To mark the 55th anniversary of the iconic 44GS watch, Grand Seiko has released two limited edition timepieces. The first one is a High Beat model (reference SLGH009). The second creation in this series is a Spring Drive watch (reference SLGA013).
These horological marvels belong to Grand Seiko’s Heritage Collection. Both timepieces are made of Ever-Brilliant Steel, which is more corrosion resistant and therefore better durable than the grade of steel used in most high-end watches. Its brilliant white hue is an appropriate choice for the much-admired Grand Seiko Style.
Both anniversary models feature identical motifs on their dials. Deeply etched, this distinct pattern evokes the elliptical orbit of celestial bodies. The sharp edges of the dauphine style hour and minute hands provide a pleasing contrast with the gentle curves of the dial pattern. The gold-toned centre-seconds hand captures the serene passage of celestial time.
These watches will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected Grand Seiko retail stores worldwide in February 2022.
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000, Reference SLGH009
Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Grand Seiko Style, which was established in 1967, this commemorative automatic watch houses Caliber 9SA5. The Hi-Beat 9SA5 movement offers a power reserve of 80 hours.
The Hi-Beat model was created by the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi studio. Through the transparent sapphire crystal back, one can admire the beautifully finished bridges of Automatic caliber 9SA5. The finishing technique used in this graceful movement is called Shizukuishi River Finish, naturally inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the river in Iwate Prefecture.
The reference SLGH009 features a 40mm diameter and 11.7mm thick case made of Ever-Brilliant Steel. The dial color is blue. It displays centre hour, minute and seconds. The date window is positioned at 3 o’clock.
This timepiece is limited to 550 pieces.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive, Reference SLGA013
Grand Seiko’s SLGA013 is a brand-new Spring Drive timepiece with Caliber 9RA2, a new spring drive movement introduced in 2021. It has the same high functionality as Caliber 9RA5 but with a slimmer size.
Thanks to the repositioning of the power reserve indicator to the back of the movement and the reduction of the height of the hands above the dial, this caliber allows a slimmer case profile.
The watch marks the 50th anniversary of the acclaimed Grand Seiko Style. The Caliber 9RA2 offers a power reserve of 120 hours with a precision rate of +/- 10 seconds per month.
The see-through sapphire crystal back reveals the beautifully finished bridges. Named Shinshu Frost Finish, this pattern is inspired by the beautiful winter scenery around the Shinshu Watch Studio, the birthplace of all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches.
Made of Ever-Brilliant Steel, its case has 40mm diameter and 11.7mm thickness. The dark grey dial boasts a “centre three-hand” layout with a date widow at 3 o’clock.
The new Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch (reference SLGA013) is a limited edition of 550 pieces.
Technical details
Collection: Grand Seiko Heritage
Model: Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 SLGH009, 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
Movement
Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours Caliber 9SA5
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate):+5 to -3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 80 hours
Number of jewels: 47
Case
Ever Brilliant Steel case and
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0mm
Thickness: 11.7mm
Bracelet
Ever Brilliant Steel bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Edition
Limited edition of 550 pieces
Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €10,500
Model: Grand Seiko Spring Drive SLGA013, 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
Movement
Spring Drive 5 Days Caliber 9RA2
Driving system: Automatic
Accuracy: ±0.5 seconds per day (±10 seconds per month)
Power reserve: 5 days (120 hours)
Number of jewels: 38
Case
Ever Brilliant Steel case
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0mm
Thickness: 12.1mm
Bracelet
Ever Brilliant Steel bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Edition
Limited edition of 550 pieces
Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €9,500
