Grand Seiko SBGM235 “Kiku” (菊) Whirlpool – Limited Edition
Model: Grand Seiko SBGM235 “Kiku” (菊) Whirlpool – 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
Overview:
The Grand Seiko SBGM235, affectionately nicknamed “Kiku” (菊) by collectors, is one of three highly collectible “Whirlpool” models released during 2018 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Grand Seiko's 9S mechanical movement.
The highlight is undoubtedly its spectacular white Whirlpool dial. Viewed from a distance, the dial appears almost like an intricate geometric floral pattern, but closer inspection reveals an extraordinary level of detail. The spiral is constructed from countless repeating GS initials and the historic mark associated with Daini Seikosha, arranged into a pattern radiating outward from the center.
The white dial has led collectors to nickname the watch “Kiku,” the Japanese word for chrysanthemum. Its intricate radiating geometry bears a striking resemblance to the overlapping petals of a white chrysanthemum, giving this version an entirely different character from its blue and brown Whirlpool counterparts.
History:
Grand Seiko introduced the original Caliber 9S in 1998, beginning the modern era of its mechanical watchmaking. Twenty years later, Grand Seiko celebrated the anniversary throughout its 2018 collection with a series of special and limited-edition mechanical watches.
Among the most memorable were the watches that collectors would eventually associate with the “Whirlpool” dial family.
The blue SBGH267 used the 39.5mm 44GS-inspired case and Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85, while the considerably larger brown SBGR311 used the Caliber 9S68. The white SBGM235 took a different approach, combining the intricate dial with Grand Seiko's classical SBGM case and Caliber 9S66 GMT movement.
The dial pattern itself contains an important reference to Grand Seiko's mechanical history. Grand Seiko confirms that the design alternates its modern GS initials with the historic mark used to identify watches produced by the Daini Seikosha team. The symbols are repeated across the surface to create the elaborate geometric pattern radiating outward from the center.
This historical reference is particularly appropriate because Grand Seiko's modern mechanical watches continue to be produced at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Iwate, maintaining an important connection to the lineage of Seiko's mechanical watchmaking.
Only 1,000 examples of the SBGM235 were produced.
Specifications and Condition:
Overall: Excellent Condition
Case: Excellent Condition
Crystal: Clean
Dial: Clean
Movement: Serviced
Bracelet/Strap: OEM
Box/Papers: Yes
Year: 2018
Limited Edition: 1,000 Pieces
Historical Significance: Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
Movement:
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S66
Automatic with Manual Winding
Dimensions:
39.5mm Case Diameter
46.9mm Lug-to-Lug
13.7mm Thickness
19mm Lug Width
Closing Note:
The SBGM235 is arguably the most wearable of Grand Seiko's three watches commonly grouped together as the 2018 Whirlpool trio.
The blue SBGH267 measures 39.5mm but uses the more angular and visually substantial 44GS-inspired case, while the brown SBGR311 increases the diameter to 42mm. The Kiku instead uses the elegant SBGM architecture at 39.5mm, with curved lugs and a more traditional dress-watch profile. For my wrist, it gives the white Whirlpool the best proportions of the three.
Its dial is also perhaps the most subtle interpretation of the design. Where the deep blue SBGH267 and brown SBGR311 immediately reveal their spiral patterns, the pale surface of the SBGM235 allows the texture to appear and disappear depending on the light. The blue GMT hand provides the primary point of color without competing with the dial underneath.
“Kiku” is an especially appropriate collector nickname. 菊 translates to chrysanthemum in Japanese, and although Grand Seiko does not appear to have officially described the watch as a chrysanthemum dial, the numerous curved forms radiating outward from the center give it the appearance of overlapping flower petals.
Look closer and another layer reveals itself. What initially appears to be a conventional repeating texture is formed from tiny GS initials and the historic Daini Seikosha symbol, connecting the design directly to Grand Seiko's mechanical heritage. Grand Seiko used this same historical motif across several of its 2018 anniversary pieces.
The Caliber 9S66 makes the SBGM235 particularly practical as well. It provides approximately 72 hours of power reserve and a true traveller-style GMT system, allowing the local hour hand to be moved independently without stopping the movement.
The Whirlpool dials have since become some of the most recognizable and collectible designs from this period of Grand Seiko. The blue SBGH267 is perhaps the best known, while the brown SBGR311 offers the most dramatic interpretation. For me, however, the combination of the white Whirlpool dial, blue GMT hand and smaller classical SBGM case makes the SBGM235 the most balanced of the three.
With only 1,000 pieces produced, it remains one of the more distinctive 9S anniversary models and hopefully not the last time Grand Seiko explores this spectacular dial pattern.