Inspired by traditional samurai armor, SBGC223 features a titanium inner case so the watch is light and comfortable on the wrist, and an outer case in black ceramic to protect the parts that would otherwise get scratched through daily or active use. Given that zirconia ceramic is seven times harder than steel, new polishing techniques were required to give the watch Grand Seiko’s distinct distortion-free finish. To keep the black dial as clean and legible as possible, the small second hand is presented in a semi-circle dial that shows 00 to 30 seconds on the inner ring and 30 to 60 on the outer ring. The two different shapes of the propeller hand allow the seconds to be read at a glance. Visible through an exhibition case back is Caliber 9R86, the powerhouse movement driving the watch. It’s a Spring Drive chronograph with a column wheel and a GMT function, and it’s rated to +/-15 seconds a month with a power reserve of 72 hours.
