Grand Seiko [New for 2021] "Heritage Collection Series Nine" features a birch forest on the dial

Seiko will release a regular model from Grand Seiko's new design series, "Series 9," which inherits the essence of Seiko style and is a legitimate evolution of the brand, equipped with the next-generation mechanical movement, caliber "9SA5," on Saturday, March 6th.

New design series "Series 9"

　The exterior of this model inherits the design grammar established with the 44GS in 1967, but is guided by a new design grammar that aims to further evolve essential visibility and wearability, incorporating the Japanese sensibility of finding beauty "between light and shadow" while based on a form that beautifully lets light flow.

　The distortion-free mirror surface achieved through Zaratsu polishing and the delicately textured case not only portrays beautifully radiating light and deep shadows, but also the soft gradations of light that shift between them. The dial features deeply grooved indexes that give it a strong presence, combined with three-dimensional hour and minute hands that enhance legibility through their powerful contrast, further improving legibility. Wearability is also improved by the bracelet, which provides a better grip, and the case, which has been designed to fit comfortably on the wrist while maintaining a low center of gravity.

　This design series, which represents a legitimate evolution of Grand Seiko's design grammar, will continue to be developed under the name "Series 9."

The dial depicts a majestic birch forest overflowing with vitality

　Near Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the manufacturing base for mechanical Grand Seiko watches, lies one of Japan's largest areas for growing white birch trees. Clad in the clear air of the plateau, the mystical sight of tall, slender white birch trees standing in layers creates a sense of depth, evoking the beauty and strength of nature. This watch depicts this magnificent birch forest with a dynamic embossed pattern and delicate coloring on the dial.

Delicate striped pattern "Shizukuishi River finish"

The movement visible through the case back is also finished in a style inspired by the nature of Shizukuishi. The delicate striped pattern of the Shizukuishi River Finish evokes the majestic flow of the Shizukuishi River, which changes with the seasons.

Next-generation Grand Seiko Caliber "9SA5"

　This model is equipped with the Caliber 9SA5, a mechanical high-beat movement exclusive to Grand Seiko, which was launched in 2020. This next-generation movement employs a dual impulse escapement (a highly efficient escapement) and twin barrels (two power springs) to achieve a high beat of 36,000 vibrations per hour, while still maintaining a running time of approximately 80 hours when fully wound. Its unique horizontal gear train structure also enables it to be made thinner.

Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection Series 9"