THE HOME OF WATCH CULTURE

Grand Seiko issues incremental updates to two Sekki models, with the new SBGH351 and SBGH353

Grand Seiko issues incremental updates to two Sekki models, with the new SBGH351 and SBGH353

Borna Bošnjak
  • In one of its most minimal model updates in recent memory, Grand Seiko refreshes the 62GS Sekki collection’s summer (Rikka) and autumn (Shubun) models.
  • The SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shubun now feature Ever-Brilliant Steel cases that remain identical in size, still housing the 9S85 high-beat automatic movement.
  • Gone are the gold dial features of the Rikka, while the Shubun’s dial gets a slight colour tweak.

One of the more popular Grand Seiko models of the last five years is undoubtedly the SBGA413 Shunbun for its lithe titanium case, Spring Drive movement, and subtly pink, cherry blossom-inspired dial. But the Shunbun is actually part of a four-piece collection that started off as a US exclusive, encompassing the grey-toned Taisetsu and two high-beat steel pieces in the Rikka and Shubun. For this update, it’s the latter two that Grand Seiko is choosing to focus on, bringing their specs up a notch by fashioning the cases in Ever-Brilliant Steel, and nominally changing the dials. As such, they’re replacing the prior two summer and autumn pieces – the SBGH271 and SBGH273.

grand seiko heritage sbgh351 sbgh353 2

Starting with the biggest, yet likely least immediately noticeable change. Grand Seiko’s Ever-Brilliant Steel is a proprietary alloy that boasts about being the “world’s most corrosion-resistant stainless steel”, resulting in a higher brilliance in the brushed sections. This resistance is likely a result of greater hardness, though this doesn’t deter Grand Seiko from Zaratsu polishing the material, now used for both the case and bracelet. With a diameter of 40mm, thickness of 12.9mm, and lug-to-lug of 49mm, the dimensions remain identical, and so does the water-resistance at an acceptable 100 metres.

grand seiko heritage sbgh351 sbgh353 feature

You’ll have a much more difficult time distinguishing the details of the dials, even if you’re a die-hard Grand Seiko stan. For the SBGH351 Rikka, gone are the gold hands and indices, with the contrasting colour now only appearing on the Grand Seiko logo and the smoothly sweeping seconds hand. For the SBGH353 Shubun, the change is even more subtle still, with the dial pattern and colour being the same, with only the colour taking on a more vibrant hue.

While I could see reason enough to update these watches by bringing them into the brand’s proprietary alloy collection, one thing that didn’t need changing is the movement. Grand Seiko’s high-beat mechanical offering has only gotten better over the years, but even the fairly dated 9S85 calibre (going on 16 years now) is still going strong. It offers a 55-hour power reserve and accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day, all at 5Hz and visible through the display caseback.

Grand Seiko Heritage 62GS Sekki SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shubun pricing and availability

The Grand Seiko SBGH351 Rikka and SBGH353 Shubun will be available starting February 2025, replacing the outgoing SBGH271 and SBGH273 models. Price: US$7,200

Brand Grand Seiko
Model Heritage Collection 62GS High-Beat 36000
Reference SBGH351 SBGH353
Case Dimensions 40mm (D) x 12.9mm (T) x 47mm (LTL)
Case material Ever-Brilliant Steel
Water Resistance 100 metres, screw-down scrown
Crystal(s) Sapphire front and back
Dial Textured blue and green
Bracelet and strap Case-matching bracelet, folding clasp
Movement 9S85, in-house, automatic, 5Hz
Power Reserve 55 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability February 2025
Price US$7,200