With the new GMT watches (references SBGJ275 and SBGM253), Grand Seiko celebrates 25th anniversary of Caliber 9S, which heralded a new era in Grand Seiko mechanical watchmaking.
Introduced in 1998, Caliber 9S became the platform on which all Grand Seiko mechanical watches would be built, giving rise to a full series of movements with different functions, escapements, and complications.
To celebrate 25 years of Caliber 9S mechanical watchmaking, Grand Seiko is releasing two new GMT watch models in its Sport and Elegance Collections, each drawing inspiration from the skies over Mt. Iwate in Iwate Prefecture.
Grand Seiko GMT SBGJ275, Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary
The new Sport Collection GMT watch (reference SBGJ275) features a dial inspired by the sky over Mt. Iwate, the peak visible from the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, when it is blanketed by the sea of clouds.
This stainless steel watch features a 44.2mm diameter case. The crystal case back offers the view of anodized blue titanium oscillating weight of the Hi-Beat GMT Caliber 9S86. Moreover, this is the first time that Grand Seiko produced a 200m (20 bar) water-proof mechanical watch with an exhibition case back.
The dual toned (blue and white) bezel made of sapphire crystal elevates the design while allowing for a total of three time zones to be read at once. The Caliber 9S86 provides stable accuracy thanks to its frequency of 36,000 vph, equal to ten beats per second or 5 Hz.
Grand Seiko SBGJ275 (SBGJ275G) has four centrally placed hands (hour, minute, seconds and GMT) and a date window at 4 o’clock.
Fitted on a stainless steel bracelet, this anniversary watch from the Grand Seiko Sport collection is limited to 2,000 pieces.
It will be available exclusively from the Grand Seiko Boutique Online starting in September 2023, and from the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners in October.
Grand Seiko GMT SBGM253, Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary
This special edition GMT watch from the Grand Seiko Elegance collection boasts a beautiful sky blue sunray dial inspired by the tone of the sky as seen from the peak of Mt. Iwate.
This 39.5mm diameter classic stainless steel watch comes with mirror-finished bezel and case, gently curved lugs with a distortion-free mirror finish achieved through Zaratsu polishing, and a box-shaped sapphire crystal.
The see-through case back provides a view of the automatic 9S66 GMT movement and its anodized titanium oscillating weight in Grand Seiko blue color.
In addition to the centrally placed hour, minute and seconds hands, Grand Seiko GMT SBGM253 (SBGM253G) model comes with a tempered blue GMT hand, which can be aligned to any time zone of one’s choice. The blue 24-hour scale printed on the pale blue sunray dial displays the second time zone. This model displays the date at 3 o’clock.
Proposed in a limited edition of 1,700 pieces, this model will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide beginning in October 2023.
Technical details
Grand Seiko GMT Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, Reference SBGJ275, Sport Collection
Movement
Caliber 9S86 Automatic GMT Movement
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to –3 seconds per day
Jewels: 37
Power reserve: 55 hours
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 44.2mm
Thickness: 14.8mm
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 20 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push-button release
Edition
Limited edition of 2,000 pieces
Recommended retail price
Europe: €8,600
Grand Seiko GMT SBGM253, Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, Elegance Collection
Movement
Caliber 9S66 Automatic GMT movement
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to –3 seconds per day
Jewels: 35
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 39.5mm
Thickness: 13.7mm
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Three-fold clasp with push-button release
Edition
Limited edition of 1,700 pieces
Recommended retail price
Europe: €6,300
