Grand Seiko has worked hard in recent years to build out their online presence and continue to engage with their customers in a meaningful way, both online and in ?real life? events (remember those"). The brand launched the GS 9 club in the United States last year, and this Grand Seiko owner?s club recently had a major event for members in New York that included panel discussions, watchmaking demonstrations, and plenty of general GS enthusiasm. Simultaneously, Grand Seiko has been refining their online boutique experience, with concierge services for clients who can?t make it to a physical retail location, and some great boutique only releases. Today we?re looking at one of those boutique only releases, a Spring Drive equipped watch featuring a dial with a familiar pattern, but with a twist. 
The SBGA469 has a deep blue dial inspired by Katsu-iro indigo dye, which has been used in Japan since the 15th century. For samurai, the use of this color in their armor was a symbol of victory, and blue dials in all shades have been important to Grand Seiko for years, often appearing on anniversary pieces and limited editions. This specific tone was previously used on the SBGC238, an absolutely bonkers solid gold chronograph-GMT that was explicitly modeled on Samurai armor. If you missed out on that release (or just didn?t have $44,000 hanging around in the old watch fund), the new SBGA469 presents a more accessible entry point to the Katsu-iro inspired dial. 

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