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Until now, we have only had the opportunity to experience the iconic and most sought-after version of the brand a few times – the renowned “Snowflake,” and we even currently have such an example. Driven by the success of this model, Grand Seiko decided to use its concept in two of the versions of the “Four Seasons” series, launched in 2019 and offered exclusively in North American boutiques. Two years later, the new “Four Seasons” series was introduced, and today we have the pleasure of presenting, in our opinion, the most interesting of them – the Grand Seiko Heritage Twenty Four Seasons “Rikka” U.S. Special Edition SBGH271 Summer.

The superb finish, unique detail, and excellent quality can be felt in every part of this timepiece. The fact that Seiko's engineers have created not just a new movement, but a completely different approach to powering their watches, further enhances the “wow” effect. In fact, to be honest, the only thing where the difference can be noticed with the naked eye is the way the seconds hand glides smoothly across the dial, instead of jumping from marker to marker as is the case with most other movements.

Someone “uninitiated” might ask what is so special about this watch. We will try to bring some clarity to this matter – this is an exceptionally well-constructed watch with a unique dial, beautiful hands, and an inimitable automatic movement. All of this places it in that elite group of timepieces that enthusiasts call “watches for close inspection” – because one must dedicate time to it. With each passing minute, you will like it more and more and discover new reasons for admiration. The incredible hour markers, the exquisitely polished hands, and last but not least, the Zaratsu finish of the entire case – all of this is truly on another level. The case itself has the factory index 62GS, which is a modern interpretation of the case of Seiko's first automatic watch, launched back in 1967. Certainly, in this price segment, there is no other similar offering, but the most unique thing about this watch is precisely the dial.

“Early Summer” – such is the translation of Rikka – is the seventh of the 24 Japanese seasons and is certainly one of the most impressive models in the series. It pays homage to the period when spring transitions into the full, lush greenery of summer, when the earth blossoms and brings a sense of renewal, and the Japanese zephyr (kunpu) gently passes over the fields and grass. The Grand Seiko SBGH271 draws inspiration precisely from this rebirth of nature, offering a rich green dial, highlighted by gold hands and markers, created to preserve the feeling of the summer moment forever.

The dial is crafted in the brand's own workshop in Shiojiri through multiple layers of special paints, which creates a texture resembling green Japanese fields. The technology ensures that each dial is unique and no two are completely identical. The brand does not use such a dial in any other model, which further emphasizes the uniqueness of this timepiece. The hour markers and hands are finished by hand by highly skilled masters using a technique inspired by the centuries-old production of samurai swords, and they undergo final approval from a single master craftsman. All of this is possible thanks to the relatively small annual production volume – a total of about 35,000 watches.

In the design of this model, the manufacturer has not sought to make it unnecessarily complex by adding extra elements – there are no superfluous decorations, additional crowns, or disproportionate bezels. It is precisely through this purity of design that the watch appears exceptionally elegant. This is also one of the main criticisms from some of the brand's admirers – that the model is “too European”. For us, however, this is more of an advantage.

The bracelet is in the so-called “Speedmaster style” – with three brushed links separated by polished connecting elements. What truly distinguishes Grand Seiko from Seiko is the attention to detail and the materials used. Such precision in the craftsmanship of every marker, hand, and inscription is rarely found even in established brands with long-standing traditions.

At the heart of the watch works the in-house caliber 9S85 – a movement with impressive accuracy for a mechanical watch and a power reserve of 55 hours.