Grand Seiko’s New Timepieces Are Seasonal Masterpieces

Grand Seiko’s New Timepieces Are Seasonal Masterpieces

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote October 11, 2022

Often inspired by nature’s dynamic elements, Grand Seiko’s timepieces delve deep into the storytelling found within mother nature. For the brand’s latest luxury timepiece launch, they are unveiling four stunning pieces that embody the different seasons of spring, winter, and fall: The SBGY013, which is a Spring Dive inspired by Omiwatari; the SLGH019 inspired by Mt. Iwate in winter; the SBGW281 embodying Bantō, the harbinger of spring; and finally, the SBGW287, inspired by Boshū, which is when the beauty of autumn is at its height.

The SBGY013

Grand Seiko’s Brand New Timepieces Are Seasonal MasterpiecesPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

There is a popular legend that the ‘Omiwatari’ is where the gods walk out over the ice of the frozen Lake Suwa; therefore, the talented craftsmen and women have intricately designed the dial of the SBGY013 to reflect the color and texture of the snow-covered ice on the lace. Housed within the 38.5mm stainless steel case is the Spring Drive Caliber 9R31, which features a Dual Spring Barrel that delivers a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound.

The SLGH019

Grand Seiko’s Brand New Timepieces Are Seasonal MasterpiecesPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

Exclusive to the Grand Seiko Boutiques online, the Hi-Beat 36000 timepiece is inspired by Mt. Iwate in winter — the most dramatic time for the snow on the slopes. In true Grand Seiko fashion, the dial of the Hi-Beat 36000 embodies the deep blue of the night sky over the peak of the mountain. The SLGH019 is equipped with the Caliber 9SA5, offering a power reserve of 80 hours due to its twin barrels. The 40mm case of the Evolution 9 style watch is created with high-intensity titanium that perfectly compliments the deep blue dial.

The SBGW281

Grand Seiko’s Brand New Timepieces Are Seasonal MasterpiecesPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

For the SBGW281, Grand Seiko found inspiration in  Bantō, the ‘sekki’ or season in Japan when the harshest days of winter are over, and the long-awaited warmth of the sun lights up the snow-covered landscape. At a glance, the watch appears incredibly minimal, but when seen through the sapphire caseback, the exposed craftsmanship of the timepiece is quite complicated. Inside, the timepiece is powered by the slim, hand-wound movement, Caliber 9S64, which is exquisitely finished boasting a stable accuracy rate and a power reserve of 72 hours.

The SBGW287

Grand Seiko’s Brand New Timepieces Are Seasonal MasterpiecesPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

Last, we approach the autumnal season with the SBGW287 inspired by the rich colors of Boshū, the ‘sekki’ or season when the trees that surround the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in northern Japan change in hue and announce that winter is just around the corner — which is evident on the dial of this watch. Like the SBGW281, this watch is equipped with the hand-wound movement, Caliber 9S64.