According to Jacob & Co., allotted time doesn’t fly, it floats For the first time in Geneva, the master designers at Jacob & Co. have created an ingenious interpretation of a classic regulator complication, subverting some of the rules of the method in the most striking way.
To keep it simple, a "regulator" is a method of timekeeping (starting with clocks and pocket watches) that separates the functions of hours, minutes, and seconds and displays each function on a separate face on a watch dial.
In fact, due to their inherent accuracy, regulator clocks are often used as real-time references by watchmaking shops, even if they do not produce regulator copy luxury watches themselves.
However, transforming this ancient complication into a luxurious floating power work of art is beyond the reach of ordinary watch brands. No, that’s the job of a brand as eclectic and undisputedly technical as Jacob & Co.
air appearance
Again, to keep it simple, the new Jacob & Co. Astronomia Régulateur is a 43mm 18k rose gold regulator watch. But, given the house's innovative and decorative tendencies, the "simple" part of its description ends here, as there is much more to the story.
Its floating 3D architecture and signature visual appeal—from component finishes to the vibrant blue and its red and gold colorways—are just the beginning of the extras the Astronomia Régulateur brings to the party. replica Tudor Black Bay
The oversized sapphire faceplate is domed along the top (of course) and curves along the sides of the 18mm-thick case, held in place by the gleaming frame of the red gold case (which features a downward-sloping top flange and an open structure lugs). Think of it like a museum case; it allows you to observe the watch itself.
Still, like all Jacob & Co. timepieces, the Astronomia Régulateur demands closer inspection, a look that reveals some impressive horological innovations to match the clever decoration.
Grand Seiko launches new range of watches on Watches And Wonders
Grand Seiko adds five new products to its three product lines, showcasing the Japanese brand’s versatility
In addition to one or two key releases, Grand Seiko releases a slew of new styles every year that build on existing models. In this article, we’ll summarize most of the 2024 editions of Grand Seiko’s best quality replica watches and wonders that will be available later this year. There’s plenty to enjoy with beautiful new additions to the Evolution 9 range, the gorgeous dials of the new Sport GMT, two new Tokyo Lion sport models and a stylish “Starry Night” addition to the Elegance range. Let these show you the variety of Grand Seiko brand products.
The big Grand Seiko news at Watches and Wonders this year is the SLGW002 and SLGW003 reported by Thomas. Featuring a new hand-wound Hi-Beat movement and a smaller case, these two elegant timepieces are an excellent addition to the brand’s Evolution 9 collection. We had the opportunity to review both watches before Watches & Wonders, and we all agreed that they were stunning. But what about other versions? Let’s analyze them one by one.
Grand Seiko SLGH021 “Genbi Valley” Undoubtedly the most recognized member of the Evolution 9 range is the so-called “Birch” model. We introduced the SLGH005 "White Birch", then the SLGA009 Spring Drive version, the SLGH011 "Green Birch" and finally the SLGH017 "Black Birch". This time around, Grand Seiko’s “birch” dial doesn’t come in a new color, but in a completely different color. Now, as always, the dial is inspired by Japanese nature. Japan’s National Natural Monument Genmi Valley is the inspiration for this light green dial.
The Genbi Valley in Iwate Prefecture is a two-kilometer-long canyon through which the Iwai River flows. As we all know, Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is also located there. The brand has launched three limited edition models for the US market, inspired by the Genbi Valley. Launched in 2021, the Grand Seiko SBGW273, SBGW275 and SBGW277 come in three valley-inspired green hues. For this new SLGH021, the brand combines lively green tones with interesting textures reminiscent of broken glass. Suspended above the dial is the earpiece used on the "White Birch" model, including a blue seconds hand. replica Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive
New dials for familiar watches The dial is combined with a 40mm Ever-Brilliant stainless steel case that is 11.7mm thick, 47mm long and has a lug-to-lug spacing of 22mm. It has the same specifications as other "Birch" models. If you turn the watch you will see the Grand Seiko 9SA5 movement that powers the watch. The automatic Hi-Beat movement runs at 36,000vph and offers an 80-hour power reserve. In terms of accuracy, the movement runs on average between +5 and -3 seconds per day. It is also equipped with the brand’s double-pulse escapement and a hairspring-less balance developed specifically for this movement by Grand Seiko.
The SLGH021 comes on an Ever-Brilliant steel bracelet with a folding clasp with push-button release. It makes this colorful Evolution 9 model even more stylish. The color and texture of the dial combine to create a unique dial that is sure to appeal to buyers.
Grand Seiko SBGC275 "Tokyo Lion" The next version is the Grand Seiko SBGC275 “Tokyo Lion”. This watch commemorates the 20th anniversary of the 9R Spring Drive movement and is released in a limited edition. It has a 44.5mm high-strength titanium case that is 16.8mm thick, 50mm long and has a 23mm lug-to-lug spacing. replica DE BETHUNE DB28XS PURPLE RAIN
The modern case features oversized pushers, and the red dial is inspired by the morning light of the Suifeng Mountains near the Xinzhou Watch Studio. The red is "Morgenrot," a German word used by climbers to mean "morning glow."
There really is a lot going on with the beautifully textured dial. There is a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 2 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 4 o'clock, a date window at 3 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator at 7 o'clock. device. On top of that, the sharp hands and hour markers contrast sharply with the dial. The hands, hour markers and bezel markers are filled with Lumibrite to aid in reading local and home time in the dark. In addition, the titanium bezel is inlaid with a black 24-hour scale made of sapphire crystal. A titanium H-link bracelet completes it all. As expected, it comes with a folding clasp with a push-button release.
Grand Seiko equips the SBGC275 with a specially tuned column wheel chronograph/GMT caliber 9R86. This Spring Drive movement has an even higher accuracy of ±0.5 seconds per day. This is highlighted by an 18K gold medallion on the oscillating weight and is clearly visible through the sapphire display on the back.
Grand Seiko SBGE307 "Tokyo Lion" Grand Seiko SBGE307 "Tokyo Lion" belongs to the sports series. Newly released this time are the GMT version of the time and date SBGA481 model and the SBGC253 chronograph GMT. Both models were launched last year. This new version follows the same aesthetic as the previous two versions.
The replica watches online features a 44.6mm high-strength titanium case that is 14.3mm thick, 50mm long and has a lug-to-lug distance of 23mm. It comes with an ivory white patterned dial that represents a lion’s mane. Grand Seiko combines this with a black and gray 24-hour bezel. The numerals on the bezel, hands and hour markers are all in white Lumibrite and glow in the dark.
Inside the 200m water-resistant case you'll find the Seiko Spring Drive 9R66 movement. The movement is accurate to ±1 second per day and offers a 72-hour power reserve with indicators on the dial. Finally, the movement is a flying GMT that allows you to independently adjust the local (12) hour hand. The 24-hour GMT hand is a beautiful red color that contrasts nicely with the lovely dial. Like this year’s new red-dialed Tokyo Lion, this GMT watch comes on a high-strength titanium H-link bracelet with a folding clasp with push-button release.
Grand Seiko SBGJ277 “Sekkei” This next version is my personal favorite. This is a new version of the stylish GMT in Grand Seiko's sports range. We've seen some great iterations of this model in the past. These include the SBGJ239, which RJ reviewed, and the SBGJ237, which is part of our Sunday Morning Showdown series. Grand Seiko has released additional Spring Drive models, including the SBGE277 and a special anniversary edition written by Thomas, the SBGJ275. The new SBGJ277 is a color variant with a green and white sapphire bezel and a matching green GMT hand. This color combination is perfect for the watch and looks great paired with the stunning snow white dial.
The color of SBGJ277 is inspired by sekkei, which means "snow valley" in Japanese. In summer, the verdant green trees and the last remnants of snow create a stunning landscape that inspires different elements of the watch. The canvas case is stainless steel, 44.2 mm in diameter, 14.8 mm thick, 50.6 mm tip to tip, and 21 mm between lugs. As far as we know, the day/night divisions on the bezel of this watch are not 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, but 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM. It's a nice quirk and I really like it. Finally, the date window is located at 4 o’clock and serves as the hour markers. replica Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa
The most attractive Grand Seiko GMT Grand Seiko powers this watch with the Hi-Beat 9S86 movement. This flying GMT movement operates at 36,000 bph and offers a 55-hour power reserve. Additionally, the movement is accurate to +5/-3 seconds per day. Overall, I like the new Grand Seiko SBGJ277 “Sekkei”. The colors look nice and crisp, and the dial is spectacular. Best of all, this watch is attractive to wear. Although the case appears large, it feels smaller due to the relatively short lugs.
Grand Seiko SBGW314 “Hoshizukiyo” The last new Grand Seiko launch is the SBGW314 “Hoshizukiyo”. This modern reinterpretation of the first Grand Seiko is part of the brand's Elegance collection. This is the sixth variant of this iconic watch. The first is the SBGW258 anniversary model launched in 2020. Since then, Seiko has released four more versions, with the stunning titanium SBGW295 being my favorite. The new SBGW314 uses a 38mm rose gold case, 10.9mm thick, 45.7mm long, and 19mm between lugs. Therefore, it is ideal for a variety of wrist sizes.
The Grand Seiko combines a rose gold case with a blue hoshizukiyo dial, which means “starry night” in Japanese. The deep blue contrasts with the rose gold hour markers and hands. I like seeing the traditional Grand Seiko logo combined with the “Diashock 24 Jewels” text on the lower half of the dial. The 8-pointed star at 6 o'clock indicates the Special Dial (SD). This means the marker is made of solid 18K rose gold.
In addition to the beauty of the front, the additional brilliance of the 9S64 movement is revealed as you turn the watch. Best of all, the hand-wound movement is a great modern movement. It runs at 28,800vph and offers a 72-hour power reserve. Best of all, it provides an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day, which is better than COSC observatory standards. Finally, the movement is decorated with a combination of exquisite engravings, stripes and pearls.
Final thoughts on the Grand Seiko launch at Watches & Wonders 2024 There you have it – five new Grand Seiko models for 2024. These are just a few of the new watches the brand will undoubtedly release this year. Nonetheless, I have to say that they give a good overview of the brand's versatility and the range's diversity. I can’t wait to try the SBGJ277 “Sekkei” GMT and the Evolution 9 SLGH021 “Genbi Valley”. They are a strong testament to Grand Seiko's ability to further develop its existing range with each new product. replica Ulysse Nardin Freak S Nomad