Grand Seiko auctions off last “Pink Flannel Flower” watch to help Australian wildlife

Luke Benedictus

Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinction in the world with nearly one in three of our unique mammals at risk of dying out. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife are the charity partner of Australia’s national parks, ensuring that our wildlife and wilderness are conserved for future generations. What’s all this got to do with watches? Well, Grand Seiko have always taken inspiration from nature for their famously detailed watch dials, often from the lakes, mountains or forests of their native Japan. The SBGJ269 “Pink Flannel Flower” has a similar backstory, only this time it’s told with an Australian accent.

The “Pink Flannel Flower” (Actinotus forsythii) is a symbol of nature’s ability to triumph over adversity. This rare wildflower native to Australia thrives in desperate conditions, blooming under rainfall in the season following a bushfire to bring new life and new colour to landscapes scorched by fires. The Grand Seiko SBGJ269 takes inspiration from this natural totem of rebirth.

Released in 2022 in a strictly limited release of 50 pieces, the dial is a saturated pastel pink with a grained texture. Housed in the brand’s Elegance GMT case with its round head and angular lugs, the all-polished surface adds a sense of refinement and class. The diameter of 39.5mm and 47mm lug-to-lug keeps it manageable for any wrist size. Inside meanwhile, the Calibre 9S86 offers a power reserve of 55 hours and an accuracy of +5 to –3 seconds per day.

As mentioned, the watch was released as part of a very limited 50-piece run. Currently, there is just one piece left and Grand Seiko Australia are now auctioning it off. The brand have partnered with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife to help support their “Healing our Land” projects. The proceeds generated from this auction will contribute towards the ongoing restoration of areas that have suffered extensive damage from floods and fires.

This final timepiece will be auctioned with a one of a kind sketch by the designer of the Flannel Flower watch model, Akira Yoshida. In addition to the stainless-steel bracelet and grey leather band options that accompany the watch, an additional third strap will be included and made to measure for the auction winner.

The auction is on now and ends on Friday, July 21 at 12pm (Australian time), with 100% of the money raised going to the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. Place your bid here to get your own wrist-bound symbol of resilience.