Strap Guide: Grand Seiko SBGW289 Kirazuri Cherry Blossom

Strap Guide written by @watchaddictwt. Thank you Woody!

Introduction

As a collector, there are a few things that you will always think of when you think of Grand Seiko. One of them is the Grammar of Design, exemplified best by the 44GS case. The 44GS case side has two distinct flanks which are amazing canvases for the Zaratsu polishing that Grand Seiko is known for.

The other thing that Grand Seiko is known for are its movements. It has amongst the best High Accuracy Quartz movements (9F), its innovative Spring Drive movement (9R) and of course its mechanical movements (9S).

The SBGW289 is a celebratory piece by Grand Seiko and is the first time that the 44GS case is being done in a smaller 36.5mm diameter, and by housing the manually wound 9S movement, has amazing proportions to boot. Then there’s that dial that only Grand Seiko will do – a silvery pink hue that is meant to evoke the Japanese Cherry Blossoms peaking through the frost at the start of spring. This combination really hit the spot, and I just had to add it to the collection.

Now, the vintage 44GS watches have always been on straps, and so it was only a matter of time before someone would see if straps would work on this new small-cased 44GS. Let’s go right ahead and show some possible combinations featuring some carefully selected Delugs straps!

Matte Grey Alligator Signature Strap - A Touch of Formality

Every watch needs a good alligator strap. And given the uniqueness of a pink dial, I believe it pairs really well with a matte grey alligator strap. Some folks like glossy straps, but in my case I feel the matte only serves to enable the dial to shine and whilst adding some class to the already classy timepiece.

Grey Barenil Signature Strap - A Touch of Casual

If there’s one colour that I feel Delugs does really well, it is Grey. With the angular 44GS, I believe the Signature Barenil strap complements the case design very well whilst dressing the watch down a touch from having the formality of the Alligator strap.

Cream Barenil Signature Strap - A Touch of Pastel

For those of you out there who may get this watch to have shared wrist time with your significant other, I can say this is the one to go for as the pastel cream colour really softens the sharpness of the 44GS case, whilst enhancing and complementing the light pink hues of the Sakura Kakushi dial.

Grigio Minerva Box Signature Strap - A Touch of Texture

Grand Seiko is known for picking dial textures that take their inspiration from nature. The thought process I had picking the Grigio Minerva Box was to play on this by introducing a strap that evoked the colors and textures of the branches of the Cherry Blossom tree that the dial takes inspiration from. I think it’s a truly natural pairing!

Tan Crazy Horse Side-Stitch Strap - A Touch of Vintage

If there’s one strap I feel will patina really well over time, it will be the Crazy Horse Side-Stitch. I believe this strap adds some real character to the SBGW289 and will give the 44GS case a less dressy look. In fact, I can also imagine that as the watch ages over time and picks up some wear, this strap will really come into its own!

And there you have it, 5 completely different looks to dress-up or down the SBGW289, all of which serve to only enhance the beautiful dial texture that Grand Seiko has put on this wonderful 55th Anniversary edition. I hope this serves as a great inspiration for you if you’re looking for alternate looks to this wonderful timepiece!