New Grand Seiko Elegance GMT "Snowdrop" and "Moondrop" watches launch with 9S66 automatic movement
Grand Seiko is adding two Elegance "Contemporary Classics Mechanical GMT" models for December alongside the newly released Quartz models: SBGM255 "Snowdrop" (white dial) and SBGM257 "Moondrop" (navy dial), both listed at £4,550 (~$5,953).
Each watch uses a box‑shaped sapphire crystal, a stainless‑steel case, and a crocodile leather strap, making this a pair of compact, traditional GMTs with a modern spec sheet. The pages confirm December availability rather than immediate delivery, which implies a scheduled arrival for boutiques and authorized dealers.
The Snowdrop features a white geometric pressed pattern intended to reference early‑spring light, while the Moondrop has a midnight‑blue geometric dial, with both dials paired to matching leather straps and a framed date at 3 o’clock. Through exhibition backs, both models show the in‑house movement and classic finishing cues.
Speaking of the movement, the watches are powered by the automatic 9S66 with manual winding, 72‑hour power reserve, and a mean daily rate of +5 to −3 seconds per day as tested across six positions for 12 days before casing, with an "accuracy in use" guide of +10 to -1 seconds per day. The caliber provides a 24‑hour hand for a second time zone and Grand Seiko’s calendar‑linked time difference adjustment function for practical travel changes, and it runs on 35 jewels.
Dimensions are the same across both references at 39.5 mm in diameter, 46.9 mm lug‑to‑lug, and 14.1 mm thick, with a 19 mm lug width and a three‑fold clasp with push‑button release for the leather strap. Cases are stainless steel with a screw‑secured see‑through back, and the quoted weight is 92.0 g on strap. Water resistance is described as "splash resistant," so these are daily‑wear pieces rather than swim‑ready tool watches, while magnetic resistance is listed at 4,800 A/m for baseline protection around devices and office environments. Anti‑reflective coating is applied to the inner surface of the crystal to reduce glare over the patterned dials.
