Grand Seiko SBGW253 Tribute to 1960 Ltd Ed 38mm 2017 [Preowned]

Overview 

The Grand Seiko SBGW253 Tribute to 1960 reissues the vintage reference 3180, the watch that introduced the Grand Seiko name in 1960 and set the design and finishing standard the brand still measures itself against. Limited to 1960 pieces, a direct numerical reference to that founding year, this is a steel case; the original 3180 was produced mostly in gold-capped cases between 1960 and 1964, with steel and platinum examples the exception rather than the rule. In that sense the SBGW253 is more accessible than most surviving originals, without departing from what made the 3180 significant.

The case is stainless steel, 38mm, with the flat, mirror-polished surfaces produced by Zaratsu polishing, the technique Grand Seiko adopted in the early 1960s and has used on its cases since. The caseback carries an 18k gold medallion in relief of the historical Grand Seiko lion, a direct callback to the gold medallion set into the original 3180's caseback. The dial is white with silver stick hour markers and hands, plus a blued steel seconds hand, following the 3180's dial layout without embellishment. Sapphire crystal, fixed bezel; no complications beyond the seconds hand.

The movement is the Calibre 9S64, Grand Seiko's manual-wind mechanical movement, with a 72-hour power reserve, more than the original 3180's own calibre managed at 45 hours. It is not a reproduction of the vintage movement, but a modern manufacture calibre built to honour the original's proportions and finishing rather than its internals.

Within Grand Seiko's Tribute to 1960 output, the SBGW253 is the standard steel edition; other case and dial variants from the same release command different premiums depending on finish and rarity. Against Grand Seiko's current Heritage Collection reissues of the same design, this piece carries the specific weight of being tied to a numbered, limited run rather than ongoing production. We see steady, quiet demand for these anniversary Grand Seiko pieces among collectors who value the brand's finishing standards over its market visibility. This piece is preowned, excellent condition, complete original set with box and papers dated December 2017, at RM19,000.

Specifications

Brand :	Grand Seiko
Model Name :	Elegance
Reference :	SBGW253
Material	Stainless Steel
Movement :	Grand Seiko Caliber 9S6 PR 45 hours
Case Diameter :	38 mm
Bracelet / Strap :	Crocodile Leather
Features :	Power reserve 72 hours(3 days)

 

Condition

Preowned, Excellent Condition, Complete Original Set with Box and Papers. Papers are dated December 2017. 

Warranty

12 months warranty from SCW

Further Insight from Our Specialist Team

Read our Full Review here : The Architecture of Light: Why the Grand Seiko SBGY011 Still Feels Different

Watch our Video Review Here :