Grand Seiko - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Grand Seiko
    Year: 2021
    Reference No: SBGW273, SBGW275 and SBGW277
    Movement No: 321’311, 323’086, 321’761
    Case No: Each, No. 1/140
    Model Name: “Genbi Valley”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Each manual, cal. 9S64, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Each crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Each stainless steel
    Dimensions: Each 37.3mm Diameter
    Signed: Each case, dial, movement, and buckle signed
    Accessories: Each accompanied by Grand Seiko Inspection Certificate, Limited Warranty card, blue leather presentation box, hang tags, product literature and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Grand Seiko’s design philosophy seeks inspiration from Japan’s natural environment and traditional lifestyle with an artistry that exemplifies beauty and tranquillity. The Elegance collection reflects this ethos with thin profile manually wound dress watches that wear comfortably on the wrist. Like a Japanese tea ceremony, “every object is formed from nature and every action has its own calm rhythm.”

    The present group lot of three sublime dress watches were released in 2021 for the US market, and inspired by the storied landscape of Japan’s Genbi Valley. Located in the Iwate Prefecture of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, the valley features a lush and wild landscape of azaleas and cherry trees, and measures a little over a mile in length. The green reflects the flora in each season, with the SBGW273 light green inspired by new growth of the seasons, the teal of the SBGW275 reflecting the flowing waters through the valley, and medium green of the SBGW277 reminiscent of the vegetation of the valley wall. The Genbi Valley was formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Kurikoma, and the volcanic activity created many unique geological features such as waterfalls, pools, and rock formations. It is bisected by the Iwai River, as dramatic rock formations rise up alongside each side of the river, and trees bow gently along the cliff banks. The "Kirazuri" effect of the dial lacquer evokes the sun gently glinting off of the densely forested sides of the gorges the Genbi Valley is known for.

    Each watch is powered by the in-house caliber 9S64 with a three-hand layout, and simple polished stainless steel. The references SBGW273, SBGW275, and SBGW277 were made in a limited number of 140 examples each, and the present three wristwatches are number one of each reference, and offered in brand new unworn condition with their original accessories.

    Grand Seiko’s aesthetic embodies the natural world with innovative precision timing, and the present three timepieces from their Elegance Collection is a wonderful representation of their understated artistry.

    The present lot is offered with a five-year Grand Seiko international warranty.

    The profit from the sale of this lot will be donated to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Miami, Florida. Its commitment to the environment perfectly aligns with the brand’s “Nature of Time” philosophy and recognizes the importance of the natural world as a source of inspiration and creativity.

Σ91

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. SBGW273, SBGW275 and SBGW277
A set of three very fine and attractive brand new limited edition stainless steel wristwatches with lacquered dials, each with certificate, warranty card, hang tags, and presentation boxes, all numbered 1 of 140, with a portion of proceeds benefitting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

2021
Each 37.3mm Diameter
Each case, dial, movement, and buckle signed

Estimate
$8,000 - 16,000 
CHF7,600-15,200
€7,700-15,400
HK$62,600-125,000
S$11,000-21,900

Sold for $35,280

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022