Baselworld 2017: Grand Seiko First Grand Seiko re-editions. On occasion of Baselworld 2017, Grand Seiko announced that it has become an entirely separate and independent brand from Seiko. To remark the change, from now onwards the Grand Seiko logo will be positioned at the 12 o’clock position on all timepieces. Grand Seiko created a reissue of the very first Grand Seiko from 1960 which carried the Grand Seiko logo at the twelve o’clock position. Together with the reissue, Grand Seiko also presented a modern re-interpretation of the historical timepiece. Prices: Euro 38,500 for each pf the 136 pieces in platinum (ref. SBGW251), Euro 21,700 for each of the 353 pieces in yellow gold (ref. SBGW252) and finally Euro 7,200 for each of the 1,960 pieces in stainless steel (ref. SBGW253). Water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet, the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGR305 will be produced in a limited edition of 968 pieces with a price of Euro 8,800. Grand Seiko novelties 2017.
The international launch of Grand Seiko took place in 2010. From the very start, the reaction of the watch retailer and enthusiast community was very positive appreciating the overall quality evident in the design as well as in the movements of these timepieces.
On occasion of Baselworld 2017, Grand Seiko announced that it has become an entirely separate and independent brand from Seiko. To remark the change, from now onwards the Grand Seiko logo will be positioned at the twelve o’clock position on all timepieces.
To celebrate this important moment in its history, Grand Seiko went back to the very beginnings of the brand and created a reissue of the very first Grand Seiko from 1960 which carried the Grand Seiko logo at the twelve o’clock position. Together with the reissue, Grand Seiko also presented a modern re-interpretation of the historical timepiece.
The majority of the first Grand Seiko models were produced in a 80 micron gold-filled case but some were also made in platinum. The new re-creations are therefore offered in both these metals and also in stainless steel.
The case is virtually identical to the original, but its diameter has been increased to 38mm, more in line with the contemporary taste. The dual-curved sapphire crystal is also loyal to the original shape and gives the re-creation the same gentle profile.
The platinum version uses platinum 999 and has 18k gold hour markers, just as on the original. The base of the dial is also in gold, which allows the Grand Seiko logo to be particularly sharp in its outline and detail.
The gold version uses 18k gold for the entire case and all the hour markers, while the stainless steel version also has a gold accent in the form of the Grand Seiko lion emblem embedded in the case back.
All three versions incorporate the 4 Hz 9S64 manual winding caliber, but the platinum version has been adjusted to an even higher level of precision, -1 to +5 seconds per day. All of them are offered as limited editions, each with a special "Inspection Certificate" and are available from March 2017. The three watches are water resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet.
Prices: Euro 38,500 for each pf the 136 pieces in platinum (ref. SBGW251), Euro 21,700 for each of the 353 pieces in yellow gold (ref. SBGW252) and Euro 7,200 for each of the 1,960 pieces in stainless steel (ref. SBGW253).
The modern re-interpretation of the 1960 Grand Seiko incorporates a new automatic caliber, 9S68, which makes possible a larger date window. The 40.5 mm x 13.6 mm case is made of Brilliant Hard Titanium, a new material that is exclusive to Grand Seiko and that is as light as pure titanium but twice as hard as stainless steel, which increases still further its scratch resistance.
The long hands have highly polished edges in the Grand Seiko style, the lugs are narrow and the case sides are recessed to give the same slim profile as the original. Many surfaces have the distinctive sharpness and unique brightness that only the Zaratsu polishing of the new titanium could achieve.
The new creation has an exhibition case-back, through which the 9S68 movement and its high quality finish can be enjoyed. The movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of 72 hours. It offers an accuracy of -3 to +5 seconds when static.
Water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet, the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGR305 will be produced in a limited edition of 968 pieces with a unit price of Euro 8,800. grand-seiko.com
On occasion of Baselworld 2017, Grand Seiko announced that it has become an entirely separate and independent brand from Seiko. To remark the change, from now onwards the Grand Seiko logo will be positioned at the twelve o’clock position on all timepieces.
The first Grand Seiko model - 1960
The majority of the first Grand Seiko models were produced in a 80 micron gold-filled case but some were also made in platinum. The new re-creations are therefore offered in both these metals and also in stainless steel.
The case is virtually identical to the original, but its diameter has been increased to 38mm, more in line with the contemporary taste. The dual-curved sapphire crystal is also loyal to the original shape and gives the re-creation the same gentle profile.
The platinum version uses platinum 999 and has 18k gold hour markers, just as on the original. The base of the dial is also in gold, which allows the Grand Seiko logo to be particularly sharp in its outline and detail.
The gold version uses 18k gold for the entire case and all the hour markers, while the stainless steel version also has a gold accent in the form of the Grand Seiko lion emblem embedded in the case back.
Prices: Euro 38,500 for each pf the 136 pieces in platinum (ref. SBGW251), Euro 21,700 for each of the 353 pieces in yellow gold (ref. SBGW252) and Euro 7,200 for each of the 1,960 pieces in stainless steel (ref. SBGW253).
The modern re-interpretation of the 1960 Grand Seiko incorporates a new automatic caliber, 9S68, which makes possible a larger date window. The 40.5 mm x 13.6 mm case is made of Brilliant Hard Titanium, a new material that is exclusive to Grand Seiko and that is as light as pure titanium but twice as hard as stainless steel, which increases still further its scratch resistance.
The long hands have highly polished edges in the Grand Seiko style, the lugs are narrow and the case sides are recessed to give the same slim profile as the original. Many surfaces have the distinctive sharpness and unique brightness that only the Zaratsu polishing of the new titanium could achieve.
The new creation has an exhibition case-back, through which the 9S68 movement and its high quality finish can be enjoyed. The movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of 72 hours. It offers an accuracy of -3 to +5 seconds when static.
Water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet, the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGR305 will be produced in a limited edition of 968 pieces with a unit price of Euro 8,800. grand-seiko.com
I am glad to see Grand Seiko evolution and I like their timepieces but prices are too high.
ReplyDeleteHave you had the chance to handle a Grand Seiko? The quality is outstanding!
DeleteOk but would you buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual or a Grand Seiko SBGR305? I think you even spend less with the Rolex.
DeleteFirstly, the SBGR305 is a limited edition. Compare to non-limited models, and the GS is likely to be less expensive. Secondly, the quality of finish is superior on GS pieces of similar price. I appreciate (and own one) Rolex, but GS is just as good or better, unless you want to impress those around you.
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