Description
About Grand Seiko SBGH341
Grand Seiko 62GS Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 Heritage Collection
A mechanical watch that expresses the ephemeral beauty of sakura ensconced in snow
This classically styled model is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic 62GS, which was released in 1967 as Grand Seiko’s first mechanical watch to feature automatic winding. The dial of the new SBGH341 displays a rare characteristic of the changing seasons in Japan. Specifically, one can see a representation of a scene in which cherry blossoms are concealed by fallen snow.
This rare coexistence of cherry blossoms and snow can be found at the beginning of spring in the beautiful landscape of the Tohoku region, which includes Iwate Prefecture. The area is home to the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where Grand Seiko mechanical watches are made. The movement at the heart of the SBGH341 is the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85, which beats 10 times per second to provide a more stable precision by reducing variations in rate. With a diameter of 38 mm, the SBGH341 makes a classic impression. Its case and bracelet are crafted from high-intensity titanium, which is even more resistant to scratches than regular titanium and designed to be a delight to wear.
Grand Seiko SBGH341 Features
A dial that expresses cherry blossoms concealed by snow
A seasonal term that evokes the spring, “Sakura-kakushi” describes the phenomenon of snow accumulating on cherry blossoms in bloom. Taking inspiration from the beautiful and uncommon spectacle of snow coming to rest upon the petals of these blossoms, the dial design incorporates an intricate molded pattern in a grayish, subdued pink. Its appearance changes depending on the angle and the light, making for a pleasant experience when one checks the time.
Caliber 9S85
This high-frequency mechanical movement was developed by rethinking the parts that form the foundation of the watch’s precision, granting the level of torque necessary to maintain a high oscillation rate and realizing a practical power reserve of about 55 hours when fully wound.
For details about the Caliber 9S85
- 37 jewels
- See-through screw case back
- Screw-down crown
- Allergy-safe metal
- Sapphire crystal
- Date display
Grand Seiko SBGH341 History
Prior to 1960, to challenge the status of Swiss watches and change the perception of Japanese watches, Daini Seikosha and Suwa began the discussion of a product line that can match the quality of Swiss watches under the suggestion of the parent company. At the time, Suwa Seikosha Co. was in charge of manufacturing men’s watches, so it was decided that Suwa would be producing the first Grand Seiko (GS).
The first Grand Seiko was released in 1960, it was based on Seiko’s previous high-end watch, CROWN. This Grand Seiko has a 25-jewel, manual-winding, 3180 caliber, and only 36,000 units were produced. This was also the first chronometer-grade watch manufactured in Japan, and it was based on Seiko’s own chronometer standard.
Design style
The design language of the Grand Seiko was set in 1967, with the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS. The 44GS set the ground for all future Grand Seiko with nine elements. These elements help improve the legibility of the watch under different situations, and create a sharp, crisp visual impression:
- Double width index at 12 o’clock
- Multi-faceted rectangular markers
- Highly polished bezel
- Highly polished planes and two-dimensional surface
- Half recessed crown
- Flat dial
- Multi-faceted hour and minute hands
- Curved side line
- Reverse slanted bezel wall and case side
- Dress style with simple but beautiful design
- Zaratsu polishing
source : wikipedia
