Grand Seiko SBGX359 And SBGX361 Debut With New Slim Caliber 9F51
Grand Seiko expands its Heritage Collection with two new compact quartz models: the SBGX359 “Snowflake” and SBGX361 “Skyflake.” Powered by the newly developed Caliber 9F51, these references combine the brand’s signature textured dials with a slimmer case profile and the renowned precision of the 9F quartz platform.
A New Chapter for the 9F Quartz Movement
At the heart of both models is the newly engineered Caliber 9F51. Developed and assembled at the Shinshu Watch Studio in Japan, this movement represents a more compact evolution of Grand Seiko’s established 9F architecture.

The 9F51 measures 26.40 mm in diameter and just 2.20 mm in thickness, enabling a significantly slimmer overall case profile. Despite its reduced dimensions, the movement retains the defining technical characteristics of the 9F family, including an annual accuracy rating of ±10 seconds. It incorporates the Twin Pulse Control Motor, which generates the torque required to drive Grand Seiko’s large, multi-faceted hands with precision. The Backlash Auto-Adjust Mechanism ensures that the seconds hand aligns cleanly with each index by eliminating vibration and minimizing any unwanted play. In addition, each quartz crystal is individually selected and aged for stability before assembly, contributing to long-term reliability and performance consistency.
Every movement is hand-assembled and regulated in-house, reinforcing Grand Seiko’s vertically integrated manufacturing approach.
Compact Case with Zaratsu Finishing
The SBGX359 and SBGX361 are housed in a stainless steel case measuring 33 mm in diameter and 9.1mm in thickness, making them among the most compact executions within the Snowflake lineage. The proportions emphasize wearability while maintaining the brand’s signature design language.

The case features Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing technique, producing distortion-free mirror surfaces contrasted with finely brushed areas. The sharply defined lugs and crisp transitions between finishes highlight the precision of the case construction. A dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating enhances clarity while preserving the watch’s slim profile.

The crown is screw-down, contributing to the 100-meter water resistance rating, and the caseback is solid, reinforcing durability and structural integrity.
Snowflake and Skyflake Dials
Both models continue Grand Seiko’s tradition of textured dials inspired by the natural surroundings of the Shinshu region.

The SBGX359 “Snowflake” features a white dial designed to evoke freshly fallen snow. The textured surface is created through a precise stamping process rather than simple paint application. A silver-plated base combined with a clear finishing treatment enhances light reflection and gives depth to the intricate pattern.
The SBGX361 “Skyflake” presents the same texture in a pale blue tone, inspired by the contrast between snow-covered landscapes and clear alpine skies. The stamping technique remains identical, ensuring consistent detailing while offering a distinct visual character.

Both dials are equipped with sharply faceted applied hour markers and razor-edged dauphine-style hands. A heat-blued steel seconds hand adds contrast against the textured background. The absence of a date window or additional complications results in a clean and symmetrical display focused exclusively on timekeeping.
Price and Availability
The Grand Seiko SBGX359 “Snowflake” and SBGX361 “Skyflake” are priced at € 3,300. With the introduction of the slimmer Caliber 9F51 and more compact case dimensions, these models represent one of the most accessible entries into Grand Seiko’s Snowflake-inspired design while maintaining the brand’s established standards of finishing, precision, and engineering.
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General Specifications:
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: Heritage Collection
Reference: SBGX359 (Snowflake), SBGX361 (Skyflake)
Dial: White (Snowflake), pale blue (Skyflake)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 33 mm Diameter, 9.10 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire glass
Case Back: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp
Calibre: 9F51
Dimensions: 26.40 mm Diameter, 2.20 mm thickness
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Quartz
Jewels: 9
Power Reserve: 3 Years battery life
Price: € 3,300
Availability: January 2025
Limited Edition: No


















































