Chapter 22
The fusion of the classical with the modern
The latest version of this much-loved 9S series mechanical GMT watch is a quintessential Grand Seiko design. At first glance, it seems straightforwardly classical but look closer and its contemporary edge emerges in the depth of the detailing. It has the soft design and rounded structure of the first Grand Seiko from 1960 and the gently curved lugs with Zaratsu polishing enhance its authentic, classic character. At the same time, a modern tone is added by the combination of the sharp, multi-faceted hands and indexes with the arrow shape of the blued steel GMT hand which extends exactly to the 24-hour indicators on the dial to enhance the legibility.
Turn the watch to one side and you can see, under the box-shaped sapphire crystal, that the tips of the seconds and minute hands incline downwards towards the markers so that the exact time can be read with ease. Like the Zaratsu polishing and the assembly and adjustment of the movement, this is done by hand, revealing the hand craftsmanship that is the Grand Seiko signature.