Grand Seiko Sport Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat Diver Watch SBGH289 - A Statement Piece that Balances Toughness with Elegance, A Review (plus Video)
The Grand Seiko dealership in Mid Valley Megamall is having a clearance sale. Many GS watches are available with deep discounts from MSRP. I went to visit to peruse what's available and see if I could find a bargain.
To be honest, I do not have a burning desire to get one. Nonetheless, the choices available is still rather extensive. After going through the examples available, my eyes started to drift towards a genre that was my first love when I started my watch collection journey - the dive watch. What is available in the offerings is the SBGH289, with a hi-beat automatic movement.
I do have something similar in the form of the SBGA229, powered by a Spring Drive movement. One would immediately assumed the the SBGH289 (launched in 2021) is the same as the SBGA229 (launched in 2017) except for the different caliber movements used. However, there are more subtle changes that can only be noticed on closer scrutiny.
The special price quoted for the SBGH289 is really good and difficult to get anywhere else. After weighing in the options, I proceeded with the purchase of the SBGH289.
The Series
In 2021, Grand Seiko launched the SBGH289 and the SBGH291; made out of stainless steel and titanium, respectively. Both are powered by the mechanical hi-beat movement 9S85.
SBGH289 Stainless steel
Blue dial Weight 206 gm USD7,300
SBGH291
Titanium Black dial Weight 142 gm USD8,800
The Watch
Grand Seiko was founded in 1960. However, after a few years, the brand was kept on hiatus until it was relaunched in 1998. Despite the Group's experience with dive watches, it wasn’t until 2008 that the Japanese watchmaker debuted their
first dive watch, the stainless steel SBGA029 and the titanium SBGA031. Both were powered by the company’s 9R65 Spring Drive
movement. In 2017, as part of a brand repositioning exercise, the watch was refreshed with a new reference number, the SBGA229 (and SBGA231), dropping the brand "Seiko" from the dial and focusing only on "Grand Seiko". It is the rebranded model SBGA229 that I got for the collection.
In more recent years, Grand Seiko has also impressed with its Hi-Beat
Diver models, which specifically target wearers who appreciate a higher
frequency mechanical movement, offering greater accuracy and a more
responsive feel. The brand has long been a strong contender in the
sports watch market, so it’s no surprise that their dive watch
collection is packed with high-performing, top-tier models.
In 2021, the Grand Seiko Sport Hi-Beat Diver SBGH289 watch was launched as an alternative to the SBGA229. Powered by the 9S85 hi-beat movement, it offers fans a truly mechanical timepiece in the same genre. Although it may look visually identical to the SBGA229, it is not. There are surprisingly a lot of minor differences.
One of the major differences is the dimensions. The SBGH289 has a width, thickness and length of 43.8 mm, 14.7 mm and 51.0 mm, respectively. The whole package weighs in at 206 gm. When compared to the SBGA229's dimensions of 44.2 mm, 14.0 mm, 50.6 mm and 210 gm, there are subtle differences.
The case of the Grand Seiko Sport Hi-Beat Diver SBGH289 watch is
engineered from stainless steel and, in typical Grand Seiko style,
features a nice combination of finishes. The case sides feature a mirror polish, also known as Zaratsu polishing. It is a process that is done completely by hand and requires several
years of training to master. The metal is held against a spinning
tinplate to create a breathtaking mirror polish. It looks incredibly
good on a sports watch. There is also a small bit of bevelling along the side of the case,
adding to its sleek architecture and satin-brushed finishing.
The SBGH289 dial is classic Grand Seiko in both styling and
workmanship. The dial is painted deep navy blue. The slopping
chapter ring, also deep navy blue, has the minute indicators in white
lines. Meanwhile, the applied hour markers comes in three styles; the
inverted triangle for 12:00, the rectangular for 9:00 and 6:00 and the circle for the rest. At 3:00, a date aperture takes the place of the
hour marker. Each of the hour markers are framed with a mirror polished
structure. The markers are all painted with Lumibrite paint.
There
are five lines of texts and logo on the dial. The "GS" logo and the "Grand Seiko" brand now premiers
over the upper quadrant of the dial. Both are painted in white directly on the dial surface. The next three lines of text on the bottom quadrant of the dial are the words "AUTOMATIC", "HI-BEAT 36000" and "DIVER'S 200m" also painted white. The final line of text is very
small, close to the peripheral of the dial and states production coding
for the watch.
As
highlighted earlier, the date aperture is located at 3:00. The aperture
is framed by a white painted borderline. The date wheel has a white
background to mimic somewhat the opposite (9:00) hour marker.
Personally, I prefer if Seiko located the date aperture at 4:30. This
allows all the hour markers to be on the dial to maintain symmetry
especially in the dark.
Like the earlier SBGA229, the hands on the SBGH289 are thick and have a combination of
styling. The hours hand is cathedral-like but with straight sides. The
surface is segmented into three parts to be painted with Lumibrite
paint. The hours hand is arrow-like with the two segments, one on the
arrow head and another along the shaft, painted with Lumibrite paint.
For these two hands, all other surfaces have brush polishing. Meanwhile,
the seconds hand has a reverse lollipop design where the only the
circular area is painted with Lumibrite. The rest of the lollipop
section is painted black while the pointy end is mirror polished.
Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
coating on the inner surface.
The SBGH289 comes with unidirectional dive bezel. It has a nice dome
surface with gear-tooth sides. The bezel moves in 120 increments for a
full rotation. The rotation is not as crisp that I expected. There is some looseness that is not reassuring. The insert is indexed with 60 minute markings in a
mixture of dots, lines and Arabic numbering. Instead of just painting
the various markers directly on the surface, Grand Seiko carved the
shapes of the various markers first before putting the paint. Meanwhile,
at 12:00 is the required diver's luminous pip filled with Lumibrite
paint.
The bezel insert remains an enigma to a many reviewers.
Grand Seiko's website did not indicate what it is made from. The common
understanding is that it is just a standard aluminum insert like on most
Seiko dive watches. However, on close inspection, the material feels
warm with with a colour that is more natural than just paint. In fact,
one could easily mistaken it for ceramic. If it was ceramic, the
official website would have mentioned it. I believe the material is
aluminum but coated in an exotic composite of titanium carbide. This
composite would have the ability to create the tactile feel of the bezel
insert.
The watch casing is a work of art. The transition between the various
surfaces is seamless. There are no sharp edges unlike what one would
find on the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller. Meanwhile, the crown, located at
3:00 is a screw-down and signed with the Grand Seiko logo. The crown is
protected by half shoulders that extends from the casing. Compared to
the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller, the threads for the crown has a higher
twist rate. This makes it more watertight but the downside is that it
makes it more difficult to engage the treads when trying to screw-down
the crown.
Note the pass-through lug holes. Although this disrupt the smooth lines on the watch casing, it is a practical design feature that is a must for truly professional dive watches. It makes replacing the bracelet much easier and reduce potential scratch damage. Just a simple wooden toothpick is enough to disengage the spring-bars. If the holes are not there, one need to manipulate a sharp tool at awkward angles to disengage the spring-bars which increases the likelihood of scratching the surface.
Paired with this watch is a solid stainless steel bracelet with the same
level of care, design and Zaratsu polishing. The bracelet has many
parts. Apart from the solid end-links, each link consists of five
distinct parts. Whereas the sides and centre links are brush polished,
the two wing pieces at the ends of the centre link are mirror polished.
The links are attached using the pin-and-collar system. A number of
reviewers have suggested that Seiko adopt the screw-in system instead as
it is more 'elegant' and 'safer' than the pin-and-collar system. I have
to admit that there are two major problems for the pin-and-collar
system. The first and most obvious is it being more troublesome when
resizing a bracelet. The second is that it has small parts that can
easily be misplaced. Apart from these two issues, the system keeps the
links securely together. In fact, once the collar is in the guiding hole
with the pin, the likelihood it would come off is very small. However,
in a screw-in system, a particular screw may loosen and drop off, hence
the advice to use a dab of 'Loctite' to ensure the screw stays in place.
The bracelet starts with a width of 22.0 mm at the lugs and tapers slightly down to 20.0 mm at the clasp. Seiko uses
the brand's time-tested design, the three-fold clasp with secure lock
and push button release. Incorporated into the clasp is a ratchet slide
adjuster. This design is similar to those used by the Marinemasters under Seiko's Prospex sub-line. There is also an additional four micro-adjustment points for better resizing of the bracelet length. On the top of the clasp is an embossed logo.
The SBGH289 is a tool watch under the Grand Seiko
line. Hence the case-back does not have a display window. Instead, a
simple round medallion with the famous Grand Seiko lion logo can be
found in the centre. Underneath is screw-down case-back is the 9S85 hi-beat automatic movement. This automatic movement has manual winding capacity operating at a high frequency of 5Hz or 36,000
vibrations per hour. It also has a 55-hour power reserve,
a quick set date, and hacking seconds. It is also one of Grand Seiko’s
most finely regulated movements, claiming an accuracy of -3 to +5
seconds per day. That’s an accuracy well within chronometer standards (-4
to +6 seconds per day). Thanks to its higher frequency, the seconds hand glides with a noticeably smoother sweep. While it may not achieve the ultra-smooth flow
of Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movements, it still offers a wonderfully
fluid motion and a subtle, satisfying tick that’s a pleasure to see and
hear.
The Wearing Experience
The Grand Seiko SBGH289 delivers a wearing experience that blends professional dive watch functionality with refined Japanese craftsmanship. On the wrist, its 43.8 mm stainless steel case makes a bold impression, yet the thoughtful case design and relatively short lug-to-lug distance allow it to sit comfortably even on medium-sized wrists. The watch carries a reassuring heft, giving it a sense of durability and presence without tipping into discomfort for those accustomed to larger sports watches. Its bracelet is solidly constructed, with smooth finishing that feels comfortable against the skin, and includes a diver’s extension for practical use.
The bezel is precise and easy to grip, though some wearers note that its detente mechanism feels softer than expected, occasionally shifting when brushed against clothing. This subtlety, however, contributes to the watch’s refined character rather than a purely utilitarian feel. Inside, the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85 movement runs at 36,000 vibrations per hour, offering excellent accuracy and a smooth sweep of the seconds hand, which adds to the sense of precision during daily wear.
Overall, the SBGH289 is more than just a tool watch, it is a statement piece that balances toughness with elegance. Its 200-meter water resistance and robust build inspire confidence in any environment, while its polished finishing and distinctive design make it versatile enough to pair with both casual and smart attire. The wearing experience is defined by a combination of comfort, technical excellence, and visual impact, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts who appreciate precision engineering and don’t mind a watch with noticeable wrist presence.
Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.
Comparison between the Grand Seiko SBGH289 versus SBGA229
The Grand Seiko SBGH289 and SBGA229 both deliver distinctive wearing experiences, yet they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of feel, movement, and overall wrist presence.
The SBGH289, part of the Hi-Beat Diver line, is defined by its 43.8 mm stainless steel case and the Caliber 9S85 movement, which runs at 36,000 vibrations per hour. On the wrist, it feels bold and substantial, with a reassuring heft that emphasizes durability. Despite its size, the ergonomic case design and shorter lug-to-lug distance help it sit comfortably, though it is best suited for those accustomed to larger sports watches. The bracelet is smooth and secure, while the bezel action, though precise, is softer than some tool-oriented divers, giving it a more refined character. The high-beat movement adds a sense of technical precision, with the seconds hand sweeping smoothly across the dial, appealing to enthusiasts who value mechanical performance.
By contrast, the SBGA229 is powered by Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, which combines mechanical energy with quartz regulation for remarkable accuracy and a uniquely fluid seconds hand motion. The case size is similar at 44 mm, but the wearing experience differs: the SBGA229 feels slightly more balanced and “refreshing,” as reviewers describe, with its weight distributed in a way that makes it comfortable for extended wear. The Spring Drive movement contributes to a calmer, almost meditative impression on the wrist, as the glide motion of the seconds hand is smoother than even the Hi-Beat’s sweep. Owners often highlight the SBGA229’s versatility—it feels luxurious yet robust, equally at home in professional settings or casual environments.
In summary, the SBGH289 emphasizes mechanical precision and bold presence, appealing to those who enjoy the tactile feel of a high-beat movement and a watch with noticeable heft. The SBGA229, meanwhile, offers a more balanced and serene wearing experience, thanks to the Spring Drive’s unique motion and refined comfort. Both are excellent divers, but the choice comes down to whether one prefers the energetic character of a Hi-Beat or the tranquil precision of Spring Drive.
Dial Colour: Deep navy blue Surface Treatment: Mirror-finished case achieved through Zaratsu polishing, LumiBrite: On hands and indexes Case Size: Diameter 43.8 mm × Thickness 14.7 mm × Length 51.0 mm Lug Width: 22.0 mm Weight: 206.0 gm
Band Type & Material: Stainless steel bracelet Band Perimeter: 190.0 mm Clasp type: Three-fold clasp with secure lock & push button release, ratchet slide adjuster Caliber: 9S85 Movement Type: Hi-beat automatic with manual winding Jewels: 37 Power Reserve: Approximately 55 hours Accuracy: +5 to - 3 seconds per day / +8 to -1 seconds per month (average) Water Resistance: 200 m / 660 ft (ISO6425 Compliant) Magnetic Resistance: Up to 4,800 A/m, or about 60 Gauss (ISO764 Compliant) Complications: Date display, unidirectional rotating bezel and power reserve indicator Launch Date: March 2021
MSRP: RM30,600 Purchase Date: 27 January 2026 Purchase Price: RM20,550 Vendor: Seiko Boutique, Mid Valley
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