Grand Seiko debuts two new kira-zuri USA exclusives that will stir up global envy
Zach Blass- Grand Seiko debuts steel, 44GS-cased SBGA507 and SBGA509 USA-exclusive LEs of 300 pieces.
- Both have sparkling kira-zuri, ukiyo-e-reminiscent dials inspired by the transitioning sky over Lake Suwa.
- They honour the 20th anniversary of 9R-series Spring Drive with the 9R65 movement – each priced at US$5,600.
A year after Grand Seiko USA was established, the first three USA exclusives made their debut in 2018. The sole steel model of the trio, the Grand Seiko SBGA387, undoubtedly incited the most excitement – its ahead-of-the-curve light blue Tiffany-adjacent dial striking a chord in and outside of Grand Seiko fandom. But what really caught the eye was its radiant texture. Kira-zuri translates to “sparkling painting”, and this dynamic sparkle of the dial mixed with its blue hue netted a clear-cut winner for the brand, and while I hate to state this as some sort of barometer, in the six-year wake of its release, has only just begun to trade within a few thousand of its original US$6,800 price tag (at one point hitting US$14,000) on the secondary market. This is why I have little doubt the new Grand Seiko SBGA507 and SBGA509 USA Exclusive Limited Editions will be highly sought after.
Like the SBGA387, the draw for this new USA-exclusive pair is their kira-zuri ukiyo-e reminiscent dials. For those who have been enamoured by Grand Seiko’s springtime cherry blossom-inspired dials, the rose-dialled SBGA509 will be a standout. While the cherry blossom dials are notoriously subtle expressions of a pink hue, the live imagery supplied by Grand Seiko makes it clear the pink of the SBGA509 really punches. It’s undoubtedly rose in colour, but interestingly appears to be a darker shade – at least at certain angles.
With blue being the safest colour beyond plain white, black, and silver, the dial of the SBGA507 is a nice foil to the more adventurous expression of the SBGA509. Both, in expected Grand Seiko fashion, share the natural muse of the transitioning sky over Lake Suwa, which is near Studio Shinshu where all Spring Drive and 9F quartz watches are made. The “dusty rose” hue of the SBGA509 conveys the early sunrise, while the “cool blue” hue of the SBGA507 evokes the transition into the evening sky. It will be interesting to see just how much of the kirazuri sparkling effect will come through in the metal for both dials, as it was unmistakable on the brighter SBGA387.
Also, just like the SBGA387, the SBGA507 and SBGA509 are presented in a 100-metre water-resistant, stainless steel, 44GS case that is very wearable at 40mm in diameter, 12.5mm thick, and 46.2mm lug-to-lug. With the 44GS’s signature wide lugs executed with a zaratsu distortion-free mirror-polish, the case will ultimately go dark when you look at the watch head-on. This means the dial will, excuse the buzz phrase, pop that much more.
Each watch is outfitted on the standard five-piece link bracelet with broader brushed surfaces accentuated by polished touches, with no micro-adjustment of any kind on the clasp – something often viewed as an obstacle for purchase by some. As someone with a smaller 6.5-inch wrist who is very particular about proper fit and owns a steel 44GS without any bracelet issues, I must stress that the half links (which are really two-thirds links) are your best friend. By playing around with the number of “half links”, you can incrementally find your size down to a third of a link.
Honouring the 20th anniversary of 9R-series Spring Drive and following in the footsteps of the SBGA387, the pair is driven by the in-house automatic 9R65 Spring Drive movement, with a pledged accuracy within one second per day and 72 hours of power reserve. From my own experience, none of my four Spring Drive watches have ever run slow, and typically gain a maximum of half a second per day, if at all.
Selfishly speaking, the regional exclusivity of the Grand Seiko SBGA507 and SBGA509 doesn’t bother me as I am American and NYC-based, but I suspect Grand Seiko fans abroad will be groaning in frustration. I know I do each time I see a stunning Thailand or JDM exclusive. Furthermore, both are limited to 300 pieces, so in any scenario, there will inevitably be those who miss out. That being said, the silver lining here is the US$5,600 price tag is notably less than the SBGA387’s price of US$6,800 – although, it was bundled with two extra leather straps. Any way you look at it, once again we find ourselves introduced to exclusive and limited Grand Seiko watches many will likely wish were regular production.
Grand Seiko SBGA507 & SBGA509 USA Exclusive Limited Editions pricing and availability
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The Grand Seiko SBGA507 and SBGA509 USA Exclusive Limited Editions will be limited to 300 pieces each and will be available via Grand Seiko boutiques, select authorised retail partners, and on Grand Seiko’s online US Boutique. Price: US$5,600
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | Heritage Collection 44GS USA Exclusive |
| Reference | SBGA507 SBGA509 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 12.5mm (T) x 46.2mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Cool blue or dusty rose kira-zuri pattern |
| Strap | Case-matching bracelet, three-fold push button clasp |
| Movement | 9R65, in-house, automatic, Spring Drive |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve |
| Availability | 300 pieces per colour, USA exclusive |
| Price | US$5,600 |