Showing posts with label Grand Seiko. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand Seiko. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Grand Seiko HERITAGE SLGH002 60th Anniversary Edition

SEIKOGrand Seiko HERITAGE SLGH002 Hi-Beat 36000 60th Anniversary Limited Edition 2020

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A high beat caliber opens a new chapter 
in the history of Grand Seiko

In 1998, the creation of the 9S mechanical caliber opened a new chapter in the Grand Seiko story. Today, the pages turn again with the launch of a new high beat mechanical caliber, 9SA5, which, in its design and functionality represents an advance just as important as the first 9S.

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9SA5 is more than just a new caliber. It is an entirely new movement and the foundation upon which a whole new generation of Grand Seiko mechanical watches will be created. Deploying all the skills and experience we have gained over the past 60 years, 9SA5 is, beyond doubt, the finest mechanical caliber that we have ever created. 

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A watch offered in a limited edition of 100 will be the first to be powered by this new caliber. It will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques in August 2020.

Design and function in perfect harmony.
36,000 vph, 80 hours of power reserve and a slim profile.

The challenge for any watchmaker who creates a high beat movement is to strike the perfect balance between precision, power and size without compromising on any of these parameters.

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In developing the 9SA5 caliber, the Grand Seiko development team set out to deliver the same level of stable accuracy as that of their existing 36,000 vph movement but to deliver a longer power reserve and so makes the watch even more practical in everyday life.

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They succeeded in characteristically uncompromising style. Caliber 9SA5 has a precision rate of +5 to -3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 80 hours.

The three technical advances that make the difference

The precision, power and slimness of Caliber 9SA5 are the result of the radical re-design of three key structures and some components within them for which several patents are either already granted or pending.

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1. Dual Impulse Escapement

The escapement is entirely new and was developed in-house. It enables the escapement wheel to transmit power directly to the balance, leading to an efficiency increase.

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It is unique in that, in one direction, power is transmitted directly to the balance while in the other it is via the pallet fork, as in a traditional escapement. Both pallet fork and escapement wheel are made using MEMS technology.

2. Grand Seiko Free-sprung Balance

9SA5 uses a new and special free-sprung balance developed for this caliber. It retains its precision for longer and is more resistant to shock and friction.

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While the current Caliber 9S uses a flat hairspring, 9SA5 uses an overcoil, whose curve shape was decided after more than 80,000 simulations with the result that its performance is optimized in every possible position. The uniqueness is that it can improve the isochronism.

3. Horizontal Gear Train

The new caliber is 15% slimmer than the current Grand Seiko high beat caliber, thanks to the innovative horizontal layout of the barrel and gear trains.

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In addition to these three new components, Caliber 9SA5 has other features that contribute to its extraordinary performance. Two barrels, arranged in sequence, enhance the power reserve, the date change is virtually instantaneous and the positioning of the winding stem close to the rotor allows the watch to sit closer to the wrist.

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The movement is as beautifully finished as it is efficient. The bridge has a gently curving outline that is inspired by the shapes of Mt. Iwate and a bend in the Shizukuishi River that runs near the studio where the watch is made.

A new design for a new era

Just as Caliber 9SA5 makes a significant and defining statement about the next stage of Grand Seiko’s technical development, the design also has a distinctive look that marks a new beginning. The watch is, of course, true to the Grand Seiko Style that was defined back in 1967 with the celebrated 44GS but it is subtly different in ways that are much more than cosmetic.

This new design has all the hallmarks of Grand Seiko but also offers enhanced comfort and legibility.

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The slimness of the caliber does much to ensure that the watch can sit easily but it is combined with slightly wider lugs so that the watch also stays more solidly on the wrist.

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The already legendary legibility of Grand Seiko is further enhanced by the increased volume of the hour hand and by the hour markers that are more prominent, just as they were in the first Grand Seiko of 1960. The Grand Seiko logo, indexes and calendar frame are in 18k yellow gold.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection HERITAGE

Model: Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Edition

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Ref. SLGH002

Movement
Caliber 9SA5 Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours
Driving system: automatic. Stop seconds hand function
Diameter: 31.6mm, Thickness: 5.18mm
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static)
Power reserve: 80 hours
Number of jewels: 47
Instant date change
Date display
Case
18k yellow gold case and clasp
Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 11.7mm
High definition box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Case back with lion emblem LIMITED EDITION on the case back
Serial number engraved on the case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Strap
Crocodile strap
Clasp type:  18k yellow three-fold clasp with push button release

Retail price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €45,000

Edition
Limited edition of 100 pieces


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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Grand Seiko – HERITAGE Spring Drive Platinum Edition
















SEIKOGrand Seiko HERITAGE Spring Drive Platinum 20th Anniversary Edition





A new manual-winding Spring Drive 
caliber marks the 20th anniversary of Spring Drive

Presented in a thin dress series within the Grand Seiko Elegance collection, this watch presents a refined and slim profile. It offers one-second-a-day precision and presents the understated refinement and quality that exemplify Grand Seiko’s uniquely Japanese sensibility while reflecting the natural and continuous flow of time with its signature glide motion seconds hand.

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The team of elite watchmakers from the Micro Artist Studio presents Caliber 9R02, a new movement that has two mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel and uses the unique Torque Return System* to deliver a power reserve of 84 hours. In every external aspect, the watch is as striking as is the performance of the movement.

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The case is Platinum 950 and just 9.8mm in depth. Both hour and minute hands and hour markers are made of 14k white gold. The Grand Seiko name, the minute markers and all the other markings are etched into the dial. The power reserve indicator is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, next to the barrel whose shape echoes the bellflower that is the symbol of Shiojiri, where the studio is located. The two bridges have edges that are painstakingly polished so that their brilliance contrasts with the perfect hairline finish of the bridges

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The watch is offered as a limited edition of 30 whose design expresses the beauty of the natural surroundings of the Micro Artist Studio. The dial features the celebrated “Snowflake” pattern which is inspired by the beauty of the snow in the Shinshu region. The dial’s silver finish complements the delicate hand carving on the platinum case.

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* Torque Return System: When the mainspring has been fully wound and the torque output is at its highest, approximately 30% of the available power is not needed to maintain the precision of the watch, and is in effect wasted in a normal movement. The Torque Return System uses this energy to rewind the mainspring, resulting in an increase in the power reserve.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection HERITAGE

Model: Spring Drive thin dress series

Spring Drive Caliber 9R02
 Driving system: manual winding
 Power reserve: 84 hours
 Accuracy: ± 1 second per day (± 15 seconds per month)
 Dual-Spring Barrel and Torque Return System
 Power reserve indicator
 Number of jewels: 39

Specifications
(SBGZ001, 003):
 Platinum 950 case and clasp
 High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
 See-through screw case back
 Water resistance: 3 bar
 Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
 Diameter: 38.5mm, Thickness: 9.8mm
 Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:
€78,000 (SBGZ001), €58,500 (SBGZ003)
Limited edition of 30 (SBGZ001) - only available at Grand Seiko Boutiques

Spring Drive Caliber 9R31
 Driving system: manual winding
 Power reserve: 72 hours
 Accuracy: ± 1 second per day (± 15 seconds per month)
 Dual-Spring Barrel
 Power reserve indicator
 Number of jewels: 30

Specifications (SBGY002, 003):
 18k yellow gold case and clasp (SBGY002), Stainless steel case and clasp (SBGY003)
 High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
 See-through screw case back
 Water resistance: 3 bar
 Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
 Diameter: 38.5mm, Thickness: 10.2mm
 Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:
€27,000 (SBGY002), €8,200 (SBGY003)
Limited edition of 700 (SBGY003)


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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
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www.SeikoWatches.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

SEIKO – 1969 Quartz ASTRON 50th Anniversary Edition

















SEIKO1969 Quartz ASTRON Gold 50th Anniversary Special Limited Edition 

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A tribute to a watchmaking revolution. 
The 50th anniversary of the Quartz Astron is celebrated 
in a limited edition GPS Solar watch.

On December 25th fifty years ago, Seiko introduced the world’s first quartz wristwatch. It was a watch that revolutionized the watchmaking industry and its launch remains one of the most important landmarks in Seiko’s history. The Quartz Astron set a new standard in wristwatch precision with an accuracy rate of ±5 seconds per month, made possible by several technological advances including the tuning fork shaped quartz oscillator and the open type step motor which are still standard components of quartz watches today.

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Soon after the launch of the Quartz Astron, Seiko opened most of its patents to the world, a move that helped bring the advantages of quartz timekeeping within the reach of all. In 2004, the Quartz Astron received the IEEE Milestone Award for its breakthrough contribution which is today widely used not only in horology but also in a vast range of other electronic applications. The Seiko Quartz Astron is recognized as one of Japan’s greatest achievements, giving all mankind access to high precision timekeeping and changing the way time was told around the world.

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The Astron name was revived in 2012 when the world’s first GPS solar watch was launched. Like its predecessor, the Astron GPS Solar took electronic watchmaking to new levels with its ability to connect to the GPS network and adjust to every time zone* at the touch of a button while taking all the energy it needed from light, never needing a battery change.

*If there are changes in the region / time zone / DST manual selection may be required.

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Today, on the fiftieth anniversary of the original Quartz Astron, a new creation in the Astron GPS Solar collection pays tribute to its celebrated predecessor and brings together the two revolutionary advances in watchmaking history that share the Astron name.


The spirit of the 1969 Astron is reflected in every aspect of the design

This new limited edition watch brings back to life the form and design of the 1969 Quartz Astron in its entirety. Both the elegance of the celebrated timepiece and its characteristically futuristic feel are reflected in the curved silhouette of the case, the wide case lugs and the thin bezel.

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Like the 1969 watch, the case is in 18K yellow gold with each delicately hand carved by the highest skilled craftsmen and women. The dial has a subtle vertical hairline pattern and the hands and multi-faceted indexes are thin and carry a black line on the surface, just as on the first Quartz Astron.


A new slim GPS Solar caliber, a slim profile

The limited edition watch houses a new GPS Solar movement that allows it to have the slimness and grace of the 1969 watch’s form. The new Caliber 3X22 is the world’s thinnest* GPS solar caliber to be fitted in a watch case and is made possible by the highest level of modern watchmaking technology.

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Reduced to its essentials of time adjustment and timekeeping, the watch connects automatically up to twice a day to the GPS network to maintain its precision of one second every 100,000 years, and when time zone adjustment is required, with a simple push of a single button, the hands move faster than ever thanks to the system that moves each hand independently.

*As of October 31, 2019, based on Seiko's research.

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This watch is available as a limited edition of just 50 in December, 2019 at selected Seiko boutiques and selected retail stores worldwide.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection ASTRON

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Model 1969 Quartz ASTRON 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

Ref. SBXD002J

Movement
Quartz GPS Solar
Caliber 3X22

  • GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
  • Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100
  • High Speed Time Zone adjustment
  • Signal reception result indication
  • Power save function
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
(without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C)

Specifications

18K yellow gold case and claspCase Size
Diameter: 40.9
Thickness: 12.8
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Length: 43.9
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €38,000

Limited edition of 50


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Press Release - 2019
--------------------------------------------
www.grand-seiko.com
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www.facebook.com - Seiko
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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.SeikoWatches.com

Monday, October 7, 2019

SEIKO – Grand Seiko Godzilla 65th Anniversary Edition


SEIKOGrand Seiko SPORT Godzilla 65th Anniversary Limited Edition 2019



Spring Drive and Godzilla. A celebration of two
anniversaries in a
Grand Seiko limited edition

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The 20th anniversary of Spring Drive is celebrated this year with a new design in Grand Seiko’s sport collection that showcases the watches’ capabilities to withstand the most demanding sport environment. The design brings a new edge to the collection with its sharp corners and bold case and today, a new creation celebrates the anniversaries of both Spring Drive and Japan’s iconic monster, Godzilla, in a striking commemorative edition.

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Grand Seiko and Godzilla share an unlikely but common history. Godzilla made its debut in Japan in 1954 and it was in this first Godzilla film that the creature appears in Ginza, the birthplace of Seiko, and destroys the famous clock tower which rises above the Wako store, a retail establishment of Seiko’s that first opened its doors in 1952.

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The strength of the Grand Seiko watch is met with the power and force of the king of monsters and with it a brand new creation in the sport collection is born.
Godzilla, the king of all monsters

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The creature makes its fierce presence on the watch in a number of ways. Godzilla’s signature roar and the “heat ray beam” that it shoots from his mouth to strike his opponents is expressed in the rays of the red dial. The shark strap is applied black and red to re-create the tone and rough texture of the monster’s skin. Most notably, the strong angular case of the watch brings to life the magnitude of Godzilla.

A celebration of Spring Drive and 
a new level of performance for sport

The watch carries Spring Drive Caliber 9R15 and has high shock and temperature resistance. It is also specially adjusted to have an enhanced precision of 0.5 second a day. The design of the hands as well as the Lumibrite on the hands, hour markers and bezel, and the high definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating all allow for enhanced legibility making it the perfect watch for any sports situation. Thanks to the curve of the lugs and the low center of gravity of the case the watch sits comfortably on any wrist.
Two icons on the see-through case back

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The see-through case back is stamped with the scene where Godzilla destroys the iconic clock tower that had long been the symbol of the area and still stands today at the main intersection of the Ginza district. Its design pays homage to the Grand Seiko lion and is illustrated by Shinji Higuchi, co-director and special effects director for the movie “Shin Godzilla” (2016). Shinji Higuchi comments, “just as the lion is the king of beasts, Godzilla, the king of monsters, would be appropriate for the case back of this Grand Seiko watch. I wanted to create a completely new Godzilla and gave my best to design this in the image of what can be called ‘Grand Godzilla.’”

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The design of Godzilla is an original made exclusively for the commemorative piece.

The watch will be available as a limited edition of just 650 in November, 2019 at selected Grand Seiko and Seiko boutiques and selected retail partners across the world.

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About Godzilla
Godzilla first appeared in Toho’s “Godzilla” (1954), a classic monster movie widely regarded as a masterpiece that launched a monster franchise expanding over 64 years with more than 30 films. The character has been adapted via numerous international motion pictures, re-introducing the character to a new generation and a global audience. Godzilla continues to stomp through popular culture with “Godzilla: King of the Monster,” released on May 2019, and “Godzilla vs Kong” in 2020. To learn more about Godzilla, visit: www.godzilla.com

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection SPORT

Model: Godzilla 65th Anniversary Edition

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Ref: SBGA405

Movement
Spring Drive 9R15
 Driving System: Automatic
 Power reserve: 72 hours
 Accuracy: ±0.5 second per day (±10 seconds per month)
 Number of jewels: 30
Specifications
 High-intensity titanium case
 Sapphire crystal bezel
 High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
 See-through screw case back, Screw-down crown
 Diameter: 44.5mm, Thickness: 14.3mm
 Water resistance: 20 bar
 Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
 Shark strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €12,700

Limited edition of 650


--------------------------------
Press Release - 2019
--------------------------------------------
www.grand-seiko.com
---------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Seiko
---------------------------------------------------
SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.SeikoWatches.com

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

SEIKO – Grand Seiko Spring Drive Anniversary Edition
















SEIKOGrand Seiko SPORT Spring Drive GMT 20th & NISSAN GT-R 50th Anniversary Limited Edition




20 years of Spring Drive and 50 years of the 
NISSAN GT-R are celebrated in a limited edition Grand Seiko watch.
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A new creation in the Grand Seiko sport collection pays homage to an emblematic Japanese classic, the NISSAN GT-R which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a very special edition. This Grand Seiko watch is at the leading edge of sports technology, with its Spring Drive chronograph caliber and a ceramic case. It will be available in June at selected Grand Seiko and Seiko Boutiques, and selected retail partners across the world.

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Introduced in 1969, the Skyline 2000 GT-R was the first in this celebrated series. Since then, the GT-R has earned its place in sports car history as setting the absolute standard in performance and has continuously showcased NISSAN’s passion for, and mastery of, car making. Cutting edge technology combined with Japanese craftsmanship makes possible the precision and high performance of each generation of these remarkable sports cars.

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Nissan - Skyline 2000 GT-R Sedan (19691970)
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Since its birth in 1960, Grand Seiko has also set the very highest standards in the essentials of watchmaking, accuracy, durability and legibility, thanks to the skills and experience of its Japanese watchmakers and craftsmen. The unique Spring Drive technology was launched 20 years ago this year.

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Both Grand Seiko and the NISSAN GT-R are determined to deliver the best in performance and this shared commitment to perfection is made strikingly clear in this collaborative and commemorative timepiece.

Bayside blue meets Grand Seiko blue

The NISSAN GT-R 50th Anniversary model pays homage to the race-car version of the Skyline 2000 GT-R, and is available until the end of March 2020. The watch design takes inspiration from the GT-R’s iconic blue color, known to car enthusiasts as "Bayside blue", which is reflected in the blue of the ceramic outer case. This ceramic and the inner case made by light high-intensity titanium protects the watch from scratches while fitting comfortably on the wrist and delivers 10 bar water resistance.

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The NISSAN racing livery with its distinctive white stripe is reflected in the white crocodile strap and the silver white color of the dial, creating a perfect aesthetic harmony with the blue of its ceramic case.

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The Spring Drive movement can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back and the GT-R anniversary emblem in 18K yellow gold is set into the oscillating weight to symbolize the watch’s enhanced accuracy level of ±0.5 seconds per day. The stopwatch measures elapsed time for up to twelve hours and is the perfect caliber with which to celebrate the twin anniversaries of Spring Drive and the NISSAN GT-R.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection SPORT

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Model: Spring Drive 20th & NISSAN GT-R 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

Ref: SBGC229

Movement
Mechanical thin dress series - Spring Drive Chronograph GMT
Caliber 9R96
    Driving system: Automatic
    Power reserve: 72 hours
    Accuracy: ±0.5 seconds per day (±10 seconds per month)
    Power reserve indicator
    GMT hand, Chronograph up to 12 hours
    Hour hand adjusted independently
    Number of jewels: 50
Specifications
    High-intensity titanium and ceramic case
    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: 46.4mm, Thickness: 16.2mm
    Crocodile strap with three fold clasp with push button release

    Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €21,600
    Limited edition of 200


--------------------------------
Press Release - 2019
--------------------------------------------
www.grand-seiko.com
---------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Seiko
---------------------------------------------------
SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.SeikoWatches.com