Grand Seiko - Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko SBGW295

Grand Seiko presented the Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko ref. SBGW295, a model that reproduces the first Grand Seiko. Price €14,700/$13,800

2023 marks the 110th anniversary of the Laurel, Seiko's and Japan’s first wristwatch. Seiko and Grand Seiko are celebrating the milestone with a series of commemorative timepieces. After the Presage Laurel 110th Anniversary SPB359 from Seiko that we presented here, Grand Seiko announced, as part of its Elegance collection, the Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko ref. SBGW295, a three-hand model that reproduces the first Grand Seiko watch released in 1960.

Characterised by the same slim profile of the 1960 original, the 38 mm x 10.9 mm case is crafted from Brilliant Hard Titanium. This Grand Seiko’s proprietary alloy is brighter than traditional titanium, causing the Zaratsu-polished surfaces to appear even more radiant while still offering a hardness double that of standard stainless steel. Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 3 bar (approximately 30 metres / 100 feet).

A thin bezel frames an black urushi lacquer dial with gold maki-e hour markers that stand out beautifully.

Urushi lacquer is synonymous with traditional Japanese craft, and its use can be traced back to Japan’s Jomon Period (13,100 BCE– 400 BCE). While today it is most often employed to add a level of restrained ornamentation, urushi’s utility through the ages caused it to be used for its antiseptic and preservative qualities. The jet-black color of the urushi in this dial was achieved through the addition of iron. The lacquer is further enhanced through a special treatment that prevents its colour from changing over time.

The maki-e hour markers and Grand Seiko name are built up, layer upon layer, through the application of lacquer, endowing them with their trademark three-dimensional profile. Next comes the 24k gold powder – maki-e means “sprinkled picture” – which is applied and polished. The seconds and minute hands are gently curved down towards the dial by hand to enhance legibility. The dual-curved sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the hand-wound 9S64 movement, accurate to +5 to -3 seconds per day. Beating at a frequency of 28,880 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second), it offers 72 hours of power reserve.

The watch comes with two leather straps equipped with a three-fold Brilliant Hard Titanium clasp with push button release. The first strap incorporates a traditional Japanese weaving technique called yoroiori that was once used for making samurai armor. Thin strips of calf leather and fabric are interlaced to enhance the watch strap’s durability. The second strap is leather sourced for its softness and comfort.

The new Grand Seiko Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko ref. SBGW295 is a limited edition of 500 pieces available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners with a price of Euro 14,700 / US$ 13,800. grand-seiko.com