In their latest U.S. exclusive releases, Grand Seiko, the acclaimed watchmaker, has found inspiration in an iconic symbol of Japanese culture – the katana. This Japanese sword, meticulously crafted from steel, carries an aura of artistry and tradition that has captivated audiences worldwide. Grand Seiko, in a similar vein, has been renowned for its timepieces that echo the beauty of changing seasons and the natural world.
Tamahagane
However, the connection between the katana and these new watches goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s the shared emphasis on craftsmanship that truly unites them. The creation of a katana blade is a laborious process, steeped in tradition. Iron sand is heated in a special furnace known as a tatara, transforming into the steel called tamahagane, a material deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The process continues with layers of metal being individually stacked, heated, forged, folded, and cooled with water, gradually forming the core of the sword.
The blade is then polished to perfection, revealing the sharp edge we associate with the katana. This process mirrors the meticulous hand-polishing of a Grand Seiko case, carried out by highly skilled artisans. In essence, the katana and Grand Seiko’s latest watches are not just products, but embodiments of a shared ethos – a commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and the pursuit of perfection.
This fusion of art and craft, tradition and innovation, is what makes these timepieces more than just instruments of timekeeping, but symbols of a rich cultural heritage.
Pricing
Models SBGA489 and SBGA491 will be available for $5,600 starting this August, and
SBGA493 will be available beginning this September for $6,000. All three models will be
available exclusively at Grand Seiko Boutiques, the Grand Seiko Boutique Online, and select
Grand Seiko Authorized Retailers operated in the United States. grand-seiko.com
Details
- Grand Seiko Heritage Collection
- 44GS USA Exclusive
- Spring Drive Caliber 9R65
- Driving system: Automatic
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Accuracy: ± 1 second per day (± 15 seconds per month)
- Number of jewels: 30
- Specifications
- Stainless steel case
- Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp and push-button release
- Kimono fabric strap included (SBGA493)
- Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- See-through screw case back
- Water resistance: 10 bar
- Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
- Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 12.5mm
- Limited edition of 500 (SBGA493)
- Recommended retail prices: $5,600 (SBGA489 and SBGA491) $6,000 (SBGA493)
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