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S Ō K Ō FROST DESCENDS ON GRAND SEIKO
Continuing its celebration of the 24 micro-seasons known as “sekki,” this past summer, Grand Seiko unveiled two special editions through its Heritage Collection. Named “s ō k ō ,” which translates to “frost descends,” this duo represents the end of autumn and the appearance of the first frost as it embraces the forest. The forest in question here is the world-famous Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto, and it’s here that s ō k ō finds its inspiration. The dials of references SBGA427 and SBGA429 evoke the bamboo forest, with vertical graining capturing the essence of the majestic bamboo stalks growing tall above the earth. Reference SBGA427, dubbed “light,” and SBGA429, dubbed “shadow,” together represent the interplay of light and shadow in the forest itself, and the green of the power reserve indicator and second hand capture the lush verdant hues of the bamboo grove. Coming in at 39 mm x 12.5 mm, the two s ō k ō editions are incredibly versatile in their dimensions, designed to find home a on a wide range of wrist sizes. Rendered in stainless steel with a beautiful mix of brushed and Zaratsu-polished surfaces, the cases of
both watches embody the essence of the modern Grand Seiko Style design ethos. The aforementioned theme of light and shadow carries through to the case, with the mixed finishing capturing the interplay of light beautifully. Powering the watch is Grand Seiko’s proprietary movement known as Spring Drive. By marrying a mechanical caliber with an electro-magnetic regulator, Spring Drive is able to offer incredible accuracy for a mechanical timepiece, with the 9R65 movement powering the two s ō k ō editions rated to +-15 seconds a month. One can admire the Spring Drive caliber through the viewing window on the case back, which exposes the fine level of finishing Grand Seiko’s movements undergo. On the dial side, Spring Drive is expressed through the mesmerizing smooth sweep of the second hand as it advances cross the dial. Both watches come on a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a signed push-button clasp.Additionally, each s ō k ō comes with a bonus leather strap with green contrast stitching and is fitted on a deployant clasp. Both s ō k ō editions are US exclusives.
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