Seiko

1. 20th Anniversary of the Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Caliber

(All, Note that these three models will be available immediately - hurry up!)

Three special movements, a new case and a unique dial. All to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grand Seiko 9S mechanical caliber.





Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A.: a new level of precision


After the launch of the very first Grand Seiko watch in 1960, the creation of the 9S mechanical caliber in 1998 was perhaps the most important moment in the history of Grand Seiko. The 9S caliber was entirely new and designed from scratch to deliver the high precision and excellent durability for which Grand Seiko was renowned. Ever since, the 9S caliber has been continuously enhanced, with new Spron alloys for both the main and balance springs and MEMS engineering, a technique that allows key components to be manufactured to tolerances as small as one thousandth of a millimeter. Today, 9S is the platform on which the entire Grand Seiko suite of mechanical calibers is built and has earned a deserved reputation as one of the world’s finest calibers, thanks to its high precision, long power reserve and robust construction. 

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this caliber, the Grand Seiko team has created a series of three limited edition timepieces, each of which, in different ways, pays homage to the high precision that caliber 9S achieves.

A landmark in Grand Seiko’s pursuit of precision, V.F.A., is honored in platinum. 

“Very Fine Adjusted” may not be the most evocative name but V.F.A. is a revered set of initials for the Grand Seiko team. First used in 1969, it defined a Grand Seiko watch that was adjusted so skillfully that it achieved a precision rate far in excess of the Grand Seiko Standard. This new 2018 creation proudly carries on the V.F.A. tradition thanks to the extraordinary precision rate of its 9S85 Hi-Beat 36000 caliber, +3 to -1 seconds per day, a level achieved by the highest level of adjustment and a testing program extended to 34 days. The watch is offered in a platinum 950 case which is a new interpretation of the most widely admired Grand Seiko design, created by Nobuhiro Kosugi, the designer of the first 9S watch in 1998.

Two surfaces of Zaratsu polishing extend to the very edge of the lug where these curved surfaces meet the hairline finish to create a perfect triangle that only the most skilled Grand Seiko craftsmen and women can achieve. The dial, too, is exceptional; its design incorporates the special mark that was used to designate the watches made by the team at Daini Seikosha, the company now known as Seiko Instruments Inc., which developed its first Grand Seiko hi-beat watch in 1968, 50 years ago this year. This long-remembered mark alternates with the GS initials in a delicate mosaic that radiates out from the center of the dial in a geometric pattern.



The 9S anniversary is also celebrated in gold and steel




Grand Seiko Special in 18k gold


Two additional limited editions celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9S caliber. The first is in an 18k gold case and the second in stainless steel. Both share the same case design as the V.F.A. creation, the same caliber 9S85 and the same dial design. The gold version, however, is adjusted to the Grand Seiko Special standard and offers a precision rate of +4 to -2 seconds per day. As with the V.F.A. version, the oscillating weight carries the Grand Seiko lion emblem in 18k gold as a symbol of the enhanced accuracy. The stainless steel design also has a special oscillating weight. It is made of titanium and tungsten and the titanium surface is colored blue by an anodic oxidation process.*
All three limited editions are available from March 2018 at selected Grand Seiko retail partners and the Seiko and Grand Seiko boutiques.

* Anodic oxidation treatment This is a surface treatment in which metals are subjected to electrolysis so as to generate artificially an oxide film. Titanium oxide film produces color according to the light refraction index, enabling production of different colors by varying the thickness of the oxide film. 




Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Editions 

Caliber 9S85 

Driving system: Automatic 

Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second) 

Power reserve: 55 hours 

Number of jewels: 37






Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A.: SBGH265 

Accuracy: +3 to -1 seconds per day (when static) 

Platinum 950 case and clasp 

High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating 

See-through screw case back 

Water resistance: 10 bar. 

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m 

Diameter: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm 

Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release 

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €53,500 Limited edition of 20









Hi-Beat 36000 Special: SBGH266 

Accuracy: +4 to -2 seconds per day (when static) 

18k yellow gold case and clasp 

High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating 

See-through screw case back 

Water resistance: 10 bar. 

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m 

Diameter: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm 

Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release 

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €27,000 Limited edition of 150



Steel version

Hi-Beat 36000: SBGH267 

Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static) 

Stainless steel case and bracelet 

High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating 

See-through screw case back 

Screw-down crown 

Water resistance: 10 bar. 

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m 

Diameter: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm 

Three-fold clasp with push button release 

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €6,300 Limited edition of 1,500




Now, the live pics!

All - you must note that all these three models will be on sale from March 24th  globally, so you MUST HURRY!

Please take a good look at the dial pattern.






"Very Fine Adjusted" on the rotor.








The spiral pattern and the letters "G", "S", and the logo of ”Dai-Ni Seiko-Sha (The Second Seiko)" which later became Seiko Instruments Inc. or SII which includes Morioka Factory where today's mechanical GS and higher end Seiko watches are made.  Note this is still prototype and the actual product would have much better engraving.
























Only the steel version is bracelet model.











On my wrist (16.5mm).


























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2. The Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Hi-beat GMT "Special"

The Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Hi-beat GMT “Special” Limited Edition






Live Pics

The dial pattern on this model says "GS9S"












Not as big as the number says.  Maybe I got used to the big watches






You must note that this titanium/ceramic combination or ceramic case watch is not easy to be perfect (tightly sealed) - there are many out there today, but there are few that has truly high water resistance like this one.




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3.  Automatic caliber for Women

Slimness and performance in perfect balance.

The new automatic Grand Seiko caliber for women.

The new caliber is presented in a limited edition with 37 diamonds on the bezel.

As the international reputation of Grand Seiko continues to grow, watch lovers worldwide have asked for the women’s range to be expanded. Their request is now met with the launch of an all new automatic caliber. It is presented in a limited edition of quite exceptional beauty.

Caliber 9S25. The perfect balance of slimness and performance

The new caliber is designed to offer both a slim profile and a high level of performance. It is just 4.49 mm in height, allowing the case to fit every wrist while it also has the strength to deliver a 50 hour power reserve and a precision of +8 to -3 seconds a day, which is a tangible tribute to the innovative engineering. Caliber 9S25 uses Grand Seiko’s most advanced technologies, including the latest 610 alloy for the balance spring and MEMS engineering for the pallet fork, escapement wheel and other key components. The gear train layout is entirely new as is profile of the teeth on each gear to ensure maximum energy efficiency. The escapement wheel has a new design that is lighter but still robust and designed for maximum durability. It is an 8 beat caliber with 33 jewels. Like all other Grand Seiko mechanical watches, this watch is made and assembled by hand at the

Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka. No compromise is made at any stage; each 9S25 movement is put through the same rigorous 17 day testing procedure as every men’s Grand Seiko mechanical watch.

Blue tempered screws, red varnished lettering and highly polished bridges.

A five-petal flower forms part of the new escapement wheel design.

So much more than meets the eye.

Through the sapphire case back, the beauty of the new caliber and the painstaking care taken over its finishing shine bright. The beauty of the craftsmanship is much more than skin deep. Hidden within the movement is the escapement wheel which is made in the shape of a five-petal flower and, beneath the oscillating weight, the elegant lines of the bridges flow like a stream that can be glimpsed as the weight moves back and forth. Similarly, the additional strap has a white textured surface with a grosgrain pattern but behind it lies a second and hidden layer, made of the finest crocodile leather.

In every aspect, both exterior and interior and both visible to the eye and hidden within, this remarkable jewel of a watch exemplifies the high quality watchmaking for which Grand Seiko is renowned. At each glance of the brilliant dial, it is a joy to behold but it also offers its owner the inner satisfaction of knowing that the external beauty is matched by the internal quality and craftsmanship with which every component is made and  assembled.

A silver snow dial, set in a circle of diamonds

The delicate pattern of the dial reflects the landscape of northern Japan

The dial is both striking and subtle. Its rich look is achieved with silver lamé that creates the sensual texture of the snow on Mt Iwate that overlooks the Shizukuishi studio where the watch is made. The bezel features 37 diamonds set into the 18k case with 60 diamond-cut facets. One larger diamond is set into the crown and eleven more mark the hours on the dial. This watch is offered in a limited edition of 50 and will be available in July.

Automatic for women, caliber 9S 20th anniversary limited edition: STGK002

Caliber 9S25

Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)

Accuracy: +8 to -3 seconds per day (when static)

Power reserve: 50 hours

Number of jewels: 33

Diameter: 19.4 mm, Height: 4.49 mm

Specifications

18k rose gold case with diamonds (0.88 carat)

High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

See-through screw case back

Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Diameter: 28.7 mm, Thickness: 10.8 mm

Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release in 18k rose gold

An additional white strap is included.

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €32,000

Limited edition of 50

Truly beautiful one - being a GS is a bonus!






Diamond on the top of the crown.









Comparison of "his" and "hers".




Comes with another set of strap, white one, too.




Attention to detail dial pattern....






The back side of the leather strap is red.






Wow, so, what do you think of this year's new GS offerings?  VFA is back - that's big impression.  I can only hope they make in steel one day.....

Thank you so much, SEIKO PR Team!  Wonderful line-up!

Please read on to the New Seiko line-up post!

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