To celebrate the founding of Grand Seiko Corporation of America in 2018, Grand Seiko created a series of limited-edition watches with sparkling dials inspired by kirazuri, an artistic flourish involving mica powder often observed in ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Each watch featured an elegantly textured dial that gently sparkled in the light.
In 2024, Grand Seiko revisits the theme of kirazuri in the SBGA509, which pays tribute to the sunrise over Lake Suwa with its dusty rose hue. Exclusive to the United States, this limited edition model features the iconic 44GS case, conceived in 1967. The 44GS is the watch that established the Grand Seiko Style, a design grammar that would go on to inform all Grand Seiko aesthetics from that moment forward and is responsible for the distinctive style of Grand Seiko watches today. With its mirror-polished surfaces and beguiling interplay of light and shadow, this design perfectly complements kirazuri dial of SBGA509. As a re-interpretation of the original 44GS, this watch comes with a case and bracelet crafted from stainless steel.
Caliber 9R65, the first Grand Seiko Spring Drive movement, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, has been called upon to power this exclusive creation. Endowed with an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month (approximately ±1 second per day) and a power reserve of 72 hours, the 9R65 meets the strict criteria that Grand Seiko demands of its movements.
