Zach Brass
Grand Seiko is known for its wide, highly finished case geometry and a variety of nature-inspired dial patterns that are rendered in a variety of different hues. One of my favorite case forms is the 62GS. This is a sharp, faceted shape that emphasizes whether Grand Seiko Brush and Zaratsu will polish the case. The 62GS is an important case design in the brand’s history, born in 1967, and is the first Grand Seico case to be equipped with an automatic movement. In modern times, buyers had a strictly 40mm 62GS case size until last February, when the new 38mm size debuted. And today, with the new SBGH368 Sakura kakushi, the 62GS is adorning the case with precious metals. It’s something I’ve never seen since the historic 62GS reissue in 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikxbhy3cmza
case
For the first time, the SBGH368 shows that the 62GS (branded by Grand Seiko on the dial only) was regularly announced in rose gold. Yes, you heard it correctly, it’s not a limited edition. The new SBGH368 is a lug-to-lug with diameters of 38mm, 12.9mm, and 44.7mm, blends modern Goldilocks 38mm with vintage-like wrist spans. Like the slightly larger 40mm 62GS case, this 38mm case is similarly water resistant, with a rating of 100 meters deep with the crown surrounded.
A fun fact about our Grand Seiko geeks is that Grand Seiko mechanical watches are made with Studio Shizukuchi, while Spring Drive and Quartz watches are made with Studio Shinshu. This explains why Studio Shizukuchi’s Spring Drive 62GS watches like the SBGA413 brush the lug from the lug, but as you can see here, Studio Shizukuchi’s 62GS variant is Zaratsu The mirror is painted.
Dial
Looking at the dial, you can mistake it for the exact same rock pattern as seen in the references to SBGA413 and SBGY026, inspired by cherry blossom blossoms, but that’s not the case. The slightly different pattern of this dial is the same as seen in SBGH341, the pre-existing steel sibling of SBGH368, which is SBGH341. That being said, it does not have the same silver pink, but instead takes on the copper tint. The SBGH368 dial is curated to evoke the scene of “Sanza Sakura”, where snow covers the blooming cherry blossoms of the Tohoku region. Grand Seiko also chose this color because he feels that pink gold in the hand and indicator case tone is better.
For those unfamiliar with the Grand Seico world, the brand’s incredible dials, more specifically, patterns and hue, are the result of advanced layering techniques in molding, metal plating and coating. This is a bit of a simplification, but combining these three elements gives us such a three-dimensional effect. According to Grand Seiko, the molds are created using three methods: machine engraving, etching and hand carving. For flat geometric patterns, such as those found in SBGJ261, the mold utilizes mechanical engraving. But for Grand Seico’s organic, nature-inspired dials, the brand chooses to get the mold. Grand Seiko believes that hand carving as a method is suitable for this style, and it is this meticulous heart that has produced beautiful patterns such as snowflakes, birches and rock rock patterns (as seen in SBGA413). It’s an effort. Many collectors to the Grand Seico Universe.
strap
The SBGH368 looks handsome on brown crocodile leather strap with case matching pin buckle, but Grand Seiko, or a brand for that, that 100 meters water-resistant watches live only that best life Please remember that the water-resistant strap. I know that I rarely wear this as an inland dress watch, but depending on the construction, you can dress up the rubber and fabric. If you buy this watch, commission a bespoke rubber strap and get a dip (which you can absolutely withstand) this watch, then say I’ll give you a massive applause from me .
Movement
Inside and on display, you have an in-house high-beat automatic 9S85 with a 55-hour power reserve, Grand Seico’s entry-level 5Hz movement. Under Grand Seico standards, it is a solid caliber that is regulated within 5/-3 seconds a day. Given the 38mm size, this may have been the only movement option, but I think it could have used the 9SA4/5 and improved the 80-hour power reserve. In some respects, the precious metal watch deserves the best of the best from the brand’s Caribour’s weapons. That being said, the 9S85 is still a huge move, and with modern calibers like the 9SA5, you’ll find an already expensive watch even more.
verdict
This new Grand Seiko SBGH368 Sakura Kakushi is not a limited edition. So, if you decide this is your new Grail Watch, you’ll have time to try and save $46,600. Retail price of the watch. Some people are tired of flipping the distortion-free finish, but those who actually have the power to buy to bring this into their collection dream of a world of marrying this watch with a bespoke rubber strap cannot. As a super luxurious everyday wearer, I sipped COVID in the sands of Manly Beach. See, this American made a reference to Australia.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGH368 62GS Sakura kakushi Pricing and Availability
Grand Seiko SBGH368 is not a limited edition and will be available from April 2025 via Grand Seiko Boutiques and certified dealers. Price: US$31,200, US$46,600
Brand Grand Seiko Model Heritage Collection 62GS HI-BEAT 36000 SAKURA KAKUSHI Reference SBGH368 Case Dimensions 38mm (D) x 12.9mm (T) x 44.7mm (LTL) Case Material) Box Domy Sapphire Crystal Front, Sapphire Case Back Dial Copper Pink Lug Width 20mm strap brown crocodile leather, 18k pink gold pin buckle movement 9S85, in-house, high beat automatic power reserve 55 hours function April 2025 price 31,200 USD
$46,600
