Two mid-sized 44GS creations, inspired by Japanese folding fans: Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGW297 & SBGW299

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS SBGW297 & SBGW299: The year 1967 saw the release of the 44GS, the watch in which the Grand Seiko Style design language was fully realized. Those two novelties pay tribute to this design from the hands and dial to the case, taking the form of a watch that displays Japanese aesthetics in a modern fashion.

The Grand Seiko Style that took shape in the 44GS finds inspiration in the straight lines and flat surfaces that can be observed in certain traditional Japanese crafts, including paper sliding doors, folding screens, and folding fans, and this was the direction chosen for the dials of these two timepieces as well.

In the case of these two novelties, the radiating pattern is created from a series of flat surfaces and straight edges reminiscent of kamisen, the Japanese paper folding fans, harmonizing with the 44GS case. The art of Japanese folding fans requires numerous steps and involves the craftsmen’s patience and precision skills. The distinctive angular shape of paper folding fans allows to host an intricate play between light and shadow.

A vivid, thermally blued steel seconds hand marks time against the patterned white dial. The watch is powered by a mechanical calibre 9S64, a manual wound movement that features a maximum continuous power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound.