As you have probably seen from recent releases by the Japanese watch company, Grand Seiko has a deep appreciation for the environment, nature, and seasons. They have even created entire collections based on seasonal changes. It is no surprise that with winter approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, Grand Seiko decided to pay tribute to the beauty of snow - something we've seen before at GS - with new high-end watches subtly adorned with diamonds. The new Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Spring Drive SBGY008 is nicknamed "Shizuri-yuki."
Snow and its endless textures are a constant theme for Grand Seiko, and the new SBGY008 model is no exception, once again showcasing a superbly textured dial. But for these watches, the brand decided to go the luxury route by adding stones to the case, yet in a restrained manner that strongly suggests this should be a unisex model. These watches, part of the thin and understated Elegance Collection, with a case shape that has existed for several years, also feature a movement under the back cover.
The case of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGY008 is compact, sleek, and elegant - fortunately, for a watch in the Elegance collection... It has a diameter of 38.5 mm and a reasonable height of 10.2 mm (GS is not known as ultra-thin geniuses...) It is made of 18-carat rose gold, fully polished, and equipped with a high-domed sapphire crystal, which may explain much of the watch's thickness. However, the unique feature of this luxurious limited edition is the diamonds on the strap, with a discreet and almost graphic line of stones on the sides - not too noticeable and quite well integrated.
The dial of the Grand Seiko SBGY008 is everything you have come to expect from this brand. Textured, poetic, focused on nature... And, of course, beautifully executed. Here the brand pays homage to "Shizuri-yuki," when snow falls from the tree branches, creating a shimmering cascade of light, reminiscent of the bright and fresh snow of winter in Shinshu. Over this textured base are classic GS indices and hands, made of rose gold and finished with sharp angles and facets. The watch is worn on a brown crocodile leather strap, but also includes an additional satin gold-colored leather strap (probably for a more feminine audience).
Inside the case is a beautiful manually wound movement with Spring Drive technology, a hybrid combining the beauty of mechanical watches with the precision of quartz regulation. Thanks to the proprietary Dual-Spring Barrel technology, the caliber 9R31 can maintain a power reserve of up to 72 hours (which can be monitored by looking at the subtle indicator on the back cover), and the accuracy is impressive: ± 1 second per day.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Spring Drive SBGY008 is released as a limited edition of 60 pieces and will be available in Grand Seiko boutiques and selected Grand Seiko retailers worldwide in January 2022. The announced price is 38,000 euros. For more detailed information, visit www.grand-seiko.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - GRAND SEIKO ELEGANCE COLLECTION SPRING DRIVE SBGY008
Case: Diameter 38.5 mm x height 10.2 mm - 18-carat rose gold case, polished, with 53 diamonds (0.38 carats) on the case rim - domed sapphire crystal with AR coating - sapphire case back - water resistance 30 meters
Dial: White snowflake dial with applied indices and hands in 18-carat gold
Movement: Grand Seiko Calibre 9R31, proprietary development - Spring Drive technology - manual winding - 30 jewels - 72-hour power reserve with Dual-Spring Barrel technology - regulation ± 1 second per day (± 15 seconds per month) - hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve indicator on the case back
Strap: Brown crocodile leather strap with three-fold rose gold 18-carat clasp with push-button release - additional satin gold-colored leather strap
Reference: SBGY008
Availability: Limited edition of 60 pieces. Available in January 2022
Price: 38,000 EUR