SBGY023

A GS9 Club USA exclusive inspired by Matsumoto Castle at dusk in autumn

The GS9 Club USA 2022 Limited Edition draws inspiration from Shinshu, the region of Japan where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are born. In Showa 9 (The ninth year of the Showa era, approximately 1934), a woodblock print, done in the style known as ukiyo-e, was created depicting the famed Matsumoto Castle of Shinshu. This castle is a National Treasure of Japan, built upon stonework, and its exterior was originally black, though it has faded to grey over the years.

The warm grey tone of the GS9 Club USA Limited Edition was chosen to pay tribute to Matsumoto Castle at dusk in Autumn. The kirazuri dial pattern, the same pattern that adorned the first USA exclusive models in 2018, was chosen as a tribute to these first USA exclusives as well as the ukiyo-e woodblock print depicting Matsumoto Castle. The term kirazuri translates roughly to “sparkling painting” and refers to a technique of sprinkling mica powder on ukiyo-e prints to create an exquisite sparkle. This dial features the sparkling kirazuri pattern at its center, with the minutes track finished to contrast with the centerpiece of the dial. The dial is curved to follow the shape of the crystal, and the minutes and seconds hands are curved by hand to create high legibility and to follow the contour of the dial and crystal. The seconds hand is individually tempered blue, and the remaining hands and markers are multi-faceted and diamond-cut to enhance beauty and legibility. To create a pure and highly legible dial, the power reserve indicator is visible through the sapphire caseback.

Only 299 pieces will be made of the GS9 Club USA 2022 Limited Edition SBGY023. The watch will be featured on a matching grey crocodile leather strap and become available following the GS9 Club Experience in Brooklyn, NY, on November 18th, 2022.