Though Grand Seiko was founded back in 1960, it wasn’t until 2018 that the elite Japanese brand set up shop on U.S. shores when it established the Grand Seiko Corporation of America. And it’s the inception of its American division that the company is now celebrating via two new limited edition watches — the Spring Drive SBGA507 and Spring Drive SBGA509 — that will only be available in America.
Both the SBGA507 and SBGA509 are U.S. market-only limited edition watches that are constructed around 40mm stainless steel cases with a thickness of 12.5mm, 19mm lugs, and a 46.2mm case length. Equipped with a knurled screw-down crown and matching screw-down case back with a Sapphire crystal window, the case is water resistant down to 100 meters. These watches are also the latest additions to the brand’s Heritage Collection.
Like the majority of special and limited edition horological releases that we see, what really makes the new SBGA507 and SBGA509 references so special is their dials. Paired with and contrasted by a silver dauphine-style hand-set, silver rectangular hour markers, a black-on-white 3 o’clock date window, and a gold Grand Seiko badge, the dials take inspiration from Kirazuri — a traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking technique that uses mica powder to achieve a textured motif with a sparkling effect. Sitting beneath a dual-curve Sapphire crystal, the dial is devoid of lume.
For the Spring Drive SBGA507, GS opted for a “cool blue” hue for the dial that’s inspired by how the sky over Japan’s Lake Suwa looks in the early evening. The Spring Drive SBGA509, on the other hand, takes inspiration from the color of the sky above the lake at sunrise, resulting in a dusty rose hue. Both have a decidedly elegant appearance that gently sparkles as light moves across it.
While I haven’t personally had the SBGA507 or SBGA509 on my wrist yet, I do possess a good deal of experience with Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive SBGA467, which is nearly identical, save for sporting a black dial (and a white-on-black date window). As such, I can 100% vouch for the fact that Grand Seiko’s watches boast an unbelievable level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and overall fit and finish — and I’m sure the new SBGA507 and SBGA509 references are no different.
Under the hood, both limited edition watches feature Grand Seiko’s Caliber 9R65. Grand Seiko’s first-ever Spring Drive movement — which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — the Caliber 9R65 boasts a 72-hour power reserve, 30 jewels, and an accuracy of 15+/- seconds a month. The movement can be appreciated through the watches’ exhibition case backs, while its power reserve can be viewed via a gauge at 8 o’clock.
Brand: Grand Seiko
Models: SBGA507 & SBGA509
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 40mm
Case Thickness: 12.5mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Bracelet: Stainless Steel w/ Three-Fold clasp
Caliber: Spring Drive Caliber 9R65
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Jewels: 30
Accuracy: 15+/- Seconds/Month
Price: $5,600
Limited Edition: Yes
Production: 300 Units (Each)
The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Spring Drive SBGA507 and Spring Drive SBGA509 Limited Edition Watches are available now, with pricing set at $5,600. Offered exclusively within the U.S. market, both watches are limited to just 300 units each.
Sporting sparkling dials inspired by a traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking technique, Grand Seiko’s Heritage Collection Spring Drive SBGA507 & SBGA509 are U.S. market-only limited edition watches that sport a blue or yellow hue that take inspiration from the colors above Lake Suwa at sunrise and in the evening.
