Introducing: The Autumn-Inspired Red Grand Seiko SBGY035 And SBGA499
Wait, am I writing about autumn already? Well, we are in the last week of August, so yes, it is quickly approaching (here in the Netherlands, at least). Well, at least we get to see some nice burgundy, orange, and brown watch releases. This year, Grand Seiko kicks things off with two autumn-themed new watches. Let’s have a closer look at the new SBGY035 and SBGA499.
These are both new, limited dial variants of existing Grand Seiko Elegance models. The C-shaped SBGY035 is limited to 700 pieces and priced at €9,200, while the SBGA499 is limited to 1,300 pieces and priced at €6,300. So, what’s the occasion for these limited editions? How about 20 years of 9R Spring Drive calibers? Time flies when you’re sweeping smoothly!
Grand Seiko SBGY035 specs
Starting with the SBGY035, we get a familiar recipe with a new dial. Under the hood, this is the same watch as the beloved Omiwatari (SBGY007) with its pale blue dial. This means it offers a 38.5mm C-shaped stainless steel case measuring just 10.2mm thick. The dual-curved sapphire crystal features AR coating on the inside. The water resistance comes in at 30 meters, which makes sense for a watch of this style.
The sapphire window in the case back puts the birthday boy, caliber 9R31, on display. This is a hand-wound member of the Spring Drive family with an ample autonomy of 72 hours. Of course, you get the lovely smooth Spring Drive sweep of the seconds hand. Additionally, this caliber should run at an average daily deviation of about one second. If that is not accurate enough for you, might I suggest you start carrying around an atomic clock?
A new outfit for the SBGY035
Let’s move on to what is new for the SBGY035 — its dial. As always, Grand Seiko sourced its inspiration from Japanese nature. Specifically, the dial is inspired by “the harmony of the Hotaka mountain range blushing at sunrise and the vibrant transformation of autumn leaves in the same morning light.” Leave it to GS to provide us with poetry in the press materials.
Whatever inspired it, the dial is stunning to behold. The texture and color indeed remind me of autumn leaves, and the subtle texture makes for beautiful light play. The color isn’t even across the entire dial, by the way; it fades towards the center.
The rose gold applied logo and seconds hand complement the burgundy dial. These only serve to accentuate the strong overall autumn theme. Lastly, Grand Seiko puts the SBGY035 on a burgundy crocodile strap to match the dial.
Grand Seiko SBGA499 specs
Like the SBGY035, the SBGA499 is a new variant of a familiar model. In this case, you might recognize the pale blue SBGA407. Like its blue sister, the stainless steel SBGA499 measures 40.2mm across by 12.8mm thick. In keeping with this model’s sportier nature, it is rated water resistant to 100 meters.
The sapphire window of the display case back allows a view of another Spring Drive caliber, the 9R65. This is a self-winding movement with a date complication at 3 o’clock. It shares the maximum daily deviation of one second per day and the 72-hour power reserve.
While the SBGY035 comes on a burgundy crocodile strap with a folding push-button-operated clasp, the SBGA499 offers a steel bracelet. This, too, has a single-deployant clasp with a push-button release.
SBGA499 in autumn hues
While the SBGY035 emphasizes the subdued, elegant side of autumnal colors, the SBGA499 takes another route. It is a much brighter red, complementing the more forceful, sporty style of the watch on this steel bracelet. Or, as Grand Seiko describes it, “With its bright red dial, the second Spring Drive creation captures the Hotaka mountain range and the brilliant autumn leaves bathed in golden morning sunlight.”
The rose gold accents are more prominent here thanks to the power reserve indicator at 7:30. Its copper tone stands out against the bright red sunburst dial. Similarly, the date contrasts quite hard with its black-on-white printing.
Pricing and availability
Both new models will hit Grand Seiko boutiques this September. The SBGA499 comes in at €6,300, while the SBGA035 costs €9,300. The former is limited to 1,300 pieces, with the latter seeing 700 units produced.
What do you think of the new Grand Seiko limited editions? Let us know in the comments below!
