Introducing Grand Seiko 44GS Fifty fifth Anniversary SLGH009 and SLGA013

As defined in a latest article masking the brand new Hello-Beat GMT SBGJ255, one of the vital vital fashions of Grand Seiko, the 44GS, is celebrating its Fifty fifth anniversary this yr. What’s vital to recollect about this 1967 mannequin is its affect on the design of the watches produced by the Japanese watchmaker, even at present. The watch that launched the fashion handbook often called the “Grammar of Design“, it’s nonetheless celebrated in at present’s assortment, and much more this yr with the launch of two new, modernly outfitted watches, the Hello-Beat SLGH009 with Calibre 9SA5 and the Spring Drive SLGA013 with Calibre 9RA2.

What’s vital about these two new restricted editions is the mixture of a traditional design, that of the 1967 reference 44GS, with essentially the most trendy mechanics of the model, its greatest stainless-steel alloy, and typical GS textured dials. These watches additionally mark the brand new course of the model relating to thinness, with an effort to make these newest fashions extra ergonomic. The Hello-Beat automated SLGH009 is11.7mm in peak, and the Spring Drive model SLGA013 is 12.1mm.

Mainly, each fashions share the identical case, with a restrained 40mm diameter and the everyday massive shoulders of the 44GS, the extremely polished flat surfaces, the simplified bezel development leaving extra space for the dial and an total design that’s graphically sharp to replicate mild in the very best means. Each watches are product of Ever-Sensible Metal, GS’s personal alloy that’s extra corrosion-resistant and due to this fact extra sturdy than metal which is often utilized in watches at present (traditional 316L metal). Its sensible white hue goes completely with the extremely polished Zaratsu-treated surfaces. Each watches are worn on Ever-Sensible Metal bracelets with a three-fold clasp and push-button launch, function a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a see-through sapphire crystal and are water resistant to 100m.

Lastly, these new SLGH009 and SLGA013 include dials which can be instantly related to Grand Seiko. Out there in blue on the mechanical mannequin or in black on the Spring Drive watch, they’ve a deeply etched sample harking back to the tree rings design discovered on the a hundred and fortieth Anniversary Restricted Version SLGH007. Nonetheless, the model claims that the motif was impressed by “the elliptical orbit of the celebrities as they transfer throughout the heavens“. Each watches have a traditional time-and-date show, and the Spring Drive mannequin removes the facility reserve on the dial, now discovered on the again.

The Hello-Beat SLGH009 with Calibre 9SA5

First in line is the blue Grand Seiko Heritage Assortment 44GS Fifty fifth Anniversary Hello-Beat 36000 Calibre 9SA5 SLGH009. Below this (too) lengthy title is a watch outfitted with the best mechanical actions by Grand Seiko, the Hello-Beat 9SA5 with its Twin Impulse Escapement – a motion that made a sensation when launched within the acclaimed White Birch SLGH005.

As we defined when reviewing what’s in all probability crucial GS of 2021, this engine is all about innovation and refinement. The escapement is advanced and fully novel: there’s a brand new free-sprung steadiness; it has an extended energy reserve of 80 hours on two barrels; and its structure has been completely revised to be each slimmer and way more interesting. The ornament has additionally been upgraded with a ‘Shizukuishi River End’, reflecting the character across the studio the place the motion is made.

This Grand Seiko Heritage 44GS Fifty fifth Anniversary SLGH009 shall be a restricted version of 550 items, accessible in February 2022. It will likely be priced at EUR 10,500.

Fast information: 40mm x 11.7mm – Ever-Sensible Metal case and bracelet – sapphire crystals entrance and caseback – 100m water resistant – Mechanical Hello-Beat 36000 calibre 9SA5, automated, 5Hz frequency, 80h energy reserve, +5 to -3 seconds per day – 550-piece restricted version

The Spring Drive SLGA013 with Calibre 9RA2

The second mannequin, the Grand Seiko Heritage Assortment 44GS Fifty fifth Anniversary Spring Drive Calibre 9RA2 SLGA013, is principally the identical watch with a unique dial color and, most significantly, a motion counting on the model’s hybrid expertise. As a reminder, Spring Drive combines the sweetness and practicality of an automated motion with the precision of quartz regulation.

For 2022, the model expands the usage of the just lately launched calibre 9Rxx, with its energy reserve of 120 hours and a precision price of +/- 10 seconds per 30 days. The motion, additionally utilized in the White Birch SLGA009, improves all components – dimension, efficiency, ornament and performance – and units a brand new customary for any spring-powered watch. It’s slimmer and but packs 5 days of energy reserve. The ornament has been redefined with frosted plates/bridges contrasting with the blued screws and the diamond-cut edges, impressed by the Shinshu studio.

This Grand Seiko Heritage 44GS Fifty fifth Anniversary SLGA013 shall be a restricted version of 550 items, accessible in February 2022. It will likely be priced at EUR 9,500.

Fast information: 40mm x 12.1mm – Ever-Sensible Metal case and bracelet – sapphire crystals entrance and caseback – 100m water resistant – Spring Drive Calibre 9RA2, automated, 120h energy reserve, ±10 seconds per 30 days – 550-piece restricted version

Extra particulars at www.grand-seiko.com.