16-Dec-24 Press Release

Exclusive to Asia Pacific, SBGJ283 makes its debut this
January 2025 inspired by the traditional Japanese paper Washi.

Asia Pacific, 16 December 2024 - In Iwate prefecture where Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi stands, time honoured traditional Japanese crafts continue to be kept alive by artisans, and the art of Washi is one of them. Inheriting this 800-year-old traditional art of paper making, craftsmen of washi continue to skilfully produce Washi by hand, faithfully preserving this unique technique handed down through the generations. Washi, traditionally made of Kozo (mulberry tree) is used as calligraphy papers, on lanterns and as part of interior décor, as can be seen on shoji screens. Washi making captures the subtlety and echoes the traditional sense of Japanese beauty.


For centuries Japanese culture has treasured the interplay of light and shadow. The SBGJ283 reflects the Japanese sense of beauty with a lustrous off-white dial colour, expressing the Washi texture. The delicate patterned dial, allows you to enjoy the harmonious interplay of light and shadow which is at the core of every Grand Seiko creation, while the red GMT hand which represents the red fruit of the Kozo contrasts beautifully against the light coloured dial.

This limited edition of 150 pieces timepiece is presented with a complimentary brown leather strap with pink stitching inspired by the female flower of the Kozo. Encased in the 44GS in Ever Brilliant Steel, this timepiece is equipped with caliber 9S86, a Hi-beat 36000 movement renowned for its precision of +5 to -3 seconds per day and adapted with a GMT function. The original model of 44GS has been debut in 1967 and laid the foundation of the design language of the “Grand Seiko Style”. Now, as a modern interpretation of this ideal, the SBGJ283’s exterior features many flat surfaces that exhibit an unblemished, mirror finished surface. Thanks to caliber 9S86, this timepiece can tell the time in two places simultaneously: a 24-hour hand can be easily adjusted in one-hour increments.


The case and bracelet are made of extremely highly anticorrosive Ever-Brilliant Steel, a stainless-steel alloy that boasts a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) value 1.7 times higher than that of the grade of steel used in most high-end watches.


The new limited-edition timepiece will be available exclusively at the Grand Seiko boutiques and authorised retailers across the Asia Pacific region from 1st January 2025.

Specifications
Movement: Cal.9S86
Case Material: Ever-Brilliant Steel
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Glass Material: Dual-Curved Sapphire Crystal
Case Size: Diameter 40.0mm
Thickness: 14.04mm
Bracelet: Three-fold clasp with push button release
*A complimentary brown crocodile leather strap will be included with your purchase of the watch.

About Grand Seiko:

Founded in 1960, Grand Seiko has earned an enduring reputation as a leading luxury watch brand with a devoted following in Japan. In 2010, Grand Seiko expanded its global presence, making its exceptional timepieces available to enthusiasts worldwide.

Grand Seiko distinguishes itself as one of the very few fully integrated watchmakers worldwide, possessing comprehensive in-house capabilities that span the entire watchmaking process. This includes the development of component materials, design, manufacturing, assembly, and meticulous adjustment, all carefully overseen to maintain the highest standards of quality.

Each Grand Seiko watch is a testament to the artistry and precision of highly skilled artisans who meticulously assemble and adjust every timepiece by hand in dedicated studios in Japan. These watches embody the fundamental principles of watchmaking: precision, legibility, durability, and ease of use.

Grand Seiko timepieces are characterized by their elegant simplicity and meticulous craftsmanship, with a strong emphasis on Japanese aesthetics. This unique combination sets Grand Seiko apart, creating a special and unmistakable beauty that defines the brand.