With the latest Grand Seiko Hi-Beat Special Edition, the renowned Japanese watchmaker set the new standards in terms of technology perfection. Along with these exceptional watches that represent a wonderful blend of elegance, luxury and the high-end technology, Seiko has also released two Limited Edition of a Grand Seiko GMT watch, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the brand’s signature model.
As the basic principles of the brand’s most renowned collection demand, each Grand Seiko timepiece is hand made from the finest materials and designed with the authentic simplicity that keeps the perfect balance between the functional interface and an elegant look. Finally, watches from the collection have to be powered by high-end mechanical movements. The latest Grand Seiko Special Edition Hi-Beat 36,000 timepiece is created not only to re-born the exceptional tradition, but also to present the next level of the brand’s cutting edge technological advances.
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 3600 Watch
Seiko’s latest hi-beat movement, presented in 2009, was advanced in every aspect of the mechanism, reaching higher accuracy and stability. In order to deliver more torque, the Japanese watchmaker used a new Spron material for the mainspring. Besides, a new pallet and a wheel increase the efficiency of the escapement. A Caliber 9S85 self-winding movement with manual winding capability oscillates at the great frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour and provides a nice power-reserve of 55 hours. This great mechanism is adorned with the 18 karat gold lion emblem on oscillating weight.
The Grand Seiko Special Edition Hi-Beat 36,000 timepiece preserved the design simplicity of the original model from 1960. Nicely combining elegance with luxury, it comes with a 38 mm case, crafted either in yellow, white or rose 18 karat gold. The stainless steel version is also available. A wonderful blend of polished and brushed surfaces is the perfect testimony about the Seiko’s exquisite watchmaking technique.
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 3600 Watch White Gold
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 3600 Watch Yellow Gold
A clear white dial ensures great readability, featuring applied gold hour markers and nicely shaped hands. The date window is located at the 3 o’clock position. The dial is protected with a high definition, dual-curved sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating, while the sapphire crystal case-backprovides an open view on the inner-work.
The Grand Seiko Special Edition Hi-Beat 36,000 timepiece is available with a black crocodile strap, with an 18 karat gold buckle and it is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet). The recommended price around 24,000 Euros will probably surprise those who are not familiar with the extraordinary quality of Grand Seiko products. Although I prefer Grand Seiko with the Spring Drive mechanism, this model is also a great choice for those who can afford it.
The Latest Grand Seiko GMT – A New Face of the Brand’s Signature Model
For the first time since they were released 10 years ago, Grand Seiko GMT watches come in Grand Seiko’s traditional blue color. Two new Limited Edition GMT models feature striking blue dials, as well as distinctive blue titanium oscillating weight that are completely visible through sapphire crystal case-backs of the watches.
Grand Seiko GMT Watch SBGM029
The titanium oscillating weight of a Seiko’s Caliber 9S66 gives the great contribution to high end performances of the mechanism. With its high elasticity, it possesses superb resistance to different kinds of shocks and it is very resistant to corrosion. Besides, it is capable to absorb vibration ten times better than the widely used material, ensuring great durability and exceptional precision.
I have already introduced the Caliber 9S66, powering last year’s GMT models SBGM021 and SBGM023. It is an exceptional automatic movement with manual winding capability and the superb power-reserve of 72 hours. Discrepancies of +5 ~ -3 seconds per day are considered as the remarkable precision for a mechanical movement.
Grand Seiko GMT Watch SBGM031
Although the latest GMT watches have preserved the design simplicity of the original, their blue dials combined with golden colored GMT hands provide a more striking and unconventional look, while beautiful curves and finishes give a nice aesthetic touch. Hand-applied 12 hours markers and a nicely shaped date window at the 3 o’clock position ensure perfect readability.
The main difference between two new models is the position of the 24 hours scale. While the model SBGM031 keeps the same design of the last year’s version, with the GMT scale in the center of the dial and the short GMT hand that displays time in the second time zone, the SBGM029 features the scale inscribed at the bezel, providing a sportier look. Besides, the first one, produced in the Limited Edition of 1000 pieces, comes with an elegant blue crocodile strap, with a three-fold clasp and a push button release, while the sporty version incorporates a solid stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp. It is launched in the Limited Series of 700 watches.
New Grand Seiko GMT watches are made of stainless steel with 39.5 mm in diameter. They are protected with high definition dual-curved sapphire crystals, with anti-reflective coatings and provide solid water-resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). The recommended price for the version with the leather strap is 6,300 Euros, while for the stainless steel bracelet model you need to pay 300 Euros more.
