Grand Seiko SBGH301 Hi-Beat
Grand Seiko SBGH301 Hi-Beat
Grand Seiko SBGH301 – History
The Grand Seiko SBGH301 is a standout example of Grand Seiko’s mastery of high-beat mechanical watchmaking and disciplined design. Grand Seiko, established with a philosophy of uncompromising precision and timeless aesthetics, has long been revered among collectors for craftsmanship that rivals the finest Swiss manufactures — blending technical excellence with a uniquely Japanese sense of refinement.
The SBGH301 embodies this heritage through its high-frequency movement, classic proportions, and meticulous finishing. Part of Grand Seiko’s modern lineup of mechanical sports classics, this reference is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate both performance and purity of design — a watch built to be worn every day yet treasured for its horological integrity.
Design and Aesthetic
The SBGH301 features a classic 40 mm stainless steel case that balances presence with wearability. Its profile blends sharp lines and subtle curves, with polished surfaces that showcase Grand Seiko’s renowned Zaratsu finishing — a technique that creates distortion-free reflections and exceptional surface quality.
The dial is a deep, rich black with a finely textured finish that plays with light while remaining impeccably legible. Applied polished indices and sharp, finely faceted hands deliver clarity and contrast, while a date window at 3 o’clock enhances practicality without disrupting the dial’s clean symmetry.
Subtle yet purposeful details — like the precisely executed minute track and perfectly aligned markers — reflect Grand Seiko’s philosophy of “the beauty of simplicity,” where every element serves function and form with equal emphasis.
Movement: High-Beat Caliber 9S85
At the heart of the SBGH301 is Grand Seiko’s 9S85 high-beat movement, engineered for precision and durability. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second), this caliber delivers exceptional timekeeping accuracy and a smooth sweep of the seconds hand that conveys mechanical refinement.
Key attributes include:
Automatic winding for daily reliability
High-beat regulation for superior precision
Approximately 55-hour power reserve
Date complication with quickset function
Exceptional finishing visible through a sapphire caseback
The high-beat movement sets the SBGH301 apart in its class, offering performance that appeals to collectors who value both technical distinction and everyday wearability.
Specifications
Reference: SBGH301
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Material: Stainless steel with Zaratsu-polished surfaces
Dial: Black with applied polished indices
Crystal: Dual-curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Movement: Automatic high-beat Caliber 9S85
Power Reserve: ~55 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Bracelet: Stainless steel with three-link design and folding clasp
Water Resistance: 100 m / 10 bar
Model Specifics:
Complete set with box, booklets, tag, and warranty card dated 19/08/23
