Grand Seiko Soko Frost USA Exclusives
Early in 2019, Grand Seiko released a slew of models feature the Japanese “Sekki” dial’s. Aptly, the models received a nickname - The “Frost Dial” models. The models were based around the Japanese Seasons, and featured a number of textures and colorways. The “Frost” became arguably it’s most popular - however, it was also it’s most difficult to obtain in the US. Today, Grand Seiko has announced a continuation of the dial textures with two new USA exclusives - The SBGA471 and the SBGH295.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: SBGA471 and SBGH295
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Calibre 9R65 (SBGA471) and Calibre 9S85 (SBGH295)
Strap Options: Stainless Steel Bracelet and Blue Alligator Leather Strap
THE JUICE:
The SBGA471 is the more traditional of the two models. It mimicks the layout and aesthetic of it’s two predecessors from the brand (except, of course, as a USA exclusive). It features a vertically brushed dial texture that emulated the bamboo of the Arashiyama forest. The icy-blue hue to the dial is simple, yet adds so much character to the watch. Utilizing the blatantly obvious Grand Seiko 44GS case, it’s easy to know at a glance that this is quintessentially Grand Seiko.
Inside the SBGA471 is the Spring Drive Caliber 9R65. The automatic movement features 40 jewels and a 72-hour power reserve.
The SBGH295 features the highly sought after snowflake textures dial that enthusiasts have dubbed “ice-blue”. The dial color and texture is inspired by the sky’s over the Sea of Japan during the first signs of Winter. The dial was first introduced in 2018, but this is a far more modern interpretation of the color and texture.
The watch is housed in the 62GS case, a more modern take on the 62GS. It’s got slightly different edges and a bit more of a contempoory aesthetic than it’s 44GS predecessor.
Inside the SBGH293 is the Grand Seiko 9S85 movement. The High-Beat movement features 37 Jewels and a Power Reserve of 55 hours.
Both watches will feature a sapphire crystal and caseback so you can see the beautiful movement finishing out of the Shinshu Watch Studio - Grand Seiko’s premier finishing studio.
Overall, Grand Seiko has been knocking it out of the park. With the recent release of the E-Boutique Exclusive SBGA469, and then the SLGA007 (my personal favorite release), I’m excited to see Grand Seiko kick of 2022 so strong. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from the brand.
How much is the SBGA471 and the SBGH295?
The SBGA471 will come with a price tag of $6,000 USD and the SBGH495 will come with a price tag of $6,900 USD. Both watches will be sold exclusively trough the brand’s US boutiques.