A new model has been released in Grand Seiko's "62GS" series. The case is made of 18K pink gold, giving it a warm impression. The theme of this model is "Sakura Kakushi" (hiding the cherry blossoms), when it is still cold even after the cherry blossoms have bloomed and snow has accumulated on the cherry blossoms. This Grand Seiko is perfect for the upcoming cherry blossom season.
The warm "62GS" model is made of 18K pink gold.
The new Heritage Collection model, Ref. SBGH368, is a direct descendant of the 62GS, which is highly acclaimed among enthusiasts. The 62GS was Grand Seiko's first watch equipped with an automatic movement, released in 1967. Since the birth of Grand Seiko in 1960, Seiko has continually striven to provide the best products to its customers. Equipping a watch with an automatic movement was one of those challenges.
Automatic movement (Cal. 9S85). 37 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 18K pink gold case (diameter 38mm, thickness 12.9mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 4.4 million yen (tax included).
In recent years, Grand Seiko has released a number of reinterpretations of the 62GS. These include the Ref. SBGH341 and the titanium Ref. SBGH343. Both have a 38mm case size. The new Ref. SBGH368 is the first non-limited edition 62GS to feature a pink gold case. Its 38mm case size is a small model, close to the size of the historic 62GS model.
Details typical of the "62GS"
Let's take a closer look at the details of this model. First, there are the broad, flat, satin-brushed dauphine-style hour and minute hands, the large framed date display at 3 o'clock, and the faceted applied hour markers. The one at 12 o'clock is a double index.
All the details are found on the original 62GS, including the slightly rounded outer edge of the case, but the crown is now at 3 o'clock instead of 4 o'clock.
The SBGH368 also features Grand Seiko's trademark distortion-free Zaratsu finish. However, the case is made of 18K pink gold, which is different from stainless steel or titanium. This required the development of new technologies for this model.
Cherry blossom themed dial
The most noteworthy aspect of the design is the dial. I am always amazed by the expression on the dials of Grand Seiko watches, created by designers, engineers, and craftsmen. In recent years, the dials have tended to feature themes of snow and birch.
However, the Ref. SBGH368 is themed around the "Sakura Kakushi" (cherry blossom hiding), a scene seen in the Tohoku region in late spring, when snow obscures the cherry blossoms. The pink gold case, combined with the design, evokes the image of the "Sakura Kakushi" bathed in the morning sun. Grand Seiko's master craftsmen have a keen understanding of how to recreate this atmospheric scene on a high-quality copper pink dial.
Cal.9S85
Inheriting the historical presence of the 62GS, the Ref. SBGH368 is equipped with the in-house automatic movement, Cal. 9S85. As a high-beat movement, it beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. In keeping with the standards Grand Seiko set for itself in the 1960s, it boasts an accuracy of -3 to +5 seconds per day.
The mainspring is a newly developed material based on the company's proprietary Spron alloy, providing a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The balance spring is made of a new material developed over five years, which is approximately twice as shock-resistant and three times more magnetically resistant than the previous material. The see-through case back allows you to see the movement in action. The case is 12.9 mm thick and water-resistant to 10 bar. A box-shaped, anti-reflective sapphire crystal covers the dial.
The game is scheduled to be released in April 2025, with an estimated price of 4.4 million yen (tax included).
