Grand Seiko marks 20th anniversary of Spring Drive with limited-edition timepieces

The Grand Seiko Spring Drive is a mechanical movement only for the Japanese watch business.

Grand Seiko is commemorating the 20th anniversary of its revolutionary Spring Drive movement by unveiling two limited-edition timepieces as part of its Elegance Collection.

The Spring Drive, which mimics the accuracy of a quartz movement without requiring a secondary power source, was first introduced in 1982 for Seiko watches.

Grand Seiko adopted this technology in 2004 with its Caliber 9R movement, and now, two decades later, the brand is honoring this milestone with new creations inspired by the autumn season in the Hotaka mountain range of the Shinshu region in central Japan—the birthplace of all Grand Seiko Spring Drive timepieces.

Spring Drive Technology: A Legacy of Precision

The Spring Drive movement is a testament to Seiko’s commitment to innovation. It remains exclusive to Seiko and Grand Seiko due to the company’s fully vertically integrated manufacturing process.

This unique blend of mechanical watchmaking and electronic precision offers an accuracy of about plus-one to minus-one second per day, a feat usually reserved for quartz watches. The Spring Drive’s precision and reliability have made it a hallmark of the Grand Seiko brand.

Grand Seiko Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGY035

The first of the two commemorative watches, the SBGY035, is a masterpiece that reflects the moment when the sun begins to rise over the Hotaka mountains.

The gradation of the colored dial shifts from a deep red at the edges to an auburn-like hue at the center, symbolizing the vibrant autumn leaves emerging from the darkness of dawn.

This model boasts a slim profile, with a 38.5mm stainless-steel case that is just 10.2mm thick. The see-through case back is engraved with “LIMITED EDITION” and the serial number, emphasizing the exclusivity of this piece.

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The watch is water-resistant up to 3 bar (66 feet) and has a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m.

Powered by the Caliber 9R31 manual-winding movement, the SBGY035 offers a 72-hour power reserve and maintains an accuracy of plus-one to minus-one second per day.

Completing the watch is a crocodile leather strap with a stainless-steel three-fold clasp featuring a push-button release. This elegant timepiece is limited to 700 pieces and is priced at $8,500 in the U.S., available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retailers worldwide starting in November.

Grand Seiko Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGA499

The second anniversary model, the SBGA499, features a bright red dial that captures the essence of the Hotaka mountain range and the brilliant autumn leaves bathed in morning sunlight.

The recessed power-reserve indicator in copper pink adds depth and contrast to the dial, which also includes a date window at 3 o’clock and the “GS” logo and “Grand Seiko” name at 12 o’clock.

The SBGA499 is housed in a 40.2mm stainless-steel case, offering water resistance up to 10 bar (330 feet) and a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m.

It is powered by the Caliber 9R65, the first movement in the 9R family, which provides a 72-hour power reserve and the same exceptional accuracy as the SBGY035.

Limited to 1,300 pieces, the SBGA499 is priced at $5,800 in the U.S. and will be available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retailers worldwide starting in September.

Conclusion

The new Grand Seiko Spring Drive limited editions are a fitting tribute to the 20-year legacy of the Caliber 9R movement.

Inspired by the beauty of Japan’s autumnal landscapes, these timepieces not only celebrate the brand’s innovative spirit but also offer collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of Grand Seiko’s illustrious history.

With their impeccable design and unparalleled precision, these watches are sure to become cherished additions to any horological collection.