BOUTIQUE
GRAND SEIKO
Hi-Beat 36000 Special Edition
Grand Seiko introduces an elegant new Hi-Beat
model (far left) with distinctive vintage Seiko
appeal. The new H-Beat 36,000 Special Edition
(SBGH263) highlights a traditional Japanese silk
color concept called Shironeri in combination
with gold razor-edged hands, Arabic numerals
and a retro box-shaped sapphire crystal.
Assembled at the Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio
in Japan, where all Grand Seiko mechanical
watches are manufactured and assembled, the
Hi-Beat 36000 movement Caliber 9S85, appro-
priately designed, adjusted and tested by hand,
exhibits accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds a day and a
power reserve of 55 hours.
The limited edition of 453 pieces is being
made in a 39.5mm steel case paired with a
contrasting deep brown crocodile strap. Don’t
try to check your friend in Japan for an edge to
obtain this piece however. Grand Seiko is offer-
ing this only through its overseas markets, which
means your nearest Grand Seiko dealer likely
has it---for a short time we’d say. Don’t hesitate.
Recommended retail price: $6,200.
IW RATING
Design: 6 (out of 10)
Not fancy, but admirable in its purity.
Above and left: Grand Seiko has in
recent years created several other
watches that use a GMT version of
its Hi-Beat caliber. From 2016, recall
these Hi-beat 36000 GMT caliber
9S86 in two designs.
Innovation: 6
Grand Seiko’s Hi-Beat is a force to be
reckoned with.
Finissage: 7
Maintains this brand’s high standards.
Legibility: 8
Few dials are this obvious.
Rarity: 8
Only 453 will be made.
Value: 8
Grand Seiko’s very active collector base
will be excited.
iW rating: 43 out of 60
34 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SPRING 2018
iWMAGAZINE .COM