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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT Lion Limited Edition SBGC230

Partially verified

This Grand Seiko reference SBGC230 is an 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch from a limited edition numbered 33/100. It features a Spring Drive movement with chronograph and GMT complications, a date aperture at 3 o'clock, and an arc-shaped power reserve indicator. The brown dial is housed within a 44mm 18k rose gold case fitted with prominent chronograph pushers, a winding crown, and a 24-hour bezel. According to the auction catalog, the watch measures 50mm lug-to-lug, 16mm thick, with 23mm inner lug width, and weighs a total of 193 grams on a leather strap. The lot includes the original box, booklet, and a blank warranty card.

Front view of the Grand Seiko SBGC230 rose gold chronograph wristwatch
Front view of the Grand Seiko SBGC230 rose gold chronograph wristwatch — Hess Fine Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Grand Seiko
Reference
SBGC230
Catalogue / lot identifier
11061
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Japan
Source-reported serial
33/100

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Specifications

This Grand Seiko SBGC230 is an 18k rose gold chronograph wristwatch. It measures 44mm in diameter with a 50mm lug-to-lug distance and a 16mm case thickness.

The watch features an internal lug width of 23mm and a total weight of 193 grams. The assembly is equipped with a sapphire crystal and a leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Diameter: 44mm”
  • “Lugtip to Lugtip: 50mm”
  • “Thickness: 16mm”
  • “Inside Lugs: 23mm”
  • “Case Metal: 18k Rose Gold”
  • “Total Watch Weight: 193g”
  • “Crystal: Sapphire”

Identity and Limited Edition Status

The timepiece is identified as a limited edition model from a run of 100 units, numbered 33/100. This numerical designation is confirmed by markings on the case and case back.

The model is described as a 'Lion Limited Edition' GMT chronograph. It is sold with its original box, booklet, and a blank warranty card.

Evidence for this section
  • “Limited Edition 33/100”
  • “All Words on Case and Case Back: Limited Edition 33/100”
  • “Box and Papers: Box, Booklet, Blank Warranty Card”

Mechanical Functionality

The watch is powered by a Spring Drive movement. According to the provided description, the movement is running, and the chronograph functions—including start, stop, and flyback—are operational.

The source documentation recommends a professional overhaul for optimal timekeeping accuracy.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement is running beautifully, chronograph starts, stops, and flies back to 0.”
  • “For optimum timekeeping accuracy we suggest an overhaul at buyers expense”

Source Terms and Authentication

The lot is sold on an 'as is' basis. The auction house explicitly disclaims responsibility for the authenticity or genuineness of the lot, noting that no warranties or representations are provided regarding the movement, case, dial, bezel, or bracelet.

While the dial is marked 'Grand Seiko GMT', the internal components and case back remain unobserved in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “All lots are sold AS IS, with all faults, imperfections, and errors of description.”
  • “Hess Fine Auctions (hereafter HFA), their employees and/or agents are not responsible for errors of description, genuineness or authenticity”
  • “Manufacturer of the dial, bezel and bracelet is not guaranteed unless specified.”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific diagnostic markers to differentiate this case from other 18k rose gold Grand Seiko chronographs in the absence of an open case back?
  • What specific maintenance or lubrication requirements are necessary for a Spring Drive movement that has remained in 'new old stock' condition for an unspecified period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT Lion Limited Edition SBGC230
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ReferenceSBGC230“SBGC230”
Limited Edition Number33/100“Limited Edition 33/100”
Case Metal18k Rose Gold“Case Metal: 18k Rose Gold”
Case Diameter44mm“Diameter: 44mm”
Thickness16mm“Thickness: 16mm”
CrystalSapphire“Crystal: Sapphire”
Total Watch Weight193g“Total Watch Weight: 193g”
AccompanimentsBox, Booklet, Blank Warranty Card“Box and Papers: Box, Booklet, Blank Warranty Card”
Retail Value35K“35K Retail”
Condition StatusNew old stock“New old stock. May show signs of being taken in and out of case.”

Visible details

  • Brown textured dial featuring asymmetrical subdials and an arc-shaped power reserve indicator.
  • Black bezel insert marked with even-numbered 24-hour Arabic numerals.
  • Pronounced fluted crown and oversized piston-style chronograph pushers in matching rose gold.
  • Dial text at bottom reads 'JAPAN 9R96'.

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber is partially visible as '9R96' on the lower dial margin but not separately detailed in movement specifications.
  • The case back and movement are not visible in the provided photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

At Auction: Grand Seiko Big 18K Gold Chronograph Lion Limited Edition Lion SBGC230 GMT 18K Rose Gold Wrist Watch Box Spring Drive

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 1b5fddf331

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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