In 2018, Grand Seiko celebrated the establishment of Grand Seiko Corporation of America by introducing three U.S.-exclusive 44GS editions with dials inspired by the theme of kirazuri, or “sparkling painting.” For 2024, in two new limited editions exclusive to the United States, Grand Seiko revisits this artistic theme, in which mica powder was added to traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints to illuminate them with a sparkling shimmer.
The finely textured SBGA509 and SBGA507 dials draw inspiration from the glimmering sky over Lake Suwa – a theme in ukiyo-e block prints and a setting that calls to mind the area of Nagano Prefecture where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made. The dial of SBGA509 evokes an early-morning sunrise with its dusty rose hue, while the cool blue dial of SBGA507 harkens to the early evening sky above the lake.
At the heart of each model is the Caliber 9R65, the first Spring Drive movement introduced by Grand Seiko, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. Created to deliver on the high standards required of Grand Seiko, the Caliber 9R65 is accurate to ±15 seconds per month (approximately ±1 second per day) and has a power reserve of 72 hours. The seconds hand displays the time with a characteristic glide motion and quiet precision that have distinguished all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches for the past 20 years.
A legendary case design was enlisted for the two new creations. Originally released in 1967, the 44GS is the watch that established the Grand Seiko Style, the design grammar that set forth the nine principles that have informed all Grand Seiko designs ever since. Through the use of bold, flat, Zaratsu-polished surfaces, the cases of the new 44GS reinterpretations evince the characteristic interplay of light and shadow that is the hallmark of Grand Seiko and that perfectly complements the kirazuri dials. Each new creation has a stainless-steel case and bracelet.
The SBGA509 and SBGA507 will be limited to 300 pieces each and will be available for $5,600 at U.S. Grand Seiko boutiques, select authorized retail partners in the United States, and online at Grand Seiko Boutique Online.
