Grand Seiko releases two new watches in their Heritage Collection to celebrate Japan’s seasonal calendar Rikka and Shūbun: the new releases are Ref. SBGH351 and SBGH353.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Grand Seiko Rikka SBGH351 and Shūbun SBGH353
The Grand Seiko Rikka SBGH351 and Shūbun SBGH353 are priced at SGD 9,500 each, inclusive of GST. Available exclusively at the Grand Seiko boutiques and authorised retailers across the Asia Pacific region from 01 February 2025.
Commentary
Yet another new release from Grand Seiko. And another based on the Japanese seasonal calendar. Instead of the usual Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter seasons that we are used, the traditional Japanese calendar marks the passing of the seasons and changes in the natural world through the names given to different times of year. There are 24 major divisions, or sekki, from Risshun (Beginning of spring) in early February until Daikan(Greater cold). Grand Seiko takes advantage of these 24 micro-seasons, to release new watches for each of them.
This new release offers the iconic 62GS re-issues in two different dial options. A green dial, shown above, is dedicated to the Rikka. And the deep blue dial, illustrated below, is inspired by the Shūbun.
Both watches are released in stainless steel, a special variant from Grand Seiko which they call Ever-Brilliant Steel, and are equipped with the high beat 36,000 bph Cal. 9S85.
Release details
Grand Seiko introduces two new timepieces from the Heritage Collection that celebrate Japan’s cherished seasonal calendar – Rikka and Shūbun.
These modern reinterpretations of the iconic 62GS, Grand Seiko’s first automatic watch launched in 1967. The new models are successors of the SBGH271 and SBGH273 that seamlessly blend Grand Seiko’s dedication to capturing Japan’s natural beauty with precision engineering and design heritage.
The SBGH351 captures the essence of Rikka, named after the seventh of Japan’s twenty-four sekki or seasonal divisions, when spring transitions to summer. The dial’s green vibrant hue and texture reflects the gentle breeze that passes through the lush grasslands that surrounds the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. The contrasting gold-toned Grand Seiko logo and the second hand harmonises perfectly with the dial.
The deep blue coloured dial of the SBGH353 takes inspiration from Shūbun, the sixteenth of the twenty-four sekki or seasons, which falls around the time of the autumn equinox – when the moon the stars illuminate Japan’s clear night skies. The gold accents of the Grand Seiko logo and second hand mirrors the celestial glow of autumn evenings.
Both timepieces have a wide dial opening achieved by a bezel-free construction that allows for an enhanced visual appeal on the wrist.
At the heart of the SBGH351 and SBGH353 is the mechanical Hi-Beat 3600 Caliber 9S85, which has been hand-assembled by Grand Seiko’s master artisans, ensuring unparalleled precision and durability under all conditions The Zaratsu-polished case which houses the two models features sharp edges and distortion-free surfaces which highlights the artistry that defines Grand Seiko. Both timepieces come fitted with an Ever-Brillant stainless steel bracelet secured with a three-fold clasp and a push button release.
Grand Seiko Rikka SBGH351 and Shūbun SBGH353 Specifications
Movement: Cal.9S85
Case Material: Ever-Brilliant Steel
Water Resistance: 10 Bar
Glass Material: Box Shaped Sapphire Crystal
Case Size: Diameter 40.0mm
Thickness: 12.9mm
Bracelet: Three-fold clasp with push button release
1 Comment
Surprisingly thick for me.