From SBGA211 “Snowflake” to SBGY007 “Omiwatari,” many of Grand Seiko’s watches borrow inspiration from Japan’s notable winterscapes. Today, Grand Seiko continues this tradition with reference SBGJ271 “Yukigesho,” the newest addition to the brand’s Elegance Collection.
The pattern here was first introduced on reference SBGH269, which featured a red dial that captured the look of autumn leaves reflecting off lacquered wooden floors that are often found in traditional Japanese architecture. With SBGJ271, the dial does something similar, but replaces vibrant autumnal tones with stark white to conjure the appearance of snow-covered trees. It evokes “Yukigesho,” a poetic expression used to describe the dusting of snow. This clean, highly dynamic pattern is immediately eye-catching, and gives new dimension to this classic, quintessentially Grand Seiko design.
The hands and indexes are polished to a razor’s edge so that they catch the light and make the time legible even in semi-darkness. The GMT hand is finished in black, and it is paired with an easy-to-read 24-hour ring, allowing its wearer to quickly follow a second time zone. With its refined and understated look, paired with its user-friendly functionality, SBGJ271 makes for an excellent travel companion.
SBGJ271 utilizes a case design that has become a mainstay of Grand Seiko’s Elegance Collection and has been previously featured on models SBGJ217 and SBGJ219, as well as 2021’s expansion of the Japan Season Collection, SBGJ249 and SBGJ251. A modern reinterpretation of the first Grand Seiko design from 1960, the case measures 39.5mm in diameter and 13.9mm in thickness, the latter number accommodating a vintage-inspired box-shaped sapphire crystal that sits above the case. The mid-case is beautifully rounded, with Zaratsu-polished facets along the curved lugs. SBGJ271 comes paired with a stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp.
The case back features a sapphire exhibition window, giving its wearer a view of the beautiful in-house movement within. SBGJ271 is equipped with Hi-Beat GMT Caliber 9S86. Running at 36,000 bph, 9S86 features a 55-hour power reserve and an accuracy rating of +5/-3 seconds a day. Using lightweight components made possible via MEMS, as well as the use of proprietary Spron alloys for the mainspring and hairspring, Grand Seiko’s high-frequency movements maintain a 55-hour power reserve while running at a beat rate of 36,000 bph.
