When one conjures up the name of a divers watch, most people tend to think of a Rolex submariner, maybe an Omega Seamaster, occasionally a Blancpain 50 Fathoms if you're lucky. But there is a new kid on the block official name SBGH255 and the limited edition (of 500) blue-dialled SBGH257 for those in the know, it's a beautifully crafted and amazingly accurate timepiece from the Japanese company Seiko. The 600m is a professional grade divers watch and Seiko's first foray adding a full mechanical movement in a divers watch and it doesn't disappoint.
The limited edition blue-dialled SBGH257 comes with an extra-strength silicone strap that matches the blue-dial alongside the high-intensity titanium bracelet. The standard SBGH255 comes with a black dial and gold accents, both looking superb. The in-house movement built and designed by Seiko is powered by Grand Seiko’s outstanding 9S85 movement with 36,000 vph(vibrations per hour) oscillates at ten beats per second, which is amazingly smooth and still produces a staggering 55-hour power reserve. The case is made from high intensity titanium, 46.9mm in diameter and 17mm in height, it's not a small watch by any means. Additionally the dial is made out of iron for anti-magnetic purposes to protect the movement from the effects of magnetism and delivers magnetic resistance of 16,000 A/m. Also fitted with an L-shaped gasket that omits the need for a helium release valve, in doing so makes the watch suitable for saturation diving.
The prices start at $9600 for the black dial and $9800 for the blue dial. If you're wanting something different as good as any other diver and certainly better than most, the quality and craftsmanship is second to none in this price range. The entire Grand Seiko range is of very high quality, great innovative mechanical know-how and very meticulous in their execution of their work. A highly recommended selection of watches for those who appreciate the world of horology.