Grand Seiko Heritage Collection – 44GS SBGW321 & Elegance Collection SBGY040

Introducing two new European exclusive creations, inspired by Japanese pond gardens

At the heart of Grand Seiko’s craftsmanship is the unique Japanese philosophy of cherishing subtle changes in nature which unfold with each passing moment; and the myriad of expressions created by light and shadow. The beautiful, natural flow of time is embodied by the highly refined skilled techniques of our Takumi master craftspeople within each wristwatch.

Japanese gardens are a prime example of the country’s innate aesthetic; incorporating nature’s beauty into daily life by bringing the ever-changing seasons close to hand. Elements of the requisite pond of a unique “Chisen Teien”, or Japanese pond garden, inspire two new Grand Seiko European limited-edition timepieces.

“Nishikigoi”, or iridescent carp fish, which inspires the first of these European exclusive creations, is a key natural feature in the requisite pond of a “Chisen Teien”.

The calming practice of viewing ornamental carp in the “Chisen Teien” began in the 9th century as an aristocratic pastime in Japan, and their attractive presence have been welcomed ever since. Today, iridescent carp are highly popular worldwide, being prized as “swimming jewels.”

The colour scheme of the SBGW321 model represents a Japanese Koi fish, combining a black strap, vivid red dial in a silver-coloured stainless steel case with gold-toned accents of the logo and second hand. The radial spiral dial pattern, extending outwards from the centre, evokes the shimmering scales of a carp reflected by sunlight on the pond.

Powered by the in-house 9S64 manual-winding calibre which achieves a stable level of precision during wear and a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound, this timepiece is accurate to +5/-3 seconds per day.

A limited edition of 300, Grand Seiko SBGW321 is available at Grand Seiko flagship 7 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris.

The pond itself inspires the deep blue dial of this second creation, designed to emulate the beautiful moment when ripples on the surface subtly alter the pond’s appearance; using a pattern design similar to traditional Japanese “Wagara.” From "Wa" meaning "Japanese style" and "gara" meaning "pattern," Wagara are ancient designs based on traditional customs and nature, widely used on kimonos, porcelain, and interior décor to brighten daily life.

This timepiece is powered by the exclusive Grand Seiko 9R Spring Drive, which series is commemorating its 20th anniversary in 2024. As in all Spring Drive movements, the seconds hand glides smoothly across the dial, conveying the delicate transition of time. The Japanese people cherish a sense of the transience of nature’s beauty that includes not only the four seasons, but also the subtle changes between them; as summer turns to autumn and autumn to winter.

This timepiece is only 10.2mm thick and, through the glass exhibition case back, one can observe the beauty of the watch movement, delivering an accuracy of ±1 second per day, and power reserve of 72 hours.

A limited edition of 20, Grand Seiko SBGY040 is available at Grand Seiko flagship 7 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris.

Technical specifications

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection – 44GS

Reference: SBGW321

Limited edition of 300 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 36.5mm
• Thickness: 11.6mm
• Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water-resistant to 10 bar (~100 meters)
• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Dial and hands

• Radial spiral dial pattern in vivid red
• Gold GS logo
• Steel hour-markes and hands
• Gold seconds hand

Movement

• Mechanical 9S64
• Driving system: Manual winding
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
• Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to -3 seconds per day
• Number of jewels: 24
• Power reserve of 72 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

• Crocodile leather strap
• Stainless steel pin buckle 

MSRP: EUR 6'100

Technical specifications

Grand Seiko Elegance Collection

Reference: SBGY040

Limited edition of 20 pieces

Case

• Material: 18-carat rose gold
• Diameter: 38.5mm
• Thickness: 10.2mm
• Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• See-through case back
• Water-resistant to 3 bar (~30 meters)
• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Dial and hands

• Deep blue dial in Japanese “Wagara”
• 18k rose gold hands and hour-markers

Movement

• Spring Drive 9R31
• Driving system: Manual winding
• Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (±1 second per day)
• Number of jewels: 30
• Power reserve of 72 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

• Crocodile leather strap
• 18k rose gold pin buckle

MSRP: EUR 31'000

For more information, please visit grand-seiko.com