Grand Seiko

Katana SBGA491

Reference Number :

SBGA491

Series : Heritage

Retail: $5,600

(As of: 01/2025)

This watch is not for sale, this page is just for reference purposes only. If you would like to purchase this watch, please contact Grand Seiko. If you are interested in selling this watch to us, you can contact us here.

Quick TakeThis Grand Seiko SBGA491, part of the Heritage collection, really calls to me as a lover of precision and refinement in watchmaking. The way its design nods to the shingane, the heart of the katana, adds a layer of depth and meaning that goes beyond the typical timepiece. That gorgeous green dial is an absolute eye-catcher. The texture, and the way the light catches the hands and indices--it's art on the wrist, plain and simple. Knowing it runs on the 9R65 Spring Drive movement, with its mind-blowing accuracy and smooth sweep of the seconds hand, makes it even more desirable. It's not just about looks; this watch has the performance to back it up. It is sized at 40mm making it a perfect daily. Plus, the three-day power reserve means I can swap it out with others in my collection without constantly winding. This isn't just another watch; it's a connection to Japanese craftsmanship and the spirit of the samurai sword.

DescriptionThe Grand Seiko SBGA491, part of the Heritage Collection, exhibits a design heavily influenced by the traditional Japanese katana, specifically drawing inspiration from the shingane, the strong inner core of the blade. Housed within a stainless steel exterior, the case measures 40.0mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug length of 46.2mm and a thickness of 12.5mm, giving the watch a medium-sized, balanced profile. The case is further detailed with a screw-down crown and a see-through, screw-on case back, offering a glimpse into the intricate inner workings. The watch is secured with a 19mm stainless steel bracelet featuring a three-fold clasp with a push-button release, ensuring both comfort and security. Protecting the olive green dial is a dual-curved sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to enhance readability under various lighting conditions. The dial itself features a textured finish that mirrors the aesthetic qualities of the shingane, complemented by polished indices and hands. This piece is equipped with Grand Seiko's Caliber 9R65 Spring Drive movement, renowned for its exceptional accuracy of ±15 seconds per month (±1 second per day) and a robust power reserve of approximately 72 hours (3 days). The movement's precision is further enhanced by its 30 jewels, which reduce friction and wear, ensuring long-term reliability.

Functionality is at the forefront of the SBGA491's design, evident in its array of practical features. It has a water resistance rating of 10 bar, making it suitable for everyday wear and exposure to water, although not for deep-sea diving. Additionally, the watch is engineered to resist magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m, protecting the movement from the potentially disruptive effects of magnetism encountered in daily life. The dial incorporates a power reserve indicator, allowing the wearer to monitor the remaining energy stored within the mainspring. The use of high-quality materials and advanced engineering techniques in the construction of this timepiece underscores Grand Seiko's commitment to creating watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically advanced, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern horological innovation. The watch’s weight and the materials used in its construction contribute to its substantial feel on the wrist. The SBGA491 captures the essence of the katana's craftsmanship, bringing together the four elements—earth, fire, water, and air—that are integral to the sword's creation process.

GenderMen

SignaturesGrand Seiko

Country of OriginJapan

Case Size40 mm

MovementAutomatic

Caliber9R65

FunctionsHours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Power Reserve

Power Reserve72 Hours

Case MaterialsStainless Steel

Bezel MaterialsStainless Steel

Lug MaterialsStainless Steel

Case BackSapphire Crystal