This past Thursday, I joined the Zoom call (so very 2020) for the new Grand Seiko release for the US market only. Similar to the 2019 4 seasons model, this new release follows the same seasonal theme. The new Soko line is based on the time just after autumn when the first frosts are seen on the Arashiyama bamboo forests.
These special editions come in 2 dials, the “light” silver white dial SBGA427 and the “shadow” gray dial SBGA429. The dial has vertical textures mimicking the bamboo stalks. The seconds hand and power reserveRéserve de marche Also known as Power Reserve. A watch's power reserve refers to the amount of time a mechanical watch can run without being wound. The power reserve of a mechanical watch can vary depending on the size of the mainspring, the efficiency of the gear train, and the rate at which the mainspring releases energy. If a watch has a Power Reserve 'complication' it simply means that the status of the power reserve can be seen on the watch itself (either on the dial or movement side of the watch). [Learn More] hand are painted in matching green to reflect the bamboo forest.
Both watches come in a 39mm case with 12.5mm thickness. From the side profile it reminds me of my snowflake case (SBGA011/SBGA211) with nice curves and zaratsu polishingZaratsu Polishing Zaratsu polishing is a type of polishing technique used in watchmaking, specifically for the polishing of steel components, such as the case, lugs, and bracelet. It is a process that uses a spinning circular disk with an abrasive surface. The craftsperson, holding the watch part, applies a certain level of pressure and uses a specific angle to ultimately achieve a mirror-like finish. [Learn More] and finely brushed at the top of the lugs. The applied indexes are polished with beveled edges. However, for the SBGA429, the top of the indexes are brushed with deep grooves.
Beating inside is the caliberCaliber The caliber ('movement') is the heart and engine of a watch. It consists of a number of interconnected components that work together. Energy is transmitted through the gear train, to the escapement mechanism. The escapement mechanism releases this energy in a controlled manner. This drives the gear train, which ultimately rotates the hands of the watch and keeps time. [More Info] 9R65 Spring DriveSpring Drive A Spring Drive movement, pioneered by Grand Seiko, is a type of mechanical watch movement that combines the traditional mechanics of a mechanical watch with the precision of a quartz watch. It uses a mainspring as the source of energy, just like a mechanical watch, but instead of using a traditional escapement, it uses a quartz crystal to regulate the release of energy. The Spring Drive movement is considered to be highly accurate, and is known for its smooth, gliding seconds hand. [Learn More] that provides the smoothest sweeping seconds hand there is. Power reserve is an excellent 72 hours with accuracy of +/-1 seconds per day.
These come with a 3 link bracelet that is completely brushed instead of the ones seen in other Grand Seiko models with polished center. In addition, the watches also come with an extra crocodile strap with 3 fold clasp push release.
Both the SBGA427 and SBGA429 have a suggested retail price of $5,000 and are available now at Grand Seiko Boutiques and US authorized dealers.
Similar to the 2019 US only models, these will be available only in the US but they are not limited editions.
More info right here
loving the silver dialed version! Would have been perfect with a non-gold coloured GS logo.
Funny, I actually prefer the “shadow” grey version more 😉