In 2001, Seiko Watch Corporation released a limited edition model of the first mechanical watch reprint of Grand Seiko watch with a suggested retail price of 880,000 yen (excluding tax). Limited to 300 pieces, this Grand Seiko timepiece (reference SBGW004) was launched to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the founding of Seiko Watch Corporation.

Since its founding in 1881, Seiko has introduced a number of products to the market, including the first domestically produced watch (1913) and the world’s first quartz watch (1969). The year 2001 marked the 120th anniversary of the company’s founding. To mark this milestone, Seiko released commemorative timepieces from Credor and Grand Seiko brands.

Grand Seiko was introduced in 1960 with a premium mechanical watch model combining luxurious design, superior accuracy and ease of use. Released in 2001, the 120th anniversary limited edition model is a modern interpretation of the first GS watch.

Grand Seiko SBGW004

The Grand Seiko SBGW004 houses the manual winding mechanical movement 9S54 caliber that boasts high precision that surpasses the 3180 caliber installed in the first model. It offers an accuracy of an average daily difference of +5 to -3 seconds.

This reproduction model has improved waterproof performance and changed the material and bezel structure in order to realize the exterior quality that the current luxury watch should have while reproducing the taste of the design of the first model. The case is made of solid 18K yellow gold, and the glass is sapphire crystal, which reproduces the soft and warm box shape of acrylic glass at that time.

Its solid 18K yellow gold case-back features the limited edition number (xxx/300), 120th Anniversary SEIKO 1881 – 2001 and the iconic GS logo.

Its white dial features baton hour-marking indexes and centrally-placed hour, minute and seconds hands. Both the hour and minute hands are dauphine-shaped. It also has the brand name “Grand Seiko” below the 12 o’ clock hour marker. Inspired by the historical watch released in 1960, it spotlights the inscription “Diashock 20 jewels” and the star emblem above the 6 o’clock index.

Technical details

Model: 120th Anniversary Grand Seiko 1st Mechanical Watch Reproduction Limited Model
Reference SBGW004

Case
Material: 18K yellow gold
Case diameter: 36mm
Case thickness: 11mm
Glass: Box type sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on both sides)
Serial number on the back (No. 001/300 to 300/300)
Water resistant to 3 bar (30 meters)

Packing
Special box with genuine calf leather
Rating certificate

Movement
Mechanical movement 9S54 caliber
Winding method: Manual winding
Time precision: Average daily difference +5 seconds to -3 (static accuracy)
Power reserve: 50 hours or more
Number of jewels: 20
Frequency: 28,800 vibration / 1h

Strap
Crocodile leather strap with 18K yellow gold buckle

Edition
Limited to 300 pieces

Suggested retail price (excluding tax as on Oct 2001)
880,000 yen