Grand Seiko Just Unveiled Two New GMT Watches To Mark 25 Years Of Caliber 9S

In a testament to precision and innovation, Grand Seiko commemorates the 25th anniversary of its iconic Caliber 9S movement with the unveiling of two new GMT watches. Since its inception in 1998, the Caliber 9S has been the driving force behind Grand Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking excellence. Designed from the ground up to deliver unparalleled precision and durability, it paved the way for a series of movements that cater to various functions, escapements, and complications. Notable among these innovations are the revolutionary Caliber 9SA5, featuring the Dual-Impulse Escapement, and the Tentagraph, Grand Seiko’s first mechanical chronograph. The legacy also includes a range of GMT watches characterized by diverse styles and Hi-Beat movements.

To mark this significant anniversary, Grand Seiko just dropped two new GMT timepieces within its Sport and Elegance Collections, teaching taking inspiration from the skies above Mt. Iwate in Iwate Prefecture, the birthplace of every Grand Seiko mechanical watch, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans: the SBGJ275 and the SBGM253.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

The Sport Collection GMT (SBGJ275) watch pays homage to the ethereal sea of clouds that graces the sky at daybreak. The dial captures the beauty of overlapping, dense clouds formed by still, humid air. Reflecting the serene blue of the sky over Mt. Iwate, the dial resonates with the colors of early morning clouds.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

The timepiece boasts a clear sapphire crystal case back, providing a view of a titanium oscillating weight colored in a light shade of blue through an anodic oxidation process. This marks a significant step as it is the first time an exhibition case back features a Grand Seiko mechanical watch with a water resistance of up to 20 bar. A rotating bezel with sapphire crystal detailing in blue and white enhances the design while facilitating the reading of three time zones simultaneously. Powered by the esteemed Hi-Beat GMT Caliber 9S86, the watch ensures accurate timekeeping with a frequency of 36,000 vph.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

On the other hand, the Elegance Collection GMT (SBGM253) watch captures the serene blue tone of the sky as seen from the pinnacle of Mt. Iwate. The sunray dial in this beautiful hue evokes the top of the mountain, creating a classic yet modern look.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand SeikoPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

Its mirror-finished bezel and case, gracefully curved lugs, and box-shaped sapphire crystal exude timeless elegance. A transparent case back offers a view of the 9S66 GMT movement, featuring a titanium oscillating weight in Grand Seiko blue achieved through anodic oxidation. The local hour hand is independently adjustable for ease of use across time zones. The blue 24-hour scale on the pale blue sunray dial showcases the second time zone, combining subtlety and legibility.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko’s commitment to innovation, precision, and design excellence shines through in these exceptional GMT watches, celebrating a remarkable journey that began 25 years ago with the groundbreaking Caliber 9S.