Japanese nature and tradition have lengthy been a deep supply of inspiration for Grand Seiko, which has managed to merge severe watchmaking credentials with a singular sense of fashion, infused with references to its nation of origin. For many of its watches, this reference to Japan takes form on the dials, that are identified to be a few of the most detailed within the enterprise. For its newest releases, a pair of restricted editions unique to the European market, Grand Seiko as soon as once more brings conventional Japanese cues and excellent dials. Meet the Japanese garden-inspired Grand Seiko SBGW321 Nishikigoi and SBGY040 Chisen Teien.
Each of those new releases, which can solely be accessible from Grand Seiko Boutiques and chosen retailers in Europe, the Japanese luxurious watchmaker as soon as once more dives into traditional, quite poetical Nippon themes. “On the coronary heart of Grand Seiko’s craftsmanship is the distinctive Japanese philosophy of cherishing refined adjustments in nature which unfold with every passing second.” Right here, Japanese gardens and their well-known ponds are on the coronary heart of the inspiration. “Nishikigoi”, or iridescent carp fish, which conjures up the primary of those European unique creations (SBGW321), is a key pure function within the requisite pond of a “Chisen Teien”, itself the supply of inspiration for the second restricted version (SBGY040).
Grand Seiko 44GS Nishikigoi SBGW321
The primary of those two EU-exclusive fashions, and essentially the most accessible of the 2 – whether or not in worth and manufacturing numbers – relies on a traditional design of the model, the 44GS, right here executed in an interesting mid-size model measuring 36.5mm in diameter. As such, it shares its specs with different fascinating variations such because the Pink Sakura SBGW289, the Heritage SBGW291 & SBGW293 or one other EU-only model, the Inexperienced SBGW303. We thus have right here the sharp, faceted 44GS case with giant shoulders and box-shaped sapphire crystal, in compact, elegant proportions.
What issues most on this new Nishikigoi SBGW321 is the brand new dial, and its daring color. Referred to as swimming jewels, Nishikigoi or iridescent carps are cherished throughout Japan and worldwide and the brand new color scheme represents a Japanese Koi fish, combining a black strap, a vivid crimson dial in a silver-coloured stainless-steel case with gold-toned accents of the emblem and second hand. The dial is adorned with a high-quality radial spiral sample, extending outwards from the centre and evoking the shimmering scales of a carp. Whether or not you need to speak concerning the inspiration or not, the result’s definitely refined.
On the coronary heart of this good-looking and compact mannequin is the model’s traditional hand-wound motion, the calibre 9S64, present in a number of costume watches. Working at a 4Hz frequency, it boasts a beneficiant 3-day energy reserve and severe accuracy, however is right here hidden below a stable metal again. A restricted version of 300 items, the Grand Seiko SBGW321 shall be accessible from November 1st at chosen retail companions, completely in Europe, and priced at EUR 6,100.
Fast information: 36.5mm x 11.6mm – stainless-steel case, box-shaped sapphire crystal, stable metal again, 100m waterproof – radial spiral dial sample, crimson color, utilized markers, golden accents – hand-wound calibre 9S64, in-house, 28,800vph, 72h energy reserve, +5/-3 seconds per day – black crocodile leather-based strap, pin buckle – Restricted version of 300 items – ref. SBGW321 – EUR 6,100
Grand Seiko Magnificence Chisen Teien SBGY040
The second Europe-exclusive version (SBGY040) is a much more luxurious mannequin, based mostly on the skinny and sleek Magnificence case. Right here crafted in 18k rose gold, this 38.5mm watch is comparatively skinny at 10.2mm. Other than the completely different dial and supplies, it shares its specs with fashions such because the Magnificence Karasawa SBGY035 or the good-looking Hana-Ikada SBGY026. Being a Spring Drive watch, it’s powered by the hand-wound calibre 9R31, with two stacked mainsprings in a single barrel, a ±15 seconds per 30 days accuracy and a stable 72h energy reserve. Seen via the sapphire again, it’s properly embellished however not particularly demonstrative. An influence reserve indicator sits on the again.
The principle novelty for this Chisen Teien SBGY040 is the dial, this time impressed by ripples on the floor of ponds. Utilizing a sample design much like conventional Japanese “Wagara” (“Wa” that means Japanese model and “gara” that means sample), this historic ornament was extensively used on kimonos, porcelain, and inside décor. It’s right here paired with a deep blue color and gold markers and fingers. An identical blue strap finishes this elegant and opulent piece.
A restricted version of 20 items, the Grand Seiko SBGY040 shall be accessible from November 1st, completely at Grand Seiko Paris & London Boutiques solely, and priced at EUR 31,100.
Fast information: 38.5mm x 10.2mm – 18k rose gold case, dual-curved sapphire crystal, sapphire caseback, 30m waterproof – blue Wagara dial sample, gold utilized markers and fingers – hand-wound Spring Drive calibre 9R31, in-house, 72h energy reserve, ±15 seconds per 30 days – blue crocodile leather-based strap, gold pin buckle – Restricted version of 20 items – ref. SBGY040 – EUR 31,100
For extra particulars, please go to grand-seiko.com.