Staying power and accuracy are core principles met in the manufacture of every Grand Seiko watch created by world-renowned luxury wristwatch maker, Seiko. The company’s facilities based in Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio in Iwate, Japan, has become the birthing home to many an iconic timepiece. As well as their incredibly accurate quartz movements, Seiko are also known for developing their own in-house calibres since the 1960’s.
Despite encountering some interruptions during their heritage in mechanical movement manufacture (such as the Quartz Crisis), their prestigious relationship with luxury watches and high-end calibers resumed in 1991. The first mechanical caliber by Seiko was launched thereafter in 1998 – a meticulously hand-assembled engine that would beat at the heart of a watch having undergone the in-depth Grand Seiko Test – a criteria that surpasses COSC certification.
Over the years Seiko have produced a number of popular collections for the Grand Seiko range, including the Elegance collection, the Heritage collection and the Sport collection. Every component of a Grand Seiko watch is produced in-house from levers to mainsprings – each watch having been stamped with the lion emblem – a symbol representing Seiko’s passion behind each luxury wristwatch created. The Spring Drive Caliber is one example of Seiko’s hybrid technology. It pairs the precision of a quartz movement with the performance of a mechanical movement. Quartz accuracy is guaranteed whilst the hands of the watch glide over the dial with the same effortless as a mechanically powered watch, paired with an impressive hour power reserve.
Grand Seiko watches have enjoyed a cult-like status across the European market since these chronometer tested watches were only available to the Asian market up until 2010. Anything from a classic dress watch to a professional-looking sports watch and a robust dive watch can be found throughout the Grand Seiko range, including the likes of the Grand Seiko Snowflake watch – a timepiece that takes its name from freshly fallen snow thanks to the effect and finish of its unique dial. The Spring Drive caliber 9R65 powers this titanium watch, complete with a 72 hour power reserve. Seiko also produced a titanium and scratch-resistant black ceramic watch called the Grand Seiko Black Ceramic Spring Drive Chronograph GMT, which can measure up to 12 hours and features a GMT complication, a power reserve display and a date display, complete with an exquisite leather strap. The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36,000 Professional 600m Diver's watch marked another milestone in Seiko’s manufacture. Its high frequency movement delivered an astonishing 36,600m vibrations per hour, sealed inside a 600 meter water resistant case. The model also boasts a resistance to magnetic fields up to 200 Gauss and an easy-to-handle bezel with a legible dial.
The Elegant collection from the Grand Seiko range is home to some of Seiko’s dressier watches. The collection also features some limited edition models like the Grand Seiko Elegance watch with radiant white dial of which only 700 timepieces worldwide were created. The polished hour and minute hands together with a slender blued steel hand against a simple baton dial promotes a simple and effortless way to keep track of the time. The 38mm Grand Seiko Elegance Mount Iwate Blue Dial Automatic Limited Edition Men's Watch (ref: SBGK005) features a dramatic blue textured dial with a power reserve indicator and small seconds sub-dial. The watch is powered by the Calibre 9S63 mechanical manual-wind movement with offers a 72 hour power reserve. Other models from the Grand Seiko watch collection have been integrated with additional functions like a 24 hour track seen in the GMT models and visible date apertures to help keep on track of important dates throughout the month.
The Grand Seiko Heritage collection is defined by clean and contemporary designs that combine some of Seiko’s high performance movements with the company’s heritage in luxury wristwatch manufacture. As mentioned earlier, the Grand Seiko Heritage 41mm titanium white snowflake dial is an incredibly classic watch with a textured dial that resembles freshly fallen snow. The watch is equipped with a power reserve indicator featured at 8 o’clock on the dial, and legible date window at 3 o’clock. Inside this Grand Seiko Heritage watch is a beautifully hand-assembled beating heart – the 9R65 calibre spring-drive movement encased inside a lightweight body integrated with 100 meter water resistance. Dressed on a polished link bracelet, this Grand Seiko Heritage watch is sure to look stylish with formal or smart attire.
The Grand Seiko Heritage Sport GMT watch provides something a little more masculine and athletic for the wrists of those wanting to combine a sporty-looking watch with a mechanical movement that can be depended upon 24/7. The 44mm stainless steel model is powered by the 9R66 calibre spring-drive movement, fitted inside a 200 meter water resistant case. It comes with an easy-to-handle black rotating bezel with 24 hour track, a 24-hour hand (dual time display function), a screw caseback and a dual-curved sapphire glass lens with anti reflective properties.
Other models from the Grand Seiko Heritage watch collection include the Grand Seiko Sport GMT 39mm Blue Dial Men's Bracelet Watch, which features a dramatic blue dial that enables the wearer to fully enjoy the newly-designed Caliber 9F86 in a genuinely sporty design. The hands can be moved to set to local time without stopping the watch and its screw-lock crown maintains excellent airtightness and water resistance as well as durability. The watch is completed on a stainless steel link bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push button release mechanism.
Whether it’s a dress watch with a simple power reserve display or a sportier timepiece with more complications you desire, the Grand Seiko watch collection combines unparalleled precision with state-of-the art technology for new and experienced watch connoisseurs alike.
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