Grand Seiko was born with the ambition to reach the top of the watch industry, and by combining its advanced technical and development capabilities, it continues to produce timepieces of the highest standard. The limited edition models are also full of charm. Let's take a closer look at the differences between them and the regular models, and find out what we recommend.
Grand Seiko takes on the world
Since the end of the war, Japanese craftsmanship has been attracting attention from around the world. In the field of watches, the country has been releasing a succession of products with astonishingly high quality.
Japanese watch manufacturers are generally highly regarded for their technical capabilities, and Grand Seiko in particular has grown to become one of the world's leading brands, establishing an unshakable position.
What is it about Grand Seiko that has earned it the trust of leaders and executives in various fields? Let's take a look at its appeal.
Japanese-made watches that rival luxury watches from overseas
The first Grand Seiko was born in 1960. It was created as the finest domestically produced wristwatch in a world of luxury watches dominated by Swiss brands.
The original model was the first Japanese-made watch at the time to pass the Swiss chronometer certification standard, demonstrating the watch's high level of technical expertise.
Grand Seiko began using quartz movements in 1988. By using a quartz oscillator that was highly resistant to temperature and humidity changes and shock, it achieved the highest level of accuracy at the time. In 1993, they developed the Cal. 9F83, the ancestor of the quartz movement now known as the 9F series. This led to Grand Seiko's quartz movements being referred to as "quartz that surpasses quartz."
In 1999, Seiko successfully developed the Spring Drive, a hybrid mechanical and quartz movement. This was the birth of their third movement, more than 20 years after its conception. It took another five years for it to be incorporated into Grand Seiko watches, and in 2004, a model equipped with the Caliber 9R65 was finally released.
Having established itself as a luxury watch manufacturer in both name and reality, Grand Seiko became independent from Seiko in 2017. Now, in 2020, marking its 60th anniversary, the company has begun its journey with the aim of expanding further overseas.
Three movements that highlight technology
The movement is the heart of the watch, and Grand Seiko offers three types that showcase its unique technology. Let's explore the features and appeal of each.
Many luxury watch enthusiasts prefer mechanical movements, but the 9S Mechanical is backed by cutting-edge technology and boasts a highly accurate movement that is highly rated by avid watch enthusiasts. Utilizing MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), a cutting-edge processing technology used for ultra-precision parts, parts are manufactured with an accuracy of 0.001mm, achieving high strength and light weight.
As mentioned above, the 9F Quartz movement is highly regarded as a "quartz that surpasses quartz." By overcoming the weakness of quartz, which was its low torque, it is now possible to move thick, heavy hands just like mechanical movements, and it is also possible to display the date of the calendar instantly.
The 9R Spring Drive is Grand Seiko's proud blend of mechanical and quartz movements, and is the only company capable of manufacturing Spring Drive.
What is the Master Shop Limited Model?
In addition to standard models available at all Grand Seiko retailers, Grand Seiko also offers limited edition models available through select distributors. Let's take a closer look at the limited edition models available at the Master Shop.
Only available at select stores
Limited edition models are sometimes released, not just for watches, but also for cars and sneakers. Grand Seiko also offers attractive limited edition models available only at Master Shops.
Master Shops are a select group of retailers authorized by Grand Seiko, and are primarily boutiques and department stores across the country.
The greatest appeal of the Master Shop Limited Edition model is its rarity. Currently, there are approximately 590 Grand Seiko retailers in Japan, of which only about 145 are certified as Master Shops. This means that the model is only available at less than a quarter of the stores.
If you want to differentiate yourself from other Grand Seiko models, these are models you cannot miss.
Differences from the general model
What is the difference between the Master Shop limited edition model, which can only be purchased at Seiko-certified retailers, and the regular model?
The first attraction is the specialness of the design, and the second is its rarity. The satisfaction it brings is exceptional, and it also makes a perfect gift for someone special.
Not only do the dial designs differ, but some also feature special engravings and serial numbers on the case back, details that quietly satisfy the desire to own one.
As for the warranty, it will be accepted in exactly the same way as the regular model, so you can rest assured about that.
