When everyone talks about high-end watches, Swiss brands often come to mind. However, the Grand Seiko we are going to talk about today is not a vegetarian! This new SBGJ283 “Waji” watch not only integrates traditional Japanese craftsmanship in design, but also has a movement accuracy that is close to that of Swiss watches, which is really refreshing. Want to know what’s unique about it? Then read on!
Crown Blue Lion’s main series and latest watches
In China, when many people mention “famous watches”, they basically think of Swiss brands, such as Lao, Bai, Wan, Ai, etc. Everyone knows that they are Swiss famous watches, but in fact, in addition to these, there is another brand that also belongs to “famous watches”. It is Crown Blue Lion, and its English name is Grand Seiko. As the Oriental Star, its movement and travel time standards are top-notch, and it is not inferior to Swiss famous watches.
As the two main series of Crown Blue Lion, the Evolution 9 series and the Heritage series have their own emphasis. One is the “innovative” series and the other is the “classic” series. There are many new models of the former, such as this SBGA485 “Japanese paper” with a public price of 64,800, but what I focus on today is the latter.
It is this SBGJ283 with a public price of 63,800, Heritage series GMT two-place “Japanese paper”, limited to the Asia-Pacific region, and limited to 150 pieces worldwide.
Movement, case and dial design
Many people will think that buying a Crown Blue Lion at a price of 63,800 is not cheap, but in fact it is not expensive compared to Swiss watches, such as the Breitling Pilot Series A2337012/BB01/152A, which is also from the two places. The price is 73,500, and the movement is self-developed B04, with a travel time accuracy of only -4/+6 seconds/day, while the 9S86 movement used in the Crown Blue Lion has a travel time accuracy of up to -3/+5 seconds/day, and the travel time standard is even better.
In addition to the movement, Crown Blue Lion is also very particular about the materials and workmanship. In particular, the case design of this SBGJ283 draws on the design elements of the antique Crown Blue Lion 44GS. It has a combination of retro and sporty feel. It combines polishing and brushing, and the facets are increased a lot, making the overall look more shiny.
“Washi” dial and bracelet design
The biggest highlight of this SBGJ283 is its dial. The new “Washi” dial uses silver as the background color, imitating the texture of Japanese “Washi”. The fine and interlaced texture effect on it is very outstanding. Compared with the lacquer or enamel technology used in Swiss watches, it is more distinctive and can better reflect the exquisite skills of Japanese craftsmen.
Although it adopts a three-hand design, the GMT dual time function is not affected at all. It indicates the second time zone through the red pointer at 12 o’clock on the outer ring of the dial. This pointer is very conspicuous, and the difference between the two places can be seen at a glance, which is very in line with the needs of modern consumers.
Watch bracelet, market positioning and consumer experience
In terms of bracelets, the new “Washi” uses a three-section steel chain design. The overall design is very exquisite, and the gaps between the links are almost invisible. The matching buckle also has the GS logo, which is a relatively rare detail in the same level.
In the domestic market, the visibility of Crown Blue Lion is not high. In comparison, there are indeed many more Swiss watches that can be seen everywhere on the roadside. However, in fact, in Japan and other places, their brand promotion and sales are good.
For example, when I was in Osaka before the Spring Festival this year, I saw many people buying Crown Blue Lion in stores.
Japanese luxury watch market and consumption trends
As the domestic market attaches great importance to high-end watch consumption in recent years, it is not surprising that major brands have opened stores in the country and increased publicity. For example, this year’s new SBGJ283 “Waji” only has 150 pieces in the domestic market, but it has attracted many consumers to appreciate it.
In fact, its price in the domestic market is not expensive. Compared with Swiss watches, the price/performance ratio is relatively high. Just like its new “Waji”, the public price is 63,800, which is relatively affordable among similar products.
Summary: The appeal of Crown Blue Lion and Japanese luxury watches
The new “Waji” uses the 9S86 automatic movement. In addition to providing GMT dual time function, it also has a 70-hour power reserve, a travel time accuracy of up to -3/+5 seconds/day, and the travel time standard is even higher than the Swiss Observatory certification. More importantly, its travel time accuracy exceeds the Swiss Observatory certification, so it is a high-quality, high-level performance.
In addition to the movement, its decorative craftsmanship is also very particular. A circle of golden gears and racks can be seen on the front of the movement. These decorations are very exquisite and the overall look is very pleasing to the eye.
On the back, it adopts a transparent bottom cover design, so you can clearly see the running status of the movement. A high-end watch equipped with a Japanese cherry blossom pattern oscillating weight is displayed in front of you.
At the Shanghai International Watch and Clock Fair held in April this year, I also saw this new “Japanese paper”. The collision between silver and red made it look particularly elegant, and the cherry blossom oscillating weight on the back was even more impressive.
Unfortunately, since there are only 150 pieces of the new “Washi” in the domestic market, it is not easy to get them, but in fact, they are not scarce in the local Japanese market.
Due to factors such as exchange rates and shopping discounts, purchasing high-end watches in Japan has become a new choice for many consumers. For example, when I was in Osaka before the Spring Festival this year, I saw many consumers buying Crown Blue Lion. Their popularity in the local area seems to be not low.
As the representative of Japanese high-end watch brands, Crown Blue Lion is actually not very exposed in the domestic market. In comparison, Swiss watches that can be seen everywhere on the roadside seem to be more popular. But in fact, among Japanese high-end watch brands, Crown Blue Lion is truly the “high-end” choice.
Just like its new SBGJ283 “Waji”, as a Heritage series GMT dual time watch, it not only continues the series’ consistent rigorous and elegant design style, but also perfectly combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern watchmaking technology.
Because of this, the appearance of this new type of “washi” has attracted so many consumers to appreciate it, and the price of 63800 is also reasonable. At this year’s Shanghai International Watch and Clock Fair, I tried on this new “Waji” and the overall wearing experience was very good.
In particular, the bright red GMT two-time pointer made my eyes shine. It not only provides practical functions, but also makes the entire watch look more agile. Although there are only 150 of them in the domestic market, they are not scarce in the Japanese market.
As a high-end watch, it is of high quality in terms of movement, materials, workmanship, etc., and it is made using traditional Japanese craftsmanship, so it is also very unique in terms of appreciation. In this way, this new type of “washi paper” has become an excellent choice for domestic consumers.
If you like it too, then go and find it in Japan! After all, for them, Japan is their home market.
Conclusion
Crown Blue Lion’s SBGJ283 “Waji” is impressive in terms of movement, design and cost-effectiveness, especially its Japanese craftsmanship. It is really a good choice! Although it is not common in the domestic market, it is a popular “treasure watch” in Japan. Do you think it’s worth buying? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to like it!