Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat "Autumn Momiji" automatic 39,5 mm Full Set 2019

The Story

Introduced in 2019 as a limited edition of 900 pieces, the Grand Seiko SBGH269 celebrates one of the most iconic moments of the Japanese calendar: autumn and its red maple leaves, the momiji. This watch pays tribute to these fleeting landscapes that have inspired Japanese poetry, architecture, and craftsmanship for centuries.

The choice of the deep red dial, with burgundy and brown reflections depending on the light, evokes both the lacquered wood of traditional temples and the blazing foliage of Japanese forests in October. With this creation, the brand sought to capture the passage of the seasons in a timepiece — a central theme of Grand Seiko’s design philosophy, where each model echoes the surrounding nature.

The SBGH269 belongs to the Heritage collection, known for combining tradition and modernity, but stands out for its bold chromatic identity and strong symbolic meaning.

At its release, this watch marked a turning point: one of the first Grand Seiko limited editions to sell out quickly, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of collectors for the Japanese manufacture. Today it is regarded as a milestone in the brand’s recent history, foreshadowing the global success of its seasonally inspired limited editions as well as its more classic models.

The Model

The SBGH269 features the balanced proportions characteristic of Grand Seiko’s Heritage collection, with a 39.5 mm stainless steel case, 13 mm thick, water-resistant to 100 m, and fitted with elongated, angular lugs whose complex triangular shape demands impeccable execution. The distortion-free Zaratsu-polished surfaces, alternating with satin-brushed areas, create a unique play of light that reflects the meticulous attention to detail. A double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures perfect legibility of the dial from any angle.

The centerpiece, however, is its red-brown dial, which has earned a place in the brand’s history. Inspired by the autumnal Japanese maple forests (momiji) and the reflection of their leaves on the lacquered floors of traditional temples, it features a vertical pattern and glossy finish that bring depth and warmth. Its tones shift subtly with the light, from deep red to burgundy-brown, accented by the warm copper-colored seconds hand and the applied Grand Seiko logo. This refined yet distinctive dial embodies the brand’s deep connection to nature and the seasons and has helped make this limited edition a cult piece, which sold out rapidly upon release.

The applied, faceted hour markers, slightly broader at the cardinal points, are subtly satin-finished to better catch the light, while the beveled dauphine hands, polished using the Zaratsu technique, provide exemplary contrast and legibility. The date window at 3 o’clock, with a black disc and white numerals, integrates discreetly into the dial’s composition.

The Caliber

The SBGH269 is powered by the 9S85 Hi-Beat 36,000 vph caliber, an emblematic movement that showcases Grand Seiko’s rare expertise in high-frequency watchmaking. Few manufactures in the world master this demanding technology, which requires extreme precision in the production and assembly of its components. A descendant of the first Hi-Beat movements developed by the brand in the 1960s, the 9S85 remains one of the most accomplished examples of this rapid-beat regulation today.

The high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) ensures greater stability in timekeeping and gives the seconds hand an exceptionally smooth and fluid sweep. This fast-beating heart does not compromise convenience, as the movement delivers a comfortable 55-hour power reserve, making it practical for daily wear. Carefully adjusted, it offers outstanding chronometric precision, within a strict range of –3 to +5 seconds per day, rivaling the best international standards.

Visible through the transparent sapphire caseback, the 9S85 impresses with the restrained elegance of its finishing, where every edge and surface is executed with the meticulous rigor characteristic of Grand Seiko. It is topped with a titanium oscillating weight anodized in a deep green hue — a poetic nod to the leaves still green before turning red in autumn. This interplay of colors between the vivid green rotor and the autumnal red dial makes the SBGH269 a watch where technical excellence meets Japanese aesthetic sensibility.

The Package

This “Momiji” is offered in excellent condition, having undergone a full inspection in our workshop to ensure its proper functioning and reliability.

It is delivered Full Set, including its original box, manual, and warranty card dated 2019. Like all timepieces offered in our 10h10 selection, it comes with a one-year Lepage Vintage warranty, providing assurance and peace of mind for its future owner.