As observe ups to final yr’s tetrad of USA-exclusive ‘Seasons’ watches, Grand Seiko has simply dropped two new Spring Drive watches themed after sōkō, the tip of Autumn. I used to be an enormous fan of final yr’s SBGA413 “Spring” watch (I personal one), and I’m glad to see Grand Seiko making these a recurring collection that might lead to a complete of 24 items, as Japan divides the seasons into six sekki every. These two Soko Particular Version watches are characterised by way of inexperienced, impressed by the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto.
Each are executed in metal 39mm instances with vertical brushed dials. The SBGA427 has a light-weight silver dial with a darker inexperienced hue used on the seconds and energy reserve arms and the SBGA429 has a darker “shadow” grey dial with a lighter inexperienced hue on the arms. I’m certain I’m not the one one who recollects the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf” Version, which was one other basic, easy time and date watch with vertical striping and a inexperienced seconds hand.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model: Grand Seiko
Mannequin: Soko Particular Version SBGA427 and SBGA429
Dimensions: 39mm-wide, 12.5mm-thick
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Case Materials: metal
Crystal/Lens: twin curve sapphire with AR coating
Motion: 9R65 Spring Drive
Energy Reserve: 72 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Metal bracelet and crocodile leather-based with three-fold clasp
Worth & Availability: $5,000
Grand Seiko clearly intends for these two to be extra accessible choices for consumers within the U.S. market who could have been priced out of the $6,300 unique 4 Seasons watches. With a smaller metal case and a dial that’s much less elaborately completed than the 2 titanium Spring and Winter items (which additionally use the 9R65 Spring Drive motion), plus the inclusion of each metal bracelet and leather-based strap with matching inexperienced stitching for $1,300 much less, is a transparent worth play. The Zaratsu arms and indices are the identical as on the opposite fashions, although you don’t get the double indices at 12 o’clock that I really like.
I imagine the black-dial SBGA285 that was launched final yr is the one different Spring Drive obtainable on this metal 39mm case. This smaller case and the addition of the straps will definitely add to the unisex attraction of those two. The touches of inexperienced do add some youthful vibrancy to the dials and, whereas these will not be my favourite current Grand Seiko watches, I think about these will do nicely within the U.S. market. The Grand Seiko Soko Particular Version SBGA427 and SBGA429 Spring Drive watches are non-limited, although unique to the U.S. market and might be priced at $5,000. You possibly can study extra at grand-seiko.com.
