Grand Seiko drops two new Hotaka-inspired limited editions in time for autumn (live pics)
Zach Blass- New Grand Seiko SBGY035 & SBGA499 limited editions celebrate the 20th anniversary of 9R-series Spring Drive.
- The dials are inspired by the autumn sunrise over the Hotaka mountain range.
- The SBGY035 has a rock-patterned auburn red dial while the SBGA499 has a slightly brighter sunburst red dial.
There are two irrefutable facts about Grand Seiko. The brand loves to celebrate anniversaries, and it often looks to the seasons of nature for inspiration. Last time we discussed two limited editions they were both, unfortunately for some, U.S. exclusive Grand Seiko watches. But, coming soon worldwide, the new Grand Seiko SBGY035 and SBGA499 limited editions continue the 9R-series Spring Drive 20th anniversary celebrations and each utilise the autumn sunrise over the Hotaka mountain range as its muse.
Grand Seiko SBGY035
Of the debuting pair, my personal favourite is this new SBGY035 and I suspect this reference will be a hotter novelty amongst the Grand Seiko faithful. Why? Well, its distinguishing element is its usage of the beloved rock-patterned dial Grand Seiko fans adore. The SBGA413 ‘Shunbun’ inspired by the cherry blossom’s of Spring is a brand bestseller that utilises this very pattern, and a winter-inspired SBGA415 also uses this pattern in a whiter hue. Technically a rock-patterned dial has been used in an autumn-inspired watch, the SBGE271 ‘Kanro’, but this reference utilised a black dial to evoke the nighttime sky. The Grand Seiko SBGY035, however, introduces the rock-pattern dial in a rich auburn red hue that more explicitly conveys an autumn-inspired hue – the colour of the leaves as they fall from the trees. It also appears to have a smoked-sensibility, with the outer border black – gradually brightening towards the centre to its dark auburn tone. It is almost like holding a torch up to a dark cave wall. With such an eye-catching dial, purists will be glad to see there is no date or power reserve complication on the dial side.
Considering they are both housed in the same Elegance-style case, I suspect many will find this new SBGY035 a stainless steel alternative to the precious metal interpretation of a cherry blossom dial – the rose gold SBGY026 that has since been sold out. Of course, in stainless steel, the SBGY035 is basically a third of the price at US$5,600. Obviously very different dial hues, the SBGY026 and SBGA413 sharing a springtime pink hue while the SBGY035 has a darker red colour. But, this colour refresh for the commonly seen and enjoyed dial pattern, if anything, is a distinct plus rather than a minus.
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | SBGY035 |
| Case Dimensions | 38.5mm (D) x 10.2mm (T) x 43.7mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Auburn red rock-patterned dial |
| Strap | Crocodile strap, three-fold clasp |
| Movement | 9R31 Spring Drive, in-house, manual-wind |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve (movement-side) |
| Availability | November 2024, limited to 700 pcs. |
| Price | US$8,500 |
Grand Seiko SBGA499
For those less interested in a dressier watch, and more inclined to purchase a robust autumn-inspired novelty, the new Grand Seiko SBGA499 is no slouch. Utilising the same less common case style as the fan-favourite SBGA407 ‘Skyflake’, the SBGA499 has a slightly brighter red dial without a gradation effect, but with a more traditional sunburst finish. It also distinguishes itself from the SBGY035 through its usage of a black-on-white date complication and a dial-side power reserve indicator in a colour-contrasting pink copper hue. Whereas the SBGY035 is 30 metres water-resistant and affixed to a leather strap, the SBGA499 is 100 metres water-resistant and sold on a mixed-finish stainless steel bracelet.
The SBGA499, in terms of daily wear, also has the advantage of using the automatic 72-hour 9R65 Spring Drive movement whereas the SBY035, albeit appropriately for a casual dress watch, uses the manually-wound 72-hour 9R31 Spring Drive movement. Remember, these are both Spring Drive 20th anniversary models after all.
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | SBGA499 |
| Case Dimensions | 40.2mm (D) x 12.8mm (T) x 48.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Bright red sunburst dial |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet, three-fold clasp |
| Movement | 9R65 Spring Drive, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator |
| Availability | September 2024, limited to 1,300 pcs. |
| Price | US$5,800 |