2 New Grand Seiko: SBGW297 & SBGW299

In the realm of luxury watchmaking, Grand Seiko presents the SBGW297 and SBGW299 with a unique story drawn from Japanese culture. These additions to the 44GS-inspired Heritage Collection exemplify the brand's commitment to producing globally available, hand-wound timepieces 

Aesthetics

The SBGW297 and SBGW299 Kamisen models draw their inspiration from Japanese folding fans, known as kamisen. The SBGW297 sports a pristine white dial, while the SBGW299 features an elegant not too dark blue dial. Both models' dials reflect this japanese influence with radiating ridges and have applied "GS" logos and indices, with the white-dialed version showcasing a striking blued seconds hand.

These are mid-sized watches (maybe "small" for many), measuring 36.5mm in diameter and 42.7mm in length, come with stainless steel bracelets featuring a push-button folding clasp, adding to their overall appeal. Initial concerns about the watches' texture and detailing have given way to appreciation for their refined aesthetics, making them a compelling choice for daily wear. 

Movement

Grand Seiko continues its tradition of producing time-only watches with the hand-wound 9S64 caliber. In a world where automatic movements dominate, these models stand out for their simplicity and elegance. The sapphire box crystal contributes to their reasonable 11.6mm thickness, and the watches offer a commendable 100 meters of water resistance. The 9S64 movement operates at 28,800vph and boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve, aligning with Grand Seiko's commitment to precision and reliability.

Availability & Pricing

The 2 new references will be available from November and priced at €5,700. . This pricing seems fair for watches that are a blend of craftsmanship and design and they represent a slight premium over the SBGW291 and SBGW293 models on straps.