In 1967, Daini Seikosha, one of Seiko’s two factories, introduced the pioneering Grand Seiko 44GS. Esteemed by brand enthusiasts for its historical significance, this watch became the embodiment of the Grand Seiko Style, shaping the brand’s design language for decades. Today, the iconic 44GS remains a cornerstone of Grand Seiko’s collection.
The latest Heritage Collection SBGH345 offers the 44GS case in Ever-Brilliant Steel. Ever-Brilliant Steel exudes a captivating brilliance, setting the stage for a truly distinguished watch. With its dazzling white appearance and exceptional corrosion resistance, Ever-Brilliant Steel surpasses the PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) of the steel grades commonly employed in high-end watches by 1.7 times. Aligned with Grand Seiko’s commitment to the longevity of the watches it makes, the use of this material provides added assurance of enduring beauty over time.
With dimensions of 40mm in diameter, 13.3mm in thickness, and a lug width of 19mm, the SBGH345 case strikes a harmonious balance. Inspired by the morning sun as it falls upon the side of Mt. Iwate, the scarlet dial with the Mt. Iwate pattern adds a bold and distinctive touch, and it pairs beautifully with the multifaceted hands and hour indexes. This is all visible under a durable dual-curve sapphire crystal.
At the heart of SBGH345 is the Hi-Beat 36000 9S85 Calibre. Operating at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, this 37-jewel movement ensures precision timekeeping. With an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static) and a remarkable power reserve of approximately 55 hours, SBGH345 is a testament to Grand Seiko’s commitment to excellence. The case back, made from Ever-Brilliant Steel with a sapphire crystal, provides a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship within.
SBGH345 will be available starting in March 2024 exclusively through the Grand Seiko Boutique Online for a retail price of £6,100.