(Left) Reference SBGT241. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F83). 9 jewels. Stainless steel (diameter 39.1mm, thickness 10.9mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Accuracy of ±5 seconds per year (when worn on the wrist at temperatures between 5 and 35°C). Stainless steel bracelet. Limited to 1500 pieces worldwide. Price: 350,000 yen (excluding tax). Scheduled for release on March 7, 2018.
(Right) Reference SBGV238. Quartz movement (Cal. 9F82). 9 jewels. Stainless steel (diameter 40.0mm, thickness 10.0mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Accuracy ±5 seconds per year (when worn on the wrist at temperatures between 5 and 35°C). Stainless steel bracelet. Limited to 600 pieces worldwide. Price: 500,000 yen (excluding tax). Scheduled for release on April 20, 2018. Available exclusively at Grand Seiko Master Shops nationwide.
In 1993, Grand Seiko released its exclusive quartz movement, Caliber 9F. Developed by the brand with the aim of creating the "ultimate movement," Caliber 9F incorporated numerous innovative features that overturned conventional wisdom about quartz watches, including a "twin pulse control motor" for rotating the long, thick hands, a "backlash auto-adjust mechanism" to reduce second hand wobble, and an "instant date change mechanism" for instantaneous calendar changes. The watch's commitment to precision was particularly evident in the inclusion of a regulator switch for fine-tuning accuracy, even though it was an annually accurate quartz movement. Even today, the Caliber 9F remains regarded as the pinnacle of quartz watches.
In spring 2018, two limited edition models will be released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the birth of the Caliber 9F. Both models are equipped with specially designed movements that further improve the timekeeping accuracy of the Caliber 9F, which is normally ±10 seconds per year, to ±5 seconds per year. As proof of this high accuracy, a gold-colored five-pointed star shines at the 6 o'clock position.
The Ref. SBGT241 is a remake of Grand Seiko's first 9F quartz model. While retaining the soft case and bracelet of the time, the case size has been updated to a more modern 39.1mm from the original 37.0mm. The Ref. SBGV238 has a case design that is a modern interpretation of the "44GS" model released in 1967, which symbolizes the "Seiko style."
The charm of this limited edition model is also hidden in the dial. As a special specification for the anniversary model, the "GS" and "9F" patterns are embossed across the entire dial. If you look closely at the 25-minute mark, you will notice that the letters "9F25" are hidden. This adds a playful touch.
The case backs of the two models have different designs and display the respective serial numbers as well as "Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Since 1993."
This is a watch that celebrates the history of Japan's proud high-precision quartz movement, and is one that you will want to enjoy at your leisure.
