This week, Grand Seiko has launched two new models in the Heritage Collection that once again pay tribute to the nature that surrounds the Grand Seiko workshops.
Paying respect to the 24 seasons that are traditionally celebrated in Japan, a duo of reinterpreted 62GS models – SBGH341 ‘Sakura-Kakushi and SBGH343 ‘Sakura-Wakaba’ – are presented in a reduced case size of 38mm.
The ref. SBGH343G ‘Sakura-Wakaba’ is inspired by cherry blossoms and young leaves during spring when buds and leaves are green and fresh. The dial reflects this and is finished in a stunning silver-green shade.
The water-resistant case is made of high-intensity titanium, as is the bracelet with three-fold clasp and push button release. The watch is priced at £6,950 and is available from March 2024 at Grand Seiko boutiques and authorised retailers.
The ref. SBGH341G ‘Sakura-Kakushi’, also with a price of £6,950, is inspired by, and named for, ‘hiding’ cherry blossoms when late snow covers early springtime blooms in the Tohoku region. The theme is reflected in the delicate silvery-pink dial which has a date indication at 3 o’clock.
The case and bracelet are in high-intensity titanium. The dial is covered by a box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.
Both of the new watches are water resistant to 100 metres and all are powered by the Calibre 9S85 mechanical Hi-Beat movement with 55 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day. The watches are available from Grand Seiko boutiques and online.
I have noticed that in terms of the SEIKO GS range, they tend to avoid the GOLD effect on most of, if not nearly all the GS models….I suspect the appropriate styling cues are yet to be ascertained as appropriate to the textural direction – this may even require a compete redesign of certain features…the hands, crown….lugs…..maybe a tiered dial of sorts. Just my nuanced observation.