Grand Seiko Heritage 44GS "Sakura-kakushi" Limited Edition 55th Anniversary watch mechanical pink dial steel bracelet 36.5 mm

A history of style

In 1967, Grand Seiko introduced the 44GS, a watch that would embody the design code known as the Grand Seiko style. This style consists of 9 distinct elements that govern the design of every detail of the watch, from the shape of the case to the shape of the 12 o'clock index to the flat surface of the dial. As Grand Seiko enthusiasts know, the 44GS was designed to make watch design history. With its iconic case geometry, distortion-free finish and eye-catching dial, the 44GS was then - and remains to this day - exemplary of Grand Seiko's focused design language.

In 2013, Grand Seiko unveiled the modern interpretation of the 44GS style, adapting the founding 1967 model to contemporary sensibilities. Now, 55 years after its first appearance, the brand presents this SBGW289, a limited edition hand-wound model commemorating the 44GS design, in a reasonably sized case. All the elements of the Grand Seiko style are brought to the fore in this model, contributing to the "quality sparkle" that defines the brand. All facets of the case, hands and indexes are designed to reflect the slightest ray of light and create endless combinations of light and shadow, which change with every movement. The Zaratsu polished surfaces and the brushed surfaces complement each other perfectly. The texture of the dial is as delicate as the flower that inspired it. It is this crisp, clear and unique aesthetic that makes it possible to say: "This is a Grand Seiko".

Inspired by nature

At 36.5mm in diameter, 11.6mm thick and 42.7mm long from lug to lug, the smaller case of the SBGW289 has all the features that made the historic model and the modern 44GS memorable and enduring, but with proportions closer to those of the 1967 original. This makes the timepiece compact and easy to wear.

Fans of the brand know that the Manufacture likes to draw inspiration from the environment of Japan, which offers a rich variety of landscapes that are both ephemeral and memorable. The dial of this SBGW289 is inspired by the ephemeral beauty of a phenomenon that occurs every early spring, when the cherry blossoms are covered by snow, known as sakura-kakushi, meaning "the hiding of the cherry blossoms". The colour here is a delicate pink with a slight silver tint that perfectly captures the moment when the cherry blossoms break through the snow in the spring sunshine. The dynamic nature of this dial is further emphasised by the delicate kirazuri texture, which translates as "sparkling paint".

An engraving of a lion

This 55th anniversary 44GS watch is available in a limited edition of 1200 pieces. Numbered and engraved with the inscription "Limited Edition" are engraved on the case back alongside the lion, the emblem of Grand Seiko's strength since its launch in 1960.

The Grand Seiko calibre 9S64

Behind its engraved caseback is the Manufacture calibre 9S64. This is one of the rare hand-wound mechanical movements of the lion brand. Offering a comfortable power reserve of about three days (72 hours) when fully wound, it is designed to be stable and precise. As Grand Seiko's chronometric standards are stricter than those of the COSC, the movement has been set to 6 positions, guaranteeing a precision of -3 to +5 seconds per day, with a balance beating at 28,800 vibrations.
The movement is assembled by hand by the craftsmen of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.

In brief

• An iconic watch design in a 36.5 mm diameter case
  A mechanical manufacture calibre
  A perfect finish and a textured dial of the most beautiful effect!