Grand Seiko SBGA Owner Review : Addictive, luminous and bluffing

The art of telling a watch's story according to Grand Seiko... Grand Seiko has mastered a particular art: that of telling a watch's story and celebrating it in all its aspects. As Les Rhabilleurs rightly point out, the brand is not limited to telling the time. Some watches simply tell the time, while others, rarer ones, tell a true story. The Grand Seiko SBGA413 undeniably falls into this second category, perfectly illustrating Lenouveaureveil's words, which are so resonant and easy to identify with. A Tribute to the Seasons and Japanese Nature This model belongs to a collection inspired by the seasons and is named Shunbun, corresponding to the spring equinox in Japan. It evokes that unique moment when the cherry blossoms, or sakura, reach their peak, just before their petals fall. The textured dial of the SBGA413, a spectacle in itself, is distinguished by a subtle hue that varies depending on the light, oscillating between pink and silver. This visual creation also echoes water, and this watch offers, to borrow the quotes above, "a textured dial that captures the moment." Depending on the angle or ambient light, whether natural or artificial, the watch presents a constantly changing face. Exceptional Details Grand Seiko's signature faceted indexes and dauphine hands ensure perfect readability from any viewing angle. The seconds hand stands out with its fluid and hypnotic, smooth movement, made possible by the Spring Drive caliber, renowned for its accuracy of +/- 1 second per day and its 72-hour power reserve. The 40mm case, made of high-intensity titanium, gives the watch great lightness while ensuring a real presence on the wrist. This feeling is reinforced by the "front/back" sapphire crystals and the weight of the movement parts, for a total of approximately 95 to 105g with the titanium or leather strap, the latter being my preference. The beveled lugs and the surfaces polished using the Zaratsu technique are details that, in my opinion, distinguish this watch from its competitors, which are often much more expensive for similar quality and finishes. The transparent case back showcases the caliber 9R65, whose rotor features a refined decoration. A watch integrated into my collection How did this watch join my collection? First and foremost, I've always been drawn to Japanese culture, even though I'm not an expert. Within a collection, we find different profiles: some invest financially, while others seek to diversify, for example by acquiring a watch for each specific use (aviation, diving, special event, work, etc.). There are also impulse buyers, a category to which I sometimes belong: the excitement of purchasing and receiving the watch is an exhilarating feeling—when I was younger, it was with Lego (in fact, it's still the case today...lol). I really wanted to add a Spring Drive model to my collection, but not just any model: the Skyflex also appealed to me, as did the Autumn version (SBGA415). However, it was the SBGA413, with its unique reflections, that was a real favorite. It's a watch that doesn't go unnoticed while remaining discreet and elegant. As mentioned previously, I fitted it with a custom-made ABP strap made of gray ostrich leather and lined with marine calfskin (often my favorite for its durability and waterproof properties). The previous Delugs bracelet, although very beautiful, was not suitable for the leather strap buckle that I subsequently acquired from the lovely salespeople at the Grand Seiko Vendôme Paris boutique.