This iconic piece of Seiko's history was also revealed to be the US head of Seiko’s favourite watch! It features one of Seiko’s more interesting and high-end movements – the kinetic calibre 9T82.
Model: Seiko Sportura Kinetic SBCG001 / 9T82-0A50
Year: 1999
Limited Edition: 1000 Pieces
Features:
The Design. This watch was recently revealed to be the US head of Seiko’s favourite release. Designed by Shinji Sato, who joined Seiko in 1983 and continues to design watches for the brand to this day, the SBCG001 Chronograph avoids a central dial altogether. Instead, it opts for four sub-dials - five, if you’re generous enough to count the date window! Sato took his inspiration from aircraft cockpit instrumentation. Often described as retro-futuristic, the design has always struck me as something else entirely. There’s a charmingly antiquated quality to it - part WWII pilot’s watch, due to its stark contrasts and simple legibility, and part Otsuka Lotec, with a mechanically inspired, industrial aesthetic.
Limited Edition. The SBCG001 first saw a limited release in Japan, with 1,000 pieces engraved on their casebacks (the one offered here is number 0941/1000). The design quickly proved more popular than anticipated, and subsequent versions were released internationally without individual numbering - suggesting Seiko didn’t expect just how much this experimental layout would resonate beyond Japan.
The Movement. The movement is classic Seiko innovation - a hybrid between electric and kinetic energy. Often referred to by Seiko as the brand’s “third movement type” (after mechanical and quartz), it functions like an automatic in that it uses a rotor to generate energy. However, instead of winding a mainspring, that energy is stored in a rechargeable long-life capacitor. You get the accuracy of quartz, with the longevity of an automatic. Capacitor replacements are needed only every 10 to 15 years - far less frequently than the typical 1–2-year battery change required by standard quartz watches.
The History. You might have noticed the similarity between this type of hybrid movement and Seiko’s now more famous, fully automatic, “hybrid” movement - the Spring Drive. The two are certainly connected, as both movement types were hand-assembled at Grand Seiko's Shinshu Watch Studio. Seiko created the Spring Drive in the '80s but didn’t commercialise it a few years after the release of these Kinetic movements. The Kinetic series is a commercial pre-cursor to the Spring Drive, although the exact creative and historical link between the two would need to be defined by Seiko themselves.
The Warning. As a general rule, never buy one of these high-end Kinetics unless it’s been recently serviced and had a new capacitor installed. The capacitor cannot be replaced without taking the watch completely apart, so it’s always done in conjunction with a full service. It costs ~$800 and is generally only done by Seiko. Luckily the capacitor replacement interval on these is ~15 years!
Specifications:
Condition: In good condition, with some visible signs of wear. Just serviced by Seiko (one year manufacturer’s warranty).
Scope: Non-original Seiko box, with original instructions and Service Papers.
Movement: Kinetic 9T82 with 38-jewels
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 42.0mm
- Case Thickness: 13.8mm
- Bracelet Width: 20.0mm
- Bracelet Size: Up to 7.5 inches
