Grand Seiko "Tropical" SBGF009 / 8J55-0010
Grand Seiko "Tropical" SBGF009 / 8J55-0010
Model: Grand Seiko SBGF009 / 8J55-0010
Year: March 2000
Features:
The Provenance. There’s something deeply interesting about imaging the life your vintage watch led before it made its way into your hands. And thanks to Japan’s obsession with gifting watches, the origin of a watch is often carved into the caseback. This caseback reads: Awarded to Isao Kanazawa for Long Service, by the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. 20 April, 2020.
The Dial. This watch is not in mint condition. You can tell Mr Kanazawa really wore it - and by that I don’t mean in it’s in a beaten up condition, but rather that the dial has taken on a "tropical” look, which confirms it was worn frequently and by someone who loved being outside. Combine the tropical dial with information from the caseback, and it isn’t hard to imagine Mr Kanazawa proudly wearing the watch as he went about his local area delivering mail!
The Accuracy. Inside is the legendary 8J, thermocompensated, HAQ movement. Said to be Seiko’s last foray into their “whatever the cost” approach to making Quartz movements, as it would eventually be phased out fully by the cheaper to make 9F calibre. Just like the 9F, the 8J is accurate to +/- 10 seconds per year, but according to some dedicate testing from WUS community, the 8J handily outperforms the 9F at every temperature.
The Battery. While the 8J lacks the Twin Pulse Control Motor that allows the 9F to move very heavy hands with a high-degree of accuracy, the 8J boasts a 5 year battery life vs. the 9F’s battery life of only three year.
The Bracelet. The original bracelet. Will fit a 19.5cm or 7.6 inch wrist.
Condition: In good condition, but shows signs of wear as the dial is taken on a tropical look. From our perspective, this tropical dial is a truly unique positive, but buyers should be aware that the SBGF009 dial is typically white.
Scope: Full box and papers.
Movement: : 9R65 Spring Drive, 72 Hour Power Reserve, 30 Jewels
Dimensions:
- Diameter: 36.0 mm
- Thickness: 10.0 mm
- Lug width: 18.0 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 44.0 mm
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FAQs
Do you ship globally?
Absolutely - our watches are regularly shipped all over the world. Shipping typically takes:
- 4-9 business days to reach North America
- 4-12 business days to reach Europe
- 4-12 business days to reach Asia and Oceania.
All of our packages are securely shipped, fully insured, and trackable door-to-door.
Do I have to pay customs or taxes?
It depends on so many factors, including but not limited to; the cost of the watch, the type of watch you've bought (vintage, new, or modified), and the import and tax laws of your country. If you're unsure we recommend checking the import laws that relate to your country before ordering.
Are your watches water resistant?
All of our watch mods are tested by our own pressure depth testing equipment, and are guaranteed to resistant water up to 50m of depth. Seiko Originals have varied levels of depth resistance, which will be stated in the description of each watch.
Can I modify an existing design?
We welcome all ideas! Get in touch via the Contact Us page and we can let you know the possibility and cost of any potential alterations.
What is your returns policy?
Due to the hand-made nature of the Seiko Mods, we offer a 7 day returns period after the watch has been received. The returner must bear the cost of the returns, and the watch must be returned in the same condition as it arrived. We do not offer returns on any bespoke or custom-made watches.
Due to the vintage nature of the Seiko Originals, returns are considered on a case-by-case basis, as vintage items typically have a no returns policy.