Grand Seiko Caliber 9S: 25 Years of Progress

Since its launch in 1998, the Caliber 9S series has been continuously improved and adopted in a variety of models. Now, to commemorate its 25th anniversary, two limited edition models have been released. Using their specialty dial processing techniques, they depict the scenery seen from Mount Iwate.

Grand Seiko releases Caliber 9S 25th anniversary limited edition model

　1998 was a turning point for Grand Seiko. After a hiatus of roughly 20 years, the company revived mechanical watches and developed the Caliber 9S, which achieved accuracy based on the strict "New Grand Seiko Standard," exceeding that of Swiss chronometers. The Caliber 9S, which achieved high accuracy of within minus 3 to plus 5 seconds and a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, a long time at the time, has continued to evolve to this day, with improvements to the shape and materials of its components.

　This year marks the 25th anniversary of the birth of this legendary watch, and two limited edition models equipped with the latest Caliber 9S series have been unveiled. They share a common theme of expressing the view from Mount Iwate, near the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Their designs are based on the SBGR001, released in 1998, which first featured the Caliber 9S, and embody the timeless beauty of GS's "best basics." The 37mm case is Zaratsu polished, with smooth curves that are free of distortion.

　First, the SBGH311, equipped with the caliber 9S85, features a dial with an organic pattern inspired by the sea of ​​clouds that surrounds Mount Iwate. It ticks at 36,000 vibrations per hour, and its balance spring is made from the durable and anti-magnetic material "Sprong," along with a lightweight escapement created using MEMS technology, contribute to stable accuracy at high beats. Next, the SBGR325, equipped with the caliber 9S65, is an eye-catching watch with a sunray-finish sky blue dial that represents the sky seen from the summit of Mount Iwate. Like the caliber 9S85, it uses an escapement that utilizes MEMS technology, ticking at 28,800 vibrations per hour while maintaining a more practical power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Both are limited edition models worthy of marking milestones in evolution.