Grand Seiko Heritage Shubun and Rikka

Grand Seiko, the revered Japanese watchmaker, has a rich history dating back to 1960. Established as a subsidiary of Seiko, Grand Seiko was created with a singular goal: to produce the most precise, durable, and beautiful watches in the world. This ambition was driven by a desire to compete with, and ultimately surpass, the finest Swiss watchmakers. The first Grand Seiko model, released in December 1960, immediately set a high standard. It was powered by the hand-wound Caliber 3180, a movement that exceeded the highest standards of accuracy of its time. This initial success laid the foundation for Grand Seiko's commitment to excellence in both craftsmanship and technical innovation, a commitment that remains steadfast to this day.



Throughout the 1960s, Grand Seiko continued to push boundaries, introducing iconic models like the 44GS in 1967, which established the "Grand Seiko Style," a design language characterized by sharp lines, flat surfaces, and exceptional finishing. The 62GS, also released in 1967, was Grand Seiko's first automatic watch, showcasing the brand's growing expertise in movement development. These early models established Grand Seiko's reputation for producing timepieces that were both technically advanced and visually stunning, earning them a devoted following among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.



In the decades that followed, Grand Seiko continued to innovate, developing new movements and refining its design aesthetic. The introduction of the 9S mechanical movement family in 1998 marked a major milestone, showcasing Grand Seiko's mastery of traditional watchmaking techniques combined with modern engineering. In 2017, Grand Seiko became an independent brand, further solidifying its position as a leader in the luxury watch market. This transition allowed the brand to focus even more intently on its core values of precision, durability, and beauty, while expanding its global presence and introducing its unique approach to watchmaking to a wider audience. Today, Grand Seiko remains dedicated to its founding principles, continuing to produce watches that are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative technology, and distinctly Japanese aesthetic. The release of the new Grand Seiko Heritage SBGH353 "Shubun" and SBGH351 "Rikka" watches is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to creating watches that are both works of art and marvels of engineering.



The new Grand Seiko Heritage SBGH353 "Shubun" is a remarkable timepiece that draws inspiration from the Japanese seasonal calendar, specifically the period of Shubun, the autumnal equinox. This time of year is celebrated in Japan for its clear night skies, a phenomenon beautifully captured in the watch's Deep Blue dial. The dial's color evokes the vast expanse of the night sky, creating a sense of depth and wonder. The gold-toned Grand Seiko lettering and seconds hand stand in vivid contrast against this deep blue backdrop, mirroring the way the moon and stars illuminate the darkness of the night sky during Shubun. This striking combination of colors creates a captivating visual effect, drawing the eye and highlighting the watch's intricate details. The polished, applied hour markers are precise and easy to read, while also catching the light and causing a dance across the dial. The date window is subtly placed at the 3 o'clock position, blending seamlessly with the overall design and providing a practical function without detracting from the watch's aesthetic balance.



The SBGH351 "Rikka," on the other hand, captures the essence of early summer, a time when nature is in full bloom and the world is awash in vibrant green hues. The deep green dial of the Rikka evokes the lush grasslands and verdant landscapes that characterize this season in Japan. The color is rich and dynamic, shifting in different lighting conditions and revealing subtle variations in tone. Similar to the Shubun, the Rikka features gold-toned Grand Seiko lettering and a seconds hand, which provides a striking contrast against the green dial. This combination of colors is both harmonious and visually arresting, capturing the vibrancy and energy of early summer. The texture of the dial adds another layer of complexity, with a subtle vertical pattern that enhances the play of light across the surface. The polished hands and hour markers reflect the light, creating a dynamic interplay with the green backdrop. The date window, positioned at 3 o'clock, is once again discreet and functional, providing essential information without disrupting the dial's captivating visual flow.



Both the Shubun and the Rikka are modern re-interpretations of the celebrated 62GS from 1967, a model that holds a special place in Grand Seiko's history. The 62GS was Grand Seiko's first automatic watch, and its distinctive design, characterized by sharp edges and perfectly flat, distortion-free surfaces, helped to define the "Grand Seiko Style." The new watches pay homage to this iconic model while incorporating modern materials and technology. The cases of both watches are crafted from Ever-Brilliant Steel, a highly anticorrosive 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. This material ensures that the watches will retain their luster and resist corrosion over time, making them as durable as they are beautiful.



The bezel-free construction of the 62GS is another key design element that has been carried over to the Shubun and Rikka. This feature creates a wide dial opening, giving the watches a distinctive appearance on the wrist. The absence of a bezel allows the dial to take center stage, enhancing its visual impact. The box-shaped sapphire crystal further enhances the vintage-inspired aesthetic while providing excellent scratch resistance and clarity. The crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, ensuring optimal legibility under various lighting conditions. The Zaratsu polishing technique, a hallmark of Grand Seiko's craftsmanship, is prominently featured in both watches. This meticulous hand-polishing process creates perfectly flat, distortion-free surfaces that reflect light in a captivating way. The sharp edges and precise lines of the case are a testament to the skill of Grand Seiko's artisans, who have mastered this demanding technique. The result is a watch that exudes a sense of refinement and sophistication.



The cases of both the Shubun and Rikka measure 40.0mm in diameter and 47.0mm from lug to lug, with a thickness of 12.9mm. These dimensions strike a balance between presence and wearability, making the watches suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The 21mm lug width accommodates a stainless-steel bracelet that complements the case design. The bracelet is also made from Ever-Brilliant Steel, ensuring a cohesive look and exceptional durability. The three-fold clasp with a push-button release provides a secure and comfortable fit, while also adding to the watch's overall aesthetic appeal. The case back of each watch is a see-through screw-down design, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of the movement within.



Powering both the Shubun and Rikka is the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85, a self-winding mechanical movement that represents the pinnacle of Grand Seiko's watchmaking expertise. This high-frequency movement beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second), ensuring exceptional accuracy and a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. The Caliber 9S85 is hand-assembled by the skilled craftsmen and women of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where each component is meticulously crafted and finished to the highest standards. The movement boasts a power reserve of approximately 55 hours when fully wound, providing ample autonomy for daily wear. The accuracy of the Caliber 9S85 is rated at +5 to -3 seconds per day, a testament to Grand Seiko's commitment to precision timekeeping. This exceptional level of accuracy is achieved through rigorous testing and adjustment, ensuring that each watch meets Grand Seiko's stringent standards. The movement is also equipped with 37 jewels, which minimize friction and wear, contributing to its long-term reliability and performance.



The Caliber 9S85 features a sophisticated automatic winding mechanism that efficiently harnesses the motion of the wearer's wrist to keep the watch powered. The movement can also be manually wound via the screw-down crown, providing an alternative way to energize the watch when it is not being worn. The screw-down crown enhances the watch's water resistance, which is rated at 10 bar (approximately 100 meters), making it suitable for everyday wear and occasional water activities. The magnetic resistance of the watch is also noteworthy, rated at 4,800 A/m, providing protection against the potentially disruptive effects of magnetic fields encountered in daily life. The rotor is finely decorated with the Grand Seiko lion emblem, a symbol of the brand's heritage and commitment to excellence.



The Grand Seiko Heritage SBGH353 "Shubun" and SBGH351 "Rikka" are priced at $7,200.00 USD each. These watches are available for purchase through authorized Grand Seiko dealers and boutiques worldwide. The release of these two exceptional timepieces further solidifies Grand Seiko's position as a leading manufacturer of high-end watches. The Shubun and Rikka are not merely time-telling devices; they are wearable works of art that embody the brand's rich heritage, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. They are a testament to Grand Seiko's dedication to creating watches that are both beautiful and technically advanced, offering a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern watchmaking technology.



Grand Seiko Heritage SBGH353 "Shubun"



Case: 40.0mm diameter, 47.0mm lug-to-lug, 12.9mm thick. Ever-Brilliant Steel, Zaratsu polished. Box-shaped sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating. See-through, screw-down case back. 10 bar water resistance.

Movement: Caliber 9S85. Automatic with manual winding. 55-hour power reserve. +5 to -3 seconds per day accuracy. 37 jewels.

Dial: Deep blue dial. Gold-toned Grand Seiko lettering and seconds hand. Polished, applied hour markers.

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelet. Three-fold clasp with push-button release. 21mm lug width.

Price: $7,200.00 USD

Reference Number: SBGH353

Notes: Inspired by the clear night skies of Shubun, the autumnal equinox. Modern re-interpretation of the 1967 62GS.





Grand Seiko Heritage SBGH351 "Rikka"



Case: 40.0mm diameter, 47.0mm lug-to-lug, 12.9mm thick. Ever-Brilliant Steel, Zaratsu polished. Box-shaped sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating. See-through, screw-down case back. 10 bar water resistance.

Movement: Caliber 9S85. Automatic with manual winding. 55-hour power reserve. +5 to -3 seconds per day accuracy. 37 jewels.

Dial: Deep green dial. Gold-toned Grand Seiko lettering and seconds hand. Polished, applied hour markers.

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelet. Three-fold clasp with push-button release. 21mm lug width.

Price: $7,200.00 USD

Reference Number: SBGH351

Notes: Inspired by the sights and sounds of Rikka, early summer in Japan. Modern re-interpretation of the 1967 62GS.