When it comes to Grand Seiko, mechanical and Spring Drive models tend to get the most attention, but we shouldn't forget the quartz "9F" series movements, which boast world-class performance. This time, we'll introduce five Grand Seiko quartz models that our editorial team really want.

Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 3, 2024]
2025/11/13 update
"9F" is a high-quality quartz movement packed with craftsmanship
Grand Seiko is a luxury watch brand that Japan is proud of. Grand Seiko is a sophisticated brand that uses three types of movements: mechanical, Spring Drive, and quartz. This time, we will focus on models equipped with quartz movements and introduce five models.
Grand Seiko's "9F" series is the ultimate quartz movement, developed exclusively for the brand. It features mechanisms designed to achieve superior specifications, such as a calendar mechanism that switches instantly, a twin-pulse control motor that can move thick, heavy hands, and a regulator switch that allows for precision adjustment. Furthermore, it has a special structure that enhances oil retention and prevents dust from entering. Due to its complexity, it is assembled by hand, which is rare for a quartz movement.
The exterior is finished in gold with striped decoration, making it highly aesthetic. With the exception of some limited edition models, most models have a solid back, so it's unfortunate that it's difficult to see, but on the flip side, it shows that careful attention has been paid to even the parts that are out of sight. The 9F series is the ultimate quartz movement that Japan can be proud of around the world.

Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection" Ref.SBGP001
This model inherits the design of the 44GS, which was released in 1967 and established the "Grand Seiko style," while offering a modern twist. The case, which is primarily composed of flat surfaces, has been polished with Zaratsu polishing to achieve a distortion-free finish. The particularly large flat surfaces on the tops of the lugs are so polished that they reflect the surrounding scenery like a mirror.
Also noteworthy is the champagne-colored thick silver radiating dial, a specialty of Grand Seiko. The delicate radiating pattern, reminiscent of silk, pays homage to the fact that Shinshu, where Grand Seiko quartz models are manufactured, was once a major silk-producing region.
The dial features sparkling bar indexes with multifaceted cuts and dauphine-style hour and minute hands. The second hand is temper blue, a color that is achieved by applying heat. Each hand is handcrafted by artisans to achieve a vivid and uniform blue color.
The Cal. 9F85 is a simple three-hand quartz movement with a date display. The hour hand can be moved independently, allowing for easy time adjustment when traveling to a different time zone.

This model adopts the modern design of the "44GS." The slightly yellowish thick silver radiating dial creates a gorgeous impression. The independently movable hour hand allows for easy time adjustment. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F85). Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.1mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 495,000 yen (tax included).
Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection" Ref. SBGX355
One of the attractions of Grand Seiko is its diverse dial designs inspired by nature. One of the most popular is the "Snow White Dial" with its delicate snow-like pattern. This model is a quartz model featuring this snow white dial in a compact case.
Emerging on the white dial are wind patterns created by the wind blowing across the snow. What is surprising is that this dial is not painted white but is instead silver-plated. The natural art that can be seen every winter in the distant Hotaka mountain range, which can be seen from the Shinshu Toki no Takumi Atelier, where Grand Seiko quartz models are created, is captured on the dial. The slightly slender indexes emphasize the delicacy of the snow surface, and the tempered blue second hand stands out against the white snow, transporting the viewer's mind to a snowy field.
The small 37mm case is crafted from bright titanium, which retains the properties of titanium, such as lightness, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenicity, while also retaining its shining white aesthetic.

This model features a snow-white dial, a perennial favorite among Grand Seiko models. The compact 37mm case is easy to use for both men and women. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F62). Bright titanium case (37mm diameter, 10.6mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 572,000 yen (tax included).
Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection" Ref. SBGX265
This basic model features an appealingly simple design by designer Nobuhiro Kosugi, who has been recognized as a contemporary master craftsman. The blue dial changes appearance depending on the lighting conditions. It is also available in other colors such as black and silver, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your taste. The faceted indexes are thicker at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, providing excellent legibility.
The case is modest, measuring 37mm in diameter and 10mm thick. It fits easily under a shirt cuff without being overly bold, making it suitable for business wear. While it is a relatively inexpensive Grand Seiko model, the case features fine hairlines and a flawless polish, giving it the elegant appearance of a luxury watch.
The three-link stainless steel bracelet makes it suitable for wear in any season and weather. The screw-back case back is engraved with a lion emblem, allowing only the owner to admire its majestic appearance.
The movement is the Cal. 9F62, a standard 9F movement with high accuracy of ±10 seconds per year and an instantaneous date change mechanism.

This basic model offers Grand Seiko's signature design and high-quality finish. The refreshing blue dial is easy to use for people of all ages and genders. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F62). Stainless steel case (37mm diameter, 10mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 363,000 yen (tax included).
Grand Seiko "Elegance Collection" Ref.SBGX347
As part of the "Elegance Collection," it features a dressy design. The combination of a small 34mm case, a non-date dial, and a stitchless crocodile leather strap makes it a classic dress watch.
The white dial has a slightly rough texture that sparkles when light hits it. Although the dial is small, the faceted indexes and thick hour and minute hands make it highly legible.
The case design is also distinctive. Slim lugs extend from the classic round case. The bezel is also narrow, and the box-shaped sapphire crystal gives it a soft impression.
The crocodile leather strap is slightly grayish, making it suitable for both formal and everyday use. The sleek pin buckle, rather than a folding buckle, matches the design of this watch perfectly.
However, it is slightly less waterproof than the other models introduced here, so you should be careful when wearing it in bad weather.

The "Elegance Collection" features an attractive, dressy design. The 34mm case size is a rare find for a current model. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F61). Stainless steel case (34mm diameter, 10.7mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. Price: 506,000 yen (tax included).
Grand Seiko "Sports Collection" Ref.SBGN027
This GMT watch has an appealing active design. It features a sporty overall design while retaining the signature Grand Seiko style. Its compact 39mm diameter makes it easy to use for both men and women with slimmer wrists.
The case and bracelet are mainly brushed. The fixed stainless steel bezel has a 24-hour display engraved directly into it. The screw-down crown is located at the 4 o'clock position, so it won't interfere with wrist movements when worn. Another attractive feature is the 20 bar water resistance, making it safe for leisure activities.
The dial features a contrasting black and silver GMT hand. The hour and minute hands and indexes are coated with luminous paint to ensure visibility in the dark. The flange also features a 24-hour display and is two-tone color-coded to distinguish between day and night.
The Cal. 9F86 movement is a GMT movement that allows the hour hand to move independently without stopping the movement of the hands, making it easy to adjust the time zone when traveling abroad.

This GMT watch is part of the "Sports Collection." It features a compact 39mm case with a screw-down crown and is water resistant to 20 bar. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F86). Stainless steel case (39mm diameter, 12.3mm thick). Water resistant to 20 bar. Price: 506,000 yen (tax included).



