The Grand Seiko 44GS “Kirazuri” US-Exclusive SBGA507 and SBGA509

Grand Seiko’s Heritage collection is often synonymous with wonderfully textured and subtly coloured dials, including Monochrome’s all-time favourites, the Snowflake and the Shunbun. Reflecting the Japanese reverence for nature, many GS dials capture the colours and textures of natural landmarks and seasonal changes using time-honoured artisanal techniques. Created exclusively for the US market, Grand Seiko releases two Heritage models with dials evoking the sunrise and early evening sky over Lake Suwa. Powered by Grand Seiko’s innovative and unique Spring Drive technology, the two 44GS limited editions combine accuracy and beauty in equal measure.

When the Grand Seiko Corporation of America was established in 2018, Grand Seiko released a series of limited edition watches with sparkling dials inspired by the art of kirazuri or sparkling painting, where mica powder was added to traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints to give them a discreet shimmer. Still inspired by kirazuri, Grand Seiko produces two US-exclusive editions with finely textured dials. Once again, Lake Suwa, in the Nagano Prefecture, is the muse of these two Heritage models.

The cool blue dial (SBGA507) reflects the colours of the early evening sky over Lake Suwa, while the soft dusty rose colour (SBGA509) captures the hues of the sunrise. In true Grand Seiko style, the applied hour markers are faceted and polished like the sharp hour and minute hands. In addition to the date window at 3 o’clock, the dial has a fan-shaped aperture at 8 o’clock for the power reserve indicator. 

The stainless steel case references Grand Seiko’s 44GS model of 1967 that laid down the nine enduring design elements of the Grand Seiko Style. Revisited and refined over the decades, the 40mm case has a thickness of 12.5mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 46.2mm. The dynamic contours of the case are highlighted with contrasting brushed and Zaratsu-polished surfaces to produce the interplay of light and shadow that characterises GS watches. To safeguard the 100m water-resistance, the crown is screwed down. 

The two references are equipped with Seiko’s innovative Spring Drive technology, a combination of a traditional mainspring with an electronic regulator without batteries. Seiko’s technology was upgraded with a longer power reserve for Grand Seiko in 2004 with the 9R65 calibre that powers all GS Spring Drive models, and which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year. Designed, adjusted and assembled by hand at Grand Seiko’s Shinshu Watch Studio, calibre 9R65 offers impressive accuracy of ±1 second per day and a 3-day/72-hour power reserve.

The Grand Seiko Heritage 44GS references SBGA509 and SBGA507 will be limited to 300 pieces each and available for USD 5,600 at US Grand Seiko boutiques, select authorised retail partners in the United States, and at Grand Seiko Boutique Online. For more information, please consult grand-seiko.com.