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Cazalea introduces the Grand Seiko Sport Collection's special edition, a collaboration celebrating 20 years of Spring Drive and 50 years of the Nissan GT-R. This post delves into the design and technological synergy between these two Japanese icons, highlighting the watch's ceramic case and Spring Drive chronograph caliber.

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Spring Drive - 20 years & NISSAN GT-R - 50 years will be celebrated in a limited edition Grand Seiko:

cazalea · 2019-04-16T22:09:01Z

Discover the Grand Seiko Sport Collection Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Spring Drive Chronograph. Explore its ceramic case, design, and collector debate.

Both companies are singing the blues (Bayside Blue & GS Blue):

A new creation in the Grand Seiko sport collection pays homage to an emblematic Japanese classic, the NISSAN GT-R which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a very special edition. This Grand Seiko watch is at the leading edge of sports technology, with its Spring Drive chronograph caliber and a ceramic case. It will be available in June at selected Grand Seiko and Seiko Boutiques, and selected retail partners across the world.

Introduced in 1969, the Skyline 2000 GT-R was the first in this celebrated series. Since then, the GT-R has earned its place in sports car history as setting the absolute standard in performance and has continuously showcased NISSAN’s passion for, and mastery of, car making. Cutting edge technology combined with Japanese craftsmanship makes possible the precision and high performance of each generation of these remarkable sports cars.

Since its birth in 1960, Grand Seiko has also set the very highest standards in the essentials of watchmaking, accuracy, durability and legibility, thanks to the skills and experience of its Japanese watchmakers and craftsmen. The unique Spring Drive technology was launched in 1999, 20 years ago. (My first edition Seiko watch shown - Cazalea)

(My first edition Credor watch shown - Cazalea) Notice the similarities between their architectures.

Both Grand Seiko and the NISSAN GT-R are determined to deliver the best in performance and this shared commitment to perfection is made strikingly clear in this collaborative and commemorative

timepiece.

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch's design, featuring normal pushers, no GMT hand, and a thinner case, is praised for its clean aesthetic, though some wished for a titanium case.
The ceramic/titanium case construction with visible screws is debated, with some finding it a 'crude makeshift solution' compared to competitors' ceramic cases, while others appreciate its functional aspect for case part replacement.
The pricing of this Grand Seiko special edition raises questions about Seiko's strategy to upmarket its brands, with some suggesting the price point feels more appropriate for Credor.
The design language of the watch is seen as fitting for the collaboration, mirroring the GT-R's unique approach to performance and Spring Drive's innovative technology.
The visible screws in the ceramic/titanium case are explained as a design choice to allow for replacement of damaged ceramic parts, which cannot be polished or repaired.
Despite the overall positive reception, one contributor expressed consistent disappointment with Grand Seiko chronographs, finding this model 'truly awful'.
A collector inquired about the best place to purchase the watch, noting the closure of a local showroom and past purchases from Japan.

The Discussion

KMII

Apr 16, 2019

I have to say they nailed it from my point of view 👌🏻

The design language seems to fit and just like the GT-R took a very different approach to performance so does Spring Drive. Was hoping for such a cooperation 😉 Btw. are the hands and stitching on the strap in Bayside Blue? 😁🔵

cazalea

Apr 16, 2019

Fastest reply in history! [nt]

I guess it’s morning on the other side of the planet 🙂

KMII

Apr 16, 2019

It is indeed...

And I am procrastinating on getting up 😂

rolandc

Apr 16, 2019

Very striking design. [nt]

JLCman

Apr 16, 2019

Refreshing design approach 👏🏻

And I love blue 😉

Marcus Hanke

Apr 17, 2019

Generally, I like it a lot, but ...

that ceramic/titanium combination with the screws appears a bit like a crude makeshift solution; certainly not state of the art, compared with the ceramic cases of the competitors. Marcus

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Grand Seiko Sport Collection Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary

Spring Drive - 20 years & NISSAN GT-R - 50 years will be celebrated in a limited edition Grand Seiko:

Key Points from the Discussion

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