Introducing: The Grand Seiko SBGY043 ‘Iwao Blue’

This is a nice, simple dial addition to the Elegance collection that offers something a little more dramatic in execution than the two light-colored, steel-cased Omiwatari models available in the current catalog. I will admit, there is nothing particularly novel about this dial, as this katsuiro indigo color is paired with this texture on the SBGA469 introduced a few years back. 

But this SBGY043 offers that dial uninterrupted by a power reserve indicator (seen here on the back, integrated into the movement bridge) and no date window, so that definitely counts for something. I’ve long been a fan of this case shape, along with the slim 9R31 caliber, and adding another core, non-limited edition to the line is a decision I can’t complain about.