25th May 2023
Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights From The Watch Collecting Team
by Nick Bennett
GRAND SEIKO ELEGANCE COLLECTION SBGW231
There’s no brand that delivers more value for money than Grand Seiko. Launched in 1960 as an offshoot of its parent company, Japan's premier watchmaker has carved out a reputation for producing incredibly well-made products with meticulous attention to detail. Within the catalogue, it’s the Elegance Collection that we’re most drawn to, in particular this handsome hand-winder ref. SBGW231. Despite the slightly uninspiring name, the watch delivers plenty of charm with a case measuring a perfectly-proportioned 37mm in diameter and is hand-finished in a flawless high polish, referred to by the watchmaker as ‘Zaratsu’. Interacting with the buttery-smooth 9S64 movement further emphasises why it’s one of our favourites at any price point.
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER "FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE"
No longer in production, the Speedmaster ‘First Omega In Space’ pays tribute to the historical ref. CK 2998, worn on the wrist of astronaut Walter Schirra during a space expedition in 1962 - pre-dating the moon mission by a number of years. Apart from its impressive provenance, we like the slightly smaller proportions compared to the regular ‘Moonwatch’ and the incorporation of both Baton and Alpha-style hands adds some extra visual appeal.
ROLEX DAYTONA 'SODALITE'
When it comes to Rolex sports watches, it’s not easy to stand out from the crowd, unless you’re talking about this exotic reference from the late 90s. Crafted in white gold and paired with a blue alligator strap, this rare Daytona boasts a sodalite dial. This ornamental gemstone takes its name from the high sodium content and has a pitted and speckled matte-blue finish. Adding to the gleaming good looks are factory diamond-set hour markers. When you factor in the Zenith movement ticking away inside, we can’t think of a more appealing combination of features for Rolex’s iconic chrono.
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