In 2022, celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the original 44GS from 1967, Grand Seiko unveiled the mid-sized 44GS Limited Edition SBGW289. Featuring a dynamic pink dial and a 36.5mm 44GS case, SBGW289 brought together classic form and modern build quality to create a truly dynamic design that can be worn on a wide variety of wrist sizes. Today, in honor of the 44GS, Grand Seiko presents two new references in the Heritage Collection sharing the same case that will be in continuous production: SBGW291 and SBGW293.
The stainless-steel cases of both timepieces measure 36.5 mm in diameter, 11.6 mm in thickness, and 42.7mm in length from lug to lug. The reduced proportions are a nod to the historical 44GS from 1967, the timepiece that fully established the brand-defining Grand Seiko Style, although even slightly smaller. Finishing, of course, is quintessential Grand Seiko. The case is polished by hand using Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu technique, resulting in an eye-catching mirror polish. These areas of high polish are contrasted against hairline finished surfaces, which are also created via a hand process that takes the skilled watchmakers years to master.
The dial of SBGW291 is rendered in silver, and the dial of SBGW293 is brown. Both have a delicate sunray pattern emanating from the dial’s center, and this small detail ensures the dial plays beautifully with the light. The multi-faceted indexes and hands, reimagined to fit the scaled-down dimensions, reflect even the slightest ray of light and create countless combinations of light and shadow.
In place of a stainless-steel bracelet, which came standard on the limited SBGW289, SBGW291 and SBGW293 are paired with complementary crocodile leather straps on deployant clasps. The former is matched to grey crocodile leather and the latter to brown.
Caliber 9S64 is a mechanical manual-winding caliber assembled by the tremendous craftsmen and women of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Like all Grand Seiko movements, caliber 9S64 is wholly developed and manufactured in-house. It features a proprietary mainspring that offers a power reserve of 72 hours in a single barrel design. Additionally, 9S64 is tested in six positions over 17 days—which exceeds the chronometer standard—to comply with the Grand Seiko Standard of -3 to +5 seconds mean daily rate in static conditions.
SBGW291 and SBGW293 are Mastershop models and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide for $6,500 starting September 2022.
