Grand Seiko Continues Ode to Japanese Winter Scenery with SBGJ271 Yukigesho

The latest addition to Grand Seiko’s Elegance Collection, SBGJ271 Yukigesho, is a poetic ode to the dusting of snow.

Photo Credit: Grand Seiko

Many of Grand Seiko’s watches, such as the SBGA211 Snowflake and the SBGY007 Omiwatari borrow inspiration from Japan’s notable winter scenery.

The pattern for this new timepiece originally showed up in the SBGH269, which featured a red dial that captured the look of autumn leaves reflecting off lacquered wooden floors that are often found in traditional Japanese architecture. In this latest “Yukigesho” iteration, the dial accomplishes a similar job but replaces vibrant autumnal tones with stark white to conjure the appearance of snow-covered trees. It evokes “Yukigesho,” a poetic expression used to describe the dusting of snow. This clean, highly dynamic pattern is immediately eye-catching and gives a new dimension to this classic, quintessentially Grand Seiko design.

The razor’s edge polish from the hand and indexes allows for the dial to catch the light all the better and makes it all the more friendly to read the time, even in semi-darkness. The GMT hand is finished in black, and it is paired with an easy-to-read 24-hour ring, allowing its wearer to quickly follow a second-time zone. With its refined and understated look, paired with its user-friendly functionality, SBGJ271 makes for an excellent travel companion.

Photo Credit: Grand Seiko

This “Yukigesho” iteration uses a case design which is familiar to the Grand Seiko Elegance Collection. A modern reinterpretation of the first Grand Seiko design from 1960, the case measures 39.5mm in diameter and 13.9mm in thickness, the latter number accommodating a vintage-inspired box-shaped sapphire crystal that sits above the case. The mid-case is beautifully rounded, with Zaratsu-polished facets along the curved lugs.

Photo Credit: Grand Seiko

The case back features a sapphire exhibition window, giving its wearer a view of the beautiful in-house movement within. SBGJ271 is equipped with Hi-Beat GMT Caliber 9S86. Running at 36,000 bph, 9S86 features a 55-hour power reserve and an accuracy rating of +5/-3 seconds a day.

SBGJ217 will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners starting in March at the price of $7,100.