Entirely designed from scratch, Caliber 9S symbolizes in a way Grand Seiko's perpetual quest for precision.
Launched in 1998, just a quarter of a century ago, the caliber 9S will have marked the beginning of a new era for the mechanical watchmaking of the Japanese brand now based in Place Vendôme, in Paris.
Constantly perfected and adapted over the past 25 years, this caliber 9S has become the platform for the manufacture's mechanical movements, which led to the creation of the revolutionary caliber 9SA5 in 2020.
Grand Seiko celebrates this 25th anniversary with two special editions featuring the same case and the same diameter as the very first watch equipped with this movement.
"Designed by Grand Seiko's principal designer, Nobuhiro Kosugi, and his team, the 1998 model reflected the uniqueness, precision and beauty of its new automatic movement
," explains the Japanese house
.
It nevertheless retained the qualities that have characterized the brand's watchmaking since its inception.
Impressive but discreet, Kosugi's watch could be worn every day.
It had a case and a dial that played with the light.
»
Grand Seiko SBGH311
Grand Seiko
The textured dial of these commemorative editions produces an understated and attractive effect from all angles.
The first limited edition features a silver dial whose texture and color evoke the sea of clouds that overlooks Mount Iwate in the prefecture of the same name, where all Grand Seiko mechanical models are made.
This scene is only visible at dawn, when the air is so frozen and humid that dense clouds overlap forming a sumptuous sea of silvery white.
This piece features a mechanical caliber 9S85 Hi-Beat 36000, assembled by the artisans of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.
It offers an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day and benefits from a power reserve of 55 hours.
Grand Seiko SBGR325
Grand Seiko
The second timepiece launched on the occasion of this anniversary features a blue dial evoking the clear, clear sky of Mount Iwate.
Its sunburst finish reflects light from all angles.
This timepiece features a blued seconds hand, while its dial is adorned with a golden Grand Seiko logo, in homage to the 9S movement.
It features a caliber 9S65, which offers an average accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day and boasts a three-day power reserve.
Grand Seiko SBGR325
Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko SBGH311, limited edition of 1200 pieces, 7200 euros - Grand Seiko SBGR325, limited edition of 1200 pieces (available in April 2023) 5800 euros.
