Limited Edition Grand Seiko SBGW289G Blossoms in Time

By Mark Jessen - News Published: 22 Jun 2022

If anyone understands the cyclical nature of time, it’s watchmakers, and at the front of the pack is Grand Seiko. In celebrating the 55th anniversary of the 44GS, Grand Seiko is returning to a smaller case that harkens back to the year 1967. The new SBGW289G points to the cycles of the year, especially to that season of rebirth—the Spring—and all the beauty that comes with it.

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Image: Grand Seiko

The SBGW289G features a stainless steel case that measures 36.5mm in diameter (measuring lug to lug takes it up to 42.7mm). The case is only 11.6mm thick, but inside that housing, you’ll find the impressive 9S64 manual winding movement. This movement has a 72-hour power reserve and features 24 jewels. A box-shaped sapphire crystal covers the watch and is coated in an anti-reflective treatment on the inner surface. Because the watch has a flat dial and a wide opening, light can pour into the watch.

That may not seem like a big deal until you understand what that light does on the multi-faceted hour and minute hands as well as the pink texturised dial. The effect brings to mind “Sakura-kakushi,” a Japanese term referencing the Spring blossoming of the cherry tree. The term means “the hiding of the cherry blossom,” and it is perfectly reflected in this watch. And much like those blossoms are only here for a short time, so these watches are also limited to just 1,200 examples.

Image: Grand Seiko

The SBGW289G comes on a stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp with push-button release. The watch also comes with Zaratsu polished mirror surfaces and hairline finishes. It also features 10 bars of water resistance. Each of the watches comes with “Limited Edition” etched on the case back along with its corresponding number. If you’re lucky enough to get a hold of one of these special watches, you’ll have a timeless piece that will help you celebrate spring and the beauty of cherry blossoms all year round.

Check it out

Grand Seiko SBGW289G Tehnical Specs

Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: SBGW289G
Case Size: 36.5mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water-Resistance: 100m
Movement: In-house manual wind 9S64
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Price: USD$5,400

Mr Mark Jessen

Mark Jessen studied English at Brigham Young University, completing a double emphasis in creative writing and professional writing/editing. After graduating, Mark went to work for a small publisher as their book editor. After a brief time as a freelance writer, Mark entered the corporate world as a copywriter. These days, his hours are spent mostly in proofing and editing, though he continues to create content for a wide variety of projects. In 2017, Mark completed UCLA's Creative Writing Certification. A prolific writer, Mark has over 20 years of experience in journalism.

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