Grand Seiko Elegance SBGR261 39.5 mm

The Elegance SBGR261 is a restrained three-hand form with a useful power-reserve indication. Its round stainless-steel case is 39.5 mm wide, 13.1 mm thick and 46.9 mm lug to lug. A polished dial, box-shaped sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and see-through caseback are paired with an alligator-leather strap. LumiBrite and anti-reflective coating bring the practical details into the same carefully finished composition.

Inside is the in-house 9S65, an automatic 9S calibre with bidirectional winding, hand-winding, hacking seconds and 35 jewels. Its single barrel provides 72 hours of reserve while the balance beats at 28,800 vph. Grand Seiko specifies six-position testing and an accuracy of +5/-3s/day. The 9S65 is the straightforward three-day mechanical foundation of the Elegance family, with the reserve display adding information without changing its essential character.