When Grand Seiko appreciates like a Rolex - SBGH267

roadwarrior

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Grand Seiko SBGH267
The gold “GS” mark sparkles brilliantly against the dial which is in Grand Seiko’s own dark blue. Even the titanium surface of the oscillating weight, is colored dark blue, an effect made possible through an anodic oxidation process. The 10 beat Caliber 9S85 is visible through the exhibition sapphire case back. Automatic winding, 39.5mm case in stainless steel, limited edition of 1,500.

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Grand Seiko SBGH266
The dial incorporates the special mark that was used to designate the watches made by the team at Daini Seikosha, the company now known as Seiko Instruments Inc. This special mark alternates with the GS initials in a delicate mosaic that radiates out from the center of the dial in a geometric pattern. The “SPECIAL” mark certifies that the 10 beat Caliber 9S85 was specially adjusted to the Grand Seiko Special standard, which, at +4 to -2 seconds per day, is even higher than the Grand Seiko Standard itself. Automatic winding, 39.5mm case in 18k gold, limited edition of 150.

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When Grand Seiko appreciates like a Rolex - SBGH267

•Jan 23, 2021
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Bruce Williams

I showcase a lovely hi-beat limited anniversary Grand Seiko that has recently skyrocketed in secondary market value. In this video I show the details of the now sold out watch, and talk pricing and history. Don't you love it when a non-Rolex appreciates like a Rolex does?

Thank you to Chris for lending in this stunner! He recently started a watch channel with another friend of mine- Karan.


Three special movements, a new case and a unique dial.
All to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grand Seiko 9S mechanical caliber.​

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Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A.: a new level of precision
After the launch of the very first Grand Seiko watch in 1960, the creation of the 9S mechanical caliber in 1998 was perhaps the most important moment in the history of Grand Seiko. The 9S caliber was entirely new and designed from scratch to deliver the high precision and excellent durability for which Grand Seiko was renowned. Ever since, the 9S caliber has been continuously enhanced, with new Spron alloys for both the main and balance springs and MEMS engineering, a technique that allows key components to be manufactured to tolerances as small as one thousandth of a millimeter. Today, 9S is the platform on which the entire Grand Seiko suite of mechanical calibers is built and has earned a deserved reputation as one of the world’s finest calibers, thanks to its high precision, long power reserve and robust construction.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this caliber, the Grand Seiko team has created a series of three limited edition timepieces, each of which, in different ways, pays homage to the high precision that caliber 9S achieves.

A landmark in Grand Seiko’s pursuit of precision, V.F.A., is honored in platinum.​

“Very Fine Adjusted” may not be the most evocative name but V.F.A. is a revered set of initials for the Grand Seiko team. First used in 1969, it defined a Grand Seiko watch that was adjusted so skillfully that it achieved a precision rate far in excess of the Grand Seiko Standard. This new 2018 creation proudly carries on the V.F.A. tradition thanks to the extraordinary precision rate of its 9S85 Hi-Beat 36000 caliber, +3 to -1 seconds per day, a level achieved by the highest level of adjustment and a testing program extended to 34 days. The watch is offered in a platinum 950 case which is a new interpretation of the most widely admired Grand Seiko design, created by Nobuhiro Kosugi, the designer of the first 9S watch in 1998.
Two surfaces of Zaratsu polishing extend to the very edge of the lug where these curved surfaces meet the hairline finish to create a perfect triangle that only the most skilled Grand Seiko craftsmen and women can achieve. The dial, too, is exceptional; its design incorporates the special mark that was used to designate the watches made by the team at Daini Seikosha, the company now known as Seiko Instruments Inc., which developed its first Grand Seiko hi-beat watch in 1968, 50 years ago this year. This long-remembered mark alternates with the GS initials in a delicate mosaic that radiates out from the center of the dial in a geometric pattern.

The 9S anniversary is also celebrated in gold and steel​

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Grand Seiko Special in 18k gold
Two additional limited editions celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9S caliber. The first is in an 18k gold case and the second in stainless steel. Both share the same case design as the V.F.A. creation, the same caliber 9S85 and the same dial design. The gold version, however, is adjusted to the Grand Seiko Special standard and offers a precision rate of +4 to -2 seconds per day. As with the V.F.A. version, the oscillating weight carries the Grand Seiko lion emblem in 18k gold as a symbol of the enhanced accuracy. The stainless steel design also has a special oscillating weight. It is made of titanium and tungsten and the titanium surface is colored blue by an anodic oxidation process.*
All three limited editions are available from March 2018 at selected Grand Seiko retail partners and the Seiko and Grand Seiko boutiques.
* Anodic oxidation treatment
This is a surface treatment in which metals are subjected to electrolysis so as to generate artificially an oxide film. Titanium oxide film produces color according to the light refraction index, enabling production of different colors by varying the thickness of the oxide film.

Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Editions​

Caliber 9S85
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Power reserve: 55 hours
Number of jewels: 37
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Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A.: SBGH265J
Accuracy: +3 to -1 seconds per day (when static)
Platinum 950 case and clasp
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €53,500
Limited edition of 20
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Hi-Beat 36000 Special: SBGH266J
Accuracy: +4 to -2 seconds per day (when static)
18k yellow gold case and clasp
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €27,000
Limited edition of 150
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Hi-Beat 36000: SBGH267G
Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static)
Stainless steel case and bracelet
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €6,300
Limited edition of 1,500

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The Movement
Caliber: 9S85
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Diameter: 28.4mm
Power Reserve: 55 hours
Winding: Automatic; tungsten and anodized titanium oscillating weight
Frequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vph)
Jewels: 37
Chronometer Certified: Grand Seiko Hi-Beat internally controlled; rated to +5/-3 seconds per day
Additional Details: MEMS fabricated skeletonized escape wheel with micro-oil reservoir teeth; MEMS fabricated skeletonized lever

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Caliber 9S takes up the 10-beat challenge

Put simply, there are two ways to enhance the precision of a mechanical watch: enlarging the diameter of the balance wheel, which controls the accuracy, or increasing the number of beats. The size of the balance wheel will always, however, be limited by the size of the watch. On the other hand, increasing the number of beats reduces the power reserve and also makes it difficult to maintain the oil that protects the parts from wear. So, what should be done? With this question, the challenge ahead was clear as the project to further refine the precision of Caliber 9S began.

“Go for it.” Hisashi Fujieda, a young engineer who was still in his 20s, recalls the rush of exhilaration he felt when his boss said those words to him. He set about analyzing various movements from the past, poring over the company’s enormous volumes of technical data, and seeking clarification from senior engineers when there was something he didn’t understand. Based on this work, and with the cooperation of the prototype division based in Morioka, he was able to create experimental models of a 10-beat mechanical movement. Through this process, the blueprints for a new high-precision movement began taking shape in Fujieda’s mind.

The task at hand was how to overcome contradictions. The straight and easy road to practical realization of greater accuracy was to increase the oscillations of the balance wheel. But it was also crucial to prevent any reduction of the power reserve and ensure oil retention, and thereby maintain the movement’s durability as well. Loss of oil was known to lead to fragility in a 10-beat movement and so was to be avoided at all costs. To realize a 10-beat movement worthy of the Grand Seiko name, this challenge had to be met without compromising any of the elements required of a watch that is worn every day.

There were two keys to achieving this goal; first, the development of new materials for the two springs that govern the wristwatch’s power and accuracy and, second, the enhancement of the oil retention properties of the escapement using new machining technology that could deliver higher levels of precision. It took time, but the team made advances in both areas that led to the birth of Caliber 9S85 in 2009. This accomplishment also signified that the baton had been successfully passed to a new generation of watch designers, in whose hands the development of Grand Seiko’s mechanical movements for the 21st century would be secure.
 
A very handsome, and distinctive, standard size, automatic, three hand, in some very dignified executions, from Grand Seiko. :wink: Thanks Mike.:hat:
 
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