From content partner JustLuxe iW Magazine
Grand Seiko introduces two new Special Edition watches exclusively for the United States to its Heritage Collection. The new models are an extension of the watchmaker’s So¯ko¯ Special Edition collection introduced last year to celebrate late autumn and winter’s first frost.
Grand Seiko says its designers drew inspiration from the clear blue skies over the Sea of Japan during the early winter months for the dial of this Hi-Beat 36000 (SBGH295) model.
And as you might expect, both new models feature light blue dials.
The first new watch, Spring drive SBGA471features a vertically textured light blue dial designed to mimic the frozen bamboo stalks of the Arashiyama bamboo forest, according to the watch maker.
This Grand Seiko SBGA471 model features an icy blue vertical textured dial inspired by the frozen trunks of the Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Featuring a distinctive power reserve indicator, the dial of this watch is surrounded by Grand Seiko’s 44GS 40mm case (in titanium), first seen 50 years ago and characterized by The watchmaker’s flat and mirror-polished surfaces are expertly finished.
Monday is SBGH295, a Hi-Beat 36000 Grand Seiko 40mm steel case with escapement oscillating at 36,000 beats per hour. The blue dial of this watch is framed with a mirrored, multi-faceted case inspired by Grand Seiko’s first automatic watch, the 62GS, from 1967. Excellent Zaratsu polishing technology. of Grand Seiko, and the rather wide, bezel-free dial opening is characteristic of the watch case.
Collectors may recognize the blue dial from Grand Seiko’s “ice blue” dial introduced in the first US Limited Edition collection. in 2018.
Movements
Grand Seiko powers each new So¯ko¯ Frost limited edition with Grand Seiko house specialties. In the Spring Drive model you’ll find the caliber 9R65, which combines the high torque of a mechanical watch with Spring Drive’s unique integrated circuit control system.
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Caliber 9S85.
As noted, Grand Seiko puts the 9S85 Hi-Beat movement inside SBGH295. The movement oscillates at 10 beats per second (36,000 vph) yet maintains an impressive 55-hour power reserve.
Both of these watches are water resistant to 100 meters and each is fitted with a matching metal bracelet and alligator leather strap with triple pusher.
Price: $6,000 (SBGA471 Spring Drive) and $6,900 (SBGH295 Hi-Beat).
