Japan is a place where the four seasons of the year is experienced in six phases with each having a specific and distinctive character. To celebrate the year's 24 phases or sekki, Grand Seiko launches a range of GMT watches designed in their popular Elegance collection.

The selected sekki are Shunbun (Spring) , Shōsho (Summer), Kanro (Autumn) and Tōji (Winter). The Shunbun and Shōsho versions feature the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT caliber 9S86 while the Spring Drive GMT caliber 9R66 powers the Kanro and Tōji creations.

Shunbun – SBGJ251

Inspired by the spring sekki, the timepiece is a reflection of the feeling of sensing spring in the air. It pays tribute to the blossoming of cherry trees in the mountains and their sakura blossom that fills the slopes of the hills in Japan. The timepiece with its green dial and rose gold accents is a perfect capture of the beautiful promise of peace and tranquility that the spring season offers.

Shōsho - SBGJ249

This timepiece reflects the bright and warm summer season – a much needed reflief after the rainy season. Sending ripples across the lakes and ponds that is perfectly captured by the dial of the timepiece, the summer season is a time to rejoice in Japan.

Kanro - SBGE271

When one slowly starts to notice nights getting longer and a chill in the air, one can assume that the advent of the autumn season is nigh. Kanro sekki is perfectly reflected in the glide motion of the seconds hand of the timepiece like the moon across the night sky.

Tōji - SBGE269

Crisp air and snow muffles the sound of the wind is what makes Japanese winter season so magical. As you notice the sun sinking lower in the sky, the textured dial in the colour of the winter landscape is reminiscent of the winter solstice is in Tōji.

Other details of the watch includes a softly contoured case that is mad in classic Grand Seiko fashion. From it sharp and angular edges to the Zaratsu polished sides, each aspect of the watch is perfected.

Here are the technical specifications and prices for the same:

Grand Seiko Elegance Collection

Caliber 9S86: SBGJ249, 251
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 55 hours
GMT hand
Number of jewels: 37

Caliber 9R66: SBGE269, 271
Driving system: Automatic
Accuracy:-1 to +1 second per day (±15 seconds per month)
Power reserve: 72 hours
GMT hand
Number of jewels: 30

Other Specifications include:
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar (SBGJ249, 251) 10bar (SBGE269, 271)
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.5mm, Thickness: 14.1mm (SBGJ249, 251)
Diameter: 40.2mm, Thickness: 14.0mm (SBGE269, 271)

Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:
INR 6.76 lakh (approx) for the Reference Nos. SBGJ249 and 251.

INR 6.04 lakh (approx) for the Reference Nos. SBGE269 and 271.

Based on a series first presented in the USA, the Shunbun and Shōsho creations will be available in May and the Kanro and Tōji creations in September at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and retail stores worldwide.