Grand Seiko SBGA507 & SBGA509 Review

August 01, 2024

In the heat of summer, Grand Seiko is dropping two cool new interpretations of their 44GS design for the U.S. market, both drawing from the various hues of the sunrise and sunset over Lake Suwa to the southeast of the Shinshu Watch Studio, where Spring Drive watches are made.? SBGA509 Both watches are powered by the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65 caliber with 72 hours of power reserve and 15 seconds per month of accuracy. That movement is visible through a display caseback in the otherwise stainless steel case (with stainless steel bracelet) that measures 40mm by 12.5mm. But as it often is, these limited editions are all about the dial. Both have a kirazuri ukiyo-e woodblock print texture, one in a rosy pink hue and the other in a nice soft blue. For those who, like me, aren't well versed in what that means, Japanese for "sparkling painting," kirazuri is found in the Japanese art of woodblock prints, incorporating mica powder to impart a sparkling shimmer. SBGA507 While I haven't seen these watches in person, they should have the quintessential Grand Seiko dial that plays with light. Each watch will be limited to 300 pieces and will retail for $5,600, available at boutiques, retailers, and Grand Seiko's online boutique starting today. What We Think It might not feel like it, but Grand Seiko seems to have become slower and more thoughtful about their limited editions, giving a lot of attention to each of their releases without burning folks out on a deluge of SKUs. Sure, these are new limited editions, but they have everything you'd want from a Grand Seiko in terms of design, finishing, and the brand's more affordable price point. What's not to like? SBGA507 I'm not sure what it is about Grand Seiko's pink dials, but they seem to be more loved than I'd have expected. The SBGA413 may have a more soft pink hue, but the demand for that watch leads me to believe the SBGA509 will probably be the more asked after of the releases. The blue dial seems to shift color quite a bit in the light, which also makes it a versatile option for something between dressy and sporty. SBGA509 The Basics Brand: Grand SeikoModel: SBGA507 & SBGA509Diameter: 40mmThickness: 12.5mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Dusty rose hue or cool blueIndexes: Polished appliedLume: NoneWater Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: Stainless steel with three-fold clasp The Movement Caliber: Spring Drive Caliber 9R65Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power-reserve indicatorPower Reserve: 72 hoursWinding: Automatic Additional Details: Magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m; See-through screw caseback Pricing & Availability Price: $5,600 for eitherAvailability: Immediately at Grand Seiko boutiques, select authorized retail partners, and online.Limited Edition: Yes, 300 pieces eachFor more, click here.