Hands-On: Grand Seiko’s Katana-Inspired Dials Are Sharp (Video)
If intricately finished, nature-inspired dials are your thing then it’s a given that you’re into Grand Seiko. Now, if you also so happen to be into katanas (or Japanese swords) then you’re in for a double treat because the good folks over in Japan recently released a trio of U.S. exclusive watches that I think you might like.
The SBGA493 from afar.
The SBGA493 up close. At $6,000, it’s difficult to find a better dial.
The Grand Seiko SBGA489, SBGA491, and SBGA493 are all part of the brand’s already existing 44GS design and share the exact same 40mm case and Spring Drive Caliber 9R65 movement, but they’re all equipped with different dials that draw inspiration from various aspects of the katana.
The SBGA489 from afar.
And the SBGA489 up close. Crispy!
I got the chance to spend a little hands-on time with these watches so I put together a video summarizing my thoughts as well as explaining the differences between the three and some of the special elements of each design. Grand Seiko is all about the culmination of a wide variety of small details, so I spent extra time to capture macro views of these razor sharp dials. I hope you enjoy.
The green SBGA491 poses nicely under dramatic lighting.
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For more information visit Grand Seiko. The Hodinkee Shop is an authorized retailer of Grand Seiko watches, explore the collection here.
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