American watch-heads no longer have to endure Grand Seiko?s Japan-only releases. We can now rejoice that Grand Seiko?an independent watch company since 2016?is offering their first US-only collection. These 40-millimeter watches house the ultra-precise Grand Seiko Spring Drive 9R15/65 movement, and their dials imitate the Japanese painting technique Kira-zuri, which translates to ?sparkling painting.? These limited editions include 20 platinum watches on crocodile leather for $53,000 (SBGA385), 50 in 18k rose gold on croc for $29,500 (SBGA384), and 558 in stainless steel on bracelet with two additional straps for $6,800 (SBGA387).
Dials are made to complement each metal, helping the watches achieve Grand Seiko?s distinctive look. For the platinum model, the cool white dial gets a special plating process that helps bring out the sparkling quality, while the gold model?s dial carries warmer tones, and the stainless steel model reads as a flecked light blue that, Grand Seiko claims, is reminiscent of the skies over the Sea of Japan. The dial layout is pure Grand Seiko, with precision-cut applied markers, a classic date window at three o?clock, the GS logo up top, and a power reserve indicator hovering between seven and eight o?clock. Hands are familiar dagger types, which are always a marvel under a loupe where the journey seems to go on forever to the incredibly sharp tip.
All indicators and hands, and cases employ Grand Seiko?s Zaratsu finishing, a very old method borrowe...