Grand Seiko's chronograph models are the result of years of research and are highly regarded for their performance, representing the culmination of advanced technology. They also command high status as luxury watches that are recognized worldwide, making them one of the most noteworthy watches today.
Looking back at the history of Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko, which was born in 1960, became independent from the Seiko brand in 2017, and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. With new models attracting increasing attention in recent years, let's take a look at the relationship between Grand Seiko's brand power and chronographs.
One of Japan's leading brands
Grand Seiko was born in 1960 as a mechanical watch comparable to Swiss luxury watches, and has pursued the highest level of precision and reliability in Japan.
In 69, they released the 61GS VFA, a mechanical watch with a monthly accuracy of within ±1 minute, in 88 they released the 95GS, a quartz watch with an annual accuracy of ±10 seconds, and in 2004 they released the Spring Drive watch, which boasts a power reserve of up to approximately 72 hours.
Grand Seiko, which has increased its global competitiveness and contributed to Seiko's sales in overseas markets, was separated from Seiko in 2017 as a brand specializing in luxury watches. It is aiming to make further strides as a globally recognized Japanese brand.
The Relationship Between Chronographs and Grand Seiko
In 1964, Japan's first chronograph was developed, and in 69, the world's first automatic chronograph with a vertical clutch was developed, both of which were created by Suwa Seikosha (now Seiko Epson), the same company that created Grand Seiko.
However, it was not until 2007, after further improvements had been made to the 9R Spring Drive, that the chronograph movement exclusively for Grand Seiko was completed.
Combining a mechanical mainspring with an IC and quartz oscillator, Spring Drive combines the torque of mechanical movement with the precision of quartz, achieving accuracy that surpasses that of mechanical chronographs.
Eight years after the development of Spring Drive in 1999, the "Cal. 9R86" was completed, featuring an average monthly rate of ±15 seconds, a 72-hour power reserve when fully wound, and even a GMT function.
Chronograph Basics
Grand Seiko is at the center of chronograph technology in Japan, and its high-performance chronographs equipped with the Caliber 9R86 are gaining a presence in the global market. Here we will take a look at the overview of the chronograph function, how to operate it, and the appeal of its functionality and design.
A clock with a stopwatch
A chronograph is a watch that can measure any elapsed time in addition to displaying the normal time, that is, a watch with a stopwatch function.
A traditional chronograph replaces the central second hand with one for measuring elapsed time and features three subdials: a 30-minute (or 60-minute) counter, a 12-hour (or 24-hour) counter, and a small second.
Measurements are taken by operating two push buttons, and the measurement does not interfere with the normal time display.
Basic usage
Many models with chronograph functions have a start/stop button at 2 o'clock and a reset button at 4 o'clock.
When using it as a stopwatch, press the start/stop button at the start and end of measurement, read the elapsed time on the chronograph counter, and press the reset button to return all chronograph hands to their zero positions.
When measuring lap times, for example, you repeat the start and stop process as necessary, and press the reset button when the measurement is complete.
Unless the watch is equipped with a "flyback" mechanism that instantly resets to zero and restarts, pressing the reset button while measuring can cause internal malfunction, so please be careful when operating it.
The enduringly popular chronograph
A chronograph is a function that not only allows you to tell the time but also allows you to "operate" it, making it an irresistible attraction for those who love mechanics and enjoy touching watches.
Even if you don't use the functions, the subdials and chronograph second hands have a mechanical feel, and they often have sporty case designs. In other words, chronographs are suitable for people who want complex mechanisms and sporty designs in their watches.
Although care must be taken to avoid operating the watch incorrectly or malfunctioning, Grand Seiko's use of a screw-lock button structure and READY/START mode means that the risk of failure is low.
Another attraction of Grand Seiko is the ability to enjoy the smooth "sweeping hand" movement unique to Spring Drive.
