The 2024 Ginza-Exclusive Grand Seiko 62GS Hi-Beat SBGH317

I shouldn’t have to convince you to visit Tokyo, Japan. The city alone is a solid enough reason to book a flight and experience something that has nothing in common with Western culture. But here’s another solid reason to travel to Tokyo… A watch that you’ll only be able to get in one district of Japan’s capital city, the new SBGH317. It’s not the first time Grand Seiko has released a watch exclusive to its retailers and boutiques in Ginza, as we saw with the SBGH297 two years ago. For the new year, here’s a Grand Seiko Heritage 62GS Hi-Beat Mechanical with a slightly more appealing dial than the previous edition.

As our readers know, the district of Ginza is highly significant for Seiko and Grand Seiko. Not only is it Japan’s most luxurious shopping district (an important consideration for a luxury watch brand), but historically, it is where Kintaro Hattori created his workshop in 1881, an atelier that would become Japan’s prime watchmaker, Seiko. Even today, the Ginza district is still where the brand operates, and for more than 120 years now, a Seiko clock in Ginza has kept Tokyo on time. Nearby are other Seiko establishments, including the Seiko Museum and several dedicated boutiques, including Wako and GS’ flagship boutique.

For some years now, Seiko and Grand Seiko have created watches exclusively available in this district – remember the 2021 Alpinist SPB259 and Presage SSA445 and the Grand Seiko SBGH297 of 2022. The latter was characterized by its light blue dial fitted with a grid pattern reminiscent of the streets of Ginza. Following the same concept, Grand Seiko now launches the SBGH317, which introduces several improvements (in my opinion) to the whole Ginza-inspired idea.

This new watch is housed in one of the brand’s most classic designs, the 62GS case, also used for the fan’s favourite Shunbun. Executed in stainless steel, with a profusion of Zaratsu-polished parts and a few brushed surfaces, the case measures a relatively compact 40mm diameter with a 47mm length. This case has almost no bezel and is topped by a box-shaped sapphire crystal, giving it an appealing retro charm. The crown screws down, and the water-resistance rating is 100m.

What makes this new Ginza-exclusive SBGH317 is its dial. While the 2022 edition featured a flat light blue dial, this new model comes with a light purple dial with two different textures: a classic sunray-brushed pattern and the lineup’s Ginza grid pattern, yet executed in a more pronounced geometric way. The dial is said to capture the winter light of the quiet streets of Ginza, while the grid pattern represents the rows of buildings. Time is displayed thanks to highly detailed hands and markers, with polished top surfaces and sharp bevels.

Under the sapphire back decorated with the brand’s lion logo and Ginza inscription is the in-house, high-frequency calibre 9S85. Beating at 36,000 vibrations/hour, it boasts a comfortable 55h power reserve and has a reported accuracy of -3/+5 seconds/day. This limited edition watch is worn on a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp.

The Grand Seiko Heritage 62GS Hi-Beat SBGH317 is a limited edition of 530 pieces, exclusively available from six stores in Ginza (GS Flagship Boutique Ginza, GS Flagship Boutique Ginza Namiki Street, GS Boutique Ginza, Ginza Mitsukoshi, Matsuya Ginza Watch Salon, and Nissindo Ginza). It is priced at JPY 847,000 (incl. taxes), which is about EUR 4,860 if acquired without taxes for export – once again, a good reason to travel to Japan. For more details, please visit www.grand-seiko.com.