Seasons Change: When a Grand Seiko Regional Release Goes International
Two years ago, when I decided to purchase the Grand Seiko SBGH271, I went through all the mental gymnastics you?d expect ahead of making what for me, at the time, was a rather expensive commitment. I?d just sold some watches, so I was newly infused with cash, but it wasn?t a trivial amount of money, and I wanted to make sure I made the right decision. I tried on a lot of watches at the authorized dealer on that fateful visit, and I liked almost everything I put on my wrist that day. I knew I?d wind up with a Grand Seiko, but I didn?t know which one. After deciding on a high beat caliber equipped watch rather than Spring Drive or quartz, my choices narrowed.Â
The seasons collection was new at the time, and I was blown away by the subtle texture of the green dial, the proportions of the case, and the pop of the Zaratsu polishing in the AD lighting. But I?m not going to lie: part of the appeal was knowing that this watch was a US exclusive. Exclusive! That?s a powerful word in the watch landscape. So much of our hobby, whether we like it or not, is built around a preoccupation with rarity and hype, whether we?re talking about vintage watches nearly lost to time, genuinely rare modern sleepers, or an endless parade of limited editions.Â
The first Grand Seiko Seasons Collection, back when it was a US exclusive, in 2019
Recently, news hit that Grand Seiko was introducing this very same seasons collection to the rest of the world, and the meltdowns ensued all over In...
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