Grand Seiko Updates the Heritage 62GS Sekki Collection with the New Rikka SBGH351 and Shubun SBGH353

Once upon a time (in 2019, to be precise), Grand Seiko released a quartet of watches known as the Sekki collection, models inspired by seasonal changes with colourful dials. Issued exclusively in the US and then made available worldwide, a single model dominates the Heritage 62GS Sekki collection, the much-hyped pink-toned SBGA413 Shunbun, closely followed by the winter-themed model, the SBGA415 Taisetsu – both Spring Drive titanium watches. The two other editions, the SBGH271 Rikka (summer) and SBGH273 Shūbun (autumn), are often overlooked. Well, for 2025, Grand Seiko has decided to give these Hi-Beat editions an update by releasing the new SBGH351 and SBGH353 in Ever-Brilliant Steel and featuring marginally updated dials. 

While many things remain identical, some details have been updated. Here’s Grand Seiko’s idea of shining a spotlight on the Rikka and Shūbun models. From February 2025, gone are the past references SBGH271 and SBGH273, replaced immediately by the new Heritage 62GS Hi-Beat SBGH351 and SBGH353. It should also be noted that the still highly desirable SBGA413 Shunbun and SBGA415 Taisetsu in titanium with Spring Drive movements are, at least for now, untouched.

What has changed then with these new Grand Seiko SBGH351 and SBGH353? Well, details, only details. The case, relying on the 1967 shape introduced by the emblematic 62GS model, known for its sharp lines and bezel-less construction, is entirely identical to the previous generation. Size? Same 40mm x 12.9mm, with a length of 47mm. Specs? Identical with a box-shaped sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, a screwed sapphire back and a comfortable 100m water-resistance. The main update is the type of alloy used for the case and bracelet, which are now made from Ever-Brilliant Steel. Exclusive to GS, this steel alloy is known to have better brilliance following Zarastsu polishing, a whiter hue, better resistance to corrosion and a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) rating that is 1.7 times higher than that of stainless steel.

Most of the updates are visible on the dial, specifically on the green SBGH351 Rikka edition. Although it maintains the same base colour and texture as before, this reference adopts a more discreet look. While the now-discontinued SBGH271 featured gold-toned applied markers and hands, the new summer edition now relies on steel hands and markers, with only gold accents on the GS logo and the seconds hand.

The other edition, the SBGH353 Shūbun, executes minimal changes to its dial. The texture remains identical to the previous reference SBGH273, which already features hands and markers in steel, with a gold-toned GS logo and central seconds hand. The only update, which is going to be hard to spot without having both models in hand, is the blue colour used for the dial, which is now slightly more saturated and a bit brighter. We’re really talking about minimal changes here.

Under the hood, no evolutions. These two members of the Heritage 62GS Sekki Collection are still using the tried-and-tested calibre 9S85 (launched in 2009) . This automatic movement is known for its precision, thanks to a high-frequency regulating organ beating at 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations/hour. It comes with a claimed accuracy of +5/-3 seconds/day. It also boasts a comfortable 55-hour power reserve. These are worn on 3-link Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelets, closed by a folding clasp with push buttons.

Available worldwide in February 2025 from GS boutiques and selected retailers, the new Grand Seiko Heritage 62GS Hi-Beat SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shūbun will be part of the permanent collection, alongside the untouched SBGA413 Shunbun and SBGA415 Taisetsu models. Both will be priced at EUR 8,000. For more details, please visit Grand-Seiko.com.