![\"bot-only-image\"](\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/images\/cleardot.gif\")
<\/a>Its elegance quietly commands attention, offering a statement that is both subtle and sophisticated, perfect for those who recognize true artistry in timepieces. But with that said, how did it fare in the real world, living on my wrist for the last week?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
History of the Grand Seiko 24 Sekki Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Seiko-SBGH271-1-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGrand Seiko has a reputation for capturing the beauty of Japan\u2019s nature through its designs. It\u2019s not a new philosophy for the watchmaker by any means, and yet it\u2019s certainly not one anyone seems bored of yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the luxury watch brand launched its 24 Sekki Collection, a series of watches inspired by how Japanese individuals look at the year. Instead of just naming four seasons, they have 24 \u201csekki\u201d, or little moments that capture all the subtle changes in nature throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They don\u2019t just say spring, summer, fall, and winter; they break it down even further, naming parts of the year, such as when the first flowers bloom or when the first leaves from trees fall to the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a rather poetic way of keeping track of the seasons if you ask me. As you\u2019ve probably guessed, each watch in the Grand Seiko 24 Sekki collection reflects one of these moments. One of my personal favorites is the \u201cShunbun\u201d SBGA413 which has a beautiful pastel pink textured dial inspired by the spring equinox when Japan\u2019s cherry blossom trees start to bloom. The \u201cTaisetsu\u201d SBGA415 is another model worth mentioning, bringing to life the colors and textures of the deep snows of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s so special about this collection is that regardless of your nationality, you feel like you are wearing a piece of art that connects you to Japan\u2019s nature. The watch I have had the pleasure of getting hands-on with this week, the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch, is a perfect example, this time bringing to life a very specific moment at the beginning of summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Streamline Steel Case<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s hard with a watch like this not to get distracted by the dial, but I\u2019ll get onto that shortly. Instead, I want to start with the case because it’s equally impressive. Beautifully contoured, the case of the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271<\/a> is inspired by the iconic 1967 62GS model from Grand Seiko, the brand\u2019s first automatic timepiece. It\u2019s part of the Heritage collection for that reason, bringing together this history with an undeniably modern presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut make no mistake, this isn\u2019t just any sports watch <\/a>case. The curves and edges are breathtaking, somehow managing to be sharp yet flowing. The combination of finishing plays with this unusual juxtaposition creates a striking visual experience. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ll ever get bored of Grand Seiko\u2019s standout Zaratsu polishing, which in this case, is applied to the lugs and sides.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s the same level of finishing you\u2019d find in top-tier Swiss watches<\/a>, often referred to as \u201cblack polish\u201d. Usually, this kind of finishing is for movement components like bridges and screws, so seeing it on a watch case is truly exceptional, especially since the process isn\u2019t quick or easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn fact, every polished component requires a single skilled artisan to hold the surface against a spinning tin place. It\u2019s time-consuming, but the result is an outstanding mirror-like finish. The satin finish on the case sides complements the Zaratsu polish perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch measures to 40mm in diameter, with a 47mm lug-to-lug distance and a thickness of 12.9mm. It\u2019s a great set of dimensions for most wrist sizes, especially the height, which allows it to still wear nicely under tight sleeves. The dial is protected by a lovely box-shaped sapphire crystal, giving the watch a touch of vintage appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flat sapphire is much cheaper for brands to use, so when you find cambered sapphire like this, it definitely adds to the watch\u2019s luxury feel\u2014both in value and look. The case back is also made of sapphire crystal, so you can see part of the 9S85 movement inside. I say \u201cpart of\u201d because the Grand Seiko lion crest partially obscures the view, which is a bit of a shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Early Summer-Inspired Dial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The dial of the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch is a stunning deep green, designed to replicate the intricate texture of the foliage. Like most Grand Seiko dials, it\u2019s difficult to fully appreciate the detail in photos or videos\u2014I really recommend seeing models like this in person so you can fully grasp that level of attention to detail involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way I can describe the color is as British Racing Green, but with a slightly metallic sheen that reflects light in a way that subtly shifts the hue depending on the angle. The texture is subtle, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on how the light hits it, the dial can appear completely smooth at times, while at other moments, it reveals an intricate, raised pattern that reminds me of the rough surface of early summer leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Seiko has cleverly incorporated a sloped minutes track around the edge of the dial, with the minutes printed in white on a matching dark green backdrop. This makes it easy to read the time at a glance. The hour markers and hands are crafted from yellow gold, which contrasts beautifully with the green dial. There\u2019s something special about the combination of yellow gold, and green, especially when paired with a steel case. The warmth of the gold feels reminiscent of sunrise or sunset, adding to the dial\u2019s early summer inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hardware on the dial, including the GS logo at 12 o\u2019clock and the date window frame at 3 o\u2019clock, is also finished in yellow gold, ensuring a cohesive look. Everything on this dial is meticulously finished by hand using diamond-tipped milling tools and then carefully placed by hand. The only parts printed onto the dial\u2019s surface are the white printed \u201cGrand Seiko\u201d logo at 12 o\u2019clock and the lettering in a deep yellow at 6 o\u2019clock, confirming the automatic hi-beat movement inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Hi-Beat Movement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Housed inside the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch is the Japanese watchmaker\u2019s signature 9S85 automatic winding caliber. It\u2019s an in-house movement made exclusively in Grand Seiko\u2019s Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Iwate Prefecture with an insanely impressive frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s 10 beats per second, which is why the seconds hand sweeps<\/a> so smoothly across the dial. It\u2019s also the same rate of frequency of the Zenith El Primero, another beautiful hi-beat watch but one that\u2019s often three to four thousand dollars more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Caliber 9285 is adjusted to six positions to ensure a high level of accuracy \u2013 that\u2019s one more than the chronometer standard of 5. It boasts an accuracy rating of -3 to +5, which again beats other chronometers rated to -4 to +6 seconds per day. It also runs off 37 jewels and promises a power reserve of 55 hours. As mentioned, when off the wrist, you can admire the beautifully decorated movement through the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch\u2019s case back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Hand-Finished Bracelet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271<\/a> arrives on a solid three-row link stainless steel bracelet to match its case. It has solid end links and a wonderful alternating link alignment for a handsome finish. The finishing of the metal beautifully falls in line with the case, boasting hand-finished surfaces that are predominantly satinized with some polishing on each end of the middle link and on the outer links\u2019 flanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s a single-fold deployment clasp finished just as beautifully as the rest of the bracelet. It\u2019s polished and satin-finished and is detailed with the Grand Seiko logo in relief. It\u2019s a twin trigger release system, so you can\u2019t accidentally open it easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadly, there are no micro adjustments incorporated into the bracelet (I\u2019m still patiently waiting for Grand Seiko to start adding a micro-adjustment system into their bracelets), but instead, there are half links, so finding a comfortable fit isn\u2019t too difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The metal bracelet has a 21mm lug width which is a little awkward of a size, especially if you want to swap the strap out for something else. But it has drilled lugs, so when you are able to source a 21mm strap, swapping it around is a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On-Wrist Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If it were up to me, I would make this my go-to dress watch<\/a>. It pairs beautifully with formal attire and slips perfectly under a shirt cuff. But at the same time, I have to remind myself not to let its refined appearance fool me; this watch is built to be tough since it\u2019s a sports watch, after all.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith its solid steel bracelet and 100-meter water resistance<\/a>, it’s not something you need to baby. It would make an equally fantastic and undeniably handsome daily beater that can withstand the wear and tear of an average day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGrand Seiko has a reputation for capturing the beauty of Japan\u2019s nature through its designs. It\u2019s not a new philosophy for the watchmaker by any means, and yet it\u2019s certainly not one anyone seems bored of yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2019, the luxury watch brand launched its 24 Sekki Collection, a series of watches inspired by how Japanese individuals look at the year. Instead of just naming four seasons, they have 24 \u201csekki\u201d, or little moments that capture all the subtle changes in nature throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They don\u2019t just say spring, summer, fall, and winter; they break it down even further, naming parts of the year, such as when the first flowers bloom or when the first leaves from trees fall to the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a rather poetic way of keeping track of the seasons if you ask me. As you\u2019ve probably guessed, each watch in the Grand Seiko 24 Sekki collection reflects one of these moments. One of my personal favorites is the \u201cShunbun\u201d SBGA413 which has a beautiful pastel pink textured dial inspired by the spring equinox when Japan\u2019s cherry blossom trees start to bloom. The \u201cTaisetsu\u201d SBGA415 is another model worth mentioning, bringing to life the colors and textures of the deep snows of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s so special about this collection is that regardless of your nationality, you feel like you are wearing a piece of art that connects you to Japan\u2019s nature. The watch I have had the pleasure of getting hands-on with this week, the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch, is a perfect example, this time bringing to life a very specific moment at the beginning of summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Streamline Steel Case<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s hard with a watch like this not to get distracted by the dial, but I\u2019ll get onto that shortly. Instead, I want to start with the case because it’s equally impressive. Beautifully contoured, the case of the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271<\/a> is inspired by the iconic 1967 62GS model from Grand Seiko, the brand\u2019s first automatic timepiece. It\u2019s part of the Heritage collection for that reason, bringing together this history with an undeniably modern presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But make no mistake, this isn\u2019t just any sports watch <\/a>case. The curves and edges are breathtaking, somehow managing to be sharp yet flowing. The combination of finishing plays with this unusual juxtaposition creates a striking visual experience. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ll ever get bored of Grand Seiko\u2019s standout Zaratsu polishing, which in this case, is applied to the lugs and sides.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the same level of finishing you\u2019d find in top-tier Swiss watches<\/a>, often referred to as \u201cblack polish\u201d. Usually, this kind of finishing is for movement components like bridges and screws, so seeing it on a watch case is truly exceptional, especially since the process isn\u2019t quick or easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, every polished component requires a single skilled artisan to hold the surface against a spinning tin place. It\u2019s time-consuming, but the result is an outstanding mirror-like finish. The satin finish on the case sides complements the Zaratsu polish perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch measures to 40mm in diameter, with a 47mm lug-to-lug distance and a thickness of 12.9mm. It\u2019s a great set of dimensions for most wrist sizes, especially the height, which allows it to still wear nicely under tight sleeves. The dial is protected by a lovely box-shaped sapphire crystal, giving the watch a touch of vintage appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flat sapphire is much cheaper for brands to use, so when you find cambered sapphire like this, it definitely adds to the watch\u2019s luxury feel\u2014both in value and look. The case back is also made of sapphire crystal, so you can see part of the 9S85 movement inside. I say \u201cpart of\u201d because the Grand Seiko lion crest partially obscures the view, which is a bit of a shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dial of the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch is a stunning deep green, designed to replicate the intricate texture of the foliage. Like most Grand Seiko dials, it\u2019s difficult to fully appreciate the detail in photos or videos\u2014I really recommend seeing models like this in person so you can fully grasp that level of attention to detail involved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way I can describe the color is as British Racing Green, but with a slightly metallic sheen that reflects light in a way that subtly shifts the hue depending on the angle. The texture is subtle, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on how the light hits it, the dial can appear completely smooth at times, while at other moments, it reveals an intricate, raised pattern that reminds me of the rough surface of early summer leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grand Seiko has cleverly incorporated a sloped minutes track around the edge of the dial, with the minutes printed in white on a matching dark green backdrop. This makes it easy to read the time at a glance. The hour markers and hands are crafted from yellow gold, which contrasts beautifully with the green dial. There\u2019s something special about the combination of yellow gold, and green, especially when paired with a steel case. The warmth of the gold feels reminiscent of sunrise or sunset, adding to the dial\u2019s early summer inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hardware on the dial, including the GS logo at 12 o\u2019clock and the date window frame at 3 o\u2019clock, is also finished in yellow gold, ensuring a cohesive look. Everything on this dial is meticulously finished by hand using diamond-tipped milling tools and then carefully placed by hand. The only parts printed onto the dial\u2019s surface are the white printed \u201cGrand Seiko\u201d logo at 12 o\u2019clock and the lettering in a deep yellow at 6 o\u2019clock, confirming the automatic hi-beat movement inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Housed inside the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch is the Japanese watchmaker\u2019s signature 9S85 automatic winding caliber. It\u2019s an in-house movement made exclusively in Grand Seiko\u2019s Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Iwate Prefecture with an insanely impressive frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s 10 beats per second, which is why the seconds hand sweeps<\/a> so smoothly across the dial. It\u2019s also the same rate of frequency of the Zenith El Primero, another beautiful hi-beat watch but one that\u2019s often three to four thousand dollars more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Caliber 9285 is adjusted to six positions to ensure a high level of accuracy \u2013 that\u2019s one more than the chronometer standard of 5. It boasts an accuracy rating of -3 to +5, which again beats other chronometers rated to -4 to +6 seconds per day. It also runs off 37 jewels and promises a power reserve of 55 hours. As mentioned, when off the wrist, you can admire the beautifully decorated movement through the Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271 watch\u2019s case back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Seiko Heritage \u201cRikka\u201d SBGH271<\/a> arrives on a solid three-row link stainless steel bracelet to match its case. It has solid end links and a wonderful alternating link alignment for a handsome finish. The finishing of the metal beautifully falls in line with the case, boasting hand-finished surfaces that are predominantly satinized with some polishing on each end of the middle link and on the outer links\u2019 flanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a single-fold deployment clasp finished just as beautifully as the rest of the bracelet. It\u2019s polished and satin-finished and is detailed with the Grand Seiko logo in relief. It\u2019s a twin trigger release system, so you can\u2019t accidentally open it easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sadly, there are no micro adjustments incorporated into the bracelet (I\u2019m still patiently waiting for Grand Seiko to start adding a micro-adjustment system into their bracelets), but instead, there are half links, so finding a comfortable fit isn\u2019t too difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The metal bracelet has a 21mm lug width which is a little awkward of a size, especially if you want to swap the strap out for something else. But it has drilled lugs, so when you are able to source a 21mm strap, swapping it around is a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it were up to me, I would make this my go-to dress watch<\/a>. It pairs beautifully with formal attire and slips perfectly under a shirt cuff. But at the same time, I have to remind myself not to let its refined appearance fool me; this watch is built to be tough since it\u2019s a sports watch, after all.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n With its solid steel bracelet and 100-meter water resistance<\/a>, it’s not something you need to baby. It would make an equally fantastic and undeniably handsome daily beater that can withstand the wear and tear of an average day.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn Early Summer-Inspired Dial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Hi-Beat Movement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Hand-Finished Bracelet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
On-Wrist Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n