Grand Seiko Readies Katana-Inspired US-Exclusive Watches

Arriving in three colorways.

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Expanding on Grand Seiko’s Heritage Collection, the Japanese watchmaker has unveiled three new references inspired by katana swords.

Drawing inspiration from traditional and artisanal craftsmanship, the watches are designed to encapsulate the katana’s beauty, strength, and perseverance. Arriving in a 40mm Zaratsu-polished stainless steel case, the new model is accompanied by a matching metal bracelet, fastened on wrists with a three-fold clasp.

Offered in three colorways, the lineup comprises two very different, but equally as unique dial designs. The black dial SBGA489 serves to showcase the hardness of “Kawagane”, a carbon-heavy steel used to craft katanas. Meanwhile, SBGA491
stars dark green dial that represents “Shingane,” which is a type of high-iron steel that’s often used to craft the core of a katana blade. These two are non-limited releases and are characterized by a sand-like textured dial.

Featuring a fiery red dial, the SBGA493 is a 500-piece limited-edition release that pays homage to a katana’s forging process. Its dial boasts a radial pattern that emulates the sparks and motion of a hammer striking a blade.

All three watches utilize the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65, Grand Seiko’s in-house automatic movement that’s geared with 72 hours of power reserve. Prices go from $5,600 – $6,000 USD, head over to Grand Seiko’s official U.S. website for more information on its availability.

In case you missed it, Glashütte Original refreshes the Senator Chronometer in silver and blue.

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Zoe Leung
Zoe Leung Senior Editor

Zoe Leung is a Senior Editor at Hypebeast, where she has been shaping the publication’s coverage of horology, art, design, and culture since 2023. Her extensive watch reporting spans exclusive manufacture visits with Maisons like Zenith, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Grand Seiko, as well as insightful conversations with industry leaders and artisans. Beyond watches, she regularly spotlights international creatives and cultural phenomena, utilizing her knowledge of global music and entertainment subcultures to deliver narratives that explore the worldwide influence of contemporary visual storytelling and cross-cultural artistry.

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