Sōkō's first frost in the signature 44GS design

In 2020, Grand Seiko introduced two Special Edition timepieces exclusive to the US. Focused on sōkō, the sekki (micro-season) that translates to “frost descends,” models SBGA427 and SBGA429 were informed by the end of autumn precisely when the first frost embraces the forest. SBGA471 Sōkō Frost, one of two US-exclusive Special Edition timepieces, grows that collection with a dynamic blue inside Grand Seiko’s foundational 44GS case.

Measuring 40mm in diameter, the stainless steel case features Grand Seiko’s iconic 44GS form, reimagined to accommodate modern trends. It features a beautiful, faceted design with perfectly flat and mirror polished surfaces, all made possible via Grand Seiko’s acclaimed Zaratsu finishing method. The dial of SBGA471 is vertically textured like past Sōkō models, but instead of gray and green it is colored icy-blue with tempered-blue hands, elements inspired by the frozen trunks of the bamboo trees that fill the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

SBGA471 is powered by Spring Drive caliber 9R65, which combines the high torque of a mechanical watch with a high-precision regulator. It features an accuracy rating of one second a day. The second hand glides in a smooth motion, a defining featuring of Spring Drive.

SBGA471 is paired with a matching stainless steel bracelet, and it comes with an additional crocodile leather strap with a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.

Case

Case Material : Stainless Steel

Case Diameter : 40mm

Case Thickness : 12.5mm

Case Length : 46.2mm

Lug Width : 19mm

Dial Color : Blue

Crown : Screw Down

Strap/Bracelet : Stainless Steel w. three-fold clasp + Blue Crocodile Strap w. three-fold clasp

Crystal : Dual Curve Sapphire

Caseback : Stainless Steel with Sapphire Crystal

Special : US Exclusive

Movement

Caliber : 9R65

Type : Spring Drive

Power Source : Automatic

Jewels : 30

Accuracy : ±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month (average)

Duration : 72 Hours