Grand Seiko - 62GS Rikka ‘Early Summer’

At the heart of Grand Seiko is an intriguing and understated narrative of Japanese heritage and aesthetics. The legendary poet Jun’ichiro Tanizaki once described beauty not in the object, rather the degree of lightness, darkness and shadow it protrudes. I believe this literature in 1933 still applies to Grand Seiko and its counterparts ie. Kurono by Hajime Asaoka, N.Hida by Naoya Hida & Kikuchi Nakagawa. There is a singular and subtle sensitivity that resonates across all these creations, all from a single nation. Rather than describing Grand Seiko as a watch manufacturer, I tend to think of them as an extension of Japanese tradition and innovation.

Marking the transition of seasons and weather in Japanese annual calendar, GS executed a series of pieces ie. Cherry Blossom, Sky-Flake, Snow-Flake and White Birch etc as a faith towards the inevitable passing of time. While one might think of the dials as the sole focus of most GS, the SBGH271 carries Zaratsu finishing with bezel-free construction to complement its intricate and deep olive dial. Celebrating the sights and sounds of Rikka, the golden indices and hands reflect the charming blossom in the beginning of summer with a vibrant energy in nature. The swivelling bark pattern has once again captured a deeper green hue and grew in multiple rays of light upon the wearer’s wrists.

With a hint of bamboo, leafy summer and calm breezes, this is a lovely piece to celebrate Japanese watchmaking with a humble presence. 

Priced at 30% off the current catalogue, I think this is a refreshing addition to one’s watch collection with the upcoming Australian Summer.