Grand Seiko Announces 60th Anniversary Models
Perhaps the most recognizable luxury watchmaking brand in Japan has just passed its 60th anniversary. Since its inception, Grand Seiko has been a pioneer in the fields of technology and aesthetics. There are few brands whose component finishing is as well-regarded as the masters’ of GS. And now, to mark a very important birthday in Japanese culture, Grand Seiko is debuting a rush of novelties.
It can be hard to put into words the extreme admiration a watch lover can feel for their favorite brand. To verbalize what is often a completely visceral emotion can make a man or woman sound mad. But for many of us, it is totally understandable. Fans of Grand Seiko will surely be pleased to see that this sudden deluge of new releases offers something for pretty much everybody already interested in the brand and a wide array of styles for newcomers to get their teeth into. With decorative techniques such as hand-engraving, precious stone setting, and Zaratsu polishing, Grand Seiko celebrates its 60th anniversary with some of its best-known flourishes.
A new spring drive caliber
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Professional Diver’s 600M is a welcome addition to the Grand Seiko Sport collection. A rich blue/purple dial surrounded by a hi-tech ceramic bezel gives an oceanic sense to this heavy-duty diver. but a bright flash of red on the power reserve creates a vibrant display for use on dry land. A robust, faceted case is at once resilient, while also artful. Inside is a brand new slimline Spring Drive caliber, which opens many new doors for the popular movement system. Read more about this model on Fratellowatches.com here.
The original Grand Seiko re-created for a modern audience
Perhaps the most direct link to the past, are these three very special 60th anniversary pieces from Grand Seiko. Available in platinum, yellow gold, and brilliant hard titanium, these sleek and stylish re-editions offer customers the best of both worlds — the aesthetics of yesteryear, blended with the huge technological advancements of the modern-day.
…future classics…
The top of the range is the €39,000 SBGW257 in platinum. Next in line is the sumptuous reference SBGW258. It retails for €27,000 in solid 18-karat yellow gold. Providing the entry point for this collection is reference SBGW259. Rendered in brilliant titanium for an exceedingly contemporary appearance, it’s retail price is €8,300. Find out more about these future classics here.
Grand Seiko Elegance collection References SBGW263 and SBGW264
Hand-engraving is a technique that machine-engraving just cannot match. The skill of the artisans charged with the decoration of these Grand Seiko Elegance collection dials is something very special indeed. These 39mm stunners boast organically contoured dials, which makes the job of the engraver even harder.
The hour markers of reference SBGW263 steal the show. Continuing the theme seen on the hands, these incredibly precise markings must be made by the steadiest of hands. It takes years of training for Grand Seiko’s artisans to reach this level of competence, and even then the concentration required to perform such deft motions with one’s hands is extreme.
Hi-beat for the future
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Hi-Beat edition melds a vintage vibe with modern proportions. The expertly finished 36,000vph movement boasts a far more extravagant architecture than most of the brand’s automatic calibers. The blued screws, wavy bridges, and skeletonized rotor weight offer wearers a distinctly different view through the sapphire display back.
Case remodeling has improved the way the watch wears on the wrist.
The dial is as supremely legible as one would expect for a Grand Seiko watch of such significance. Case remodeling has improved the way the watch wears on the wrist. Additionally, an 80-hour power reserve makes this 18-karat gold watch the perfect weekend wear for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their collection. It is limited to 100 pieces and priced at €45,000.
The Grand Seiko Reference SBGD205 is a jeweler’s dream
If you ever wondered what 96 diamonds and 25 sapphires would look placed on the dial of a Grand Seiko watch powered by an 8-day Spring Drive caliber, now you know. Boasting exceptional dial symmetry (and a bejeweled crown) this is certainly one of the brand’s most eye-catching models. This artisanal masterpiece has been created not only to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the brand but also to display the variety of talents that exist within the Maison. Reference SBGD205 is limited to 10 pieces. It has a €195,000 price tag. Follow Grand Seiko’s news here.
