Zaratsu-polished case, facetted lugs with crisp angles, superbly-crafted palms with massive bevels, razor-sharp edges throughout and distortion-free surfaces. That is Grand Seiko! And if you happen to look again in time, what we see right this moment as the right definition of what a GS watch ought to be is definitely not that new… The so-called Grand Seiko Type was born in 1967, with a watch that may outline the whole collections to come back, the 44GS. 55 years later and to have fun this vital mannequin, Grand Seiko is now releasing a brand new watch that’s straight impressed by this classic mannequin. Meet the Grand Seiko Heritage Hello-Beat GMT SBGJ255.
The Grand Seiko Type, outlined by the 44GS
We may discuss for hours about what makes a Grand Seiko distinctive. It’s truly each easy and complicated, and principally extremely constant. And behind this “Grammar of Design” is one man – Taro Tanaka – and one watch – the 44GS. This watch was created in 1967, seven years after the introduction of the primary Grand Seiko. It was formed to precise a uniquely Japanese thought of design and it’ll set the beliefs of Grand Seiko. If the 44GS was vital for its accuracy, it was, nonetheless, its design that made a good better contribution to the way forward for Grand Seiko.

This watch will outline the foundations for later watches and it’s nonetheless right this moment a very powerful design inspiration for the model, proud to make use of this 55-year heritage as a stable information. Behind the design of the 44GS are traits discovered in lots of conventional Japanese artwork types. In addition to the notions of precision, legibility, magnificence and ease of use so that kind follows perform, this design language is all concerning the delicate use of sunshine, reflection and shadow.
The case aspects are Zaratsu-polished by hand to create distortion-free surfaces, enabling the case ridges to be crisp and sharp. The palms and indexes are diamond-cut in order that they provide excessive legibility even in low ambient gentle. The dials are clear and straightforward to learn. And if the result’s actually guided by rational notions, it’s additionally very nice to have a look at.
The brand new Heritage Hello-beat GMT SBGJ255
Following the custom and celebrating 55 years of the 44GS, Grand Seiko right this moment releases a watch that honours the set of 9 rules that gave Grand Seiko its distinctive look – the 9 factors you may see above. If actually extra fashionable and geared up with modern mechanics, the brand new Heritage Hello-beat GMT SBGJ255 actually is tremendously impressed by the design of the 44GS, beginning with its distinctive case.
Measuring 40mm in diameter, the case of the SBGJ255 is made from high-intensity titanium, and boasts a mixture of brushed and Zaratsu-polished surfaces. The general form is a direct reference to the 44GS, particularly the big shoulders, the curved sideline and the reversed slanted bezel wall and case facet. This mix of angles and aspects makes for a dynamic case that also feels extremely fashionable right this moment. The fabric used shouldn’t be solely light-weight but in addition extremely proof against each scratches and corrosion. It has a vivid side and might be polished, with the Zaratsu method offering distortion-free surfaces. The case is topped by a domed sapphire crystal, contains a semi-recessed crown and is water resistant to 100 metres.
The important thing attribute of this Grand Seiko Heritage Hello-Beat GMT SBGJ255 is its dial, with a tender silver color with a discreet vertical texture. This enables for an excellent distinction with the blue-coloured components – the GMT hand and the GMT and GS logos – in addition to the usually GS faceted palms and hour markers. Each are geared up with luminous materials and the second time zone is learn due to a 24h scale printed on the angled inside flange.
Contained in the case is the model’s basic high-frequency automated GMT motion, the calibre 9S86. Working at 36,000 vibrations/hour or 5Hz, it boasts 55 hours of energy reserve and is regulated at an accuracy charge of + 5 to –3 seconds a day. Observe that this can be a true traveller’s watch, the place the native hour hand might be adjusted by one-hour increments. Underneath the see-through caseback, one can see the particular rotor with the Grand Seiko lion emblem. The oscillating weight is executed in a gold-tone that’s achieved by means of an anodic oxidation course of, wherein the titanium is subjected to electrolysis in order to generate an oxide movie.
Availability & Value
The Grand Seiko Heritage Assortment Hello-Beat 36000 GMT 44GS fifty fifth Anniversary Restricted Version SBGJ255 (sure, that’s the complete identify…) is a restricted version of 1,200 items that will likely be out there from Grand Seiko Boutiques and chosen retail companions worldwide in January 2022. It is going to be priced at EUR 8,500.
For extra particulars, please go to www.grand-seiko.com.
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