Grand Seiko celebrates 20 years of Caliber 9R Spring Drive with dials inspired by the beautiful autumn sunrises of the Hotaka mountain range.
Spring Drive began with an innovative concept in the 1970s: To devise an ideal watch by combining power derived from a mainspring with electronic watchmaking technologies for a level of precision no conventional mechanical watch could achieve. In the years since, the revolutionary technology has evolved to become worthy of Grand Seiko, and that movement is named 9R.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Caliber 9R series. Today, two new Spring Drive creations in the Elegance Collection join the celebration of this milestone. Both draw inspiration from the harmony of the Hotaka mountain range blushing at sunrise and the vibrant transformation of autumn leaves in the same morning light. The Hotaka mountain range rises majestically in the Shinshu region of central Japan, the birthplace of all Grand Seiko Spring Drive creations.
Inspired by the morning glow of the Hotaka mountain range and the breathtaking gradation of autumn leaves as they bask in the first light of dawn
The dial expresses the surface of the rugged mountainside.
The gradation on the dial of the first new creation reflects the moment when the sun begins to rise. As the steep landscape of the Hotaka mountain range turns a vibrant red, the light casts a radiant glow on the autumn leaves as they emerge from the darkness of dawn. This beautiful scenery is expressed by the dark red color at the dial’s periphery gradually becoming brighter toward the center. Combined with the silent glide motion of the Spring Drive seconds hand, the dial captures the natural passage of time.
The watch offers a remarkable blend of slimness, power, and precision. It is just 10.2mm thick, its power reserve is 72 hours, and it has an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month thanks to the manual-winding Spring Drive Caliber 9R31.
Presented on a red-brown crocodile leather strap, the new creation will be available as a limited edition of 700 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide beginning in November 2024.
Evoking the Hotaka mountain range and autumn leaves, each glowing brilliantly under the morning sun
With its bright red dial, the second Spring Drive creation captures the Hotaka mountain range and the brilliant autumn leaves bathed in golden morning sunlight.
The watch’s recessed power-reserve indicator in copper pink adds depth while enhancing legibility and providing a point of contrast to the design. The rose gold color of the GS logo and the vibrancy of the red dial beautifully evoke the mesmerizing transition of changing leaves in all their autumnal glory.
The delicate sunray finish reveals its beauty from every angle.
A limited edition of 1,300 powered by the tried-and-true Caliber 9R65, the first movement of the 9R family, this creation will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide beginning in September 2024.
Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGY035
Caliber 9R31
Driving system: Manual-winding
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (approximately ±1 second per day)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 30
Specifications
Stainless steel case and clasp
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 38.5mm; Thickness: 10.2mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price: $8,500
Limited edition of 700
Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGA499
Caliber 9R65
Driving system: Automatic
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (approximately ±1 second per day)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 30
Specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
See-through case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.2mm; Thickness: 12.8mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price: $5,800
Limited edition of 1,300
For further information:
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgy035g
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga499g
Note:
The specifications and price information in this release are as of the published date and are subject to change.
