Grand Seiko celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its Caliber 9S by launching three limited edition watches.
The very first Grand Seiko watch was born in 1960. Launched in 1998, the 9S mechanical caliber was an important milestone in the history of the premium Japanese watch brand.
The 9S caliber delivers high precision and excellent durability for which Grand Seiko was renowned. Ever since its creation, this prestigious mechanical automatic movement has been continuously enhanced incorporating innovative materials and most modern techniques. Soon, 9S became a perfect platform to develop highly exceptional mechanical watch movements for the Grand Seiko line. It is one of the world’s finest calibers, thanks to its high precision, long power reserve and robust construction.
In 2018, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this caliber, Seiko created a news series of three limited edition Grand Seiko timepieces in platinum, gold and steel respectively.
V.F.A. stands for Very Fine Adjusted. This term was first used in 1969 to define a watch model that achieved a precision rate far in excess of the existing Grand Seiko Standards.
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Platinum
The 20th anniversary Platinum model boasts the V.F.A. mark on its dial 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 over one month.
This watch is an interpretation of the most widely admired Grand Seiko design, created by Nobuhiro Kosugi, the designer of the first 9S watch in 1998.
Regarding finishing of the case, 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.
Its exceptionally designed dial 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. 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.
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Yellow Gold and Steel Models
Other two 20th anniversary limited edition models 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 model houses a special oscillating weight 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.
Technical details
Collection: Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Editions
Movement
Caliber 9S85
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Number of jewels: 37
Other specifications
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A. in Platinum, Reference SBGH265J
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 pieces
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Hi-Beat 36000 Special in Yellow Gold, Reference SBGH266J
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 pieces
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Hi-Beat 36000 in Stainless Steel, Reference SBGH267G
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 pieces
