Grand Seiko Celebrates 20 Years of the 9R Spring Drive Movement With Two Limited-Edition Time-Tellers
Going by the “Morning Glow of Hotaka Peaks” theme.
Grand Seiko’s 9R Spring Drive movement welcomes its second decade this year. In commemorating and celebrating this milestone, the Japanese watchmaker has revealed two limited-edition watches that capture the “Morning Glow of the Hotaka Peaks.” The release consists of Spring Drive SBGA497 “Snowflake” and Spring Drive GMT SBGE305.
Outfitted in a luscious dark red dial, the SBGE305 draws inspiration from the mountainous landscape of Hotaka in summer. As a Sport Collection GMT model, it’s equipped to read time across two time zones, along with essential hour, minute, second and day date indications. Measuring 40.5mm in diameter, the watch case and bracelet are crafted from stainless steel, complete with a contrasting ceramic bezel. Priced at $6,200 USD, the SBGE305 is set to release in June with a limited run of 1,300 units only.
Also housed in a stainless steel build, the SBGA497 arrives in the form of a Grand Seiko Heritage model. Its dial comes in the brand’s popular “Snowflake” pattern but is rendered in a soft cherry blossom hue — a subtle nod to the romantic sunrises as seen on the Hotaka mountain range during the snow season. The timepiece features a 41mm case size and is accompanied by a matching three-fold metal bracelet. Releasing as a limited edition of 1,500 examples, the SBGA497 will be available to shop in March.
Both models will be available to shop worldwide via Grand Seiko boutiques and authorized retailers. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
