Japanese premium watch brand Grand Seiko celebrates the 25th anniversary of the iconic Caliber 9S with two special limited editions. The Grand Seiko 9S 25th Anniversary watches feature beautiful pattern dials inspired by the sky over Mt. Iwate.
Launched in 1998, Caliber 9S heralded a new era for the brand’s mechanical watchmaking. In the same year, the world-renowned Grand Seiko Standard was re-defined.
Since then, the Caliber 9S has been developed into a number of movement variations with different functions. Moreover, this series has been enriched with new alloys for both the main and balance springs and MEMS engineering, which allows key components to be manufactured to a tolerance of one-thousandth of a millimeter.
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Watches
The 25th anniversary models feature the same case design and diameter as the first watch that housed the 9S movement in 1998.
Grand Seiko SBGH311
The first model (reference SBGH311) in the commemorative edition boasts a silver dial whose texture and color evoke the sight of the sea of clouds that cover Mt. Iwate in Iwate Prefecture, where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are manufactured.
Visible through sapphire crystal case back, the Grand Seiko emblem is set into the titanium oscillating weight whose color was created especially for this watch to suggest the deep-blue sky above the sea of clouds that so often surround Mt. Iwate’s peak. This color is made possible by an anodic oxidation process.
Inside 37mm diameter stainless steel case beats the Hi-Beat 36000 automatic mechanical Caliber 9S85, hand-assembled in the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. It has an accuracy rate of +5 ~ -3 seconds per day and delivers a power reserve of 55 hours.
The Grand Seiko reference SBGH311 is a limited edition of 1,200. It will initially be exclusive to Grand Seiko Boutique Online, starting in January 2023, and then will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide in February 2023.
Grand Seiko SBGR325
The second model (reference SBGR325) in the series has a blue dial, expressing the clear and broad sky seen from the top of Mt. Iwate. Its remarkable sunray finish reflects light from every angle, creating a stunning azure backdrop for the diamond-cut hour and minute hands and indexes.
Just like the watch with the silver-colored dial, the seconds hand is tempered in blue and the dial features the Grand Seiko logo in a gold color commemorating the 9S movement.
The signature Grand Seiko blue color is realized on the oscillating weight by the same anodic oxidation process and can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back.
The Grand Seiko SBGR325 watch houses the GS Caliber 9S65, which has a mean daily rate of +5 ~ -3 seconds per day and a 3-day power reserve. This reference will be available as a limited edition of 1,200 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide in April 2023.
Technical details
Collection: Grand Seiko Heritage
Model: Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, Reference SBGH311
Movement
Caliber 9S85
Driving system: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to -3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 55 hours
Number of jewels: 37
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 37.0mm
Thickness: 13.3mm
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push-button release
Edition
Limited edition of 1,200
Price
Recommended retail price in Europe: €7,200
Model: Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, Reference SBGR325
Movement
Caliber 9S65
Driving system: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to -3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 35
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 37.0mm
Thickness: 13.3mm
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push-button release
Edition
Limited edition of 1,200 pieces
Price
Recommended retail price in Europe: €5,800
