SEIKO – Grand Seiko Godzilla 65th Anniversary Edition

SEIKO – Grand 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

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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 – Grand Seiko Spring Drive Anniversary Edition

SEIKO – Grand 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 (1969–1970)
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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


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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 – 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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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 – Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri Edition

SEIKO – Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri Automatic Limited Edition

Urushi Byakudan-nuri lacquer and the moon at dawn.
An inspired combination.

A new creation in the Presage collection of fine mechanical watches takes its inspiration from Japan’s everlasting fascination with the moon. Following on from the success of the recent release of a deep blue enamel dial that evoked the night sky, this new limited edition uses one of the most elaborate lacquer techniques of all, Byakudan-nuri, as well as traditional Urushi, to portray the rich tones of the sky and moon just before dawn.

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The crescent shaped tip of the second hand is coated with a gold powder, giving it a special texture that resembles the surface of the moon. The power reserve indicator evokes the brilliance of the crescent moon illuminated by the sun. The crescent shape is also to be seen on the sapphire crystal case back, affixed by vapor deposition.

The Byakudan-nuri

Byakudan-nuri is a technique that has been used for centuries to decorate Urushi lacquer and, because of the complexity of the craftsmanship involved, was reserved exclusively for use in places and on objects of high status, including temples, shrines and on the armor of Shogun warlords.

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Lacquer ArtistIsshu Tamura

The complex processes, Urushi, Byakudan-nuri and Maki-e, are completed by hand by the craftsmen and women in the studio of Urushi master Isshu Tamura in the Hokuriku region of Honshu, Japan’s main island.

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Born in 1957, Isshu Tamura trained in the traditional Kaga Maki-e gold lacquer technique of Kanazawa. After honing his skills in the technique, Mr. Tamura set out to produce unparalleled original works of art. He has executed his technique in Kaga Maki-e not only in lacquerware, but also in the creation of luxury fountain pens and wristwatches which have received worldwide acclaim for their elaborate detail and fine beauty.

Urushi

First, the dials are made with the traditional Urushi technique in which jet black lacquer is painted by hand onto the metal base of the dial, dried and then polished.

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These processes are repeated several times until the craftsman has achieved the exact depth of black that he desires.

Byakudan-nuri

Using a new layer of Urushi as the binding agent, the sub-dials are then sprinkled with a layer of very fine metallic powder. The whole dial is then repeatedly painted with a red-tinged semi-transparent Urushi lacquer and then each new layer is dried and polished for as many times as the craftsman deems necessary.

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The effect is subtle but deeply satisfying. While the red of the sub-dials is deep, these two dials catch the light and shine when the ambient light grows brighter, just as parts of the sky catch the dawn light before others.

Maki-e

Now it is time to add the moon, using the Maki-e technique, in the form of the crescent shaped power reserve indicator. As with the Byakudan-nuri technique, the crescent is first coated with a layer of Urushi lacquer that acts as the adhesive for the fine, gilt-colored powder that is then applied to it.

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Once the powder is on the dial, the craftsman gently taps it to disperse the powder evenly across the surface and then uses his own specially chosen material to perfect the surface.

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The result is an indicator that not only reflects the shape of the crescent moon but has the moon’s shimmering, granular texture and contrasts with the smoothness of the sky against which it stands out.

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Technical Specifications

Collection: PRESAGE Limited Edition series

Model: PRESAGE Urushi Byakudan-nuri Edition

Ref.  SPB085

Movement
Caliber Number: 6R21
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding capacity
Duration:  Approx. 45 hours. 29 jewels
Magnetic resitance: 4,800 A / m
Accuracy  +25 to -15 seconds per day
Features
    Date hand and day hand
    Day/Date display
    LIMITED EDITION on the case back
    Power reserve display
    Screw case back
    See-through case back
    Serial number engraved on the case back
    Stop seconds hand function
Exterior
Case Material: Stainless steel 
Diameter: 40.5mm, thickness: 12.8mm
Glass Material:  Curved sapphire
Glass Coating:  Super-clear coating
Water Resistance:  10 bar
Bracelet
Band Material:  Crocodile leather
Clasp:  Three-fold clasp with push button release

Limited edition of 2.000 pcs 
Available from December 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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