In recent days, Grand Seiko has caused trouble again! They released three new cherry blossom-themed watches at Baselworld, especially the models tailored for women, which are really eye-catching. Want to know the design concepts and unique movement technology behind these watches? Come and take a look at these beautiful and exquisite watches!

Grand Seiko releases new cherry blossom theme watch

Grand Seiko, a high-end Japanese watch brand, launched three new 62GS watches with a cherry blossom theme at the Baselworld Watch Fair in April this year. In order to celebrate the upcoming cherry blossom season in 2025, Grand Seiko has decided to officially launch these three new watches in April next year. In addition to SBGH368, Grand Seiko will also launch two new 62GS models exclusive to women, namely STGK031 and STGK033.

Movement and price

These three new watches are all equipped with the 9S27 movement and are priced at 7,000 euros or $6,400. The 9S27 movement is the thinnest movement in the 9S series, with a thickness of only 3.5 mm and a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The 9S27 movement adopts a balance spring adjustment system and a two-way winding design, which has high accuracy and stability. In order to welcome the arrival of the cherry blossom season in Japan, Grand Seiko draws inspiration from the cherry blossoms and launches three new Heritage series watches. The new watch uses a textured dial, which is one of the strengths of the Crown Blue Lion. In terms of case diameter, it also meets the current demand for a more compact size. SBGH368 is inspired by the design language of the 1967 62GS, Crown Blue Lion’s first automatic mechanical watch. The case is reinterpreted in rose gold and paired with a beautiful cream-colored cherry blossom dial with a diameter of 38 mm. The other two new watches, models STGK031 and STGK033, use 30 mm stainless steel cases. The cases are very slim and very friendly to women with smaller wrists.

Rose gold SBGH368

In 2023, Crown Blue Lion launched the SBGY026, a limited edition of 100 pieces, powered by the manually wound Spring Drive 9R31 movement. This is Crown Blue Lion’s first non-limited edition 18k rose gold case using the 62GS case, and it is also the boldest case design in the brand’s history. Last year, Crown Blue Lion released two more 62GS series watches, which were very popular and represented the current brand’s powerful strategy to conquer the market. Housed in a compact 38mm lightweight titanium case, the SBGH341 and SBGH343 have a design inspired by their 1967 predecessor, with a colorful textured dial and powered by the GS’s Hi-Beat movement.

This year’s new SBGH368 is the first 38mm non-limited rose gold model in the Heritage series, marking another milestone for the brand. The unique style of the 62GS is evident here, with a bezel-less, multi-faceted case and GS’ signature Zaratsu polishing technology.

The copper-pink textured dial captures the moment when late snow covers the blooming cherry blossoms, embodying the best of Japanese reverence for the details of the passing seasons. The rose gold and light cream pink dial can be said to be a top-notch aesthetic combination, taking Japanese aesthetics to the extreme. The hands, scales and the frame around the date window are all decorated with rose gold plating, and the watch is paired with an elegant brown alligator leather strap that represents the trunk of a cherry blossom tree, adding to the calm atmosphere.

This rose gold model is equipped with Hi-Beat 9S85 movement independently developed by GS, with a vibration frequency of 5Hz and a power reserve of 55 hours. The SBGH368 retails for €33,500 or US$31,200.

Quick specs: Diameter 38mm x Thickness 12.9mm x Lug-to-lug distance 44.7mm – 18k rose gold, brushed and Zaratsu polished – Boxed sapphire crystal, see-through caseback – Screw-down crown – 100m water resistance – Sakura-style pink textured dial – Rose gold-tone hands, hour markers and date box – Hi-Beat 9S85 automatic movement – 5Hz/36,000 vph – 55 hours power reserve – Accuracy +5 to -3 seconds p/d – Hours, minutes, seconds (seconds stopped) and date – Brown alligator leather strap with rose gold pin buckle – Reference SBGH368 – Unlimited – €33,500 / CHF 33,500

30mm HERITAGE 62GS Mechanical Watch STGK031 and STGK033

After a long wait, the Crown Blue Lion is finally here, a watch more suitable for young and active women. Instead of the usual practice of adding diamonds or adding cute embellishments to the dial, GS has launched a compact 30mm model 62GS with a stainless steel case that is just 10.9mm thick. While GS is not known for its ultra-thin profile, these two new watches are the brand’s thinnest mechanical models to date and the first women’s watches to feature men’s designs.

Size and design

Both the STGK031 and STGK033 have case diameters of 30 mm and a thickness of only 10.9 mm, designed specifically for women with smaller wrists. Both new watches use stainless steel cases and are equipped with pink dials that resemble cherry blossoms. Among them, the dial of STGK031 is designed with a sunshine texture, while the dial of STGK033 uses lacquer craftsmanship and is inlaid with golden cherry blossoms. The dials of STGK031 and STGK033 are both cherry blossom pink, which represents the beauty and delicacy of Japanese cherry blossoms.

Market positioning and brand strategy

Grand Seiko launches the new 62GS in the spring of 2025 to celebrate the brand’s 65th anniversary and also hopes to further consolidate its position in the high-end market. The launch of SBGH368 is not only to commemorate, but also to demonstrate Grand Seiko’s milestones in design and movement technology. By combining the design elements of the 62GS with the HiBeat 9S85 movement, Grand Seiko demonstrates the strength and determination of its brand to the outside world.

The launch of STGK031 and STGK033 is Grand Seiko’s further focus on and expansion of the female market. Compared with the previous larger 62GS, the new watch is more in line with the wearing needs of young and active women, and also demonstrates Grand Seiko’s emphasis on and exploration of the women’s watch market.

Conclusion

Grand Seiko’s cherry blossom-themed watch not only reflects the delicacy and elegance of Japanese culture in design, but also represents the brand’s in-depth exploration of the female market. I think this design is so thoughtful, especially suitable for girls who like a refined life. What do you think of these new watches? Welcome to chat about your opinions in the comment area, and don’t forget to like it!