Grand Seiko - Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Editions, SBGH311 and SBGR325

Grand Seiko celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Caliber 9S with the release of two limited editions ref. SBGH311 and SBGR325. Prices and specs.

Debuting in 1998, the Caliber 9S marked the beginning of a new age for Grand Seiko. Setting a new level of performance, this mechanical movement was designed entirely from scratch and became the platform on which Grand Seiko mechanical movements are built. Over the past 25 years, the original Caliber 9S has been developed into a full series of movements with different functions.

The 25th anniversary of the first Caliber 9S is celebrated with the the release of two Grand Seiko Heritage limited editions, each of which has the same case design and 37 mm diameter as the first watch that housed the 9S movement in 1998.

The first model, the Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary ref. SBGH311, features a patterned silver dial whose texture and colour evoke the sight of the sea of clouds that cover Mt. Iwate in Iwate Prefecture, where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are manufactured. 

Through the clear sapphire crystal case back, the Grand Seiko emblem is easily visible, set into the titanium oscillating weight whose colour was created using an anodic oxidation process to suggest the deep-blue sky above the sea of clouds often surrounding Mount Iwate’s peak. 

This creation is equipped with the Hi-Beat 36000 automatic mechanical Caliber 9S85, guaranteeing an accuracy rate of +5 ~ -3 seconds per day and delivering a power reserve of 55 hours. 

A limited edition of 1,200 pieces, this watch 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. Price: US$ $6,600.

The second timepiece, the Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary ref. SBGR325, features a sunray blue dial inspired to the clear and broad sky seen from the top of Mount Iwate. The azure backdrop offers a perfect contrast to the diamond-cut hour and minute hands and indexes. 

Just like the other model, the seconds hand is tempered in blue and the dial features the Grand Seiko logo in a gold colour commemorating the 9S movement.

The movement of choice for this model is the 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) Caliber 9S65, which has a mean daily rate of +5 ~ -3 seconds per day and a 3-day power reserve. The signature Grand Seiko blue colour is realized on the oscillating weight by the same anodic oxidation process and can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back.

The watch will be available as a limited edition of 1,200 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide in April 2023 with a price of US$ 5,300.

Matched to stainless steel bracelets with three-fold clasps, the new Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Editions are water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet). grand-seiko.com