Hello everyone.

The popularity of the turquoise color started with Rolex's Oyster Perpetual, and then with the release of the Patek Philippe x Tiffany Nautilus. Although the name and hue of the color may differ slightly from one manufacturer to another, many models with turquoise dials and cases have been released in the past year or two.

Meanwhile, the other day, Grand Seiko, one of Japan's great brands, released the Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 with a sky blue dial. The "Ginza Limited Edition" has been announced. It has become a hot topic on social media, and the pre-orders have already sold out. That's scary (lol)

By the way, as far as I can see from the photo, the dial of the Wako Clock Tower, which stands tall as a symbol of Ginza, is a similar color to this model. It originally had a white dial, so I think it changed over time, but it may have been the inspiration for the limited edition model.

So, this time, I would like to introduce the Grand Seiko Ginza Limited Model , including the much-talked-about Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 with its sky blue dial. Please enjoy until the end.

Grand Seiko's "limited edition" strategy

Grand Seiko has been rapidly gaining recognition overseas for its designs, including "Shirakaba" and "Water Surface," which incorporate Japanese traditions and values. Since 2017, the brand has been focusing on producing "Ginza Limited Models," and has released five limited edition models so far.

But why is Grand Seiko releasing a "Ginza Limited Edition Model" ? The main reason is that it was the birthplace of the company's founder, Kintaro Hattori. Kintaro Hattori was born in Uneme-cho, Kyobashi, near the corner of what is now Ginza 4-Chome. Grand Seiko was founded in 1881 in what was then Kyobashi Ward, Tokyo (now the southern part of Chuo Ward, Tokyo), and expanded its business by moving its store to a back street in Ginza in 1883 and to the main street of Ginza 4-Chome in 1887.

*First clock tower

In addition, because Wako Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Seiko Holdings, Grand Seiko and Seiko release limited edition Wako models almost every year. Wako Co., Ltd. was founded in 1947 by taking over the retail division of Hattori Watch Shop, and this limited edition model is a part of the company's strategy of skillfully combining planning, manufacturing and retail.

*Seiko Holdings will change its name to Seiko Group on October 1, 2022.

As an aside, the Wako Main Building will be renovated on June 10, 2022, "Time Memorial Day," which is also the release date of the much-talked-about "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000." The Wako Main Building will be renamed "SEIKO HOUSE GINZA" and will become the new base for Seiko. It has a wonderful atmosphere, including a rooftop terrace, so if you're in Ginza, be sure to stop by.

Introducing the Ginza limited edition model

Now, I would like to introduce five “Ginza limited models” released by Grand Seiko.

■①2019
"Spring Drive Ginza Limited Edition" "Ref.SBGA409"

Point
・Released in 2019, limited to 100 bottles.
・Sold at five stores: Wako, GS Boutique Ginza, GINZA SIX, Ginza Mitsukoshi, and Nisshindo Main Store.
・Willow trees are planted along Nishi Ginza Street, and the grass green color is reminiscent of these trees.
-The dial pattern is inspired by the changing seasons and willow leaves swaying in the breeze.
-The movement is equipped with Spring Drive "Cal.9R65".
The skeleton case back features the words "GINZA LIMITED EDITION" and an original pattern with a willow leaf motif.

[Source][Source][Source][Source][Source] Grand Seiko

summary

What did you think.

The Ginza Limited Model features a design that expresses Japanese traditions and values. Grand Seiko is gaining more and more attention from around the world every year, and as this is an even more limited edition model, chances to see it may become less and less in the future.

As mentioned at the beginning, the pre-orders for the "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000" Sky Blue Dial "Ginza Limited Model" seem to have already sold out, but when we checked with Wako Main Building, we were told that there was still a small allocation available for in-store sales. Raffle tickets will be issued in person or over the phone from 10:30 to 11:00 on June 10, 2022 , so if you're interested, why not inquire for more details?

see you!

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