Grand Seiko is drawing on its Japanese heritage to bring to the U.S. market three manually wound watches. The elegant and unique green shades are inspired by the lush greenery of the Genbi Valley in Japan where one will find the Iwai River.

This landscape, near Ichinoseki, was formed in the ashes of Mt. Kurikoma. Although Grand Seiko’s inventions focus on the greenest of times, the climate provides an array of seasonal beauty in the form of snowy scenes, breathtaking cherry blossoms, and impressive fall colors.

As part of the release, three variations have been named by Grand Seiko. The straps, brown or black depending on the color of the dial, mean the watches are designed with the stylish individual in mind. All three display a textured dial to please watch wearers and onlookers alike. 

Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko

These textures are based on a Japanese form of painting known as Kirazuri used in woodblock printmaking. A mica powder is used to add a glittering effect. In these examples, the sparkle is used to give the illusion of leaves rustling in the breezes of the Japanese valley.

This isn’t the first time Grand Seiko has cashed out on this embellishment. In 2018, a prior round of U.S.-only watches had been furnished using the technique.

The SBGW273’s green is sharp and light, like the first hints of spring after a long, cold winter. On the other hand, the nature-infused green of the SBGW277 recalls the colors of sitting underneath a shady tree. Finally, the teal of the SBGW275 speaks to waters that flow through the land.

Although the nature-inspired motifs bring serenity and calm, the crisp appearance of the watch’s hands and markers frame the hues, giving them both context and weight. The simplicity of the timepiece is underlined by the lack of a date window, keeping the design minimalistic as well.