In 1881, Kintaro Hattori founded the company that would later be known as Seiko and led it until his death at the age of 73 in 1934. His credo was that his company should be “Always one step ahead of the rest” and, as they went about their duties, he promoted to his colleagues his life lesson “Don’t run but always keep going.” His words have always had a powerful resonance and inspire the company still. While it was not created until 1960, nothing better expresses their power than Grand Seiko with its unique design, leading edge manufacturing and exquisite finishing. In honor of the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the company, Grand Seiko announces a remarkable creation that embodies Kintaro Hattori’s spirit and vision. The watch incorporates a dial design that captures the natural beauty of tree rings.
As if stretching back to reveal the very roots of Kintaro’s story, a series of delicate and organic lines echo the intricate rings that denote each year’s growth.
The dial delights the eye and warms the heart with its organic feel and brings to life Grand Seiko’s conception of the Nature of Time. An almost tactile effect is created by the way the light captures the multi-dimensional texture of the dial. The miniscule but visible variations in the dial’s depth reveal the subtlety of the dark and light tones of the wood grain. This high-beat watch incorporates a powerful and distinctive overall design known as Series 9, that is set to be part of the future signature of Grand Seiko. The hour hands are large in volume and are crafted to align exactly with the grooved and prominent hour markers, enhancing the legibility of the time. A distortion-free mirror finish and delicate hairline finish alternate to give the case a quiet and harmonious glow. With its wide lugs and a satisfyingly substantial leather strap, the watch offers perfect comfort and fits solidly and neatly on the wrist.
With its highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement, Grand Seiko free-sprung balance and twinbarrel construction, Caliber 9SA5 is a high-beat movement that delivers a precision rate of +5 to -3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 80 hours. The caliber represents the very finest in modern watchmaking, combining unique technologies with craftsmanship of the highest order.
A special anniversary demands that precious metals are used to celebrate it. The watch’s case is crafted from Platinum 950 and, as is Grand Seiko’s tradition, the star mark at six o’clock indicates that the indexes are solid gold, as are the GS letters, the calendar frame and the buckle.
The watch will be available as a limited edition of 140 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected Grand Seiko retailers worldwide in July 2021.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection
Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition
Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours Caliber 9SA5
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to –3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 80 hours
Number of jewels: 47
Specifications
Platinum 950 case and clasp
Box shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 11.7mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €60,000
Limited edition of 140
