Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGN001
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Caliber 9F, one of the high-performance quartz calibers in the world, Seiko Corporation presents the first ever Grand Seiko 9F quartz GMT caliber. With this new movement, Grand Seiko launches the Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary limited edition (SBGN001) and two other new creations incorporating the 9F86 caliber.
Created in 1993, Caliber 9F set new standards of durability and precision. It incorporates a backlash auto-adjust mechanism eliminates any shudder in the seconds hand, the date changes in the blink of an eye, and a twin-pulse control system that allows the minute and seconds hands to extend right to the edge of the dial.
Grand Seiko Caliber 9F86
Caliber 9F86 is based upon, and has all the precision and durability attributes of, the original 9F but incorporates a GMT function that allows the watch’s precision to be maintained when the hour hand is adjusted independently.
Despite the addition of the GMT hand, the depth of the case has been increased only slightly, thanks to a newly designed main plate, a re-design of the gear train and the way the hands are attached, a process that is done by hand. Like the other hands, the GMT hand is mounted on an independent axis so as to ensure its smooth operation.
Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGN001
The unique commemorative Grand Seiko SBGN001 watch is a limited edition of just 800 pieces. The metallic charcoal dial features a unique pattern based on the traditional Quartz symbol to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Caliber 9F.
It also carries the five-pointed star that symbolizes Grand Seiko’s special level accuracy and, at the 25 minute position, the dial pattern is subtly different. The symbols 9F and 25 are discreetly shown as a permanent reminder of the caliber’s anniversary. The outer rim of the dial, from three o’clock to nine, has a vivid yellow tone to display at a glance whether the GMT hand indicates AM or PM.
The dials are three dimensional in appearance. The two-tone ring allows the AM or PM time indicated by the GMT hand to be read instantly and easily. Similarly, the use of Lumibrite on the hour markers and hour, minute and GMT hands delivers the enhanced legibility.
Available from October 2018, the limited edition Grand Seiko SBGN001 model has a retail price of 370,000 yen + tax (approximate 3,600 Euros). This watch offers a precision rate of +5 to -5 seconds a year.
References SBGN003 and SBGN005
Among the regular models, Grand Seiko 9F Quartz GMT SBGN003 features a black dial with an orange GMT hand where as SBGN005 has a navy blue dial with a red GMT hand.
All the above Grand Seiko 9F86 Quartz GMT watches feature stainless steel case with a water resistance of 100 meters. The case measures 39mm in diameter and 12.1mm in thickness. All models come with a fixed 24H/GMT bezel.
Both SBGN003 and SBGN005 will be released in January 2019. Each of them will cost 330,000 yen + tax (approximate 3,200 Euros).
Technical details
Model: Grand Seiko 9F Quartz GMT
Collection: Sports
Models
SBGN001: Limited edition of 800 pieces, with stainless steel case, charcoal gray dial and yellow GMT hand
SBGN003: With stainless steel case, black dial and orange GMT hand
SBGN005: With stainless steel case, navy blue dial and red GMT hand
Movement
Caliber 9F86
Accuracy: ±5 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃) (SBGN001); ±10 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃) (SBGN003 / 005)
Instant date change
High-torque stepping motor
Protective shield construction
GMT function / Independent hour hand adjustment function
Case
Stainless steel case
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 39.0mm Thickness: 12.1mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Screw case back
Case back with lion emblem
Screw-down crown
Dial
SBGN001: Charcoal gray dial with quartz symbol pattern and yellow GMT hand
SBGN003: Black dial and orange GMT hand
SBGN005: Navy blue dial and red GMT hand
Lumibrite on hands and indexes
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet, Three-fold clasp with push button release
Retail price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 3,600 Euro (SBGN001) /3,200 Euro (SBGN003 / 005)
