A new bright titanium watch has been released, featuring a dial that depicts the frozen waterfalls of Nanataki Falls, which form during the harsh winter months of Mount Iwate. The ice blue color, reminiscent of an iceberg, makes this a watch that can be easily incorporated into a variety of outfits.
Based on the theme of the "Seven Frozen Waterfalls" that appear on Mount Iwate in the dead of winter, the dial expresses the natural expression of ice with embossing and ice blue. The bright titanium case and bracelet's Zaratsu polished surfaces, hands, and indexes resemble the sparkle of snow. Automatic movement (Cal. 9S85). 37 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Bright titanium case (diameter 40mm, thickness 13mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,012,000 yen (tax included).
Text by Shinichi Sato
Edited by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
A dial inspired by the "Nanataki Frozen Waterfall"
Grand Seiko has announced the new Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH349, featuring a dial depicting the natural scenery that appears only during the harsh winter months. The theme is the Nanataki Frozen Waterfall, a phenomenon that can only be seen during the harsh winter months on Mount Iwate, close to the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where the 10-beat automatic movement Cal. 9S85 used in this model is manufactured. Created by the gradual freezing of water cascading down a 30-meter waterfall, this phenomenon is also known as an "icefall." Its irregular shape and blue hue, reminiscent of an iceberg, characterize this model, which depicts the frozen waterfall that slowly forms over the course of a long, harsh winter and melts with the arrival of spring. This watch, themed around the frozen waterfall, is typical of Grand Seiko's philosophy of "THE NATURE OF TIME."
The highlight of the SBGH349 is the embossed dial and color, which are themed around the frozen waterfalls of Nanataki. The countless vertical lines express the varied shapes of nature, and the light reflected on the multifaceted indexes and hands resembles the sparkle of snow. The ice blue color, which represents the frozen waterfalls, is in line with the theme of this watch and is also a recent trend, making it easy to coordinate with any outfit, regardless of the season or occasion.
The case and bracelet are made from Seiko's proprietary "bright titanium." Its light weight contributes greatly to improved comfort, and its bright color is different from the typical impression of titanium. Furthermore, the base is prepared using Grand Seiko's specialty, Zaratsu polishing, resulting in a distortion-free polish. The contrast between this polished and matte texture accentuates the harmony of light and shadow and the three-dimensional effect that are characteristic of the Grand Seiko style.
