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 reserve 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 polishing 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 caliber 9R65 Spring Drive 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 😉