Borna Bošnjak Just three months after introducing the new Icefall dial texture, Grand Seiko has added a 40mm titanium version to the collection. The Heritage Collection SBGH349 features Grand Seiko’s exclusive high-strength titanium case and is water resistant to 100 meters. It is powered by the Hi-Beat 9S85 movement and costs $7,400.
There’s no shortage of special dials when it comes to Grand Seiko, and the latest one is the “Icefall” dial, which debuted in September 2024 in the 37mm SBGH37. Now, the Ever Brilliant Steel model is followed by the Grand Seiko. SBGH349, larger 40mm case made of high strength titanium. Since the case lines, specifications (other than dimensions), and movements are almost the same, it comes down to which size and metal you prefer. Rather than guessing, we decided to ask our Instagram viewers this exact question at the launch of SBGH349 – and this is what you had to say.
If you need more proof that miniature watches exist, a quick look at our survey will give you one. When it comes to this style of watch, we’d say it leans more towards the sporty everyday side, but our readers prefer the 37mm Ever Brilliant Steel, with a 64% approval rating. However, reading through the comments, the winner is not so clear-cut, with a minority of opinions favoring the new titanium model, but quite a few commenters pointing out that it really depends on your wrist size and watch size preferences. There were also few people.
So enough about the Vox Populi, let’s take a closer look at the new watch, starting with its beautiful dial. Looking at the rendering above, it’s very obvious where the inspiration for that vertical brush stripe came from, and where that nickname came from. As Zack pointed out in the article, the Icefall balances simple vertical brushing with Grand Seiko’s birch dial, in this case a 30-meter-tall waterfall cascading down the slopes of Mt. Iwate near Studio Shizukuishi. Inspired by.
On the wrist, the 40mm diameter is just under 13mm thick and the lug-to-lug width is 48mm. These dimensions are in line with what you’d expect from a steel sports watch, but the high-strength titanium construction clearly reduces weight. There’s little in terms of visual weight reduction, but that might be expected given titanium’s usual dull gray shine. HIT is one of two titanium alloys independently developed by Seiko (the other being Brilliant Hard Titanium, used only in SLGW003), which is more commonly used and is almost identical to polished steel. It boasts a bright shine, and of course is the same as Zaratsu polishing.
This beautiful finish also applies to the bracelet that matches the case. Although the bracelet is reminiscent of the classic three links, it actually consists of five links. What I would have liked to see on this larger model is reverse articulating end links. This reduces the effective distance between the lugs and makes the 48mm lug spacing more usable for smaller wrists. The triple-folding clasp is pretty standard Grand Seiko stuff, with no tapers on the bracelet links and closed and closed only by push buttons with no micro-adjustments, but it probably won’t last very long.
The SBGH349 also shares a movement with the SBGH347, an automatic high-beat 9S85. When fully wound, you can expect a power reserve of 55 hours and an accuracy range of +5 to -3 seconds per day. Those familiar with COSC certification will note that even though this is not a certified chronometer, its accuracy standards exceed it.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGH349 Icefall price and availability
Grand Seiko SBGH349 is scheduled to be released on January 1, 2025. Price: $7,400
Brand Grand Seiko Model SBGH349 Case dimensions 40mm (D) x 12.95mm (T) x 48mm (LTL) Case material High-strength titanium Water resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire front and back Dial Blush blue “Icefall” pattern Bracelet and strap Matching case and bracelet, folding clasp Movement 9S85, in-house, self-winding, 5Hz high-beat power reserve 55 hours Function Hours, minutes, seconds, date Release date January 1, 2025 Price US$7,400
