Seiko Watch Corporation has launched the Re-creation of the First Grand Seiko. Three versions are available: Platinum, 18K Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel.
From the very start in 1960, Grand Seiko has been distinct in its design, its character, its distribution and its presentation. Indeed, the dial of the very first Grand Seiko watch carried the name Grand Seiko at the twelve o’clock position as a symbol of its unique identity and superior quality.
This year, Seiko has created a new series based directly on the original Grand Seiko design and offers both faithful re-creations and a modern re-interpretation. All these new creations proudly display the Grand Seiko name on the dial, as will all other Grand Seiko designs from today onwards.
The majority of the first Grand Seiko models were produced in a 80 micron gold-filled case but some were also made in platinum.
The new re-creations are therefore available in both these metals and also in stainless steel. The case is virtually identical to the original, but its diameter has been increased to 38mm in line with contemporary taste. The dual-curved sapphire crystal is also loyal to the original shape and gives the re-creation the same pleasingly gentle profile.
The platinum version (SBGW251) uses Platinum 999 and has 18k gold hour markers, just as on the original. The base of the dial is also in gold, which allows the Grand Seiko logo to be particularly sharp in its outline and detail.
The gold version (SBGW252) uses 18k gold for the entire case and all the hour markers. The stainless steel version (SBGW253) also has a gold accent in the form of the Grand Seiko lion emblem embedded in the case back.
All three versions incorporate the 9S64 manual winding caliber, but the platinum version has been adjusted to an even higher level of precision, -1 to +5 seconds per day.
All of them are offered as limited editions, each with a special “Inspection Certificate” and are available from March 2017.
The brand has also launched a Modern Re-interpretation of the 1960 Grand Seiko.
Technical details
The Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko: References SBGW251, SBGW252 and SBGW253
Movement
Caliber 9S64
Driving system: Manual winding
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy: -3 to +5 seconds (when static),
-1 to +5 seconds for SBGW251 (when static)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Case
Platinum 999 case (SBGW251), 18k yellow gold (SBGW252), stainless steel (SBGW253)
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 3 Bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 38.0mm, Thickness: 10.7mm (SBGW251, 252) 11.2mm (SBGW253)
Strap
Crocodile strap with platinum 999 buckle (SBGW251), 18k yellow gold (SBGW252), stainless steel (SBGW253)
Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:
38,500 Euro (SBGW251), 21,700 Euro (SBGW252), 7,200 Euro (SBGW253)
Edition
Limited edition of 136 pcs (SBGW251), 353 pcs (SBGW252), 1,960 pcs (SBGW253)
