What are Grand Seiko's quartz watches like? Introducing their features and recommended models

Grand Seiko has produced a variety of classic quartz watches since releasing the 95GS in 1988. In this article, we will introduce the features of Grand Seiko's quartz watches that are loved by many users, as well as five recommended models that are currently worth paying attention to.

Grand Seiko, a milestone in quartz watches

Grand Seiko is a brand that was born in 1960 with the aim of "creating the finest domestically produced watches that would challenge the world." Although production was temporarily halted in the mid-1970s, the brand returned to the watch market in 1988 with the high-precision quartz watch "95GS." Let's look back at three milestones in the history of Grand Seiko quartz watches, including the 95GS.

In 1988, the brand's first quartz model was born.

In 1969, Seiko released the Quartz Astron 35SQ. This model was the world's first mass-produced quartz wristwatch, and it sparked what would become known as the "Quartz Revolution." Quartz watches were more accurate than mechanical watches, and because they were mass-produced they were more affordable, completely transforming people's lives. While quartz watches were becoming more popular, Grand Seiko, which primarily manufactured mechanical watches, temporarily stopped production. This was because mechanical watches were losing market share.

After going through these times, Grand Seiko released the "95GS" in 1988. This was a quartz watch, but by using a high-quality quartz oscillator with excellent temperature, humidity, and shock resistance, it achieved an accuracy of ±10 seconds per year. This model marked the return of Grand Seiko to the watch market.

In 1993, the "ultimate" quartz movement, Cal. 9F83, was released.

Five years after the introduction of the 95GS, Grand Seiko released the Caliber 9F83, billed as "a quartz that surpasses quartz." This movement was not only highly accurate; it also featured groundbreaking features such as an auto-backlash adjustment mechanism, a twin-pulse control motor, and an instantaneous date change mechanism. This movement, which stands out from conventional quartz watches and was developed with a relentless uncompromising spirit down to the smallest detail, is truly one of the world's most powerful quartz movements, both in name and in reality. It can be said to symbolize Grand Seiko's high-level watchmaking.

Equipped with a "fourth hand": Cal. 9F86

In 2018, 25 years after the birth of Caliber 9F83, Grand Seiko developed an even more groundbreaking quartz movement: Caliber 9F86, equipped with a GMT hand.

A GMT watch features a GMT hand in addition to the hour and minute hands, allowing it to display not only the current time but also the time zone of another region, such as your home time. Grand Seiko not only added this mechanism as a "fourth hand" to the 9F quartz movement, but also added further innovation by adopting a "four-axis independent guide structure."

Typically, a GMT watch is operated by moving the hour hand independently to display the time of the current location. However, the 9F quartz movement is an "annual accuracy" quartz movement. Grand Seiko's development team realized that even if the time is set accurately to the second, if the second hand also stops while pulling out the crown to adjust the hour hand, the time will be lost. Therefore, by designing a structure that allows the four hands (hour, minute, second, and GMT) to rotate independently, it is possible to adjust the hour hand without stopping the second hand. This resulted in the creation of a quartz GMT watch with an annual accuracy of ±10 seconds.

A look at the milestones in Grand Seiko's quartz watch history reveals the brand's uncompromising approach to product development and exceptional watchmaking techniques.

The ultimate quartz movement, "9F Quartz"

Grand Seiko's 9F Quartz is the ultimate in timekeeping because it incorporates a number of groundbreaking mechanisms that defy conventional quartz wristwatches. The 9F Quartz is equipped with the following mechanisms:

- "Backlash auto-adjust mechanism" that does not compromise on hand movement
・"Twin pulse control motor" that moves thick, heavy hands accurately
- Instant date change mechanism that instantly switches the date display
- Speed/speed switch for fine-tuning accuracy
- "Super Shield Cabin" protects the gear train and rotor, ensuring stable operation over the long term.

Furthermore, while mass-produced quartz watches are generally assembled automatically, Grand Seiko's 9F Quartz movement has a complex structure with numerous groundbreaking mechanisms, and can only be assembled by hand.

Grand Seiko's world-renowned 9F quartz watches are the result of a combination of inherited innovation, an uncompromising approach to manufacturing, and the skilled techniques of its artisans.

Features of Grand Seiko quartz watches

Grand Seiko's quartz watches are loved by many watch enthusiasts for their designs that inherit the "Seiko style" and the high quality that can only be achieved through in-house manufacturing. Let's take a look at some of their most notable features.

A design that inherits the "Seiko style"

Seiko has its own unique design grammar known as the "Seiko Style." This style, established with the 44GS launched in 1967, aims to create a "brilliantly shining watch." It is based on flat surfaces without distortion or twist, and each surface is generally mirror-finished. Furthermore, by adopting flat dials that accentuate the faceted indexes and hands, Seiko creates luxury watches that combine aesthetics and legibility by harmonizing light and shadow. This Seiko Style has been passed down to Grand Seiko quartz watches.

Grand Seiko's quartz watches are not only attractive for their excellent precision and performance, but also for the outstanding quality of their exteriors, which is why they are popular with a wide range of users, especially watch enthusiasts.

A unique product realized by the Manufacture

Grand Seiko's manufacturing system is a manufacture that handles everything from product development to design, manufacturing, assembly, adjustment, inspection, and shipping under its own brand. This system allows Grand Seiko to create watches that incorporate the brand's DNA and philosophy, including the Seiko style.

Grand Seiko has two manufacturing facilities in Japan, and the brand's quartz models are manufactured at the Shinshu Toki no Takumi Kobo in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture.

In this land of clear air and beautiful water, Grand Seiko's one-of-a-kind quartz watches are created by carrying on traditions that can only be achieved through in-house manufacturing, while also taking on new challenges.

5 Recommended Grand Seiko Quartz Watches

We'll introduce five Grand Seiko quartz watches that are worth checking out right now. We'll cover a wide range of models, from classic designs to models that exude a strong Japanese aesthetic, and even sporty models, so please use this as a reference when making your purchase.

Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection" Ref.SBGP001

The Ref. SBGP001, part of the "Heritage Collection," is a modern interpretation of the 44GS, which established the Seiko style. Grand Seiko claims to have the "classic Grand Seiko design."

The distinctive Seiko style of Zaratsu polishing creates a distortion-free mirror finish, and the combination of this with a grained finish creates a unique three-dimensional effect, resulting in a basic yet elegant design. Another key point is the multi-faceted cut of the indexes and hour and minute hands, which combines beauty with legibility.

The "thick silver radiating" dial, which is a nod to Shinshu, where this model is manufactured, is also impressive, and this model has a style that will be loved by people of all generations.

Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection" Ref.SBGP011

Due to global inflation and rising raw material costs, the prices of luxury watches continue to rise. Japanese-made watches, which are less affected by exchange rates, are also gradually increasing in price, albeit at a slower rate than foreign brands. Amid this, the Ref. SBGP011 is a Grand Seiko that can still be purchased for around 30 yen.

Despite its affordable price, the Cal. 9F85 movement allows users to enjoy high-performance quartz movement. Furthermore, the Cal. 9F85 features an independent time difference correction function for the hour hand, allowing the hour hand to move independently without stopping the second hand, so high accuracy is not affected.

The case is 40mm in diameter and just 10.6mm thick, making it extremely thin. Combined with the black dial and size, this watch is highly versatile and can be worn in a variety of situations.

Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection" Ref. SBGX355

We'll also introduce the Ref. SBGX355, which features a distinctive "snow-white" dial. This dial represents the wind-snow patterns that form on the snow surface during the strong, dry winter winds. This is one of the winter scenes that can be seen in the Hotaka mountain range, which can be seen from Toki no Takumi Kobo in Shinshu.

The dial of this watch, reminiscent of such winter scenes, appears pure white at first glance, but this color and delicate pattern are achieved through a special silver plating process rather than simply being painted white.

Grand Seiko excels at capturing a part of Japanese nature, discovering its beauty, and incorporating it into the design of its watches. The blue steel second hand, which resembles light shining on the snow, is also an eye-catching design.

The compact case, measuring 37mm in diameter and 10.6mm thick, is made of bright titanium. Its light weight makes it easy to handle, making it a watch you'll want to wear every day.

Grand Seiko "Sports Collection" Ref.SBGN027

The Ref. SBGN027 features a GMT hand that can display a second time zone. The Cal. 9F86 movement, with its four-axis independent guide structure, allows time zone adjustments without stopping the watch. This model is packed with additional functions, typical of Grand Seiko's pursuit of the ultimate quartz watch.

As part of the "Sports Collection," the watch has a sporty and striking design that is different from the Heritage Collection. The metal bezel with a 24-hour scale printed directly on it enhances the tool-like feel.

Not only is the design sporty, but the screw-down crown also ensures high airtightness, water resistance, and durability. The black radial dial and white GMT hand also give the watch a sophisticated and stylish look. Combined with a not-too-large case measuring 39mm in diameter and 12.3mm thick, this quartz watch is perfect for both work and play.

Grand Seiko "Elegance Collection" Ref.SBGX331

The "Elegance Collection" Ref. SBGX331 has the style of a classic dress watch, with two hands and no date window. While exuding a classic atmosphere overall, the distortion-free dome-shaped crystal and the shape of the case that connects to it exude a beauty reminiscent of a "polished jewel."

On the other hand, it is equipped with the high-performance Cal. 9F61 and is waterproof for everyday use, making it a dress watch that can also be recommended for everyday use.

Get your hands on a Grand Seiko quartz watch with precision

Since the creation of the 95GS in 1988, Grand Seiko has been releasing a number of outstanding quartz watches. Needless to say, they are highly functional, and their designs evoke Japanese aesthetics and skilled craftsmanship, and they are sure to continue to delight many watch enthusiasts.

Don't miss this opportunity to get your hands on a special Grand Seiko quartz watch.