This year marks the 60th anniversary since Seiko debuted its first Grand Seiko models, a collection of higher-end, high-accuracy watches. To celebrate that anniversary, Grand Seiko debuts four timepieces, all of which sport dials in Grand Seiko’s signature blue color.
(Like all the four limited editions, this Hi-Beat 36000 has a dial in Grand Seiko’s signature blue)
Two Automatics
Two of the anniversary models are automatic watches. One is a men’s watch ($6,300) cased in 40mm steel and powered by High-Beat Caliber 9S85, notable for its accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds a day and a 55-hour power reserve. In honor of the 60th anniversary, Grand Seiko adds a gold logo and a seconds hand in red.
The second automatic model is targeted to women and is powered by the Caliber 9S27, a Grand Seiko automatic movement specifically designed for its women’s collection. The watch has a blue mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds as hour markers. Both these automatic debuts will be available in February 2020 as limited editions; 1,500 for the men’s watch ($6,300) and 300 for the women’s ($9,500).
Also in Quartz
Grand Seiko has also developed a new quartz caliber to commemorate the collection’s sixtieth anniversary. Two 40mm watches will utilize the new caliber. One is sportier than the other and is marked by a blue ceramic bezel (to resist scratches) and strong anti-magnetic properties (16,000 A/m, much stronger than the second model).
(The new Grand Seiko A sports design features a ceramic bezel)
On this sportier model, the markers, the hour and minute hands are coated with LumiBrite. The watch also has 200 meters of resistance and a screw-down crown for enhanced security. It will be available in April 2020 as a limited edition of 2,000 ($3,900).
(Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Quartz Limited Edition)
The dressier of the new quartz models differs in its base accuracy tuning, in this model adjusted to a level of accuracy of ±5 seconds a year, a level of precision marked by the five-pointed star at the six o’clock position. The more contemporary case design features a thin bezel and a curved case side to reflect more light. The seconds hand is red. The watch will be available in March 2020 as a limited edition of 2,500 ($3,800).
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