Grand Seiko Heritage Katana Black Dial US Exclusive Stainless Steel Watch | 40mm | SBGA489

The Japanese sword, known as the katana, is a world-renowned masterpiece in steel. Crafted through a distinctive and sophisticated process, the katana has created fascination and allure the world over. Derived from nature and brought together through expert craftsmanship, the katana is made from earth, fire, water, and air. Iron sand is drawn from the earth and then heated in a furnace known as a tatara. The melted sand forms the Japanese steel, known as tamagahane. From this Japanese steel, two variations can be found. The first is the high-carbon steel used for the outer sharp edge, or kawagane, and the second is the strong inner core of the blade, or shingane. Grand Seiko honors the katana and kawagane with the U.S.-exclusive SBGA489.

Polishing the katana requires handcraft of tremendous skill and dexterity, and the same can be said of crafting Grand Seiko watches using the Zaratsu polishing method, particularly the 44GS case design, which established the Grand Seiko style in 1967.

The hardness and beauty of kawagane inspires the black dial of SBGA489, whose dial pattern evokes the unique texture in the variations of tamahagane, the “jewel” steel from which traditional katana swords are fashioned.

Caliber 9R65 uses sophisticated modern technology coupled with the skilled hand of a master craftsman for the finest adjustments and highest precision possible, highlighting the seamless passage of time with a Spring Drive movement.

Exterior:

Case Material: Stainless steel

Glass Material: Dual-curved sapphire crystal

Glass Coating: Anti-reflective coating on inner surface

Case size: Diameter 40.0mm Lug-to-lug 46.2mm Thickness 12.5mm

Band width: 19mm

Clasp type: Three-fold clasp with push button release

Movement:

Caliber No: 9R65

Movement Type: Spring Drive

Power reserve: Approx. 72 hours(3 days)

Accuracy: ±15 second per day / ±1 seconds per month (average)

Features:

Water resistance: 10 bar

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

30 jewels

Screw-down crown

Power reserve indicator

Grand Seiko Style #: SBGA489