With everything you could expect from a world-class timepiece, the best Grand Seiko watches for men fuse striking aesthetics with Japanese precision and durability.
Fuelled by the desire for excellence, Grand Seiko opened its doors in 1960 with a singular modest goal – to create the ‘ideal’ timepiece. Using the best materials and watch designers available, they set to work.
Their plan paid dividends, as the original Grand Seiko was the first Japanese watch in history to comply with the Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche de Montres standard of excellence!
- Best Grand Seiko Watches For Men
- 1. Grand Seiko Sport
- 2. Grand Seiko Elegance Mechanical Hi-Beat
- 3. Grand Seiko Series 9 White Birch Hi-Beat
- 4. Grand Seiko Heritage
- 5. Grand Seiko Heritage GMT
- 6. Grand Seiko Sport Automatic Spring Drive 3-Day
- 7. Grand Seiko Sport Automatic Spring Drive 3-Day Chronograph GMT
- 8. Grand Seiko Elegance Mechanical Automatic 3-Day
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
Best Grand Seiko Watches For Men
The best Grand Seiko watches for men offer unparalleled style and, of course, Japanese precision and efficiency. Here are 8 Grand Seiko men’s watches to consider.
1. Grand Seiko Sport
Review
With a traditional yet striking appearance, the Grand Seiko Sport (SBGN021) is a durable contemporary timepiece that can go from the gym, office and beyond.
Set within a 40mm tapered stainless steel case, the dial is presented in stunning royal blue. The baton markers and dial hands stand out incredibly well, even in low light.
Tinted blue, the stainless steel bezel acts as an aesthetic bridge between the watch face and the stainless steel case. I love the date aperture located at 4’oclock, and the pale blue GMT hand is great for travelling.
Heavy steel links make up the traditional metal strap of this sports watch, giving it a comforting weight and ensuring durability. Likewise, the case and face covering are scratch-resistant and water-resistant up to 200 meters.
This really is a sports watch that can keep up with the most varied and busy of lifestyles.
Case Diameter:
40mm
Water Resistance:
200m
Movement
Quartz
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Grand Seiko Elegance Mechanical Hi-Beat
Review
If you want a classy evening watch, or you just like to add a little refinement to your day-to-day, the Elegance Mechanical Hi-Beat (SBGJ251) is a great choice.
At 39.5mm, the stainless steel case of this watch is a little smaller than most of the entries on this list, although the linked strap still looks purposeful on the wrist.
The metallic emerald green dial really ‘pops’ against the stainless steel case, crown, and bezel. Short baton markers and a white date index mean that the face is easy to read, even in lower lighting. Also has the GMT feature and date aperture.
Unlike many of its brothers, this watch is not designed for rough sportswear or swimming. While it is not fragile by any stretch of the imagination, this watch is only splash resistant.
As such, you should keep it for generally non-rugged days and events. Perfect for office days and formal occasions, but not quite the watch you want for anything more intense.
Case Diameter:
39.5mm
Water Resistance:
Splash Resistant
Movement
Automatic & Manual Winding
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Grand Seiko Series 9 White Birch Hi-Beat
Review
The series 9 White Birch Hi-Beat (SLGH005) is the epitome of functional elegance, and Grand Seiko’s most beloved designs. I feel this watch is perfect for dressy occasions when you need some discreet bling.
With wide lugs, the 40mm watch case is perfectly balanced and sits securely on the wrist at all times and is a real eye-catching piece.
The silver-tone dial face has a slightly pearlescent texture reminiscent of birch bark, baton markers, and hands are darker grey. A bold, black numerical on white background allows the date to stand out.
A traditional steel link bracelet finishes the overall look of this watch and ensures that it stands up to daily wear and tear. Not quite as tough as the Grand Seiko sports collection, but it‘s scratch resistant and water-resistant to 100 meters.
If you want a watch that balances formal beauty and masculinity with the robust nature of a sports watch, this is a good choice. Check out my review on the similar Tudor Glamour Double Date.
Case Diameter:
40mm
Water Resistance:
100m
Movement
Automatic
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Grand Seiko Heritage
Review
Smooth, well-proportioned, and brilliantly finished, the Grand Seiko Heritage watch (SBGP013) is a stunning masculine piece that’s ideal for everyday wear.
Tapered baton markers and silver/grey hands are easy on the eye, contrasting nicely with the dark blue dial with a subtle satin-like sheen. The date aperture at 3’oclock uses a black font, white background and thin silver surround.
The 40mm stainless steel case provides a smooth silhouette leading to the wide lugs and traditional metal link bracelet. The result is a perfectly proportioned timepiece that balances functionality and aesthetics.
An ultra-tough sapphire crystal glass face ensures this watch is scratch-resistant and water-resistant to 100 meters. All in all, I think this is a durable any occasion and season timepiece.
Case Diameter:
40mm
Water Resistance:
100m
Movement
Quartz
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Grand Seiko Heritage GMT
Review
The attention-seeking blue and gold dial colour combination of the Grand Seiko Heritage GMT (SBGN009) really caught my eye. Casual enough for everyday wear, yet would not look out of place even if you are wearing a tux!
The smooth silhouette of the stainless steel case emphasises the striking blue and gold face that carries a repeating motif based on the quartz crystal. Love it!
The light grey, tapered baton markers and hands are easy to read against the dark face, as is the minimalist date aperture. I particularly like the GMT and second-hand presentation in gold (as is the lettering and Grand Seiko logo).
Of course, just because it’s a bit fancy doesn’t mean that this watch is not robust; the sapphire crystal glass is scratch-resistant, and the watch as a whole is water-resistant to 100 meters.
Case Diameter:
40mm
Water Resistance:
100m
Movement
Quartz
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Grand Seiko Sport Automatic Spring Drive 3-Day
Review
As rugged as Mickey Rourke, this Grand Seiko divers watch (SBGA231) has rock ‘n’ roll written all over it. If you want a hardy and striking watch with an easy to read face and serious staying power, look no further.
The oversized 44mm steel case compliments the black bezel. The dial is jet black with large batons painted with ‘LumiBright’ to ensure increased visibility in low light and murky conditions.
High-intensity titanium ensures that this watch is superbly scratch-resistant whilst also being lighter in weight than a stainless steel watch of the same size.
Scratch-resistant and water-resistant to 200 meters, a 72-hour power reserve, power reserve display, this divers watch is capable of keeping up with you no matter where you go.
Also, consider the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 40mm watch I reviewed recently.
Case Diameter:
44mm
Water Resistance:
200m
Movement
Automatic
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Grand Seiko Sport Automatic Spring Drive 3-Day Chronograph GMT
Review
This titanium and ceramic sports watch (SBGC221) combines monochrome aesthetics with an array of features that will keep hard-core gadget lovers happy.
The etched white dial is incredibly easy on the eye, plus diamond-cut hands with Lumibrite inserts and markers provide excellent contrast. The second hand has a red tip that stands out well.
With gadgets a-plenty, this timepiece has a dual time function, date aperture, seconds, built-in Stopwatch function, and even a power reserve indicator.
The soft sheen of the titanium bracelet links, case, and bezel contrasts the black ceramic panels. This is a stylish piece, no matter which way you look at it.
This robust watch balances form and function perfectly, extremely durable with scratch-resistant glass and water resistance up to 100 meters. From diving into the ocean or diving into canapés at a black-tie event, this watch has it all.
Case Diameter:
46.4mm
Water Resistance:
100m
Movement
Spring Drive
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Grand Seiko Elegance Mechanical Automatic 3-Day
Review
If you ever find yourself sipping cocktails on the Orient Express, this is the watch you should be wearing. Timeless by design, the Elegance Mechanical 3-Day (SBGM221) has class written all over it.
The smooth stainless steel case, lugs, and notched crown blend perfectly with the silver hands and long batons. A smooth ivory dial stares back at you, enhanced with discreet black 5-minute markers.
The date aperture has black numbering on a white background and silver surround. I especially love the pale blue GMT hand, keeping you on time as you cross timezones.
To finish off, the crocodile leather strap is firm but not overly chunky, plus the movement is viewable on the reverse of this timepiece, and the 6 shining screws are a lavish touch.
This watch is scratch resistant and will take you to 30m underwater before you need to come up for air. I am sure Poirot never dives that deep anyway, plus this watch screams elegant afternoons and evenings.
Case Diameter:
39.5mm
Water Resistance:
30mm
Movement
Automatic
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Seiko Sport SBGN021
My top pick is the Grand Seiko Sport SBGN021. The dark blue dial and silver/luminous hour markers and hands really ping against the stainless steel bracelet. I feel the pale glue GMT hand is particularly useful.
Conclusion
The best Grand Seiko watches for men come in various styles, colours and materials to ensure the perfect timepiece for every guy, no matter the situation or occasion. Grand Seiko is an excellent option if you fancy something a bit different from established luxury brands such as Omega and Rolex.
The only downside I can see is depreciation. After some research, I found that Grand Seiko watches seem to lose value on the resale market. For example, the used price for a model Sport Grand Seiko 9F Quartz GMT SBGN005 was about 20% cheaper than a new one. This will, of course, vary from model to model.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
