Learn about Grand Seiko Master Shops and Shop-Exclusive Models

Grand Seiko regularly releases Master Shop and store-exclusive models. Since the brand became independent in 2017, the lineup of Grand Seiko limited edition models has been expanding. We will explain these models and introduce the main Master Shop-exclusive models.

What is a Grand Seiko Master Shop?

Grand Seiko retailers are called "Grand Seiko Shops." However, not all stores can handle all products, and some models are only available at authorized retailers such as "Master Shops."

Refers to some Grand Seiko-certified retailers.

Grand Seiko's "Master Shop" is a retailer that has been certified by Grand Seiko and is authorized to sell "Master Shop Limited Models."

The Master Shop Limited Models are sold at over 140 Grand Seiko retailers nationwide, including the Grand Seiko Boutique Flagship in Ginza Wako, 14 Grand Seiko Boutiques, 32 Grand Seiko Salons, and 113 Grand Seiko Master Shops.

Master shops nationwide

Existing retailers can become Master Shops by receiving Grand Seiko certification, so some stores have a long history while others have only recently been certified.

Master Shop certified stores are mainly department stores such as Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, Sogo, and Daimaru, as well as Grand Seiko street stores across the country.

Certified stores are distributed in all prefectures from Hokkaido to Okinawa, excluding Akita, Shiga, and Saga. To find the nearest certified store, go to the Grand Seiko official website, click on "Stores," then "Filter," and check "Grand Seiko Mastershop."

Master Shop Limited Models

While Master Shop Limited Models can only be purchased at authorized dealers nationwide, Store Limited Models are only available at a few dealers, or in some cases, only one. Let's take a look at the differences between regular models and Master Shop Limited Models, and Store Limited Models.

Differences from the general model

Master Shop limited models are only available at certified Master Shop stores in Japan and overseas.

For example, among the limited edition models released in 2020 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko's founding, there are the SLGA001, limited to 700 pieces worldwide, and the SLGH003, limited to 1000 pieces worldwide, which will be released in December.

There is no difference in warranty between this model and the regular model, but there is a big difference in the premium feel and status, so many fans want to get their hands on the Master Shop limited model.

SLGA001
The SLGA001 was released in November 2020 as a limited edition model to commemorate Grand Seiko's 60th anniversary, with a worldwide limit of 700 pieces. It attracted much attention for its Spring Drive movement 9RA5, which offers a long power reserve of up to five days. Spring Drive automatic (Cal. 9RA5). 38 jewels. Power reserve of approximately 120 hours. Bright titanium (46.9mm diameter). Water resistant to 600m. Price: 115 million yen (excluding tax).

SLGH003
This is also a limited edition model, "SLGH003," commemorating Grand Seiko's 60th anniversary. It's limited to 1000 pieces worldwide. It's equipped with the high-beat 9SA5 movement, which provides a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. Automatic (Cal. 9SA5). 47 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 80 hours. Stainless steel (40mm diameter). Enhanced water resistance for everyday use (10 bar). Price: 1 million yen (excluding tax). Scheduled for release in December 2020.

Store-exclusive models also available

Even rarer store-exclusive models are also released from time to time, such as models exclusive to Wako, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Takashimaya, and Grand Seiko Boutiques.

To find stores that carry store-exclusive models, go to STORES on the Grand Seiko official website, select FILTER, and check "Store-exclusive models."

In late June 2020, the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection GINZA Limited Edition (SBGA425) was released in a limited run of 250 pieces exclusively at six stores in the Ginza area of ​​Tokyo.

Main Master Shop Limited Models

Master Shop limited edition models are highly sought after due to their premium quality. Here we will introduce three models that have been released in the past that have been extremely popular.

The Black Ceramic Collection Spring Drive Chronograph GMT features luxurious specifications

The Black Ceramics Collection Spring Drive Chronograph GMT (SBGC219), released in 2017, is a limited edition model of 500 pieces worldwide, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT.

The dial combines the "Grand Seiko Blue" color, which is only used on limited edition models, with pink gold-colored hands and indexes, expressing a new interpretation of the sports watch that symbolizes the brand's independence.

There are also variations such as the white dial "SBGC221" and the black dial "SBGC223," and both models feature a beautiful polyhedral form with a case and bracelet made of zirconia ceramic and bright titanium that shine intricately.

Caliber 9F86 equipped with 9F quartz SBGN005

The SBGN005, released in 2019, is Grand Seiko's first model equipped with the quartz movement 9F86, which is equipped with a GMT function, and features an elegant blue dial.

The SBGN001, which was released in 2018 and featured the same movement, was limited to 800 pieces, but sold out in the blink of an eye. This model was released as its successor.

The 24-hour display on the bezel and the red GMT hand add a sporty touch to the traditional Seiko style, and the functionality of being able to adjust the time difference using the hour hand alone makes this a multi-purpose model suitable for both business and casual occasions.

A classic Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH039

The SBGH039, released in 2015 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Grand Seiko's founding, is a limited edition model of 700 pieces worldwide, featuring a modern design based on the 62GS, Grand Seiko's first automatic watch, which was released in 1967.

The mirror-finished case and large, curved case sides are in keeping with the traditional Seiko style, but the crown at 4 o'clock has been moved to 3 o'clock, and the leather strap has been replaced with a practical stainless steel bracelet.

While the dark brown dial and box-shaped crystal give it a classic feel, the movement is Cal. 9S85, which vibrates at 36,000 vibrations per hour, providing the precision and durability to meet modern needs.

Try on a limited edition model

Grand Seiko has released a variety of reproduction models, and since becoming an independent brand in 2017, the number of limited edition models with innovative designs has been increasing. If you find a limited edition model you like, be sure to check it out and get it as soon as possible.