Had you asked me to place this on an ordered wishlist of models from the brand working from the press release imagery alone, it would not have cracked the top ten. In fact, it would have had a ways to go to break into the top 25…
Perhaps that has a lot to do with the number of beautiful watches made by the brand. But perhaps, more likely, it has even more to do with the fact I just didn’t appreciate not only how nice this watch looks on the wrist, but also how very much on-brand it is.
An ambassador
I love watches that can act as an ambassador for their brand. To be a prime candidate, a watch must express the core values of its maker. Here, in the case of the Grand Seiko SBGP007, we have just such a watch. It displays the finest level of case finishing. The dial decoration is exemplary. I have rarely seen more accomplished handset crafting. And the bracelet? Well, it may look simple on the photographs, but trust me: you’ll appreciate the finish when you fasten it to your wrist.
A hidden gem
The motif between 6 o’clock and center is, to me, a perfect metaphor for this watch within the Grand Seiko catalog. It is a hidden gem. A shining star that perfectly encapsulates all that is good about the brand. For me, I would still veer towards the Spring Drive system simply because it fascinates me from a mechanical perspective. But when it comes to pure aesthetics, there are few better, more wearable, and more simultaneously subtle and eye-catching as the Grand Seiko SBGP007. Discover more by visiting the brand’s official website here.
