Final week, I met with the Grand Seiko UK workforce at Japan Home in South Kensington, London. The model occupied an area on the cultural heart and introduced the newest European Restricted Editions. The lights have been brilliant, and the antireflective crystals labored extra time, however we managed a couple of respectable photographs.
Earlier this month, we previewed the newest Grand Seiko European Restricted Editions. The rose gold SBGY040 and stainless-steel SBGW321 fashions are impressed by koi ponds. Whereas I wasn’t in a Japanese backyard, the serene environment of Japan Home have been an acceptable location for these watches.
The brand new Grand Seiko European Restricted Editions
Let’s briefly recap the newest Grand Seiko releases. The SBGY040 is a 38.5mm Class mannequin in 18K rose gold. It incorporates a darkish blue dial with a wave sample and makes use of the manual-winding 9R31 Spring Drive caliber. This motion has a 72-hour energy reserve and is correct to inside ±1 second per day. Simply 20 items of the SBGY040 will likely be produced and bought solely at European Grand Seiko boutiques or on-line. The worth is €31,100 / £26,890.
The SBGW321 is a 36.5mm stainless-steel watch with a pink dial impressed by koi scales. This Heritage mannequin makes use of the well-known 9S64 that claims an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day. Grand Seiko will produce 300 of those and can make them out there at European boutiques, on-line, and approved sellers. The worth is extra approachable at €6,100 / £5,920.
Arms-on notes
Each watches have been spectacular in particular person. It feels like a damaged document, however Grand Seiko really understands tips on how to make a fantastically textured dial. On today, I noticed two with distinct patterns and hues. The metal SBGW321 was a favourite for a number of causes. The 36.5mm case suits completely and impresses with its sharp angles and mirror-like sprucing.
The dial can be totally different stay in comparison with pictures. It has a darker raspberry-like tone, but it surely’s not overly metallic. At some angles, it jogged my memory of Japanese lacquerware. Additionally, the small ridges inside every alternating rectangular space of the dial are value viewing with a loupe. The Grand Seiko UK workforce was additionally variety sufficient to arrange a microscope, HD digital camera, and enormous display to indicate the small print.
On account of its domed crystal, the SBGY040 was infinitely tougher to {photograph} below the venue’s brilliant lights. Nonetheless, the darkish blue wave dial was equally as enticing. The rose gold case additionally made the 38.5mm C-case put on smaller than the metal items within the Class assortment. The dial colour and case materials made the SBGY040 really feel just like the extra luxurious possibility among the many two European Restricted Editions.
Whereas the SBGW321 has a conventional strong stainless-steel case again with an engraved Grand Seiko lion, the SBGY040 exhibits off the 9R31 Spring Drive motion. Even whether it is basically one plate, with the entire jewel settings, it’s nonetheless good to view. Plus, there’s an influence reserve indicator close to the barrel. By the way, the fashions I noticed have been all non-runners set to 10:08:42.
Thanks to the parents at Grand Seiko UK for his or her hospitality. The most recent European Restricted Editions are value a glance once they arrive at boutiques in November. For now, yow will discover extra info on the SBGW321 right here or the SBGY040 right here.
