Evocative snowscapes, autumnal nights, and winter light inspire this quartet of charming Grand Seiko creations
There are watches that mark the passage of time, and watches that elevate the experience beyond function and utility with artful expression. For enthusiasts who seek the latter, Grand Seiko remains a master at capturing the ever-shifting faces of time in all their meditative, nuanced beauty. In this season of reflection, as the air turns nippy and Japan prepares for magical snowscapes and, later, the first stirrings of spring, Grand Seiko unveils four captivating models from its Heritage and Elegance collections—each mirroring the season’s understated charms.
In the Heritage Collection SBGX357 “Skyflake”, the brand once again demonstrates its aptitude for translating nature’s splendour into evocative dial textures. Here, the powdery, snow-capped mountains of Shinshu—close to where Grand Seiko crafts its quartz watches—are rendered with serene fidelity.
The watch is housed in a 37mm High-Intensity Titanium case with a matching bracelet, an alloy prized for being exceptionally lightweight and scratch-resistant. Its light blue dial pays homage to the beloved SBGA407 “Blue Snowflake”, a standout release from 2019.
Within, the SBGX357 is powered by Calibre 9F, one of Grand Seiko’s most precise and robust quartz movements. It features an instant date-change mechanism and a high-torque system capable of supporting large, beautifully finished hands.
The same movement drives the Heritage Collection SBGX265, distinguished by a rich blue dial set within a 37mm stainless steel case. Long available only in Japan, this fan favourite finally enjoys a global debut—much to the delight of collectors.
Those seeking models with international appeal will find much to admire in the Elegance Collection SBGM255 “Snowdrop” and SBGM257 “Moondrop”. Both feature a GMT complication and are powered by the automatic Calibre 9S66, enabling the tracking of two time zones with effortless clarity.
The watches’ travel-ready functions are intuitive: local time is adjusted in one-hour increments via the main hands, while a separate 24-hour hand, also crown-controlled, indicates home time.
Each model conveys a distinct mood. The SBGM255 “Snowdrop”, with its intricately patterned off-white dial, captures the quiet shift from winter to spring, recalling the glisten of melting snow. The SBGM257 “Moondrop”, meanwhile, evokes crisp autumn nights through a deep blue dial accented with gold 24-hour indices and a gold GMT hand.
Together, these four timepieces demonstrate Grand Seiko’s singular approach to fine watchmaking—a blend of tradition, forward-thinking innovation, and a deep appreciation for nature and art. Most pertinently, more than merely measuring time, they celebrate it.
