Watches tell the time, some also tell the month, date, and even moon phase. For the Grand Seiko GMT SBGM235, it is so very much more than that, it is a piece of art.

This piece was released as part of the celebration of the Calibre 9S 20th year anniversary and limited to 1000 pieces worldwide. I am one of the lucky 1000. The movement is the tried and tested 9S66 and can be found in other GS models. Sure, you could pick up a similar model (for a lot less money too), but this party is on the dial and you want to be invited.

The dial is printed with a radial mosaic pattern on a simply stunning silvery white dial with hints of blue on the hour markers and the GMT hand. Some simple minded people say that this piece is sexy, I much prefer to use the term, elegant.

Whilst there’s a lot to like about the Grand Seiko SBGM235, like any watch it is not without its negatives. For one and it’s a big one, I simply cannot understand why Grand Seiko decided to print the logo/limited edition on the display case back. It almost certainly makes having a display case back totally irrelevant. Secondly, like other Grand Seiko models, it can sit a bit tall/thick on the wrist.

However, at the end of the day, all is forgiven when you strap the watch on and stare into the dial. After all, it’s like a piece of art; it isn’t perfect.