Grand Seiko Heritage "Shunbun" SBGH273

The Grand Seiko Heritage “Shunbun” SBGH273 is a refined exercise in seasonal poetry translated into horology. Drawing inspiration from tsukiyo, the moonlit skies of the autumnal equinox, its deep blue dial is subtly textured and overlaid with gold-toned Grand Seiko lettering and a gold seconds hand—details meant to evoke moon and starlight dancing across night clouds. The case is crafted in stainless steel using Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing to achieve distortion-free, mirrorlike surfaces and razor-sharp edges, echoing the classic 62GS case as reinterpreted for modern wearers.

Underneath its elegant façade, the SBGH273 houses the Caliber 9S85, a mechanical hi-beat movement running at 36,000 vph. Adjusted in six positions and assembled by hand at Studio Shizukuishi, it delivers around 55 hours of power reserve and meets Grand Seiko’s strict accuracy tolerances. The 40.0 mm case (12.9 mm thick, 47 mm lug-to-lug) offers 100 m of water resistance and magnetic shielding to 4,800 A/m, making it wearable in everyday conditions. With its balanced proportions, luminous-free elegance, and thoughtful nods to Japanese seasonal aesthetics, the SBGH273 blends technical prowess with poetic meaning.

Reference: SBGH273

MSRP: $6,400

Dated: 2024

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet

Case Size: 40mm x 12.8mm Thickness x 47mm Lug to lug

Lug Width: 21mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel

Movement: Grand Seiko 9S85 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has light normal wear with one notable scratch on a single lug pictured. Bracelet has minimal wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Watch runs within spec.

Grand Seiko emerged in 1960 as a high-end watch line from Seiko, aiming to challenge Swiss dominance in luxury watchmaking. The brand quickly established itself with Japan's first chronometer-grade watch and later gained renown for its innovative Spring Drive technology, which combines the best of automatic and quartz movements. In 2017, Grand Seiko became an independent entity, solidifying its position in the luxury watch market.

The brand's design philosophy, known as the "Grammar of Design," was established in 1967 with the Grand Seiko 44GS. This aesthetic approach emphasizes legibility, refined appearances, and distinctive features like multi-faceted markers and hands, a half-recessed crown, and the meticulous Zaratsu polishing technique. Grand Seiko continues to push boundaries in watchmaking, as evidenced by recent innovations like the "Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon," while maintaining its commitment to precision engineering and unique design language.