Regional Reserve

Grand Seiko releases two limited editions specifically for collectors in Asia.

Words: Wei-Yu Wang

GRAND SEIKO SEEMS to have no end to its ideas for its nature-inspired, coloured and textured – and highly collectible – watch dials. What sets thesetwoapart,however,isthattheyarededicated to clients in this region. The SBGJ253 is released only in Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. The SBGH287 is even more exclusive; it is reserved for Thong Sia, the brand’s sole distributor in Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore.

The GMT-equipped SBGJ253 Hi-Beat 36000 Asia Limited Edition 2021 is inspired by the twilight skies over Mount Iwate, which overlooks the watchmaker’s studio in Shizukuishi. The radiating ridged pattern is an oft-used Grand Seiko motif, presented here in a deep grey that communicates the interplay of light and shadow. Gold highlights in the chapter ring and GMT hand hint at the fading sun. At 40mm in diameter, it is housed in a modern interpretation of the classic, angular 44GS case, and is mounted on a matching steel bracelet. It is limited to 600 pieces.

SBGH287 Snow on the Blue Lake takes its cue from the renowned wintry landscape of the Hachimandai area in Iwate prefecture, which is also not far from the Shizukuishi studio. Its dial is hence a grain-textured light blue that imparts a serene presence to the watch. It is otherwise a classic Grand Seiko package: a 40mm steel case, date window at three o’clock and a crocodile leather strap. It is limited to 140 pieces.

The SBGH287 is even more exclusive; it is reserved for Thong Sia, the brand’s sole distributor in Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore.

Bottom, left and right: SBGH287 Snow on the Blue Lake features a beautiful light blue dial that captures the intense azure sky and glittering snow of the Hachimandai area.

Left: SBGJ253 is powered by Calibre 9S86, which gives an accuracy range of +5/-3 seconds per day and a power reserve of 55 hours.