And they’ve got gifts for you! Ok, well, sure, you’ll still have to pay for them, but they do have four specific models to celebrate this milestone. All four of these models have a signature blue hue, but come with different looks and finishing to showcase what Grand Seiko’s artisans are capable of.
First up, you’ve got a new addition to the Grand Seiko High Beat collection. This one hearkens back to the 44GS from 1967 (so quite early in the brand’s catalog). Tucked inside the case you’ve got the high-beat 9S85 movement which brings -3/+5 seconds (per day) accuracy and a 55-hour power reserve. Full details are down at the end of the article; the 1,500 examples of reference SBGH281 will go for $6,300.
The next one in this special collection, the Grand Seiko STGK015, is one very much for the ladies. Here, you’ve got a mother-of-pearl dial done up in blue (and, side note – MOP is a lovely material, it’s not just for women’s watches) and diamonds set for indices (on the dial) and another 45 on the bezel. It’s not all bling, however, as the movement offers -3/+8 seconds accuracy and a 50-hour power reserve. Only 300 of these are going to be available for $9.500.
Those cover off on the automatics. There are also two quartz options coming along and joining the party. They both feature the 9F85 movement, which has been adjusted to +/-5 seconds per year which is designated by a 5-pointed star at the 6 o’clock position on the dial. Starting in March 2020, 2,500 of the SBGP007 version will be available for $3,800. One thing that’s pretty cool with the movement is the fact that you can adjust the hour hand (to adjust to a new timezone) without stopping the movement.
Now, should you want something that’s sportier and a touch less accurate, well, then the SBGP015 is your port of call. Now, when I say less-accurate, that’s by comparison – here, you’ve got +/- 10 seconds per year. So, yes, less than the 007, but still more than any mechanical you’ve got kicking around. The sportier look here comes from the blue ceramic bezel; 2,000 pieces of this will be available for $3,900.
And there you have it – the full collection marking out what 60 years of watch-making excellence looks like from the folks at Grand Seiko. I rather am a fan of that high-beat, but there’s nothing wrong with those super-accurate quartz models either. Just make sure you’re versed in what Grand Seiko represents, to counter the inevitable “you paid WHAT? For a SEIKO?” because, as we know – and these models showcase – this not just any Seiko. grand-seiko.com
Tech Specs from Grand Seiko
Heritage Collection Hi-Beat 36000 Limited Edition
- Caliber 9S85
- Driving system: Automatic
- Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
- Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static)
- Power reserve: 55 hours
- Number of jewels: 37
- Specifications
- Stainless steel case
- 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: 40.0mm, Thickness: 13.3mm
- Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
- USD: $6,300
- Limited edition of 1,500
Elegance Collection Women?s Automatic Limited Edition
- Caliber 9S27
- Driving system: Automatic
- 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: 35
- Specifications
- Stainless steel case with 56 diamonds (0.48 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: 27.8mm, Thickness: 11.2mm
- Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
- USD: $9,500
- Limited edition of 300
Heritage Collection Quartz Limited Edition
- Caliber 9F85
- Accuracy: ?5 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5C and 35C)
- Time difference adjustment function
- Number of jewels: 9
- Specifications
- Stainless steel case
- High definition sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Screw case back with 18k yellow gold plate
- Water resistance: 10 bar, Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
- Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 10.8mm
- Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
- USD: $3,800
- Limited edition of 2,500
Sport Collection Quartz Limited Edition
- Caliber 9F85
- Accuracy: ?10 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5C and 35C)
- Time difference adjustment function
- Specifications
- Stainless steel case
- High definition sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Screw-down crown, screw case back
- Ceramic bezel
- Water resistance: 20 bar, Magnetic resistance: 16,000 A/m
- Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 12.4mm
- Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
- USD: $3,900
- Limited edition of 2,000
