The year 2021 is truly one of celebration for Seiko and Grand Seiko as the Japanese manufacture commemorates its 140-anniversary; Kintaro Hattori founded the company in 1881 at the tender age of 21. A stellar lineup was released to mark the momentous occasion — headlined by a pair of platinum watches in the vein of the Masterpiece Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGZ007 and Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition “Tree Rings” SLGH007 amongst the other exclusive releases such as the Prospex SPB213. Apart from its 140th anniversary, Grand Seiko unveiled the next generation Spring Drive calibre 9RA2 and a host of timepieces that range from precious bejewelled masterpieces to sporty everyday beaters. The Japanese manufacture was well represented at the 2021 edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève as well as the SBGW258 Re-Creation Of The First Grand Seiko and SJE083 Re-Creation of King Seiko were nominated for the Iconic and “Petite Aiguille” categories respectively. The icing on the cake is the SLGH005 “White Birch” winning the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Men’s Watch Prize.
As the year draws to a close, Grand Seiko and Seiko ends the year on a high with a trio of novelties to cap off a wonderful year of novelties released exclusively in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East only.
Grand Seiko SBGJ253
Grand Seiko’s deep reverence for nature sees them turn to Mount Iwate as inspiration for its latest creation — the Grand Seiko SBGJ253. Capturing the ephemeral beauty of Tasogare (twilight), a grey dial bordering between light and dark takes centre stage for the GMT iteration. Apart from the atmospheric beauty of Mount Iwate, the ridges of the mountain are mimicked on the dial with subtle patterning. Streaks of gold adorn the dial for contrast and legibility as the GMT hand and inner ring follows the shade of the moon. Aficionados of Grand Seiko will be quick to spot the 44GS case styling as the legendary design code, which dates back to 1967, is given a modern re-interpretation for the Grand Seiko SBGJ253. Sharp angles, brilliant surfaces and softly curved lines flow through the stainless steel case as Grand Seiko’s famed Zaratsu polishing give the case facets a mirror finish that appears more pronounced when seen in person. The Hi-beat 36000 GMT calibre 9S86 powers the Grand Seiko SBGJ253, offering unrivalled accuracy and precision.
Seiko Prospex SRPH43K1 Save the Ocean Asia Special Edition
Seiko’s cult favourite “Samurai” is given an exclusive twist as Seiko releases the Seiko Prospex SRPH43K1 Save the Ocean Asia Special Edition. The dive watch takes a playful approach as the deep blue hues of the ocean are accented with bright orange reminiscent of the coral reefs. This special edition is outfitted with a zirconia ceramic bezel to further enhance the robustness of the dive watch that offers water resistance to 200m. The case design earned the “Samurai” nickname thanks to its angular shaped design. Its case and lugs are composed of sharp surfaces that look as if they were sliced off with a Japanese sword and the powerful silhouette evokes a Samurai’s armour with protruding shoulders.
Seiko Presage SPB273J Sharp Edged Series Asia Limited Edition
The final piece in Seiko’s 2021 lap of honour is the Seiko Presage SPB273J Sharp Edged Series Asia Limited Edition. After releasing the Sharp Edged Series in March 2021 to great fanfare, the stylish everyday watch is executed in a traditional Japanese colour called “gofun,” which adds a yellowish tint to the white dial. A rose gold colour is used for the hour, minute and second hands as well as the indexes to further accentuate the “gofun” coloured dial. Largely inspired by the Japanese Asanoha or “hemp leaf,” Sharp Edged Series captures the simplicity and refinement of traditional Japanese aesthetics with its delicately textured dial. As with the Grand Seiko SBGJ253, the Seiko Presage SPB273J features a GMT complication, powered by the trusty automatic calibre 6R46.
Click here to catch up with our December/January 2022 issue after you’re done with Grand Seiko and Seiko Ends the Year on a High!