The textured dial of this Grand Seiko Heritage Ref. SBGW303 limited timepiece is inspired by Mount Iwate, seen from the Shizukuishi Watch Studio where Grand Seiko mechanical timepieces are made. It expresses the beauty of autumn scenery when the slopes adopt a complex variety of colours, where the deep green of the forest mingles with yellows, reds and oranges of the autumn foliage.
At dusk, the mountain is illuminated by the light of the setting sun, offering a mysterious effect:a dark grey-green colour which is reflected in the dial of the 2023 European Edition, Grand Seiko Heritage Ref. SBGW303.
The textured dial, reminiscent of the ridges of Mount Iwate, further accentuates the beauty of this autumnal twilight.
Another feature of this panorama – the night light produced by the Moon – is captured on the dial. As the sun begins to drop in the West, the Moon is still white, but its light gradually becomes more intense, eventually turning into a dazzling golden colour. The gold-plated Grand Seiko logo on the dial of this limited edition SBGW303 symbolises this moon reflection and perpetuates an ancient Japanese tradition of appreciating the autumn moon often depicted in Haiku.
The watch is powered by calibre 9S64, a hand-wound mechanical movement.
The distortion-free mirror finish of the case, achieved through Zaratsu polishing, is the work of our talented “Takumi” craftsmen, while the facetted markers and hour and minute hands enhance legibility, bringing to life the myriad expressions of light and shadow in every detail.
Since ancient times, the Japanese have appreciated the subtle beauty of light and shadow and their natural effects on the passage of time. While light and shadow are seen as a contrast in the West, Japan finds beauty in their coexistence, maximising it in design, from fine art to architecture. This new timepiece is the perfect illustration of this cultural heritage.
The watch will be available from Grand Seiko boutiques and selected retailers in Europe from November 2023.
Grand Seiko Heritage Ref. SBGW303 Technical Specifications
Ref. SBGW303 – Recommended Retail Price: 6.300 Euro, limited edition of 400 pieces for Europe
Movement
- Caliber 9S64
- Driving system: Mechanical, manual winding
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
- Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to -3 seconds per day
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Number of jewels: 24
Case
- Stainless steel case and bracelet
- Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Screw-down case back
- Diameter: 36,5 mm,
- Thickness: 11,6 mm
- Water resistance: 10 bar
Strap & Buckle
- Stainless bracelet
- Three-fold clasp with push button release
- Additional calf leather strap with push button release
