Grand Seiko reintroduces guilloché in its Elegance Automatic GMT replica watches Elegant guilloché dial.
Even with a new, advanced movement featuring a double-pulse escapement, Grand Seiko hasn’t forgotten its familiar and reassuring classic designs. Now, the brand introduces two new versions of its classic Elegance Automatic GMT watches, each with a silver or deep blue guilloché dial.
The new SBGM255 “Snowflake” and SBGM257 “Moondrop” watches are reminiscent of the mosaic dial SBGM235 launched in 2018 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9S movement. Seven years later, the mosaic pattern returns—this time in a simpler form. How does it perform?
Exquisite guilloché pattern
Grand Seiko often uses embossed textures on its dials, but most of these designs are fluid and natural, without obvious repetition. This time, however, the brand took a different approach, employing a more geometric pattern reminiscent of traditional guilloché, making these new replica luxury watches stand out among Grand Seiko’s many distinctive dials.
The dial features a repeating diamond pattern, narrow and elongated at the center, gradually widening and flattening towards the edges. A 24-hour marker ring cleverly divides the pattern, positioned inside rather than outside the hour markers. This is a signature design element of Seiko’s Grand Seiko automatic GMT watches.
The new pattern is not only exceptional in texture but also in its color combinations. On the “Snowflake” model, the silver guilloché pattern paired with blue GMT hands and the 24-hour marker ring creates a calm and sophisticated visual effect. On the “Moondrop” model, the deep blue guilloché pattern contrasts warmly with gold accents, subtly echoing the SBGM031 watch launched in 2012—a timepiece designed to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the replica Grand Seiko automatic GMT movement.
Classic Case and Dial
Loyal fans of the brand will find the design concept of these two latest watches familiar. Both feature a beautifully polished 39.5mm round case, a short GMT hand, a 24-hour scale ring within the hour markers, and an elegant leather strap, creating a seamless overall look. This has been the signature design of Grand Seiko mechanical GMT watches since the brand’s inception.
The first watch, the SBGM001, launched in 2002, adopted a completely different style. The second watch, the SBGM003 with an ivory dial, introduced this design in 2004. Subsequent models, such as the SBGM021 and the final SBGM221, continued this design, marking the gradual phasing out of the dual-logo design.
This familiar shape has become a hallmark of Grand Seiko. The short, angular hour markers highlight the meticulous finishing, while the round case showcases the brand’s renowned Zaratsu polishing technique, particularly on the faceted lugs. The leather strap further accentuates the watch’s refined elegance.
Internally, it houses the reliable 9S66 movement, oscillating at 4 Hz and offering a three-day power reserve. This is a long-established movement within the Grand Seiko family, its performance proven over time. While not particularly innovative, it remains a robust and reliable movement suitable for everyday wear or travel. https://www.grand-watch.co
Technical Specifications: Grand Seiko Elegance Series Automatic GMT Watch
Model: SBGM255 (Snowflake); SBGM257 (Moondrop)
Movement: 9S66; Automatic winding; 72-hour power reserve; 4 Hz or 28,800 vibrations per hour
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and GMT
Case: 39.5 mm x 14.1 mm; Stainless steel; Water resistant to 30 meters
Strap: Alligator leather strap with folding clasp