Revealed by Grand Seiko - An All New 'Oruri' USA Special Edition SBGW279

Grand Seiko has been on a roll with their reveals the last few months. We just saw what might be my absolute favorite Grand Seiko in recent memory - The 55th Anniversary (SBGW289). Now, a few weeks later, the brand has released an all-new ‘Songbird’ inspired model that’s as appealing as it is simple.

THE BASICS:

Brand: Grand Seiko

Model: 'Oruri' USA Special Edition (ref. SBGW279)

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Size: 37.3mm x 11.6mm

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal

Movement:  GS Caliber 9S64

Movement Specs: Manual Winding, 72-Hour Power Reserve, 24 Jewels

Strap Options: Brown Alligator Leather Strap

THE JUICE:

It almost feels like Grand Seiko is broadening its horizons. The brand has typically kept a release schedule that has added influential, yet similar products over the course of its tenure. There have truly not been many that I don’t like, but this new move towards smaller watches and more elegant designs is one we are here for.

The 'Oruri' USA Special Edition measures in at a very modest 37.3mm, slightly larger than the 44GS case that’s become so popular, but still well within the confines of a watch that should slide under a cuff. The dial is simple, featuring a lovely sunburst-style blue finish inspired by a Oruri songbird - A traditional migration bird to Southern Japan. It’s blue and white in color - traditionally in the states, we’d call it a “Flycatcher” - which makes it a perfect setpiece for Grand Seiko’s new timepiece.

Inside the Oruri Special Edition is the hand-wound Grand Seiko Calibre 9S64. The movement is very thin and provides a slim profile to the SBGW279, which I imagine makes the watch very wearable, despite it’s oversized winding crown. The movement features 24 jewels, and a whopping 72-hour power reserve.

Overall, this is yet another win for Grand Seiko. It’s a modest watch in the Elegance Collection and will have a mass appeal to the enthusiast market. The brand has adopted a modest price point for the watch, which should firmly root it in the more entry-level brand offerings, and since the watch won’t be a limited edition, widely available in the states.

So how much is the Grand Seiko Oruri USA Special Edition (ref. SBGW279)?

As mentioned earlier, the watch will not be limited, and come with a modest price point of $4,600 USD.

Read more about the watch on the brand’s website.