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Grand Seiko New SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shubun Models with Ever-Brilliant Steel

As part of its latest revisions, Grand Seiko incorporates Ever-Brilliant Steel into the cases and bracelets of these watches, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and vibrant finish. This change marks a significant update from the previous versions, the SBGH271 and SBGH273, which featured different materials and color schemes.

Introduction to Updates in the Sekki Collection

Grand Seiko has subtly refined its 62GS Sekki collection, focusing on the Rikka (summer) and Shubun (autumn) models. The latest versions, SBGH351 and SBGH353, maintain the same dimensions but now feature the advanced Ever-Brilliant Steel, enhancing the aesthetic and durability of these models.

This steel is celebrated for its superior corrosion resistance and polished finish, which contribute to the watch's refined appearance.

Dial and Case Enhancements

The updates extend to the dials of both models. The SBGH351, representing the summer season, has transitioned from gold features to more understated metallic tones, with gold accents now only on the logo and seconds hand.

Conversely, the SBGH353, reflecting the autumn season, retains its steel markers and hands but introduces a slightly more intense blue hue to its dial, enriching its visual appeal without altering the established aesthetic significantly.

Mechanical Excellence Unchanged

Despite these aesthetic adjustments, the heart of the watches remains unchanged. Both models continue to house the reliable 9S85 calibre, a high-beat automatic movement that delivers a 55-hour power reserve and operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour, ensuring accuracy and robust performance. This movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back, a staple in showcasing Grand Seiko's craftsmanship.

Availability and Pricing and Launch Date

Launching in February 2025, the SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shubun are poised to replace their predecessors, with each model limited to a production of 500 units priced at $7,200.

Our Pick

Heritage Collection Rikka

Reference: SBGH351

Case/Dial: 40mm Ever-Brilliant Steel, Deep green dial Rikka
10 bar, 100 metres

Movement: Caliber 9S85, Self-winding

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel

Style: Elegant

Price: $7,200.00

Heritage Collection Shūbun

Reference: SBGH353

Case/Dial: 40mm Ever-Brilliant Steel, Deep blue dial Shūbun
10 bar, 100 metres

Movement: Caliber 9S85, Self-winding

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel

Style: Elegant

Price: $7,200.00

Our Thoughts

Grand Seiko’s latest update to the Sekki series exemplifies the brand's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in watchmaking. By enhancing the materials and fine-tuning the designs while preserving the technical integrity of the watches, Grand Seiko put some twists in the new SBGH351 and SBGH353 so they could honor the legacy of the earlier models but also offer something fresh and appealing to both new and existing enthusiasts of the brand.

While we appreciate the subtle updates to the SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shubun models by Grand Seiko, we are particularly enamored with their latest introduction, the SBGA503. This Spring Drive model stands out with its golden dial, inspired by the glow of streetlit snow in Tokyo's Ginza district—where Seiko's story began.

The Tech Specs

Specification SBGH351 Rikka SBGH353 Shubun
Case Diameter 40mm
Case Thickness 12.9mm
Lug-to-Lug 47mm
Case Material Ever-Brilliant Steel, Zaratsu polished with brushed accents
Crystal Box-shaped sapphire with AR coating
Caseback See-through
Crown Screw-down
Water Resistance 100m
Dial Textured green with steel applied markers, gold-coloured logo and seconds hand Textured blue with steel applied markers, gold-coloured logo and seconds hand
Movement Type Calibre 9S85 - in-house Hi-Beat automatic
Jewels 37 jewels
Power Reserve 55 hours
Vibrations 36,000 vibrations/hour
Accuracy +5/-3 seconds/day
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Bracelet Material Ever-Brilliant Steel, brushed and polished
Clasp Type Folding clasp with push-buttons
Reference Number SBGH351 (Rikka green) SBGH353 (Shubun blue)
Availability Available from February 2025
Our Pick

Heritage Collection Rikka

Reference: SBGH351

Case/Dial: 40mm Ever-Brilliant Steel, Deep green dial Rikka
10 bar, 100 metres

Movement: Caliber 9S85, Self-winding

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel

Style: Elegant

Price: $7,200.00

Heritage Collection Shūbun

Reference: SBGH353

Case/Dial: 40mm Ever-Brilliant Steel, Deep blue dial Shūbun
10 bar, 100 metres

Movement: Caliber 9S85, Self-winding

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel

Style: Elegant

Price: $7,200.00

Related Models

Heritage Collection Rikka

Reference: SBGH351

Case/Dial: 40mm Ever-Brilliant Steel, Deep green dial Rikka
10 bar, 100 metres

Movement: Caliber 9S85, Self-winding

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel

Style: Elegant

Price: $7,200.00

Read more

Heritage Collection Shūbun

Reference: SBGH353

Case/Dial: 40mm Ever-Brilliant Steel, Deep blue dial Shūbun
10 bar, 100 metres

Movement: Caliber 9S85, Self-winding

Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel

Style: Elegant

Price: $7,200.00

Read more
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