Grand Seiko is the darling of contemporary watch collectors today, and after taking even a cursory glance at their watches’ specs — or better yet, an example in the metal — it’s easy to see why.

The artisanal talent that goes into the design and manufacturing process of GS dials alone is stupefying. Depending on the angle, the color and composition of a textured dial will look completely different. They’re truly works of art steeped in Japanese tradition!

The particular GS we have here, an SBGH255 from circa the 2020, isn’t one of the brand’s more classically inspired dress models, but rather, a full-fledged diver with a whopping 600m of water resistance. Housed in a 46.9mm titanium case with ‘holey’ lugs, a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a black ceramic dive bezel, it features a black micro-tapisserie 'gilt' dial with applied with applied indices and a matching handset, and a date window at 4:30.

Powered by the impressive Grand Seiko Caliber 9S85 Hi-Beat movement and paired to a titanium multi-link bracelet with a signed push-button fliplock clasp, the SBGH257 is a modern diver built to exacting specifications that doesn’t want to be babied. In excellent condition, it even includes its factory goodies.

This is a perfect foray into the world of Grand Seiko, and a watch not to be missed!