Grand Seiko SBGW295 Titanium Urushi Maki-e

cazalea · 2023-01-31T21:33:27Z

Discover the Grand Seiko SBGW295: a manual-wind re-creation with Brilliant Hard Titanium, Urushi lacquer, and Maki-e artistry. Limited to 500 pieces.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

11 replies2864 views7 photos

cazalea introduces the Grand Seiko SBGW295, a manually wound re-creation of the first Grand Seiko watch, celebrating 110 years of Seiko watchmaking. This exquisite timepiece combines Brilliant Hard Titanium with traditional Japanese Urushi lacquer and Maki-e artistry, showcasing a unique blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern material science.

11 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

A manually wound recreation of the first Grand Seiko watch featuring traditional Japanese crafts and materials:

This exceptionally elegant re-creation of the first Grand Seiko watch from 1960 features an embossed expression of maki-e, a traditional technique of decorating urushi lacquer by sprinkling it with pure gold powder. The black urushi lacquer used in this watch is a special compound crafted especially for Grand Seiko and made from domestic Japanese lacquer, making it extremely rare. Indeed, the majority of urushi produced today comes from outside of Japan, and true Japanese urushi is known to dry extremely quickly, making it challenging to use. The urushi lacquer in this carefully crafted dial was formed by a mixture with iron so that it stays the same black color. It will maintain its unique quality and lustrous shine over many years, so that it can be appreciated by future generations of watch lovers.

The Grand Seiko logo and the twelve pure gold maki-e indexes have been brought to life by the hands of Isshu Tamura, a lacquerware artist from Kanazawa, a city whose poetic name translates to “marsh of gold.”

Combining a dual-curved sapphire glass with the lacquer dial grants this watch a soft presence and unparalleled depth. The case uses Brilliant Hard Titanium, which melds the lightness of titanium with a robustness twice that of standard steel.

Created to mark 110 years since the first Seiko wristwatch, the Laurel, this Grand Seiko model houses the latest manual-winding Caliber 9S64 mechanical movement, which has a power reserve of 3 days.

With its classic profile and high resistance to wear, the new SBGW295 is an ideal expression of Grand Seiko’s mission to craft practical watches for everyday wear. Moreover, one of the two supplied straps incorporates a traditional Japanese weaving technique called yoroiori that was once used for making samurai armor. Thin strips of calf leather and fabric are interlaced by a skilled artisan to enhance the watch strap’s durability.

Available now, limited to 500 examples.

Grand Seiko Elegance Collection
Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary
Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko: SBGW295

Movement: Caliber 9S64
Driving system: manual-winding
Frequency: 28,880 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to -3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 24

Specifications
Brilliant Hard Titanium case
Leather strap with three-fold Brilliant Hard Titanium clasp with push button release
High-definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through case back
Water resistance: 3 bar; Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 38.0mm; Thickness: 10.9mm

Additional leather strap included
Recommended retail price approx. $14,000

Key Points from the Discussion

One member expressed strong desire for the SBGW295, noting that if their finances allowed, they would acquire it, but suggested a black cordovan strap might better suit the glossy dial than the traditional woven strap.
A contributor highlighted the exceptional value of the SBGW295, given the genuine hand treatment and the unique choice of Brilliant Hard Titanium for a dress watch, placing it in a league of its own.
Another commenter expressed surprise that the valuation wasn't higher, considering the intricate components and detailed craftsmanship, including the exceptional straps.
A humorous anecdote was shared about how the purchase of this watch would have drained funds reserved for a 'Stones tour,' indicating its significant price point.

The Discussion

nasseriq

Jan 31, 2023

A nice watch but the price……………? That certainly caught my attention!

BigFatPauli

Jan 31, 2023

I had the same reaction.

ArmisT

Jan 31, 2023

This is truly a work of art.

I actually expected a higher valuation than that given the components and details, but it’s all relative. Even the straps are exceptional.

ZSHSZ

Jan 31, 2023

I appreciate this watch, it looks very detailed, and somehow I can justify the price.Nice craftsmanship kudos to GS.

VinnieD

Jan 31, 2023

The very essence of GS - wonderful

If my bank account allowed, I would go for it. The traditional strap is also interesting but a black cordovan would be better suited to the glossy dial IMO

jml_watches

Jan 31, 2023

Looks great - always thought they should have an Urushi dial on a GS, like the sizing too.