Zach Brass’ new Grand Seiko SBGY035 and SBGA499 limited editions celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9R series Spring Drive. The dials are inspired by autumn sunrises over the Hodaka mountain range. The SBGY035 has a reddish-brown dial with a rock pattern, while the SBGA499 has a slightly lighter sunburst red dial.
There are two irrefutable facts about Grand Seiko: the brand loves to celebrate anniversaries, and it often looks to nature’s seasons for inspiration. Last time, we told you about two limited editions, but unfortunately, both were Grand Seiko watches exclusive to the U.S. But the new Grand Seiko SBGY035 and SBGA499 limited editions, soon to be available worldwide, are a continuation of the 9R Series Spring Drive 20th anniversary celebrations, and each uses an autumn sunrise over the Hodaka mountain range as inspiration.
Grand Seiko SBGY035
Of the two debuts, my favorite is the new SBGY035, and I think this model will be the one to get the most buzz among Grand Seiko aficionados. Why? Because it features a rock pattern dial beloved by Grand Seiko fans. The spring cherry blossom-inspired SBGA413 “Shunbun” is the brand’s best-seller that uses exactly this pattern, and the winter-inspired SBGA415 also uses the pattern in a whiter hue. Strictly speaking, the rock pattern dial is used on the fall-inspired watch, the SBGE271 “Kanro,” but this model used a black dial to evoke the night sky. Meanwhile, the Grand Seiko SBGY035 features a rock pattern dial in a dark reddish brown that more clearly conveys the fall-inspired color scheme, the color of the leaves falling from the trees. It also has a smoky vibe with a black outer edge that gradually lightens toward the center, becoming a dark reddish brown. It’s like holding a torch up against the wall of a dark cave. With such an eye-catching dial, purists will be pleased to know that there are no complicated dial-side displays for date or power reserve.
Given that both are housed in an Elegance-style case, I suspect many will see this new SBGY035 as a stainless steel replacement for the rose gold SBGY026 with its precious metal cherry blossom dial, which sold out. Of course, the stainless steel SBGY035 is essentially a third of the price at $5,600. Obviously the dial hues are very different, with the SBGY026 and SBGA413 sharing a spring-like pink hue while the SBGY035 is a deeper red. But this color refresh of a commonly seen and well-liked dial pattern is a definite plus rather than a minus, if anything.
Brand Grand Seiko Model SBGY035 Case Size 38.5mm (D) x 10.2mm (T) x 43.7mm (LTL) Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 30 meters Crystal Sapphire crystal (front and back) Dial Auburn red rock pattern dial Strap Crocodile strap, three-fold clasp Movement 9R31 Spring Drive, in-house, hand-wound Power Reserve 72 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve (movement side) Release Date November 2024, limited to 700 pieces Price USD 8,500
Grand Seiko SBGA499
For those who aren’t interested in dressy watches and want to buy a new, strong piece for fall, the new Grand Seiko SBGA499 isn’t bad. Using the same less common case style as the fan-favorite SBGA407 “Skyflake,” the SBGA499 features a slightly lighter red dial without the gradient effect, with a more traditional sunburst finish. Also different from the SBGY035 is the black-on-white date display and the power reserve indicator on the side of the dial, which is a nice contrast in color, a pink copper color. The SBGY035 is water resistant to 30 meters and comes with a leather strap, while the SBGA499 is water resistant to 100 meters and comes with a mixed-finish stainless steel bracelet.
The SBGA499 also has the advantage in terms of everyday wear of using an automatic 72 hour 9R65 Spring Drive movement, while the SBY035 uses a manual 72 hour 9R31 Spring Drive movement, albeit more appropriate for a casual dress watch. Keep in mind that both are Spring Drive 20th Anniversary models.
Brand Grand Seiko Model SBGA499 Case Size 40.2mm (D) x 12.8mm (T) x 48.5mm (LTL) Case Material Stainless steel Water Resistance 100m Crystal Sapphire crystal (front and back) Dial Bright red sunburst dial Strap Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp Movement 9R65 Spring Drive, in-house, automatic Power Reserve 72 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator Release Date September 2024, limited to 1,300 pieces Price $5,800 USD
