Strap Guide: Grand Seiko SBGA413 Shunbun

Strap Guide written by @thewatchphoto. Thank you Majd!

Introduction

It would be an exaggeration to say that Grand Seiko broke the [watch] internet when they first announced their Heritage Four Seasons collection back in September 2019, but one could certainly argue that those models are, almost 3 years later, actually more popular than ever before. Initially released as US Limited Editions only, but now available worldwide, each of the four models introduced meant to pay tribute to one of Japan's 24 Sekki (“micro-seasons” if you will). The initial press release contained vivid, heavily saturated renderings and beautiful imagery. I, like many, was not quite sure what to make of it all. However, once real life photos started to trickle online, the watch world was hooked, and I fell desperately in love with one in particular: the SBGA413 Shunbun.

The subtly patterned, silvery-pink titanium piece became an instant hit. Many on Instagram and various watch fora declared that the time of the SBGA211 “Snowflake”, long heralded as Grand Seiko’s flagship piece, had come to an end, and that a new model sat on the throne!

The Shunbun (Vernal Equinox) was meant to encapsulate Spring, right around the time when Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms (Sakura) bloom. Two years of fawning over and consuming every bit of online content about the SBGA413 led me to finally acquiring one last year. Once in hand, a funny thought popped into my head. I thought to myself: they call this the Spring, but they could have marketed it under any one of the others (Winter, Summer, or Autumn/Fall) and it would still have felt appropriate given the model’s versatility. That dial, despite what stock photos would have you believe, is quite the chameleon. So as a fun little exercise, and with the help of five beautiful straps from Delugs, I am going to demonstrate just how this watch can be worn no matter what the thermometer outside (or Google) might be telling you. Quick disclaimer: I live in Canada where winters are painfully long, so that particular season will be allocated two straps!

Dark Grey Ostrich Signature Strap

We start in the frigid depths of winter. Daylight lasts only a few hours each day and the overall mood is far from bright. People are dressed primarily in darker hues. This gray ostrich strap becomes a perfect wrist companion on those freezing days in late January. The leather’s inky tones make the light-colored dial pop. Its dramatic texture is reminiscent of cracks forming on the surface of black ice, and complements what Grand Seiko dubbed the "lion’s mane” dial texture. This combination is serious–it means business… This one is a #powermove.

Matte Mahogany Brown Alligator Signature Strap

Coming out of winter, as the frost begins to thaw and the first flowers begin to bloom, the SBGA413 comes into its own on the Mahogany strap. Alligator might seem like an odd choice for a springtime outfit given its traditional association with more formal wear. However, the fact that it is matte rather than glossy makes it slightly more casual in my view. The deep reds of the strap and matching side stitching complement the pink undertones of the dial and inject an uplifting mood into the wardrobe. If Grand Seiko were ever to offer this model on a factory leather strap option instead of the standard titanium bracelet, I reckon it would look something like this.

Yellow Waxy Slim Strap

And now we come to summer! “This one is a vibe” as the youth would say. If you, like me, are not part of Gen Z, allow me to translate: it apparently means that this strap combination is refreshing and… dare I say–FUN! One thing is for sure: this hue of yellow is vibrant and complements the golden applied logo at 12. The waxy leather quickly develops a beautiful distressed look through wear and takes on a unique character of its own. I knew I would like the waxy leather, but I had not anticipated just how much I would love it in this particular shade of yellow. Be warned, though, this will attract attention!

Olive Green Minerva Box Signature Strap

As the tree leaves begin to turn yellow and the pumpkin spice lattes return to coffee shop menus, the Shunbun takes on a completely different character on this olive green strap. Of all the straps shown here, this combination is the one that surprised me the most. On paper, light pink and dark mossy green should not work together. Not only do they work together, but this is a striking setup. Minerva Box leather has this alluring pebbled texture that adds dimensionality while not overpowering the watch. There is a certain melancholy to this strap, and I thoroughly enjoyed pairing it with all kinds of earthy tones. I am no synesthete, but if I were, I imagine this strap would smell like rich soil after rain.

Fauve Barenia Signature Strap

Temperatures start to drop, and rainy days are slowly turning into snowy ones. People are still excited about the coming of winter and are looking forward to layering with clothes that they have not put on for half a year. This is where the warm, unassuming tones of the fauve Barenia strap enter the scene. Barenia calf leather is plush and incredibly comfortable. It has a soft glossiness to it akin to those cozy leather couches that you want to curl into with a hot drink on a cold day. This one truly goes with everything.

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