UPDATE: The winner of the Grand Seiko AU SBGJ269 auction will also get a VIP trip to Japan – under one condition
Zach BlassThe notion of a nature-inspired watch is nothing new for Grand Seiko, it is certainly their M.O. But when the Grand Seiko SBGJ269 “Pink Flannel Flower” Limited Edition was released last year it was a huge deal for multiple reasons. Firstly, the SBGJ269 was the first-ever Australian limited edition from Grand Seiko. Secondly, the 50-piece limited edition was a rare moment in which the muse of the dial was not Japan-based nature – rather a flower exclusive to Australia. Combined, both of these factors brought huge appeal to the market it was exclusive to – it is irrefutably a Grand Seiko watch with Australia in mind. Very cool. The limited edition was quickly sold out, but we recently covered the news that the final watch of the limited edition series is currently up for auction to raise funds for the Australian Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. But a new and exciting development has just been relayed to us in an exclusive from Grand Seiko Australia. The winner of the auction will now also get a VIP trip to Japan to visit the manufacture – under one condition. Find out below, but first a quick recap.
Grand Seiko Australia explains: “Grand Seiko Australia is proud to partner with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife to auction the last piece of the Australian Exclusive SBGJ269 “Pink Flannel Flower” watch. SBGJ269 was inspired by the pink flannel flower (Actinotus forsythii), a rare wildflower native to Australia. It blooms under rainfall in the season following a bushfire to bring new life and new colour to landscapes scorched at the hand of fires. It is a sign of rebirth and renewal that showcases nature’s ability to overcome adversity.”
The winner of the auction, according to the landing page, stands to win the last SBGJ269 timepiece (RRP $10,600 Limited Edition of 50 pieces), a one-of-a-kind framed sketch from the designer of SBGJ269, and a made-to-measure additional leather strap.
But, we have since learned from Grand Seiko Australia that another conditional bonus is available as well. If you’re an existing Grand Seiko GS9 Australia club member, or become one before the end of the auction, and you WIN the auction, not only will you pick up this stunning “Pink Flannel” edition, the framed sketch, and additional strap, you will also get a VIP trip to the Grand Seiko manufacturing facility as well.
As someone who recently visited the manufacture myself, this is an incredible opportunity on the table – the ultimate horological trip for fans of the brand. And, considering the condition of GS9 membership is having purchased a watch from Grand Seiko in Australia, I imagine those eligible will certainly be very intrigued by the proposition.
Grand Seiko SBGJ269 “Pink Flannel Flower” Limited Edition specs and auction details:
The Grand Seiko SBGJ269 “Pink Flannel Flower” Limited Edition is one of 50 pieces, and this is the final and only available SBGJ269 from Grand Seiko Australia. The auction is on now and ends on Friday, July 21 at 12pm (Australian time) with 100% of the money raised going to the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife.
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | SBGJ269 |
| Case Dimensions | 39.5mm (D) x 14.1mm (T) x 47mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Pink |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Strap | Steel bracelet |
| Movement | 9S86 |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Auction | Ends on Friday, July 21 at 12pm (Australian time) |
| Link to page | Grand Seiko AU auction page |