**Model**: Grand Seiko SBGA371 AJHH - Limited Edition Spring Drive **Year**: 2018 **Video**: Click here to see a [video of the watch in action on my Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/C_dGXWdo8Am/) **Features**: - ***The Theme.*** A striking Grand Seiko designed by one of Japan’s most famous record producers. Yasushi Akimoto describes time displayed on smartphones as “flavourless” and prefers to give watches as gifts whenever possible. As one of Japan’s most successful producers, he certainly has the means to indulge this habit, but for him, it’s not about the monetary value of the watch. Akimoto believes that by giving someone a watch, you are offering them a true understanding of time and its fleeting nature. You can choose to sit and watch the seconds tick away or use them to do something meaningful. Slightly depressing, but true. ***- The Design.*** And that is exactly why Akimoto chose to highlight the 9 o’clock hour marker in vermillion red. It’s often mistakenly thought that Akimoto sought to highlight 9 because it’s the time employees should arrive at work and leave work (9am to 9pm). It plays into the salaryman stereotype in Japan, so you’ll find that explanation across the internet, but the real reason is more nuanced. Akimoto sees 9am as the time you do your most important work. It’s fairly common for office workers in Japan to arrive at work at 8am, and then spend an hour building up to their most important tasks. In a mirrored philosophy of his ideal morning, Akimoto thinks if you start drinking at 8pm, you should hit the sweet spot by 9pm! If you can achieve balance between both types of nines, you’ll live a good life according to Akimoto. ***- Limited.*** Interestingly, the coppery-pink hue that graces the dial has been promised to Akimoto as “his” color. Grand Seiko has assured that they will never use it on another watch again. The exclusivity doesn’t stop there; the SBGA371 was released as a Limited Edition for the AJHH (Association Japon de la Haute Horlogerie), meaning it was only available in AJHH-affiliated stores. There are just 26 of these stores, and they are all located in Japan. **Condition**: In great condition overall, there are some small marks/hairlines on the bezel. The metal edge of the caseback has been scratches at the top and bottom of it, but the exhibition crystal is unmarked. **Scope**: Full box and papers. **Movement**: 9R65 Spring Drive, 72 Hour Power Reserve, 30 Jewels **Case Width**: 39.0mm **Case Thickness**: 12.7mm **Price**: Offered **$5300** plus shipping. Near the top end of the market due to the original bracelet and the fact it has just been serviced by a specialist. I accept a wide variety of payment methods, depending on your buying/selling history in the subreddit. **Of note**: Nothing to report. [Album](https://imgur.com/a/Ujyfrdf) [Proof](https://imgur.com/a/RYc7PZr)