Introducing: Two New Grand Seiko U.S. Exclusive Releases – SBGA507 & SBGA509
What We Know
In the heat of summer, Grand Seiko is dropping two cool new interpretations of their 44GS design for the U.S. market, both drawing from the various hues of the sunrise and sunset over Lake Suwa to the southeast of the Shinshu Watch Studio, where Spring Drive watches are made.
SBGA509
Both watches are powered by the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65 caliber with 72 hours of power reserve and ±15 seconds per month of accuracy. That movement is visible through a display caseback in the otherwise stainless steel case (with stainless steel bracelet) that measures 40mm by 12.5mm. But as it often is, these limited editions are all about the dial. Both have a kirazuri ukiyo-e woodblock print texture, one in a rosy pink hue and the other in a nice soft blue. For those who, like me, aren’t well versed in what that means, Japanese for “sparkling painting,” kirazuri is found in the Japanese art of woodblock prints, incorporating mica powder to impart a sparkling shimmer.
SBGA507
While I haven’t seen these watches in person, they should have the quintessential Grand Seiko dial that plays with light. Each watch will be limited to 300 pieces and will retail for $5,600, available at boutiques, retailers, and Grand Seiko’s online boutique starting today.
What We Think
It might not feel like it, but Grand Seiko seems to have become slower and more thoughtful about their limited editions, giving a lot of attention to each of their releases without burning folks out on a deluge of SKUs. Sure, these are new limited editions, but they have everything you’d want from a Grand Seiko in terms of design, finishing, and the brand’s more affordable price point. What’s not to like?
SBGA507
I’m not sure what it is about Grand Seiko’s pink dials, but they seem to be more loved than I’d have expected. The SBGA413 may have a more soft pink hue, but the demand for that watch leads me to believe the SBGA509 will probably be the more asked after of the releases. The blue dial seems to shift color quite a bit in the light, which also makes it a versatile option for something between dressy and sporty.
SBGA509
The Basics
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: SBGA507 & SBGA509
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Dusty rose hue or cool blue
Indexes: Polished applied
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel with three-fold clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Spring Drive Caliber 9R65
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power-reserve indicator
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Additional Details: Magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m; See-through screw caseback
Pricing & Availability
Price: $5,600 for either
Availability: Immediately at Grand Seiko boutiques, select authorized retail partners, and online.
Limited Edition: Yes, 300 pieces each
For more, click here.
Hodinkee
