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Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical 20th Anniversary Limited Edition, 2010s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Grand Seiko (maker)
Date
2010s
Country of origin
Japan
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 39.5 mm
Stock no.
40990269
Credit line
Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40990269)
Catalogue title (original)
Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40990269), this is a wristwatch by Grand Seiko, made in Japan, dated 2010s. The Atlas places it in the Contemporary Horology period (2010 – Present) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 39.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Feast your eyes on one of the loveliest GMTs we’ve ever seen. Sure, there’s the famous GMT-Master to contend with, and superlative works of (highly expensive) art from the likes of Patek Philippe et al that happen to tell the time in multiple time zones. But for something approaching an everyday watch, this Grand Seiko SBMG235 is pretty spectacular. A limited edition of 1,000 pieces celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 9S movement — which is visible via a sapphire display caseback — the SBMG235 is housed in a 39.5mm stainless steel case with holey lugs , a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a smooth polished bezel. It features a stunning multi-textured silver dial with applied baton indices, a matching Dauphine handset, and a date window at 3:00. Powered by the aforementioned Grand Seiko Calibre 9S66 automatic movement with 72 hours of power reserve, it comes paired to a black leather alligator strap with a signed, steel pin buckle and a double-pusher deployant clasp. In good condition throughout and dating to the 2010s, it also includes its factory goodies. Sure, you could spring for the same crop of ‘usual suspect’ GMTs that seem to be ubiquitous these days. But why go down that route when something as unusual — and as beautiful — as this Grand Seiko is on offer? Check it out today!

Historical context

Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)

Silicon components, connected watches, optical-lattice research clocks and a thriving independent scene.

Smartwatches became the world's best-selling watches, while mechanical watchmaking focuses on craft, innovation (silicon components, new escapements) and independent makers.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Mechanical Renaissance

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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