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AJHH ‘Red Snowflake’ Grand Seiko SBGA421

One could be very easily forgiven for, amongst the innumerable GS limited releases, missing one or two. However, it is particularly forgivable for one to have missed the SBGA421 or ‘Red Snowflake’, as it was never really publicized in any manner. In fact, it only ever sold at select boutiques in Japan as a special order. That’s because it was created in celebration of the Japanese Association of Haute Horlogerie’s 60th. Hard to think of a better gift, although only 390 of GS’s best clients had to opportunity to join the party.

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The sparse red details built on top of the traditional snowflake dial here are meant to echo the Japanese flag, particularly evident in the highlighted red chapter ring. Furthermore, the applied GS logo is made of gold instead of the standard steel. If that weren’t enough, the entire caseback sapphire is red in tone, something I haven’t seen on any other Grand Seiko. Perhaps that’s a good thing, but the detail fits on a watch as eccentric as this AJHH. Underneath beats the same 9R65 Spring Drive paired with the expected 41mm titanium case. This may not be the most classic SBGA, but it is one of the more interesting; a snowflake made in, for, and to celebrate Japan exclusively.

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This example has very little visible surface wear. The case and even clasp only barely display any hairlines. The watch comes with its full set dated to April 2020 from a well-regarded London retailer.

Find this SBGA421 here from Kibble Watches for 5750 GBP.