2023 Grand Seiko 18ct Rose Gold ‘Hana-ikada’ SBGY026G 38.5mm Limited

Here we have a 2023 Grand Seiko 18ct Rose Gold ‘Hana-ikada’ SBGY026G, limited edition of just 100 pieces. Featuring a 38.5mm 18ct Rose Gold case expertly polished for an exquisite finish, the subtle lugs sit perfectly on the wrist. Its curved brushed flanks, which lead to a lug-to-lug length of 43mm and a case thickness of 10mm, give the watch an impressive wrist presence. A polished chamfered edge flows around the case, and the brushed surfaces transition with crisp lines. On the right side is a signed screw-down crown with a coin-edge grip. The smooth, polished bezel holds a domed, AR-coated sapphire crystal above a stunning, textured, luscious ‘Hana-ikada’ dial, reflecting the swirling rafts of cherry blossoms delicately floating on the water, just after the spring equinox, called ‘Hana-Ikada’. An outer minute chapter ring surrounds applied 18ct Rose Gold faceted indexes marking the hours, with chamfered edges and Zaratsu hand-polished shimmer that catches the light as you rotate your wrist. Elegant 18ct Rose Gold dauphine hands are Zaratsu polished with razor edges, complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. At noon, we have the applied 18ct Rose gold “GS” and “Grand Seiko” underneath. At 6 o’clock, “Spring Drive” completes this nature-inspired, versatile timepiece. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case back, showcasing the CÔTES DE GENÈVE finished Spring Drive Grand Seiko Cal. 9R31, this 30-jewel manual wind spring drive movement has been designed and developed at the Shinshu Watch Studio in Japan; it has a Dual-Spring Barrel with two mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel to achieve its long power reserve, which has a scale on the movement, and the movement has hacking and hand winding for your convenience. The watch comes paired with its Grand Seiko 19mm leather strap, secured with an 18ct Rose Gold three-fold clasp, and includes its Grand Seiko presentation box, swing tag, and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko Box, swing tag and paperwork. It is paired with its original 19mm Grand Seiko leather strap with an 18ct Rose Gold three-fold clasp. The watch is from June 2023 and is sold in worn condition, but overall, it is in very fair condition, as you can see in the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

Limited to just 100 pieces, this incredible 18ct Rose Gold Grand Seiko ‘Hana-ikada’, reference SBGY026G, is incredible on the wrist at just 38.5mm. The star of the show is, of course, the stunning, textured, luscious ‘Hana-ikada’ dial, reflecting the swirling rafts of cherry blossoms delicately floating on the water, just after the spring equinox, called ‘Hana-Ikada’. I would not hesitate to book an appointment and see this gem for yourself!

Reference : SBGY026G (9R31-0AP0)
Movement : Spring Drive Grand Seiko Cal. 9R31
Age : June 2023
Year : 2023
Case Size : 38.5mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 43mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : 18ct Rose Gold
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The ref:3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. In 1962, Taro Tanaka developed a set of design guidelines known as the "Grammar of Design," which aimed to create a cohesive look for Seiko watches. These guidelines encompassed nine key principles that distinguished the watches. Some of these principles involve Zaratsu polishing that makes the watch surfaces shine beautifully and reflect light in interesting ways. There’s also an emphasis on using unique shapes for the watch cases, ensuring that every part is perfectly shaped, and adding features like sharp, clean edges and well-designed hands and markers that catch the eye. Today, Tanaka's principles still apply to the modern Grand Seiko philosophy. Rather than sending its 25 Jewels Chronometer movement to the Swiss to be tested, Seiko decided to do the testing themselves. The European Chronometer Official Association believed that a chronometer-rated watch had to be independently tested to be awarded that designation. Seiko watches were not independently tested, so therefore they could not be chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers do: they wrote a stern letter to Seiko requesting that the designation of Chronometer on Grand and King Seiko watches stop. Seiko obliged and ceased using a chronometer on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorisation Association was started in 1968 as an independent group to test timepieces to chronometer standards. The Association was short-lived: due to the rise of quartz watches, it closed in 1983. Today, Grand Seiko movements are tested over 17 days in 6 positions compared to COSC testing over 15 days in 5 positions. In 1985, Suwa Seikosha became Seiko Epson Corporation. In 2017, Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would become an independent brand.