Grand Seiko Unveils Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH351 “Rikka” & SBGH353 “Shūbun”

Grand Seiko has once again captured the essence of Japan’s natural beauty by introducing two new timepieces from their Hi-Beat 36000 series: the SBGH351 “Rikka” and SBGH353 “Shūbun.” These watches celebrate the changing landscapes and continue the legacy of Grand Seiko’s design heritage.

Both models draw their aesthetic from the iconic 62GS, Grand Seiko’s first automatic watch launched in 1967, known for its distinct mirrored, multi-sided case and bezel-free structure. This design allows for a broader, more visually appealing dial. The new models feature an upgraded case and bracelet made from Ever-Brilliant Stainless Steel, a material renowned for its resistance to corrosion and lustrous finish, ensuring both longevity and a striking appearance.

SBGH353 “Shūbun”

This watch commemorates the autumnal equinox, or Shūbun, a time when the balance of day and night reflects the harmony of the season. Its deep blue dial mirrors the night sky, with gold accents adding a warm glow, symbolizing the peaceful transition into autumn.

SBGH351 “Rikka”

As Japan transitions from spring into summer, the SBGH351 captures this moment with its green dial, which subtly shimmers to emulate the lush, vibrant landscapes of early summer. The dial’s texture and hue evoke the feeling of walking through a serene, blossoming countryside.

Both watches are powered by the Caliber 9S85, a high-performance automatic movement that is a testament to Grand Seiko’s watchmaking prowess. The key technical specifications include: a case made from Ever-Brilliant Stainless Steel with dimensions of a 40mm diameter, 12.9mm thickness, and 47mm length, with a lug width of 21mm. The dial colors are green for the SBGH351 and blue for the SBGH353, each watch features a screw-down crown, and comes with an Ever-Brilliant Stainless Steel strap/bracelet secured with a three-fold clasp. The timepieces are protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, with the caseback also made from Ever-Brilliant Stainless Steel and fitted with a sapphire crystal for viewing the movement. The movement specifics include the Caliber 9S85, which is a Hi-Beat 36000 type, automatic power source with 37 jewels, offering an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day when static and a power reserve of 55 hours. They display time and date, have a water resistance of 100 meters, and are resistant to magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m.

The SBGH351 “Rikka” and SBGH353 “Shūbun” are now available for pre-order at a retail price of $7,200 USD each. These watches are not just timepieces but are wearable art that reflects the seasonal nuances of Japan, showcasing Grand Seiko’s commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
Grand Seiko continues to set the standard for luxury timepieces, where each watch is a celebration of time, nature, and the art of watchmaking.