The pink or inexperienced 38mm Grand Seiko SBGH341 and SBGH343

By far one in every of Grand Seiko’s hottest collections, the 62GS design was revived in 2019 and is now primarily represented by the “24 Sekki” sequence and its flagship mannequin, the SBGA413 Shunbun watch and its extraordinarily engaging mild pink dial. Even when the 62GS design may be very engaging, it’s extra of a distinct segment mannequin and fewer represented than, for instance, the basic 44GS. Nevertheless, issues are altering with the introduction of two new 62GS format watches (Ref. SBGH341 and SBGH343) with colourful dials – in stylish pink and light-weight inexperienced – impressed by cherry blossoms. And it goes even additional: we’re additionally speaking about smaller watches with a 38 mm case. Sounds fairly cool, do not you assume?

The 12 months 1967 at Grand Seiko is usually related to the launch of the 44GS watch, which by the way set the model’s design grammar in stone. Nevertheless, it’s not the one occasion this 12 months. One other necessary however barely much less mainstream Grand Seiko was additionally launched there, the 62GS, also called the model’s first ever automated watch. This watch had the identical GS design because the 44GS, being barely rounder and fewer angular, however like the entire model’s watches, nonetheless consisted of flat surfaces and sharp angles to indicate off the well-known Zaratsu polish. The 62GS additionally launched a frameless construction, with the glass mounted immediately on the case itself, opening large onto the dial.

A watch that has lagged behind considerably all through the historical past of the model. It has been reissued in varied editions through the years (together with trustworthy reissues in 2015), lastly being reinterpreted in 40mm as of 2019. There are presently solely 4 watches on supply. The everlasting assortment is obtainable with the 62GS case – the 4 Seasons assortment together with Shunbun – however this can evolve quickly. And that is not the one change we’ll discuss at this time…

Meet the brand new Heritage 62GS Sakura-Kakushi SBGH341 and Sakura-Wakaba SBGH343… Two watches that could not match Grand Seiko’s present technique higher. Titanium? Test. Hello-beat motion? Test. Textured dials impressed by Japanese tradition and nature? Test. Fashionable colours? Test. Design impressed by a earlier mannequin? Test. The whole lot you count on from fashionable GS watches is there and extra. What issues past the general enchantment of those new watches is the scale discount of the case, going from 40mm on most 62GS fashions to now 38mm. Additional proof, if obligatory, that extra compact watches are in vogue.

With these two Sakura (cherry blossom) impressed watches, Seiko brings again the basic 62GS design in a extra compact format, not less than when it comes to diameter. The thickness of the case stays at 12.9 mm, similar to 40 mm variations such because the Shunbun SBGA413. Comprised of high-intensity titanium (a proprietary alloy near Grade 5), these watches make the most of the basic design options of the 62GS with robust sides on the perimeters – virtually like two manufacturers – combining polished and brushed surfaces and a frameless structure They improve their compactness and guarantee on the identical time for good readability.

Using titanium gives lightness and luxury in addition to a barely muted coloration however with nice shine on polished components. With this lowered diameter, the SBGH341 and SBGH343 fashions are very transportable and, as a medium-sized mannequin, might simply swimsuit each genders. Each variations function a box-shaped sapphire crystal and supply a snug water resistance of 100 m. The titanium gown continues on the bracelet, which is a basic design of the model and closes with a folding clasp (nonetheless with out micro-adjustment).

Along with the lowered diameter, these new 62GS watches additionally launched new dial designs, however utterly in step with the model’s earlier creations. As I mentioned, two variations are supplied, each impressed by one in every of Japan’s most well-known landscapes, the “Sakura”, actually “cherry blossoms”. The primary mannequin, known as Sakura-Kakushi (SBGH341), is wearing mild, harking back to early cherry blossoms obscured by late winter snow. The second mannequin, known as Sakura-Wakaba (SBGH343), includes a mild inexperienced dial and is alleged to be impressed by a selected second in early April when flowers bloom and younger leaves sprout on the identical time.

Each fashions have a refined random construction that creates a robust distinction to the excessive shine of the polished and faceted palms and utilized markings. All components of the dial are in a refined silver tone, which attracts consideration to the fragile tones of the dials. A framed date window at 3 o’clock completes the show.

A high-performance motion, the in-house caliber 9S85, works underneath the sapphire base. Notably, this automated caliber beats at a excessive frequency of 5 Hz or 36,000 vibrations/hour and has a claimed accuracy within the vary of +5 to -3 seconds/day. The ornament is basic, with massive stripes, perlage and polished metal components.

The Grand Seiko Heritage 62GS Titanium 38mm Sakura-Kakushi SBGH341 and Sakura-Wakaba SBGH343 will likely be a part of the everlasting assortment and will likely be out there at retailers and boutiques worldwide beginning March 1, 2024. The worth is 7,900 euros. Additional info may be discovered at www.grand-seiko.com.