Grand Seiko releases new Spring Drive limited-edition SBGY041 watch
Grand Seiko has unveiled another new Japan-exclusive limited edition, the SBGY041, for the 90th anniversary of the Kokura Izutsuya department store. This follows the launch of the SBGH375 from yesterday (November 1) - which was limited to 45 pieces. For this new model, production is even more limited - only 28 pieces will be produced.
The watch features a black Seigaiha-patterned dial. This repeating wave motif is often used to represent resilience and good fortune. The gold hands and markers look to be very legible against the dark surface. It gives the design a more formal look. The stainless steel case measures 38.5 mm × 10.2 mm, with a lug-to-lug of 43.7 mm. This makes it relatively compact compared to other modern limited editions in the Elegance collection. It comes paired with a black leather strap.
Inside is the 9R31 hand-wound Spring Drive movement, a calibre known for its smooth continuous seconds hand and high accuracy. The 9R31 offers 72 hours of power reserve, using a dual-spring barrel system to deliver longer running time than earlier manual-wind Spring Drive calibres. Like other Spring Drive movements, it combines mechanical energy with an electronic regulator, which allows accuracy typically within ±1 second per day under standard conditions, which leads to performance that sits between traditional mechanical watches and full-quartz systems. There is no power-reserve indicator on the dial, and while that might be a deterrent for some, it does keep the layout clean.
This release is inspired by Kokura Castle, described as a symbol of strength set against the night sky. It is the third collaboration between Grand Seiko and Kokura Izutsuya, following the SBGA141 (2016) and SBGE264 (2021).
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