Introducing Grand Seiko Unveils Two Limited Editions Exclusively for The US Market

Beautiful dials inspired by the Japanese technique of Kira-zuri

Grand Seiko is a prestigious Japanese watch brand renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to exception. One of the hallmarks of Grand Seiko is its creative dials, often inspired by nature, which holds a significant place in Japanese culture. These dials are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the brand's commitment to artistry and precision. 

In 2018, Grand Seiko released a trio of watches inspired by the Japanese painting technique called Kira-zuri, meaning "sparkling painting." This release was the first to be exclusive to the US market, with more following later on. Continuing this tradition, Grand Seiko recently unveiled two new limited-edition models with Kira-zuri-inspired dials: the SBGA507 and SBGA509. Just like the 2018 trio, these models are exclusive to the American market.

The new watches are based on the iconic 44GS design, crafted from stainless steel and featuring the renowned Zaratsu-polished surfaces. They measure 40mm in diameter and 12.5mm in thickness. The brand's logo is prominently displayed on the crown, and the dial is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, surrounded by a polished fixed bezel.

The standout features of the new SBGA507 and SBGA509 watches are their dials, inspired by the transitioning sky as seen from Lake Suwa in Japan. The blue SBGA507 is designed to represent the evening sky, while the pink SBGA509 draws inspiration from the early sunrise. The dials also showcase baton-shaped indices and dauphine hands, with a date window at 3 o’clock. Additionally, an arc-shaped power reserve indicator sits between 7 and 8 o'clock, and the Grand Seiko "GS" name is prominently displayed at 12 o’clock.

Kira-zuri is a traditional Japanese finishing technique employed by Grand Seiko to create textured dials that mimic the sparkle of snow or frost. This method, originally used in Japanese woodblock printmaking, involves using mica powder to add sparkle and hand-engraving with a rotating tool to generate fine, irregular patterns that reflect light in distinctive ways.

Both watches are powered by the Caliber 9R65, an automatic movement based on Seiko's Spring Drive technology, used in many Grand Seiko models. This movement achieves a precision typically found only in quartz watches, offering an accuracy rating of +/-15 seconds per month and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

They both come with a multi-link stainless steel bracelet with a triple folding clasp, and each is limited to 300 pieces, priced at USD 5,600, equivalent to AED 20,600.

For more information please visit Grand Seiko’s official website. 

Technical specifications: Grand Seiko SBGA507 and SBGA509
  1. Reference: SBGA507 (blue), SBGA509 (pink)
  2. Case: stainless steel, Zaratsu-polishing, logo on the crown, polished fixed bezel, double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  3. Diameter: 40mm
  4. Thickness: 12.5mm
  5. Water resistance: 100m 
  6. Dial:  blue or pink, baton-shaped indices, dauphine hands, date window at 3 o’clock, arc-shaped power reserve indicator between 7 and 8 o'clock, "GS" logo at 12 o’clock
  7. Movement: Caliber 9R65, automatic, +/-15 seconds per month 
  8. Power reserve: 72 hours
  9. Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator 
  10. Bracelet / Strap: multi-link stainless steel bracelet, triple folding clasp
  11. Availability: each is limited to 300 pieces 
  12. Price: USD 5,600/AED 20,600

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