The mid-sized Grand Seiko SBGH347 debuts a new dial texture inspired by a frozen waterfall
Zach Blass- The Grand Seiko SBGH347 debuts a new dial texture inspired by a frozen waterfall that stems from Mt. Iwate.
- This 9S85 high-beat automatic is also the first Ever-Brilliant Steel-cased watch to debut in a 37mm size.
- It’s tot a limited edition model, and is priced at US$6,900.
Grand Seiko has built a cult following due to its various in-house talents as one of a few vertically integrated manufactures. Two of its most well-known strengths are an expansive range of coloured and textured dials, and top-notch zaratsu finishing that offers case aesthetics and geometries that rival or deliver above its Swiss competitors, despite being lower in price. Befitting of the Seiko name which translates to precision, the brand has also built its name on high accuracy with its Spring Drive and 9F quartz movements. But, as with any watch brand, there are certainly areas where Grand Seiko can improve further. For example, many have wished Grand Seiko would present its own micro-adjustment solution for its bracelet clasps. Another point of feedback, which is relevant to this new Grand Seiko SBGH347, is that sometimes, watch fans find Grand Seikos a bit larger than what they would like.
Fortunately, the Grand Seiko SBGH347 not only debuts a new dial texture for fans of the brand to salivate over, but also the first-ever Ever-Brilliant Steel watch to be presented in a 37mm size. Its full dimensions measure 37mm in diameter, 13.3mm thick, and a very unisex lug-to-lug span of 44.6mm across the wrist. I’m not saying that Grand Seiko does not make a fair number of mid-size watches, but this is the first in Ever-Brilliant Steel, the brand’s answer to having its own proprietary and more robust steel akin to 904L, and I would say that the majority of the brands sub-38mm watches are leather-bound and dressier. This reminds me, I should mention this 37mm case is 100 metres water-resistant with a screw-down crown.
Having held the watch in person, I find this new dial texture appears to be somewhere in between a traditional, vertically brushed finish and Grand Seiko’s now signature Birch dial pattern. Whereas the Shizukuishi White Birch has deep, zig-zagging grooves, this new pattern has much thinner and ever-so-straighter lines that are more shallow in depth. Naturally (pun intended), Grand Seiko has a far more poetic description of the new dial’s muse. “The city of Hachimantai in Iwate Prefecture is the home of Nanataki, a 30-metre waterfall that originates from a stream that flows down Mt. Iwate”, Grand Seiko explains. “The dial represents this frozen waterfall, which creates massive icicles during the coldest time of the year.”
Inside and exhibited is the in-house, high-beat calibre 9S85 with 55 hours of power reserve and a pledged accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day within the Grand Seiko Standard. While not Grand Seiko’s most advanced movement, this tried-and-true automatic high-beat, and is not often used in Grand Seikos 37mm or below in diameter.
View this post on Instagram
As someone who has had the chance to see this watch in the metal, anyone in the market for a mid-size watch who has not yet saturated their collection with blue dials like I have should definitely visit a boutique and try this one on. The elevated finish the brand offers on its case and dial, paired with its picturesque icy blue, makes for excellent light play on the wrist. It’s a strong and on-trend entry for the ever-growing market for light blue-dialled watches, and, despite its Ever-Brilliant Steel price bump to US$6,900, the SBGH347 delivers a ton of value that Grand Seiko is often associated with.
Grand Seiko SBGH347 pricing and availability
The Grand Seiko SBGH347 is available now for purchase. Price: US$6,900
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | SBGH347 |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 13.3mm (T) x 44.6mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Ever-Brilliant Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres (screw-down crown) |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Blueish-white textured dial |
| Strap | Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelet, three-fold clasp |
| Movement | 9S85, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$6,900 |