Grand Seiko Launches Two New Shimmering U.S.-Exclusive Limited Editions

The American branch of the Grand Seiko Corporation is relatively young in years, making its launch here stateside officially in 2018. The brand kicked off this new chapter with a trio of limited editions available only in the U.S. featuring dials with finishing techniques inspired by "kirazuri" or “sparkling painting.” Six years later, Grand Seiko introduces a follow-up in the form of a shimmering new duo of U.S. exclusive limited editions, this time, utilizing color combinations inspired by the sky above Lake Suwa.

The kirazuri techniques used in traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking (most predominantly seen throughout the ukiyo-e style prints popular throughout the Edo period) incorporate mica powder to add shine and dimension through various methods. Kirazuri is often used to add shimmer and shine to the backgrounds of the prints, which commonly feature natural landscapes, scenes from folk tales and history, and even popular Kabuki actors and Sumo wrestlers of the time. (Yes, I would definitely recommend you to do a quick Google research session on ukiyo-e prints to help enrich the context for you.)

While I’m sure we’re all well-acquainted with the need to look at Grand Seiko’s more subtle dial finishings with the help of a magnifying loupe to appreciate the full scope of their masterful beauty (snowflake dial, I’m looking at you), the richly textured surface of these models is immediately striking and captures the shimmer you would expect from a Kirazuri-inspired design (now that we’re all acquainted with the aforementioned definition, that is). I would also argue that the unique salmon and dusky blue hues also work in favor of making the brand’s penchant for playing with light and shadow more immediately apparent. That being said, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to look at all those tiny etchings up close and personal.

Since this is Grand Seiko we’re talking about here, these two new U.S.-exclusive Limited Editions incorporate the brand’s signature nature inspiration alongside the references to the quintessential shimmering of Kirazuri as well. In this case, the Lake Suwa landscape is the site of inspiration, and the salmony pink model (the SBGA509) is inspired by the tones of the sky over the lake in the early morning hours, while the blue (SBGA507) calls to mind the colors of the sky in the evening. If I were pressed to pick a favorite, it would have to be the pink, which is novel in its warm tones, given that many of the brand’s pink dial options lean more toward the baby pink end of the spectrum (the ‘Shunbun’ limited edition is coming to mind).

Situated within the brand's Heritage Collection, both models feature the familiar 44GS-inspired case design that’s been a GS staple with a heritage that can be traced back to 1967. Seen here in contemporary 40mm sizing with a profile of 12.5mm, a 19mm lug width, and a lug-to-lug of 46.2mm, each model is crafted from stainless steel and is paired with a matching bracelet. The hours are marked by silver-hued applied indices, and you’ll find the white date window at the 3 o’clock position and the power reserve indicator at 7:30. One slight difference between the two models: the blue SBGA507 opts for a blue-hued seconds hand, while all three hands on the SBGA509 are silver-toned.

As far as the movement within is concerned, we’re working with Caliber 9R65 here – which just so happens to be celebrating its 20th birthday in 2024. The 9R65 is among Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movements, has a power reserve of 72 hours, and utilizes its Tri-Synchro Regulator (which combines mechanical energy, electricity, and electromagnetic energy) to boost timekeeping accuracy, which in this case is ± 15 seconds per month. Oh, and you can see it through the sapphire crystal caseback, too.  

I will admit that this release isn’t representative of a huge, unexpected, or shocking shift or revolution within Grand Seiko’s catalog; instead, it falls into what we’re used to seeing with Grand Seiko’s limited-edition releases – a subtle tweaking and refinement of style, a riffing on a familiar melody, a new theme introduced to an established form. This is a brand that is well-versed in its own strengths and isn’t afraid to lean into them. Its overall ethos always strikes as a craftsmanship-forward, fittingly Zen approach to brand identity, which has its own unique charm. If you haven’t already drank the proverbial Grand Seiko Kool-Aid, I would venture to guess that you might not find this release particularly astounding. That being said, I think we can all agree that no one does a dial quite like Grand Seiko. 

The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Spring Drive SBGA507 & SBGA509 Limited Editions are now available exclusively in the U.S., are priced at $5,600, and are limited to 300 units of each model.

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Spring Drive U.S. Exclusive Limited Edition SBGA507 & SBGA509

Case: 40mm 

Lug Width: 19mm

Dial: Blue; pink

Case Material: Stainless steel

Crystal: Sapphire

Water Resistance: 100m

Movement: Spring Drive Caliber 9R65