We will continue to introduce major new products of Grand Seiko, which participated in the first Watches & Wonders this year. As the spotlight was focused on the previously introduced Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon (SLGT003), other new products did not receive much attention (>> Go to Time Forum News), but this year’s Grand Seiko In terms of sales, Evolution 9 Collection is the main focus. Following the spring drive birch model (SLGA009) released earlier, we are focusing on diversifying the collection by adding three new sports replica watches. Let’s see it together from now on.
Starting from the 60th anniversary of the brand in 2020, Grand Seiko, which showed off its tremendous manufacturing capabilities with a series of new products inspired by the change of seasons and Japan’s nature, was named ‘Evolution 9’ in 2022 – the most complete and The use of the auspicious number 9 is also intentionally used as another leap forward through the construction of a new collection. Evolution 9, which was first unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva, is basically waterproof to over 100 meters and broadens the horizon of the collection with a sportier appearance.
The first product to introduce is the spring drive GMT model. The limited edition (SBGE275) commemorating the 20th anniversary of the release of this year’s Grand Seiko GMT looks similar at first glance, but the case size is smaller and there are many differences, such as the shape and material of the bezel. Available in two versions, a silver textured pattern dial with a slight gray tone and a black lacquered dial, the silver textured dial (as you might expect by now) is a Manufacture under the Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC), from which all spring drive movements and watches are produced. , The design was inspired by the snowy winter morning scenery of Shinshu, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, where the Shinshu Watch Studio is located. It’s hardly surprising to see Grand Seiko’s relentless effort in dial making and storytelling in recent years.
Common to both color dial versions is a high-strength titanium case and bracelet. The case measures 41mm in diameter and 13.9mm thick, and with a screw-down crown, it is practically water resistant to 100m. The movement is equipped with the automatic spring-drive GMT caliber 9R66, which combines the advantages of quartz and mechanical technology, which is unique to Grand replica Seiko. It guarantees a power reserve of 3 days (72 hours) and boasts amazing accuracy with a daily tolerance of ±1 second (±15 seconds per month). You can enjoy the unique movement through the see-through caseback with sapphire crystal inserted.
Laser-engraved 24-hour scale and black lacquered fixed titanium bezel and separate GMT hand make it easy to check the time zone of the second time zone, as well as check the remaining power through the indicator between 7 and 9 o’clock on the dial. It can be practical. Meanwhile, the short lug-to-lug length makes it more comfortable to wear than the previous Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT model.
Two new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive GMT new products – SBGE283 (Black Dial) & SBGE285 (Silver-Grey Dial)- will be available from August through designated Grand Seiko boutiques and major retail partners worldwide. It is priced at 8,500 Euros (EUR) in European standards. The exact domestic release price is yet to be determined.
Another new product in the Evolution 9 collection is the Chronograph model, which marks the 15th anniversary of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph this year. Available in two color dials, glossy blue and black, the common case and bracelet are made of high-strength titanium. The diameter of the case is 45.3mm and the thickness is 15.8mm, and although it is a chronograph product, it supports practical 100m water resistance with a screw-down crown and screw caseback design. The 24-hour print on the bidirectional rotating bezel and dial, and the GMT hand allow you to view 3 different time zones, making it very practical for those who travel or business frequently. It is a lineup that is consistently popular even though it is relatively expensive among products.
The movement was equipped with automatic spring-drive chronographs with column wheels and a vertical clutch mechanism, GMT calibers 9R86 and 9R96. For reference, the two calibers are basically the same design, but they are divided for convenience depending on the presence or absence of a gold medallion in the shape of a lion holding a forepaw, the symbol of the brand (the version with the gold medallion added to the 9R96 version). It’s also interesting to note that different calibers have different adjustment ranges. The basic version 9R86 has a daily error of ±1 second (monthly average ±15 seconds), and the luxury version 9R96 has a daily error of ±0.5 seconds (monthly average ±10 seconds). Of course, both have the same power reserve performance (72 hours). In both cases, the movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback.
The two new spring drive chronographs are the black version (SBGC251) is a regular model, and the blue version (SBGC249) is a limited edition with only 700 pieces. It will be available in selected Grand Seiko boutiques and official retail stores worldwide throughout June and July. The retail price is 11,500 euros for the black version (SBGC251) and 12,500 euros (EUR) for the blue limited edition version (SBGC249).
Finally, the new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection is a diver’s watch with a water resistance of 200 meters. Again, it is presented in the form of a high-strength titanium case and bracelet, with a case diameter of 43.8 mm and a thickness of 13.8 mm. The unidirectional rotating bezel, engraved with a 60-minute diving scale, is made of scratch- and corrosion-resistant black ceramic material that does not discolor.
Above all, the textured patterned black dial catches the eye. Inspired by the Kuroshio Current that surrounds the Japanese archipelago, it is said to depict the characteristic raging waves. In the commercial film of the product released this time, you can check the Kuroshio Current, nicknamed the Black Stream, along with the product.
In the Grand Seiko-style notation, Dual-size Barrels, that is, a double-barrel design, adds an intermediate wheel design that can control high torque to ensure a long power reserve of 5 days (120 hours), By vacuum packaging a quartz vibrator that has been aged (stabilized) for more than 3 months in a new type of package IC with its own built-in temperature measurement sensor, the monthly tolerance is also raised from ±15 seconds to ±10 seconds (work allowed) The margin of error is only ±0.5 seconds) and guarantees a high degree of accuracy. In addition, instead of dividing the bridge supporting the gear train, a single thick bridge named One-piece Center Bridge was applied to support the movement parts more stably against external shocks. However, the movement is not exposed because of the titanium screw caseback. An extension function has been added to the triple folding clasp so that it can be easily worn over a diving suit by extending the bracelet link. The new Spring Drive 5 Days Diver’s Watch (SLGA015) is released as a regular model rather than a limited edition, and the retail price is set at 11,800 EUR (EUR). From August, the full-fledged summer season, it will be available at selected Grand Seiko boutiques and official retail shops around the world.
Another new product is the High Jewelery watch, presented in the brand’s top-of-the-line collection, Masterpieces. The platinum case and dial are decorated with 267 diamonds worth 5.97 carats – 94 on the dial, 112 on the case, 60 on the bezel, and 1 on the crown). to the extent that it can be mistaken for Except for some special pieces from the Credor line, this is the first model in the Grand Seiko line with such a gorgeous and bold gem setting.
The platinum case has a diameter of 44.5mm and a thickness of 14.4mm, carefully finished with the brand’s proud Zaratsu polishing. The dial is inspired by the white lion (white tiger) and embroidered with brilliant or tapered baguette-cut white diamonds and black spinel. Bordered by a white gold ring, the base is finished with a snowflake-style texture that comes to mind when you think of spring drive, adding a uniquely luxurious aesthetic.
