Grand Seiko, with its relentless commitment to crafting timepieces that rival Swiss counterparts, embarked on a journey two and a half decades ago that would forever change the landscape of watchmaking. Their innovation came in the form of the Calibre 9S – a marvel of an automatic movement, heralded for its precision and durability. Today, a quarter of a century later, the Calibre 9S remains at the heart of Grand Seiko’s success.
The original 9S base has been the cradle for a range of extraordinary timepieces. From manual winding to automatic versions, Hi-beat movements to the intricate Tentagraph chronograph calibre, the Calibre 9S lineage has spawned them all. Among the standout creations is the GMT complication, a practical dual timezone feature that caters to globetrotters. In celebration of this remarkable 25-year journey, Grand Seiko has unveiled two exquisite limited edition GMT models.
The GMT function, known for its versatility, has been embraced in two distinct styles – a robust addition to the Sports collection and a more delicate and slim model for the Elegance line. Both watches are paragons of quality and precision, hallmarks of Seiko’s top-tier craftsmanship.
Once again, the Japanese landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping these timepieces, evident in the exquisite and uniquely designed dials.
The larger of the two, the SBGJ275, is a substantial divers-style watch with a bold 44.2mm diameter and a height of just over 14mm. This Sea of Clouds edition takes inspiration from the blue skies that grace Mt. Iwate, specifically the interplay of clouds at daybreak. The color palette, featuring a blue and white sapphire bezel with a 24-hour scale, is a masterpiece in itself.
The dial’s organic pattern beautifully mimics cloud formations in shades of blue and white. Functional markers and hands grace the dial, with the prominent deep blue GMT hand catching the eye. The GS logo gleams in gold, and a discreet date window sits at 3 o’clock. What’s new here is the exhibition back, a first for a Grand Seiko watch with 200 meters of water resistance. It proudly displays the renowned Calibre 9S movement, with the rotor in this model crafted from titanium and treated to a pale blue anodic oxidation.
In contrast, the SBGM253 from the Elegance collection exudes sophistication and restraint. Its classic case boasts curved lugs and a flawless mirror finish achieved through the trademark Zaratsu polishing. Instead of the turbulence of clouds, this watch’s sunray dial pays homage to the clear blue skies viewed from the peak of Mt. Iwate.
Functional markers and hands, including the distinctive GMT hand in a deep blue hue, define the dial’s elegance. The exhibition back offers a glimpse of the 9S66 GMT movement, with a darker blue rotor.
The Sports model, limited to 2,000 pieces, becomes available in September for A$11,350, while the Elegance model, limited to 1,700 pieces, graces the market in October for A$8,350. These are available at Grand Seiko retailers and their online store.
