2025 Grand Seiko Elegance "Byōka" (Ref. SBGW285 / 9S64-00Z0) Green Linen Dial W/ Full Set

Fans of Seiko have almost certainly heard the fascinating story of inter-company competition between King Seiko and Grand Seiko during the 1960s and 1970s. Back then, Seiko had two separate factories creating its watches, with Grand Seiko produced at the Suwa factory and King Seiko produced by the Daini factory. Seiko’s objective behind having its two factories compete against each other was to promote progress through competition, with the end goal of building the best timepieces possible. 

Grand Seiko ended up winning out and has gone on to become one of the most respected brands in the business. For decades, however, Grand Seiko enthusiasts had to acquire such pieces directly from Japan or through a third-party seller, as they were exclusive to the Japanese market. Historically speaking, Grand Seiko has labeled itself as a sub-brand of Seiko up until 2017. However, the sister company decided to spread its wings and fly as a fully independent brand that year.

Part of Grand Seiko’s Elegance Collection, the “Byōka” was inspired by the seasonal transition from summer to autumn in Japan, when the leaves on the trees begin to darken in color and the days begin to shorten. Its deep green, almost linen-textured dial was inspired by kirazuri, a Japanese painting style that involves adding mica flakes to the paint, which have a glittering effect and creates an incredible glistening effect the the art, or in this case, dial. Housed in a classic 37mm case, the watch is powered by the hand-wound Caliber 9S64, offering a 72-hour power reserve and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Grand Seiko.