Grand Seiko have unquestionably established themselves as one of the world's most impressive watch brands, challenging Swiss dominance and developing innovative technologies. This Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGH035 is a beautifully restrained piece with an elegant snowflake dial and was produced by the Shizukuishi Watch Studio, a workshop with a past connection to Philippe Dufour.

This Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGH035 is a singular piece that is part of a limited edition run of 300. Made from stainless steel, the watch combines the utilitarian practicality that Seiko have come to be associated with, alongside the artistic flair that the Grand Seiko collection is known for.

Grand Seiko have unquestionably established themselves as one of the world's most impressive watch brands, challenging Swiss dominance and developing innovative technologies. The original Grand Seiko model was produced at Suwa Seikosha (now Seiko Epson), in Nagano prefecture, Central Japan, in 1960. It was the first Japanese-made watch to achieve an excellent rating from the “Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche des Montres”, then Switzerland’s official chronometer testing agency.

Made by the craftsmen of the Shizukuishi Watch Studio, who are also related to the Micro Artist Studio responsible for the production of Credor watches, the studio previously consulted and worked with independent watchmakers such as Philippe Dufour when the workshop was just finding its feet. It is also suggested that Dufour trained some Grand Seiko watchmakers in finishing.

The dial of this piece is an elegant ivory shade, decorated with an unusual wave pattern that radiates outwards from the centre, and was supposedly inspired by patterns created within the sand found in Japanese zen gardens. Meanwhile, the case itself is also notable, as it juxtaposes curves and edges, as well as brushed and polished surfaces, to create a new type of shape that is based on neither historic nor contemporary Seiko cases.

The watch integrates the 9S85 Special Calibre, which is distinguished from the Hi-Beat models thanks to the fact that it significantly more accurate. This can be confirmed thanks to the term “Special” written on the front of the watch in gold. The watch is excellently finished, with Tokyo stripes and a gold medallion located at the rotor.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGH035 will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGH035 is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks throughout consistent with minimal wear. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.