Introducing: The Grand Seiko SBGX359 And SBGX361 – The Brand's Smallest 9F Quartz Watches

What We Know

For a small watch, we’ll keep it short and sweet here. Grand Seiko has just announced a brand-new Caliber 9F51 quartz movement that powers its smallest 9F-based watch to date. The stainless steel cases of the new SBGX359 “Snowflake” and SBGX361 “Skyflake” watches measure only 33mm by 9.1mm and yet maintain all of the key qualities of Grand Seiko’s quintessential quartz caliber.

The Caliber 9F51 still has a regulation switch for manual fine-tuning of accuracy during servicing, a Backlash Auto-Adjust Mechanism to eliminate the shudder of the seconds-hand, and the Twin Pulse Control Motor, which generates the torque required for Grand Seiko’s large hands. It also has an accuracy of ±10 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C). But now, the movement is 0.6mm smaller than the previous 9F61 caliber. 

The rest of the package is instantly recognizable as the Snowflake dial that dates back to 2005 and its successor, the Skyflake, which captures the wind-swept snow shimmering beneath a clear sky. The case, bracelet, and three-fold clasp all come together in the brand’s signature Heritage Collection design. These watches will be available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retailers starting in April, retailing at $3,200.

What We Think

These are certainly not watches made for me as a customer (though I do own a 33mm watch), but I think it’s impressive that Grand Seiko continually develops new and improved movements across its product lines. Compact product sizes and technical improvements shouldn’t be limited to men’s watches, and the platform they’re using here is a proven design and dial, so it’s hard to argue that this isn’t a strong release, albeit with a $500 price increase over a previous 9F release like the SBGX261.

The Basics

Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: SBGX359 and SBGX361

Diameter: 33mm
Thickness: 9.1mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: “Snowflake” or “Skyflake”
Indexes: Applied, polished, and faceted
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push-button release

The Movement

Caliber: Caliber 9F51
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds
Diameter: 26.4mm
Thickness: 2.2mm
Winding: Battery-powered quartz movement
Chronometer Certified: Not applicable. Stated accuracy of ±10 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C)

Pricing & Availability

Price: $3,200
Availability: Continuous-production models starting April 2026 at GrandSeiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide
Limited Edition: No

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