SEIKO – Astron GPS Solar Seiko 140th Anniversary Edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEIKO – Astron GPS Solar Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition 2021

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 Prospex, Presage and Astron take inspiration from the many faces of Japan to celebrate Seiko’s 140th anniversary.

When Kintaro Hattori founded his company in 1881, he was just 21 years old. During his fifty years at the helm, Seiko became the leading watch company in Japan, with its own design and production facilities.

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Just 11 years after Kintaro Hattori founded his company at the age of just 21, he opened his first
manufacturing facility. The story of Seiko had started.

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This achievement was a direct result of his single-minded vision that Seiko should be “Always one step ahead of the rest”. His words resonate still and continue to inspire Seiko today. Throughout this year, Seiko will release a series of creations that embody the spirit of Kintaro’s words and honor the 140th anniversary of the founding of his company.

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The celebrations start with a series of Prospex, Presage and Astron watches inspired by the landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes of Japan.

Astron captures the beauty of cherry blossom by night.

The Japanese enchantment with cherry blossom extends far beyond the daylight hours. Yozakura is the name given to these ephemeral but beautiful flowers when, seen under a star-lit sky, they give an ethereal and magical glow to the space around them.

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With a black case and bracelet acting as the night sky, the purple dial with its pink hue captures the beauty of Yozakura. This subtly colored dial becomes darker towards the six o’clock position, adding a mysterious depth and enhancing the illusion that it is a gentle spring evening in Japan.

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The case has the same curved silhouette and the same wide case lugs as the 1969 Quartz Astron and houses the latest and most advanced GPS Solar Dual-Time Caliber 5X53 which adjusts to the exact time anywhere* in the world, using just the power of light and offers both high speed time zone adjustment and time transfer functions.

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The GPS Solar Caliber 5X53 Dual-Time connects up to twice a day to the GPS network to maintain its precision anywhere in the world. It adjusts automatically to Daylight Saving Time and, when the wearer changes time zone, he or she simply pushes a button and the hands move rapidly to the correct local time, thanks to the system that moves the hour, minute, and seconds hands independently. In addition, the wearer is able to change the main time display instantly from home to local time and vice versa. It is a perfect watch fo all international travelers. Travelling can be stressful; Astron makes it just a little less so.

A new buckle adjustment system allows you to make, at the touch of a button, minor adjustments to the length of the bracelet that are so important when temperature or other changes make the wrist expand or contract.

This unique Astron watch will be available as a limited edition of 1,500 at Seiko Boutiques and selected Seiko retailers worldwide in February 2021.

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

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TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Model:  Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time 5X53

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 Ref. SSH083

    Caliber 5X53

•     GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
•     Dual-Time with AM/PM indication
•     Perpetual calendar correct to February 2100
•     Automatic DST adjustment function
•     High Speed Time Zone Adjustment
•     Time Transfer Function
•     Signal reception result indication
•     World time function (39 time zones）
•     Power save function

    Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month （without receiving a GPS signal and at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C）

Specifications
    Stainless steel case and bracelet with super-hard black coating
    Dual-curved Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
    Water resistance: 10 bar
    Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
    Diameter: 42.7mm, Thickness: 13.3mm
    Easy adjust three-fold clasp with push button release

Limited edition of 1,500

PRICE
    Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: € 2,300

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Press releases - 2021

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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
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SEIKO – Grand Seiko T0 Constant-force Tourbillon Concept

SEIKO – Grand Seiko T0 Constant-force Tourbillon Concept 60th Anniversary Movement - 2020

The T0 Constant-force Tourbillon. Grand Seiko reveals an exciting concept creation with a world’s-first mechanism.

Ever since the first Grand Seiko watch was born in 1960, the pursuit for high accuracy has been fundamental in every Grand Seiko timepiece and innovation. Today, a new and exciting moment in its 60-year history is marked by the introduction of the brand's first-ever concept creation.

The new creation is a masterwork and true revolution in watchmaking design and fully reveals the Grand Seiko designers' capabilities and ingenuity. The T0 (T-zero) Constant-force Tourbillon incorporates a fully integrated constant-force mechanism and tourbillon on the same axis for the first time in the world.

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The constant-force mechanism provides even energy distribution to the escapement regardless of how much the mainspring is wound, and the tourbillon eliminates the error in precision caused by gravity by incorporating the escapement parts and balance in a rotating carriage. These two mechanisms alone require exceptional design and manufacturing technologies, and the integration of the mechanisms as one unit is a patented design that achieves a new level of accuracy for Grand Seiko's mechanical watchmaking.

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In pursuit of the highest level of accuracy for mechanical watchmaking, the designers conceptualized the new creation without restrictions from production capability considerations. The free approach to development resulted in the birth of T0 and inspired essential movement parts for the new Caliber 9SA5, which was developed in parallel with the concept creation.

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T0 is displayed on the second-floor lounge of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi inaugurated on July 20, 2020, in Shizukuishi, Morioka. The rotating tourbillon and intermittent turning of the constant-force as well as the rhythmical 16th note ticking sound of the mechanisms can be thoroughly enjoyed.

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As soon as the Coronavirus situation allows, the new studio looks forward to welcoming visitors. For information and reservations, please visit the site below. ▶️ https://gs-studio-shizukuishi.resv.jp/

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Components of T0 are beautifully polished by hand
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Press releases - 2020
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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
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Grand Seiko HERITAGE SLGH002 60th Anniversary Edition

SEIKO – Grand 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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Grand Seiko – HERITAGE Spring Drive Platinum Edition

SEIKO – Grand 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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SEIKO – 1969 Quartz ASTRON 50th Anniversary Edition

SEIKO – 1969 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
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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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