A “Brilliant Hard Titanium” Celebration of History – Shohei Ohtani Goes Low Key With a $14K Grand Seiko SBGW295 at Dodgers’ Gala

It’s been two days since the Los Angeles Dodgers’ gala event. Still, there’s a lot to say about the star-studded extravaganza. From Shohei Ohtani’s appearance with his wife to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s eye-catching watch! The charity event proved to be more than just a simple show; it showed players in a different avatar. All suited up and loaded with accessories, the blue carpet event was really the one to watch.

However, amidst that, there was one peculiar thing tied to Shohei Ohtani’s wrist. Unlike Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the two-way phenom didn’t go all out with accessories. But even after that, what he wore was a significant accessory and a celebration of Grand Seiko’s rich history. 

Shohei Ohtani’s rare Grand Seiko—a special iconic model 

Perhaps every watch enthusiast is aware of Seiko. The iconic Japanese brand is notable for matching the prestige attached to Swiss watches through its Grand Seiko brand. However, the story doesn’t end there; they’ve found another way to become an even bigger brand. By collaborating with the biggest sporting star in Japan, Shohei Ohtani.

During the Dodgers’ charity event, Ohtani was seen wearing the special edition Grand Seiko SBGW295—the 110th Anniversary version. (Per Hodinkee) It’s built with “Brilliant Hard Titanium” and Grand Seiko’s iconic touch of Japanese craftsmanship. It was designed keeping in mind the very first Grand Seiko watch released way back in 1960. Released on its anniversary, the SBGW295 is a celebration of Seiko’s rich history.

However, it’s the dial that makes all the difference here. The beautiful lacquer is made with the sap from a “Urushi” tree found in Japan and China. The use of Urushi to make lacquer can be traced back to Japan’s Jomon Period (13,100 BCE to 400 BCE). That, once again, makes it an even bigger celebration of history. So what is the cost of this iconic watch? It’s somewhere around $14000, and yes, it’s a limited edition with only 500 pieces available.

Another chapter in their illustrious partnership 

Shohei Ohtani and Seiko have collaborated at least four times as of now. Seiko’s high prestige in Japan, added to Ohtani’s unprecedented popularity in the country, has made it an obvious partnership. As a result, Seiko has released at least four different special-edition watches in collaboration with Ohtani. 

Priced at four figures, the limited edition watches sold out almost immediately. Then the partnership became even more obvious when Ohtani wore the Grand Seiko SBGJ217 during his Dodgers’ introduction conference. The sight of Shotime wearing a Grand Seiko caught the attention of fans at that time. However, it looks like Ohtani loves the elegance and craftsmanship offered by Seiko. 

But then again, who doesn’t love Grand Seiko? That’s a brand that always brings some comfort to every watch lover. Isn’t it natural for a romantic sport like baseball to coincide with a romantic watch like the Grand Seiko?