SEIKO – Grand Seiko ELEGANCE Manual-Wind - 2019

SEIKO – Grand Seiko ELEGANCE Manual-Wind 39 mm Limited Edition - Pre-Basel 2019

A new manual-winding caliber.

A new slim profile. An Urushi dial. 

The Grand Seiko Elegance Collection sets a new course.

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A new dial combines Grand Seiko’s signature Mt. Iwate pattern and “Suki-urushi” lacquer. SBGK002

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Grand Seiko is pleased to announce a new slim design in the Elegance Collection. The combination of a new case, a new manual-winding caliber with a small seconds hand and Urushi lacquer has made possible the creation of a watch that offers a new graceful refinement as well as Grand Seiko’s uniquely Japanese aesthetic.

Caliber 9S63.

A powerful movement that opens up a new design direction

Caliber 9S63 is a significant addition to the ever growing Grand Seiko family of movements. It has been eight years since the last manual-winding mechanical caliber in Grand Seiko and it has been worth the wait.

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Caliber 9S63 offers a small seconds hand at the nine o’clock position and a power reserve indicator at three o’clock.

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While these sub-dials are easy to read, they are also discreetly unobtrusive and allow the eye to enjoy the beauty of the Urushi lacquer of which the dial is made. Caliber 9S63 has a power reserve of 72 hours and delivers an accuracy rate of +5 to -3 seconds a day.

The perfect fusion of two traditions of craftsmanship

A distinctive deep jet black color with the special luster that only the finest Urushi can achieve. SBGK004

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In this new Urushi dialed creation, which is available in two versions, two traditions of Japanese craftsmanship come together. The pure, understated and subtle design aesthetic of Grand Seiko is evident in every detail, as is the skill and care taken by the watchmakers at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio where the watch is made.

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The cases are polished by a special Zaratsu method created to accentuate the beauty of the curved surfaces. The dials and the sapphire crystals are also curved to give the watches a classic look. The minute and power reserve indicator hands are bent so that they follow exactly the domed contour of the dials.

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The dials also showcase a second form of Japanese craftsmanship, Urushi lacquer. The amber color dial is made from a transparent and long lasting Urushi that comes from trees grown in and around the town of Joboji that lies under Mt. Iwate, the mountain that dominates the skyline above the Shizukuishi Watch Studio.

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Through the amber colored “Suki-urushi” lacquer can be seen the subtle Mt. Iwate pattern that reveals the watchmakers’ pride in the natural beauty that surrounds their home. The black dial uses the same lacquer mixed with iron to give it its distinctive deep jet black color.

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On both creations, the hour markers and the “GS” letters are decorated with the traditional Maki-e technique by Urushi master Isshu Tamura in his studio in Kanazawa on the west coast of Japan’s main island. Through the application of layer after layer of lacquer, these markers are given a three dimensional profile and a delicate yet strong presence on the dial.

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Tamura then applies the powder, either 24k gold or platinum, and polishes them by hand using his own special tools to give Maki-e its delicately shimmering appearance. These processes require great dexterity as it is very challenging to give every marker the same depth, especially on a curved surface.

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The minute and power reserve indicator hands are bent by hand to follow perfectly the domed contour of the dial.

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Initially, this new design series consists of three limited editions. The two Urushi dial executions are in 18k rose gold cases and are editions of just 150 while the third, with its blue Mt. Iwate pattern dial, is in stainless steel and is an edition of 1,500.

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All three are available from March, 2019. In addition, a fourth creation, with an 18k yellow gold case, will be added to the permanent Grand Seiko collection in July.

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This series will be available at Grand Seiko and Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.

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Technical Specifications

Collection: ELEGANCE

Model: ELEGANCE Manual-Wind

Movement
Mechanical thin dress series
Caliber 9S63A
Driving system: manual-winding
Vibrations: 28,880 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 33
Specifications

• 18k rose gold case (SBGK002, 004)
• 18k yellow gold case (SBGK006)
• Stainless steel case (SBGK005)

Urushi lacquer dial (SBGK002, 004)
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back, Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.0mm, Thickness: 11.6mm
Crocodile strap with 18k rose gold buckle (SBGK002, 004)
Crocodile strap with 18k yellow gold buckle (SBGK006)
Three-fold clasp with push button release (SBGK005)

Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:

• €31,400 (SBGK002, 004),
• €7,400 (SBGK005),
• €20,700 (SBGK006),

Limited edition of 150 (SBGK002, 004),
Limited edition of 1500 (SBGK005)

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Press Release - 2019
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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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Grand Seiko – GMT Edition 25th Anniversary

SEIKO – Grand Seiko Sport GMT Edition 25th Anniversary

 

The first Grand Seiko 9F quartz GMT model. 

The perfect caliber for the international traveler.

When Caliber 9F was created in 1993, the goal was straightforward but ambitious. As the quartz caliber for Grand Seiko, it should set new standards of durability and precision and should allow all the aesthetics of Grand Seiko to be fully expressed. Innovations in every aspect of the movement design were required to achieve this. A backlash auto-adjust mechanism eliminates any shudder in the seconds hand, the date changes in the blink of an eye, a twin-pulse control system allows the minute and seconds hands to extend right to the edge of the dial and high precision is ensured by the use of aged and individually selected quartz crystals. Thanks to these unique characteristics, Caliber 9F can lay a strong claim to being the highest performance quartz watch in the world.

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Today sees the release of the first ever Grand Seiko 9F quartz GMT caliber. It is the perfect caliber for the international traveler. Caliber 9F86 is based upon, and has all the precision and durability attributes of, the original 9F but incorporates a GMT function that allows the watch’s precision to be maintained when the hour hand is adjusted independently. This is made possible by new components that have been created especially for this movement.

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Despite the addition of the GMT hand, the depth of the case has been increased only slightly, thanks to a newly designed main plate, a re-design of the gear train and the way the hands are attached, a process that is done by hand. Like the other hands, the GMT hand is mounted on an independent axis so as to ensure its smooth operation. Caliber 9F86 is presented in one limited edition and two other permanent creations in the Grand Seiko Sport Collection.

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In both performance and design, this new limited edition is the perfect embodiment of the values and high standards that 9F has always represented. The metallic charcoal dial features a unique pattern based on the traditional Quartz symbol to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Caliber 9F. It also carries the five-pointed star that symbolizes Grand Seiko’s special level accuracy and, at the 25 minute position, the dial pattern is subtly different; the symbols 9F and 25 are discreetly shown as a permanent reminder of the caliber’s anniversary.

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The outer rim of the dial, from three o’clock to nine, is picked out in vivid yellow to display at a glance whether the GMT hand indicates AM or PM.

This unique commemorative Grand Seiko watch is offered in an edition limited to just 800 and will be available in selected markets from October.

Caliber 9F86 enriches the Grand Seiko Sport Collection

In addition to the limited edition, two other new creations are to be released incorporating the 9F86 caliber. They add a new dimension to the Grand Seiko Sport Collection and share the simple but powerful design that characterizes it.

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The dials are three dimensional in appearance and are edged with a two-tone ring to allow the AM or PM time indicated by the GMT hand to be read instantly and easily.

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Similarly, the use of Lumibrite on the hour markers and hour, minute and GMT hands delivers the enhanced legibility that the international traveler needs. These two new creations are available in January, 2019.
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Technical Specifications

Movement
Caliber 9F86
Accuracy: ±5 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃) (SBGN001) ±10 seconds per year (at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃) (SBGN003 / 005)
Instant date change
High-torque stepping motor
Protective shield construction
GMT function / Independent hour hand adjustment function

Specifications:
Stainless steel case and bracelet
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 39.0mm Thickness: 12.1mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Clasp: Three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe:
Ref. SBGN001 Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Limited Edition (800 pcs) €3,600
Ref. SBGN003 and SBGN005: €3,200

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Press Release - 2018
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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

SEIKO – ASTRON GPS Solar Titanium Executive

SEIKO – ASTRON GPS Solar Titanium Executive Sports series 2018

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ASTRON GPS Solar adds an executive sports series.
Active wear for off-duty professionals.

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Released in 2017, the Astron executive series was the first Astron designed specifically for those who want a versatile watch suitable for any occasion or activity. It was a global success. Today, the executive series is expanded with the creation of a new sports design, made for people who want a watch that works equally well in the office and the great outdoors.

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To be launched in June 2018, the executive sports series offers all the functions of Seiko’s unique GPS Solar technology but with a new level of durability, legibility and water resistance.

Executive style but ready for anything

The executive sports series brings more to Astron than a dynamic new look; this GPS Solar watch is for active people who would like durability and precision with a dash of style.

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Like all Astron watches, it connects automatically to the GPS network and, at the touch of a button, adjusts to the local time* anywhere on earth with a precision of 1/100,000th second, using just the power of light. The executive sports series features the 8X53 caliber which also offers a dual time sub-dial with an AM/PM indicator.

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The executive sports series will be launched with three versions, all of which have the same sapphire crystal bezel as the 2017 executive series and they all share an expanded range of functions in four key areas:

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

•     Water Resistance: A first for the Astron collection, the executive sports series watches have 20 bar water resistance, allowing them to go where no Astron has gone before.

•     Legibility: With wider hands and indexes clad in the highest grade of LumiBrite, the executive sports series delivers increased legibility. The UTC codes on the sapphire crystal bezel also carry LumiBrite. The watch remains legible for hours after the lights go off – perfect for a night yacht adventure or an early-morning trek.

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•     Wearability: An extra-strength strap allows the watch to sit easily on any wrist, large or small, and a new style of buckle offers enhanced comfort and a more streamlined look.

•     Durability: To ensure that the executive sports series can withstand any weekend adventure, all three models have a titanium case and a new crown guard. The crown guard’s specially designed case protects the watch against shock and impact.

Additionally, a super hard, scratch-resistant coating ensures that the watch’s luxurious style can handle a weekend of adventure and still look sharp when the work week begins. The case and bracelet, meanwhile, feature dynamically sharp surfaces brought to a mirror finish by Zaratsu polishing.

The Astron GPS Solar Novak Djokovic Limited Edition. 

SSE174

Completing the executive sports series is the Novak Djokovic Limited Edition, a strong design that is perfect for adventurous world travelers.

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The Novak Djokovic Limited Edition ingeniously captures the essence of Novak’s approach to tennis – power, precision, passion and grace – through the addition of design features unique to this GPS Solar watch.

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The tennis points system – Love, 15, 30, and 40 – is used for four of the minute markers as a subtle nod to the sport played by the great sportsman who inspires this creation. A star at the eight o’clock marker honors Novak for being one of only eight players in history to achieve a career Grand Slam.

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The UTC codes for the four cities that host the Grand Slam tournaments, Paris, London, New York, and Melbourne, are highlighted on the bezel. To ensure its durability, the watch has been coated with Seiko’s unique super-hard black coating, giving it scratch resistance and a uniform jet-black color that will not fade.

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It is offered as a limited edition of just 1,500 and will be available from September 2018 in selected Seiko outlets all over the world.

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Technical Specifications

Collection: ASTRON Executive Sports series

Model: ASTRON GPS Solar

Ref. SSE167J1 - Titanium - Blue

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Ref. SSE170J1 - Titanium - Black

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Ref. SSE170J1 - Titanium / Rose Gold-Black

Movement
Caliber 8X53
  GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
  Dual-Time with AM/PM indication
  Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100
  Signal reception result indication
  World time function (40 time zones)
  Daylight Saving Time function, Power save function
  Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month(without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃)
 Other Features

•     Unidirectional rotating bezel
•     Overcharge prevention function
•     Power save function
•     World time function (40 time zones)
•     Dual-time function
•     Power reserve function
•     Time zone adjustment by receiving gps signals from gps satellites automatic time adjustment function
•     Satellite acquisition status display function
•     Reception result display function
•     Function to prevent the gps signal reception function from working (in-flight mode)
•     Automatic hand position alignment function

Case

•   Titanium case with super-hard coating (SSE167, 169)
•   Titanium case with rose gold color super-hard coating (SSE170)

  Sapphire crystal bezel
  Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
  Water resistance: 20 bar
  Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
  Diameter: 46.7 mm, Thickness: 14.5 mm
Bracelet
  Silicone strap
  Three-fold clasp with push button release

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe Euro 2,700

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Collection: ASTRON Executive Sports series

Model: ASTRON GPS Solar "Novak Djokovic" Titanium Black coating Limited Edition

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Ref. SSE174J1

Movement
Caliber 8X53
  GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
  Dual-Time with AM/PM indication
  Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100
  Signal reception result indication
  World time function (40 time zones)
  Daylight Saving Time function, Power save function
  Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month(without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5℃ and 35℃)
Case
  Titanium case with super-hard black coating
  Sapphire crystal bezel
  Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
  Water resistance: 20 bar
  Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
  Diameter: 46.7 mm, Thickness: 14.5 mm
Bracelet
  Silicone strap
  Three-fold clasp with push button release

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe Euro 2,700

Limited edition of 1.500 pcs

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Press Release - 2018
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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
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www.SeikoWatches.com

SEIKO – Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 20th Anniversary Edition

SEIKO – Grand Seiko HERITAGE Hi-Beat 36000 Automatic 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition

A new Grand Seiko Hi-beat 36000

The quest for high precision

A wristwatch's precision is the ultimate test of its quality, which is why, from the very start, the Grand Seiko team had always put precision at the top of the list of priorities. The company had long been honing the precision of its watches in Japanese chronometer trials but, wanting to test itself against the world’s best, accepted the gracious invitation of Neuchatel and Geneva Observatory chronometer accuracy competitions and participated from the early 1960’s, vying with the world's top watchmakers to make the most accurate watches. It was through this process that the Grand Seiko team became convinced that high-beat movements were the best way to achieve the greatest precision.

In every mechanical watch, the force exerted by the mainspring as it unwinds turns the gears while the constant rate of oscillation of the balance wheel applies a brake on the gears, resulting in the precise rotation of the hands. The precision of a watch therefore depends on the stability of the balance wheel. Just as a fast-spinning top is more stable than a slow-spinning one, the higher the oscillation frequency of the balance, the less susceptible is the movement to the impact of shock and other forces and the greater the precision.

Through its experience in the Observatory competitions, the team identified 36,000 oscillations per hour (10 per second) as the rate needed to achieve both high accuracy and durability and, in 1968, two different high-beat movements were created. The Suwa Seikosha team made the automatic-winding Caliber 61 series and Daini Seikosha the manual-winding Caliber 45 series. With these two new calibers, the company took its place among the select few manufacturers who successfully rose to the high-beat challenge.

By the 1990’s , advances in manufacturing and materials had opened new possibilities in Grand Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking and these advances were used to the full in the creation of the completely new 9S mechanical movement in 1998. Following its development, the engineers began pursuing even higher accuracy and durability and, in 2004, a new project was launched to develop a 10 beat movement that would take Grand Seiko’s precision to a new level.

Three special movements, 

a new case and a unique dial

To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of 9S caliber, the Grand Seiko team has created a series of three limited edition timepieces, each of which pays homage, in its own way, to the remarkable heritage of the 9S caliber.

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To mark this 20th anniversary, Grand Seiko’s award-winning designer, Nobuhiro Kosugi, has crafted a new design based on the foundation of his original 1998 Caliber 9S model.

Hi-Beat 36000 Caliber 9S85

The challenge of making a high-beat movement is one that only a few watchmakers choose to accept. With its higher oscillation rate of ten beats per second, greater accuracy is achievable, but this increased precision comes at a price because the faster rotational speed can take its toll on the power reserve and even the longevity of the whole movement.

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Grand Seiko's 10 beat movement meets these challenges and delivers an accuracy of +5 to –3 seconds a day, a power reserve of 55 hours and the durability for which every Grand Seiko watch is renowned.

New dial pattern

The dial is exceptional. Its design incorporates the special mark used back in the 1960’s to designate watches made by Daini Seikosha, the company known today as Seiko Instruments Inc.

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This long-cherished mark alternates with the initials “GS” in a delicate mosaic that radiates out from the center of the dial in a geometric pattern.

A special oscillating weight

The watch is equipped with a special oscillating weight made of titanium and tungsten.

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The blue titanium surface, achieved by means of anodic oxidation*, is accented in yellow with a GS Lion Emblem and is engraved the words “Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Since 1998”.

*Anodic oxidation treatment

This is a surface treatment in which metals are subjected to electrolysis so as to generate artificially an oxide film.

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Titanium oxide film produces color according to the light refraction index, enabling production of different colors by varying the thickness of the oxide film.

*In an actual product, the case back direction might be different from the photograph.

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Technical specifications

Collection: HERITAGE

Model: Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

Ref. SBGH267G


Movement
Driving system: Automatic with manual winding mechanism
Caliber 9S85
Accuracy (when static): +5 to -3 seconds per day
Note: This accuracy is the result of measuring the loss/gain of the time for seventeen days before the inside movements of the watch are put in the case.
The measurement has been done in the factory where temperatures or position of the movements are controlled.
Normal usage accuracy:  +8 to -1 seconds per day
Power reserve:     Approximately 55 hours
Vibrations: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Jewels:    37 jewels
Case
Stainless steel case
Case back: stainless steel and sapphire crystal
Glass: Dual-curved sapphire crystal glass
Coating: Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Size: Diameter 39.5mm×Thickness 13.0mm
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and slide adjuster

Approximate recommended retail price in USD 6,300

Limited edition of 1.500 pcs

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Press Release - 2018
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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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