Celebrating an 800-year-old tradition, the art of Washi papermaking remains a cornerstone of Japanese culture. Crafted from Kozo, the mulberry tree, Washi’s delicate texture has been a versatile element in Japanese design—from calligraphy paper and lanterns to the iconic shoji screens. This age-old craft, with its interplay of light and shadow, encapsulates the refined essence of Japanese beauty.
Grand Seiko draws inspiration from this heritage with the SBGJ283, a masterpiece that reflects the subtle artistry of Washi. The watch’s dial, finished in an elegant off-white with a Washi-like texture, embodies the depth and sophistication of Japanese aesthetics. A standout feature is the vibrant red GMT hand, symbolizing the red fruit of the Kozo tree, which creates a striking contrast against the dial’s serene tones.
This exclusive 150-piece limited-edition timepiece comes with a complimentary brown leather strap featuring pink stitching, inspired by the female flower of the Kozo tree. Housed in the iconic 44GS case made of Ever Brilliant Steel, it is powered by the caliber 9S86, a Hi-beat 36,000 movement renowned for its remarkable precision of +5 to -3 seconds per day and enhanced with a GMT function.
Originally introduced in 1967, the 44GS set the foundation for the signature “Grand Seiko Style.” The SBGJ283 reinterprets this legacy with a modern twist, showcasing flat surfaces polished to a flawless, mirror-like finish. Equipped with the advanced caliber 9S86, the watch offers dual time-zone functionality, allowing the 24-hour hand to be adjusted in one-hour increments with ease.
Ever-Brilliant Steel, which is also used in the bracelet, is an exceptionally corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy with a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) 1.7 times higher than the steel typically used in most luxury watches.
This new limited-edition timepiece will be available exclusively at Grand Seiko boutiques and authorized retailers across the Asia Pacific region starting January 1, 2025. As with every Grand Seiko creation, this watch too combines tradition and innovation.