Grand Seiko gives this classic watch a beautiful makeover

Check out the new platinum Grand Seiko SBGH349

By Nathan S.R Published December 14, 2024

Grand Seiko SBGH349 in platinum — Grand Seiko SBGH349 in platinum Grand Seiko / Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko caught everyone’s attention in September 2024 after launching a timepiece with a glacier-like aesthetic, the Icefall Hi-beat.

The design was influenced by a glacier mountain that is quite close to Grand Seiko’s main studio, popularly known as Mount Iwate. Apart from the beautiful ambiance and sightings, the glacier mountain also fostered a healthy environment for Grand Seiko artisans, thanks to the clear water sources and life-giving conditions.

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It seems that Grand Seiko was just getting started—it recently rolled out a revamped variant of the Icefall Hi-beat.

Unlike the September version, this new variant is bigger and features a 41 mm casing with the same curves as the September variant, but the design dates back to 1998.

To pass down the legacy of a timepiece released in 1998, Grand Seiko revamped its first mechanical timepiece and gave it a modern allure to keep up with the times.

One of the biggest makeovers boils down to the type of materials used on this new watch. It is constructed from high-intensity titanium, a highly durable and lightweight material characterized by a bright finish that reflects light stylishly.

The metallic luster is complemented by the blue dial with a glacier-like texture. Just like the 1998 model, the Grand Seiko SBGH349 is powered by the caliber 9S85, which delivers a 55-hour power reserve. The case back is made from sapphire glass, which effectively displays the mechanical movement.

This timepiece will be rolled out into the market in January 2025, and anyone interested in the watch can pre-order it from Grand Seiko’s website. It retails at $8,500.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…

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Fashion & Style

Seiko asks fans to choose next 1965 Diver colorway

Seiko celebrates 62MAS 60th anniversary by letting fans choose next dive watch color

Seiko diver range in different colourways

Seiko has launched an unprecedented fan engagement initiative, allowing enthusiasts to vote on the next colorway for its beloved 1965 Diver throughout July 2025. This marks the first time the Japanese manufacturer has directly solicited fan input for a new watch design.
The poll features four ocean-inspired color schemes based on the limited edition 60th Anniversary Dive Watch released earlier this year, which introduced the distinctive 3D ocean wave textured dial. All options maintain the same technical specifications while offering dramatically different aesthetic approaches.
The four colorways represent different times of day and their interaction with ocean light. "Sunrise Orange" features a yellow-orange dial with burnt orange bezel and dark gray hands. "Daytime Blue" showcases a crystal blue dial with light blue bezel and steel hands. "Late Afternoon Green" presents an emerald dial with dark green bezel and gold hands, while "Sunset Red" displays a fire-engine red dial and bezel with gold hands.
Early social media reactions suggest "Afternoon Green" as the front-runner, though Seiko recently released a similar green variant through its ongoing PADI collaboration. The fan poll represents part of a year-long celebration honoring the 60th anniversary of the 62MAS, Seiko's first professional-grade dive watch.
Originally introduced in 1965, the 62MAS marked Seiko's entry into serious diving timepieces. While the company produced waterproof watches before 1965, none possessed true SCUBA diving capabilities. The design established fundamental elements that continue influencing modern dive watch aesthetics.
Seiko revived the 62MAS design in 2020 under its Prospex collection of sport and tool watches. Since then, over a dozen references beginning with SPB have been released, making it one of Seiko's most successful modern dive watch lines.
The contemporary 1965 Diver features 300-meter water resistance and classic styling that rivals established competitors like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster. This combination of heritage design and modern capabilities has made it highly sought after among collectors and dive watch enthusiasts.
The winning colorway will launch sometime in 2026, though Seiko has not provided specific timing. The democratic approach to product development represents an unusual strategy for the traditionally conservative manufacturer, demonstrating confidence in its community engagement.
For collectors unable to wait for the poll results, the white-dialed 60th Anniversary Diver remains available as a 6,000-piece limited edition priced at $1,400. This version features the same 3D ocean wave dial texture that will appear on the fan-selected colorway.
The poll continues through July 2025, with results expected to influence not only the winning design but potentially future fan engagement strategies across Seiko's product lines.

Fashion & Style

Timex gives heritage chronograph a sporty summer makeover with fabric straps

Timex makes Daytona-inspired Waterbury even more affordable with fabric strap option

Timex Waterbury Heritage against white babckground

Timex has launched a sportier version of its popular Waterbury Heritage Chronograph, just months after the Daytona-inspired timepiece became a hit with budget-conscious collectors. The new Waterbury Heritage Chronograph 39mm Fabric Strap edition offers the same racing-inspired design at a more accessible $299 price point.
The updated chronograph maintains all the functional elements that made the original successful, including its rotating tachymeter bezel, sub-dials, and Daytona-inspired pushers. The 39mm stainless steel case houses a reliable Quartz Analog movement with 50-meter water resistance and mineral glass crystal protection.
Three colorway options are available: the original black and silver, black and gold, and a new racing green edition featuring black, silver, racing green, and yellow accents that nod to classic motorsport colors. The styling remains relatively minimalistic and clean for a racing chronograph, contributing to its overall appeal.
The primary difference lies in the strap configuration. Instead of the original link bracelet or leather options, all three versions now feature matching fabric straps styled to complement each colorway. These woven bands provide a more summer-ready, casual wearing experience compared to the metal bracelet.
The fabric straps offer practical advantages beyond aesthetics. They're lighter and more breathable than traditional options while maintaining security through Timex-branded buckles. As slip-through straps, the fabric covers the case back, eliminating direct metal contact with skin during hot weather conditions.
The strap change significantly alters the watch's presentation, making it considerably more casual while maintaining the chronograph's racing heritage. The 13.5mm case thickness remains unchanged, preserving the watch's proportional balance.
This fabric strap edition represents Timex's strategy of making popular designs even more accessible. While the leather strap option maintains the $299 price point, it lacks the breathability and casual appeal of the fabric alternative.
The updated chronograph continues Timex's tradition of offering Swiss-inspired designs at American prices. The Daytona-like aesthetic combined with reliable quartz movement provides an entry point into racing chronographs without the premium price tag.
All three versions are available immediately through the brand's website. The $50 price reduction from the bracelet version makes this already affordable timepiece even more attractive to budget-conscious enthusiasts.

Fashion & Style

Why the Parmigiani Fleurier PF070 deserves every watch lover’s attention

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronograph 40mm

In the watch business, where larger players like Rolex and Omega control attention, independent Swiss makers find it hard to get noticed. But often, smaller companies build movements that exceed their well-known rivals in technical quality. For example, Parmigiani Fleurier's new PF070 chronograph caliber is a 5Hz movement that stands out, and watch experts should be watching.
Many watch fans can list Rolex's newest items, but fewer know about the technical work operating in Parmigiani Fleurier's Tonda PF Chronograph. The PF070 shows what makes independent watchmaking different: its careful engineering, new answers, and specifications that could cause other makers to envy it.

The integrated movement advantage: Why PF070 stands apart