Grand Seiko 44GS Mid Size US Exclusive SBGW311, SBG313 and GS9 Club Exclusive SBGW309 In 1967, a watch was born that set the tone for Grand Seiko’s future and established its unique design language. The design of this watch went on to become one of the most recognizable designs in the Grand Seiko lexicon and has been passed down from generation to generation, remaining timeless. It's called the 44GS and embodies the nine design elements of the Grand Seiko style.
For 2023, Grand Seiko continues the great tradition of the 44GS with three new creations exclusively for the US market, each housed in the mid-sized case introduced last year. The dials of all three watches feature Grand Seiko’s iconic Mount Iwate pattern, named for the peak visible from the Shizukuishi window of Grand Seiko’s studio.
The pink dial of the SBGW313 is inspired by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom, inspired by hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. Given that Iwate Prefecture is located in northern Japan, the region offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of these cherry blossom trees in late spring. With the snow-capped Mt. Iwate as the backdrop, the cherry blossom trees bloom in vibrant pink and are breathtaking.
The green hue of the SBGW311 dial draws inspiration from Japan’s rainy season that begins in early summer, evoking the lush, fertile landscape surrounding Mt. Iwate.
Finally, the SBGW309 is a model exclusively available to members of the American GS9 Club. The cool blue dial of the SBGW309 is reminiscent of windswept, snow-covered trees that transform into eerie shapes known as “snow monsters,” or “tree ice” in Japanese. Tree ice can be seen from neighboring Iwateyama on Mount Hachimantai, creating a unique landscape of winter beauty in Iwate Prefecture.
Inside each model's 36.5mm x 11.67mm stainless steel case is the hand-wound caliber 9S64, with a power reserve of 72 hours and an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day (static). The crystal on each watch is box-shaped, similar to the 1967 model, but made of sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.