From the <Evolution 9 Collection>, we will be releasing two models: a limited edition and a regular model, both equipped with the "Caliber 9SA4," a 10-beat hand-wound mechanical movement created for the first time in approximately 50 years.
And from our Sports Collection, we will be releasing a limited edition model to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Spring Drive movement "Caliber 9R".
<Evolution 9 Collection> Models equipped with "Caliber 9SA4"
The limited edition model has a suggested retail price of 6,050,000 yen (including tax) and is limited to 80 units worldwide.
The suggested retail price for the regular model is 1,529,000 yen (including tax).
Scheduled for release on August 9th (Friday).
Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Model
The suggested retail price is 1,837,000 yen (including tax), and it is limited to 700 units worldwide.
Scheduled for release on July 6th (Saturday).
Reservations for all models will begin on April 10th (Wednesday) at the Grand Seiko Boutique Online.
≪Product Features≫
Evolution 9 Collection
A new hand-wound movement that boasts 10 vibrations per second and a power reserve of up to 80 hours, offering the ultimate in comfortable winding .
The new caliber featured in this model is the "Caliber 9SA4," created with the aim of being the ultimate hand-wound movement that will keep time with you every day, based on the innovative automatic winding movement "Caliber 9SA5" announced in 2020. It achieves a high oscillation frequency of 10 vibrations per second, which leads to stable accuracy, and a long power reserve of up to 80 hours, inheriting features from the "Caliber 9SA5."
- A "dual impulse escapement (*1)" that transmits power from the mainspring to the speed control mechanism with extreme efficiency.
- The "Grand Seiko Free-Sprung (*2)" is suitable for maintaining stable accuracy over a long period of time.
- A "winding whisker" that minimizes changes in accuracy even when the swing angle of the "temp" changes.
- "Twin Barrel" with two power springs
These are some examples.
Furthermore, in order to achieve a pleasant feel and sound when winding, and to create a hand-wound movement that allows the movement of the hand-wound mechanism's components to be appreciated, we have newly designed approximately 40% of the components of the "Caliber 9SA4," while using the "Caliber 9SA5" as a base.
This model adheres to the "Evolution 9 Style," the design language unique to the Evolution 9 Collection, and features a completely redesigned look with slimmer indices, bezel, and lugs, resulting in a delicate and elegant model befitting a sophisticated hand-wound dress watch.
The case is remarkably thin at just 9.95mm, and to achieve the comfortable fit characteristic of the Evolution 9 collection, the center of gravity has been lowered.
The limited edition model features a luxurious 18K pink gold case and clasp. Like the regular model, the dial has a beautiful stamped pattern reminiscent of birch bark, and an SD mark (Special Dial mark) is placed at the 6 o'clock position to indicate that solid gold is used for the hour markers.
The case, hour and minute hands, and slender indices, all reflecting the "Evolution 9 style," have been redesigned with an elegant touch.
The case material for the regular models is "Brilliant Hard Titanium," a material unique to Grand Seiko. It is a whiter and more beautiful material than ordinary titanium, and is polished using the "Zaratsu polishing" technique (*3) by skilled polishers. Furthermore, while possessing the same lightness as ordinary titanium, Brilliant Hard Titanium is an advanced material that is approximately twice as hard as standard stainless steel and highly scratch-resistant.
In Hiraniwa Plateau, located in the same Iwate Prefecture as the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, a magnificent birch forest grows naturally across a vast area of approximately 400 hectares. The dial of this watch expresses the beauty of the irregularly undulating bark of birch trees that stretch gracefully towards the light, using an intricate stamped pattern.
SLGW003
¥1,529,000
Sports Collection
A limited edition model has been released featuring a dial that captures a summer morning moment over the Hotaka mountain range using a new technique.
In 2024, the momentous year marking the 20th anniversary of the Spring Drive movement "Caliber 9R," we are pleased to announce a limited edition model equipped with a Spring Drive chronograph GMT movement, featuring a dial that captures the vibrant summer sunrise over the Hotaka mountain range in Shinshu, where the movement is manufactured.
This limited edition model is unique in that it combines the dignity and nobility of the lion, the symbol of Grand Seiko, with a dial that expresses the passage of time using a new technique.
The sensitivity to perceive and cherish the subtle changes in light, shadow, and color in nature as time passes is the source of Japan's unique aesthetic sense. To express this delicate passage of time, Grand Seiko has created a new dial processing technique called "optical multilayer coating."
The dial, which changes color, is made possible by a new patented technique called "optical multilayer coating." Unlike conventional coloring methods using paint, "optical multilayer coating" is a technique that uses the effect of multiple layers of thin films applied with PVD (*4) to highlight delicate stamped patterns while changing color depending on the angle of light.
The Caliber 9R96 movement featured in this model is an even more precise version of the standard Caliber 9R86. While the Caliber 9R86 has an average monthly deviation of ±15 seconds (equivalent to ±1 second per day), the Caliber 9R96 achieves an average monthly deviation of ±10 seconds (equivalent to ±0.5 seconds per day). As a testament to its exceptional precision, the rotor is adorned with an 18K yellow gold lion emblem, which can be viewed through the transparent case back.
(*1) Dual impulse escapement
This unique mechanism combines "direct impact," which transmits power directly from the escape wheel to the balance wheel, with the conventional "indirect impact" method, allowing the power of the mainspring to be transmitted to the balance wheel with greater efficiency.
(*2) Grand Seiko Free Sprung
A "free-sprung" system without a regulator is used to adjust the accuracy. By turning four adjustment screws on the side of the balance wheel, the moment of inertia of the balance wheel is adjusted, thereby correcting whether the watch is running fast or slow. This regulator-less structure improves the durability of the hairspring, allowing for stable and higher accuracy over a longer period.
(*3) Zaratsu polishing
This is a surface preparation technique that involves rotating a circular surface plate and pressing the case against it to smooth the surface and create a distortion-free, flat surface.
(*4) PVD
Abbreviation for Physical Vapor Deposition. A type of dry plating in which metal is ionized and deposited in a high-temperature vacuum device.