The Japanese watchmaker re-created the very first Grand Seiko watch to celebrate the brand’s 130th anniversary. With a new manual-winding mechanism, the latest Grand Seiko watches possess qualities that have been carried ever since the first timepiece from this extraordinary collection was born, back in 1960.
Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch SBGW040
As a part of the Seiko’s 130th Anniversary Commemorative Collection, introduced on the Baselworld 2011, new timepieces come in three limited editions. Seiko produced just 130 pieces of gold and platinum versions, while the steel edition has 1,300 pieces.
What makes the Grand Seiko Collection so special? Well, first of all, it has a long tradition – the legendary model was crafted 50 years ago. Further, it was the product of a Japanese watchmaker idea to create the best luxury watch. In order to achieve the goal, Seiko determined main principles – the highest possible precision, legibility and toughness. Finally, it needed to be easy to wear. Isn’t it what every watchmaker wants? Probably. The truth is that just a few have succeeded to put all these ultimate qualities in a case and sell them for a high price.
Just like the very first model, the latest Grand Seiko watches are powered with the hand-winding movement of the highest quality. Exclusively used for the Grand Seiko, the Caliber 9S64 provides a superb 72 hours power reserve, thanks to the thinner and longer mainspring, crafted in Seiko’s alloy “SPRON510”.
Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Mechanism Caliber 9S64
This mechanism also incorporates the brand’s new escape wheel and balance spring. It is highly resistant to shocks and magnetism, thanks to another recently developed alloy “SPRON610”. New components guarantee great durability and fantastic precision (-3 to +5 seconds per day, under static conditions). The Caliber 9S64 oscillates at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comprises 24 jewels.
Designed to pay a tribute to the model from 1960, new watches come with exactly the same Grand Seiko name on their dials and buckles, as it was on the original. The renowned ‘lion’ symbol beautifies the caseback. Simple and clear, the dial is protected with a high definition, dual-curved sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating that makes it very readable.
Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch SBGW039
Blade polished cases, each with a mid-size diameter of 35.8 mm, present the famous brand watchmaking technique. They are made either in stainless steel (price around 5,000 Euros), platinum (23,500 Euros) or gold (15,400 Euros), matching crocodile straps.
- SBGW040
Ref. No. SBGW040
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Yellow gold Case Size 35.8 mm Case Thickness 11 mm Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Brown leather Dial White Movement Calibre 9S64 Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 30 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 72 hours Assembly Style Price 15,400 euros - SBGW039
Ref. No. SBGW039
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel Case Size 35.8 mm Case Thickness 11 mm Crystal Sapphire Bracelet/Strap Black leather Dial White Movement Calibre 9S64 Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar No Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance 30 meters Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve 72 hours Assembly Style Price 5,000 euros
Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Commemorative Collection Watch review was published on Watchalyzer on December 11, 2011
The highest possible precision, legibility, toughness, easy to wear and tradition are the main features of this enchanting brand. When I say Seiko, I think of luxury. This brand is for people with very fine taste.
Frank, you are right about everything except the price, because here you can find models for only a few thousands. I bought two models 25 years ago. Today, they look almost like new watches and they work excellent.
Sorry, Carl, but I think it’s time to buy a new watch
I think the prices for the models w/ the gold and the platinum cases are outrageous. The SS model is 5000 euros, but w/ the gold is 15400 euros —– do the math, a gold case for 10400 euros (~$14000 USD)? With the price of gold at ~$1700 USD per ounce (~28 grams), you can buy ~8.25 ounces of 24K gold or ~11 ounces of 18K gold (assuming that’s what Seiko uses for the gold case) w/ that amount of money. I very much doubt the entire weight of the watch (gold case + movement + dial + crystal, etc.) is more than 100 grams (~3.5 ounces), so Seiko is in fact charging you 4 to 5 times the market price for the gold! I would say stick w/ the stainless steel case if you’re going to buy this watch, anyone who goes for the gold or platinum versions need to have their brains examined.
Very interesting point of view, Jim. Still, you should consider the fact that they do not sell gold and other watch components separately. Instead, they sell a golden watch and someone likes to pay extra money for this kind of luxury. Besides, someone will pay extra money for exclusivity, since gold and platinum versions are ten times rarer than the stainless steel version. Anyway, regardless of price, I will rather wear the SS version.