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The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Introducing Grand Seiko Unveils the Latest Update to the Icefall Hi-Beat Watch

Same Icy Dial in A Larger Titanium Case

Grand Seiko draws inspiration for its creations from Japan's natural landmarks, proudly reflecting the beauty of the Japanese landscape in its designs. One such example is the “Heritage Hi-Beat SBGH347 Icefall", released earlier this year, featuring a dial inspired by the breathtaking Nantasaki Waterfall, enveloped in ice, in the city of Hachimantai, Japan. Today, the brand unveils a new edition, the "Icefall SBGH349 Titanium Hi-Beat", which showcases the same captivating dial, while offering updated features in terms of case material and size, further enhancing the homage to this natural wonder.

The Icefall SBGH349 Titanium Hi-Beat features a high-density titanium case, offering both durability and a lightweight feel. This version is a step up from the previous model, which had a 37mm stainless steel case, with the new model measuring 40mm in diameter, 13mm in thickness, and 48mm from lug to lug. The case has been meticulously crafted with polished surfaces and brushed accents, creating a sophisticated and robust aesthetic. The double-curved sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensures excellent clarity while protecting the dial from scratches. Additionally, the sapphire case back provides a clear view of the movement, and the screw-down crown enhances the watch’s water resistance of 100 meters, making it both robust and versatile.

The dial of the watch is identical to the one found in the previous model. It features a vertically brushed dial with the signature Icefall pattern in an ice-blue color, creating a subtle yet striking texture. The dial is complemented by highly detailed, bevelled applied indices and hands, both of which are polished to perfection, with polished bevels and top surfaces. A framed date window adds to the refinement. Between the hour indices, there is a printed black minute track that enhances the dial's legibility.

The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 9S85, an automatic high-frequency movement known for its precision and reliability. This movement operates at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz) and offers a power reserve of 55 hours, with a high accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day. The same movement is found in the steel edition of the watch, ensuring that the SBGH349 delivers the same reliability.

It comes with a brushed and polished titanium bracelet and folding clasp, and priced at EUR 8,000, approximately equivalent to AED 32,000.

For more information, you can visit Grand Seiko’s official website.

Technical specifications: Grand Seiko Icefall SBGH349 Titanium Hi-Beat
  1. Case: titanium, polished and satin-brushed accents, Sapphire crystal on dial and case back, screw down crown
  2. Diameter: 40mm
  3. Lug-to-lug: 48 mm
  4. Thickness: 13 mm
  5. Water resistance: 100 m
  6. Dial: ice blue dial, polished indices and hands, black printed minute track, date window at 3 o’clock, an applied GS logo
  7. Movement: in-house Calibre 9S85, automatic movement
  8. Power reserve: 55 hours
  9. Frequency: 36,000 vph (5Hz), accuracy +5/-3 seconds per day
  10. Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
  11. Bracelet / Strap: brushed and polished titanium bracelet and folding clasp
  12. Availability: Permanent line
  13. Price: EUR 8,000 / AED 32,000

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