Just announced by Grand Seiko is a collaboration with retailer The Watches of Switzerland Group to launch the “Toge” Special Edition SBGM241 GMT watch in a green and gold dial. In addition to the watch, the two are also introducing an Augmented Reality experience on Instagram @GrandSeikoUSA as a way for people to get more of a feel for the watch without physically stepping foot into a WoS location, as a result of the current social distancing mandates.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Brand: Grand Seiko X Watches of Switzerland
Model: “Toge” Special Edition SBGM241
Dimensions: 39.5mm-wide, 13.7mm-thick
Water Resistance: 30M
Case Material: steel
Crystal/Lens: AR-coated sapphire
Movement: 9S66
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Crocodile leather
Price & Availability: $5,200
The Grand Seiko SBGM221 is quite a popular watch and a solid-value GMT at around $4,600 (it is a little chunky, though, and water resistance could be better), and this “Toge” dial special edition has the best-looking dial from the collection based on photos. A hybrid of the Mount Iwate dial and British racing green, the new dial is intended as a tribute to the roots of these two brands and the result looks fantastic. The texture of the Mount Iwate dial is always beautiful, and this colorway is such a natural fit.
“Toge” in Japanese refers to a mountain pass and is intended to evoke a drive through the ridges of Mount Iwate. C’mon, it’s Grand Seiko — you knew an everyday “green” dial wasn’t going to cut it.
The best collaborations are those that would look like an amazing watch if they were regular production, and the Toge Special Edition SBGM241 is a reflection of good taste on the part of Grand Seiko, as well as Watches of Switzerland. As far as I can tell, there is no co-branding on the watch itself (as was largely the case with the Spring Drive GMT SBGE249 with Timeless Luxury Watches from last year), which demonstrates confidence in the final product, as well as the relationship between the two.
The Grand Seiko “Toge” Special Edition SBGM241 is priced at $5,200 and will be available in July of this year at Watches of Switzerland, as well as select Mayors boutique locations. You can learn more at grand-seiko.com and watchesofswitzerland.com.
