Grand Seiko Unveils Three Cherry Blossom-Themed 62GS Watches, Including a New, Smaller Size

Grand Seiko anticipates the cherry blossom season in Japan – Sakura-Kakushi – with three models from its Heritage collection inspired by the annual blooming. Flaunting textured dials, one of Grand Seiko’s fortes, the new references respond to the current demand for more compact case sizes. Inspired by the design language laid down by Seiko’s first automatic watch, the 62GS of 1967, the rose gold SBGH368 reference has a 38mm diameter. The good news for smaller wrist sizes and women is that there are two brand new references (STGK031 & STGK033) in 30mm steel cases with surprisingly thin profiles.

The rose gold SBGH368

Last year, Grand Seiko released two models in its 62GS family that represent the brand’s current strategy to conquer the market. Presented in more compact 38mm cases in lightweight titanium and inspired by the design cues of their 1967 ancestor, the SBGH341 and SBGH343 flaunted colourful textured dials and were powered by GS’s Hi-Beat movement.

The new SBGH368 marks another milestone as the first 38mm non-limited rose gold model in the Heritage collection. The distinct style of the 62GS is at work here, with its bezel-free, multi-sided case and GS’s signature Zaratsu polishing technique.

The Japanese reverence for the subtlest details of the passing seasons is reflected in the coppery-pink textured dial that captures the fleeting moment when late snow covers the blooming cherry blossom. The hand, markers, and frame around the date window are rose gold-plated, and the watch is paired with an elegant brown crocodile strap that represents the cherry tree’s trunk.

This rose gold reference is equipped with GS’s in-house Hi-Beat calibre 9S85, beating at 5Hz with a power reserve of 55 hours. The Heritage 62GS reference SBGH368 retails for EUR 33,500.

Quick facts: 38mm diameter x 12.9mm thickness x 44.7mm lug-to-lug  – 18k rose gold, brushed and Zaratsu polished –  box-shaped sapphire crystal, see-through caseback – screw-down crown – 100m water-resistance – Sakura-inspired pink textured dial – rose gold-toned hands, indices and framed date window – Hi-Beat calibre 9S85 automatic – 5Hz/36,000vph – 55h power reserve – +5 to -3 seconds p/d accuracy – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking) and date – brown crocodile strap with rose gold pin buckle – ref. SBGH368 – not limited – EUR 33,500 / CHF 33,500

The 30mm Heritage 62Gs Ref. STGK031 & STGK033

It might have taken some time, but Grand Seiko has finally released a watch that will appeal to younger, more active women. Without recurring to the usual formula of adding diamonds or putting cutesy flourishes on the dial, GS introduces a petite 30mm 62GS-shaped watch with a steel case, and a thinner height of 10.9mm. GS is not renowned for its ultra-slim profiles, but these new models are the smallest and slimmest in the brand’s portfolio today.

While its dimensions are petite, the 100m water-resistant case of the STGK031 and STGK033 honours its 62GS ancestor with its bezel-free construction, allowing for a wide dial opening, its sharp edges and curved flanks highlighted by Grand Seiko’s signature distortion-free Zaratsu polishing and the box-shaped sapphire crystal over the dial. Available with a delicate pink dial inspired by the cherry blossoms or a silvery dial that captures the beauty of the blossoms under a hazy moonlit sky, the textured dials play subtly with the ambient light.

Both references come with a stainless steel bracelet with a triple-folding clasp and push-button release. The see-through caseback offers a view of calibre 9S27, GS’s smallest automatic movement, with a slim height of 4.49mm and a 50-hour power reserve. The STGK031 & STGK033 retail for EUR 7,000 each.

Quick facts: 30mm diameter x 10.5mm thickness x 36.2mm lug-to-lug – stainless steel, brushed and Zaratsu polished – box-shaped sapphire crystal, see-through caseback – screw-down crown – 100m water-resistance – Sakura-inspired pink textured dial or Sakura-inspired silvery textured dial – calibre 9S27, automatic (20mm x 4.49mm) – 28,800vph – 50h power reserve – +8 to -3 seconds p/d accuracy – hours, minutes, seconds and date – stainless steel bracelet, brushed and Zaratsu polished with triple-folding clasp and push-button release – ref. STGK031 pink dial, ref. STGK033 silver dial – EUR 7,000

All three references will be available from April 2025 at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retail partners. More information at grand-seiko.com.