Grand Seiko has unveiled two captivating new timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2026, offering a refreshing glimpse into nature's beauty through their intricate designs. The 38mm 62GS SBGH376 "Sakura-Wakaba" and the 37mm Evolution 9 SLGB006 "Ice Forest at Dawn" showcase the brand's dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and nature-inspired aesthetics, both encased in stunning yellow gold.
The 62GS SBGH376 "Sakura-Wakaba" draws its inspiration from the harmonious transition of cherry blossoms and fresh young leaves in spring. This 38mm timepiece, housed in an 18K yellow gold case, features a distinct light golden-green dial that beautifully captures this seasonal blend. The case design retains the iconic bezel-free structure first seen in the 1967 62GS, allowing for an expansive dial opening. The alternating Zaratsu polishing and hairline brushing on the case enhance its angular profile, providing a sophisticated yet prominent appearance. Despite its elegant aesthetics, the watch offers practical daily wearability with a 100m water resistance. The dial itself is a miniature masterpiece, with a textured finish that interacts with light, complemented by precisely crafted applied gold markers and hands that ensure optimal legibility while maintaining a clutter-free and balanced display. Powering this exquisite watch is the automatic caliber 9S85, a Hi-Beat movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour and providing a 55-hour power reserve. This movement is renowned for its stability and precision, achieved through Grand Seiko's innovative use of proprietary alloys and advanced manufacturing techniques for its components. The "Sakura-Wakaba" is presented on a luxurious brown crocodile strap, lined with calfskin and secured by a matching yellow gold pin buckle. This model is a regular production piece, priced at €33,500 in Europe.
Complementing the "Sakura-Wakaba" is the 37mm Evolution 9 SLGB006 "Ice Forest at Dawn." This timepiece also features an 18K yellow gold case, adhering to the Evolution 9 design philosophy with its blend of brushed and polished surfaces. It is equipped with a box-shaped sapphire crystal and a screw-in exhibition case back, making it resistant to water up to 100 meters. The watch's name is derived from its captivating dark, textured dial, which presents a gradient effect reminiscent of winter landscapes. This intricate design evokes the image of larch trees shimmering with ice in the warm glow of a winter dawn, creating a mysterious and enchanting visual. The applied gold markers and hands are thoughtfully integrated, ensuring both thematic coherence and ease of reading. The power reserve indicator is ingeniously placed on the movement side, preserving the dial's pristine and uncluttered appearance. The "Ice Forest at Dawn" is driven by the Spring Drive caliber 9RB2, offering a 72-hour power reserve. This movement stands out due to its "Ultra Fine Accuracy" (U.F.A.) designation, a new precision standard introduced in 2025 by Grand Seiko. With an annual accuracy of ±20 seconds, it represents one of the most precise mainspring-powered watches from the brand, combining a temperature-compensated quartz oscillator and an integrated circuit with traditional mainspring energy storage. This limited edition timepiece, restricted to 80 pieces, is fitted with a black crocodile strap featuring a calfskin lining and an 18K yellow gold push-button folding clasp, available for €44,700 in Europe.
Both the 38mm 62GS SBGH376 "Sakura-Wakaba" and the 37mm Evolution 9 SLGB006 "Ice Forest at Dawn" embody Grand Seiko's mastery of horology and artistic expression, offering collectors a choice between a vibrant spring-inspired theme and a serene winter landscape, each meticulously crafted in yellow gold.
