Ah, summer grasses! / All that remains / Of the warriors' dreams.
-Matsuo Bashō (1644 – 1694)

Released as a 140-piece limited edition in 2021 exclusively for the U.S. market, the reference SBGW277 is part of Grand Seiko’s Elegance collection bearing an in-house, manually-wound movement, three-hand layout, and simple polished case design. Alongside sister references SBGW275 and SBGW273, each also produced in 140 pieces, the three limited editions all featured dials inspired by the Genbi Valley of Japan, in three different tones of green varying from light to dark. The sparkling texture of the dial draws inspiration from the Japanese artistic technique of "Kirazuri", wherein mica powder is mixed into pigments.

The Genbi Valley, in the Iwate Prefecture of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, features a lush and wild landscape of azaleas and cherry trees, and measures a little over a mile in length. Each green reflects the flora in each season, with the SBGW277 being closest to a teal color. The valley itself was formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Kurikoma, and the volcanic activity created many unique geological features such as waterfalls, pools, and rock formations. It is bisected by the Iwai River, as dramatic rock formations rise up alongside each side of the river and trees bow gently along the cliff banks. The "Kirazuri" effect of the dial lacquer evokes the sun gently glinting off of the densely forested sides of the gorges the Genbi Valley is known for.

Grand Seiko, a longtime sponsor of HSNY, has proudly donated this brand new SBGW277, with all net proceeds benefitting HSNY’s ongoing educational initiatives. The watch is complete with all of its original box and papers and under its manufacture warranty.