Like its big brother, Seiko, Grand Seiko has an enormous catalog of watches. As a result, the brand’s releases can sometimes blend together and get lost in a sea of seemingly similar models.
But every now and then, a Grand Seiko watch breaks through the crowd to become an icon. The best-known is easily the SBGA211, better known as the Snowflake, a wintry-dialed, Spring Drive-powered, titanium stunner that ranks as one of the best everyday watches ever made.
Lacking a catchy nickname but right on the Snowflake’s heels in popularity is the SBGM221 (originally launched as the SBGM021 back when GS was still a subbrand of Seiko), an enthusiast-favorite automatic GMT that’s lauded for its wearable size, sharp finishing, aesthetically calming dial and, for Grand Seiko, its low price point.
Now, the SBGM221 is getting some company in the form of two new automatic GMTs with the same movement, the same case, the same dial layout and, perhaps most critically, the same entry-level price tag.
The same, but different
There is a lot about these new GMTs — references SBGM255 “Snowdrop” and SBGM257 “Moondrop” — that’s the same as the SBGM221, and that’s a good thing.
First off, the elegant 39.5mm stainless steel case remains, with its rounded edges, surprisingly sharp lines and heavy use of Grand Seiko’s trademark Zaratsu polishing technique. The large box sapphire crystal can also still be found dramatically atop the dial, as can the exhibition caseback secured with six screws.