The Elegance collection from Grand Seiko continues to grow with the launch of the Grand Seiko SBGK007 And SBGK009 watches. Following on from the very special manual-wind spring drive references SBGZ001 and SBGZ003, and the Elegance collection’s notable expansion earlier this year, which saw Caliber 9S63 debut in the SBGK002, SBGK004, SBGK006, and SBGK005, the SBGK007 and SBGK009 watches add to the steel options for that caliber. Prior to this release, only one stainless steel option (a gorgeoue blue Urushi dial priced at €7,400) was the only steel model powered by the 9S63. With simpler dial designs, the Grand Seiko SBGK007 and SBGK009 watches come in at a more accessible price point, while adding the option of a metal bracelet to the collection. The nine-link format adds an attractive depth to a relatively simple housing with its alternating brushed and polished finishes.

The subtle sun-ray dials in either white or black are about as understated as elegance comes. With a clean display, decorated only by a small seconds sub-dial at nine o’clock and a minimalist power-reserve indicator across the way at 3 o’clock, the dial and handset’s most attractive feature is their unexpected curvature. The dial is domed, which gives the watch a very classic appearance reminiscent of classic dress watches from the 60s and 70s, while the tip of the minute hand has been manually curved downwards to accentuate the warp.

Inside the watch, Grand Seiko’s newest manual-wind caliber, the 9S63, keeps time to +5 to -3 seconds a day. A generous 72-hour power reserve is welcome for a dress watch that measures just 11.6mm-thick on the wrist. With a diameter of 39mm, the Grand Seiko SBGK007 and SBGK009 watches are designed for comfort and have a very classic appearance about them. Anti-reflective coating on the inside of a dual-curved sapphire crystal ensures a clear view of these nuanced dial dimensions from any angle. The SBGK007 comes on a leather strap fastened by a triple folding clasp with a push-button release. As such, it retails for $6,900 USD and is the entry point for the stainless steel elegance collection powered by the 9S63. At $7,700 USD, the SBGK009 is more on the level of the previously released Urushi dial model, but the stainless steel bracelet is a big boon that totally transforms the watch. To learn more, visit grand-seiko.com.