2020 marks the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko's birth, and to mark the occasion, numerous new movements and limited edition models were announced. So, just how many limited edition models were released? Here's a look at all the limited edition Grand Seiko models released in 2020, including some that have already sold out and are no longer available.
A collection adorned with "Grand Seiko Blue" dials
The year 2020 kicks off with four collections dressed in Grand Seiko's signature navy blue. The Grand Seiko Blue used on each dial exudes a special atmosphere not found in regular models.
The Heritage Collection, with its refined face that embodies the Seiko style, includes a mechanical model equipped with the Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000, which achieves high precision through high vibration, and a quartz model equipped with the 9F85, which boasts an exceptional accuracy of ±5 seconds per year, but the detailed design and finish of the dial surface differ. There is also a quartz model from the Sports Collection that uses Grand Seiko Blue ceramic for the bezel, but what they all have in common is that the second hand extending from the center is red. The red, which stands out against the deep navy blue, greatly contributes to the visibility that Grand Seiko values.
And the mechanical model from the "Elegance Collection" is dedicated to women. The diamonds set into the indexes and bezel are truly dazzling, making it sure to shine not only in business settings but also at parties.
Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH281
Automatic (Cal. 9S85). 37 jewels. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm, thickness 13.3mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 1500 pieces worldwide. Price: 64 million yen (excluding tax).
Heritage Collection Quartz Model SBGP007
Quartz (Cal. 9F85). 9 jewels. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm, thickness 10.8mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 2500 pieces worldwide. 40 yen (excluding tax).
Sports Collection Quartz Model SBGP015
Quartz (Cal. 9F85). 9 jewels. Stainless steel and ceramic (diameter 40mm, thickness 12.4mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. Limited to 2000 pieces worldwide. 40 yen (excluding tax).
Elegance Collection Ladies Mechanical Model STGK015
Automatic (Cal. 9S27). 35 jewels. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 27.8mm, thickness 11.2mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 300 pieces worldwide. Price: 100 million yen (excluding tax).
The elegance of Shizukuishi's craftsmanship
Seiko is a manufacture capable of consistently producing even the balance spring that makes up the regulator, the heart of Grand Seiko mechanical watches, and the Shizukuishi High-End Watch Workshop is the one that produces Grand Seiko mechanical watches. "Shizukuishi" is the origin of the name of the town of Shizukuishi, which was given the name about 1000 years ago. It is said that the sound of "drops" falling from the ceiling of a cave in the forest here hitting the rocks below resonated and echoed throughout the silence of the forest, and that people who came to hear this mysterious sound began to call out to the town.
Elegance Collection Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Model SBGW263
Manual-winding (Cal. 9S64). 24 jewels. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Pt950 (diameter 39mm, thickness 11.8mm). Water resistant to 3 ATM. Limited to 20 pieces worldwide. Price: 1000 million yen (excluding tax).
This piece depicts this fantastical scene through engraving. The dial, which showcases the skilled techniques of "Contemporary Master Craftsman" Kiyoshi Terui, is truly a sight to behold. The hour and minute hands represent water droplets sliding down, and the indexes represent water splashing against a stone, creating a delicate effect that almost brings the scene to mind.
The first men's jewelry watch
Until now, Grand Seiko's diamond-set models have only been aimed at women, but in 2020, the brand released its first luxurious jewelry watch for men. The Micro Artist Studio, the luxury watchmaking specialist that produces this watch, is located in the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture. The extremely rare "fine ice" that can be seen here is a natural phenomenon that occurs on clear, sunny mornings when the temperature drops below -10°C, and is a mysterious sight also known as diamond dust.
Spring Drive 8 Days Jewelry Watch SBGD205
Manual-winding (Cal. 9R01). 56 jewels. Power reserve approximately 192 hours. Pt950 (diameter 43mm, thickness 13.5mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 10 pieces worldwide. Price: 2000 million yen (excluding tax).
The beauty of this "fine ice" is beautifully expressed on the glittering dial adorned with precious stones. The brilliance of the baguette diamonds, meticulously set by the skilled techniques of skilled artisans, is a world of silvery white. The center of the dial is also meticulously decorated with the stars that make up the constellation Leo, a reference to the lion, the symbol of Grand Seiko. Another noteworthy feature is the Spring Drive movement, which boasts a maximum operating time of approximately eight days.
