Description
About Grand Seiko SBGH311
Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Heritage Collection
A new Hi-Beat limited edition channels Mt. Iwate wrapped in a sea of clouds
It’s been 25 years since Grand Seiko introduced its landmark 9S, a movement born of uncompromising desire for the highest precision in mechanical watchmaking. When the 9S debuted in the SBGR001 in 1998, it ushered in a new era for Grand Seiko and it laid the groundwork for the many mechanical watchmaking achievements that would unfold over the next quarter-century. These ranged from the first 9S Hi-Beat models to the more recent introduction of 9SA5, the most advanced Hi-Beat Grand Seiko movement to date. This year, a new limited edition commemorates the pivotal introduction of 9S and symbolizes the continued evolution of this movement family over the last two and a half decades. And it does so in the form of a moderately sized wristwatch that respects the diameter of the 1998 original.
The 9S family of movements are crafted in Shizukuishi, the spiritual home of Grand Seiko mechanical watchmaking. Known for its bucolic vistas and breathtaking landscape, the town’s name is appropriately poetic. It translates to “water dripping on stone.” The scenic beauty is further enhanced by nearby Mt. Iwate, an imposing, snow-capped peak that emerges from surrounding clouds at daybreak. The contours of these clouds inspire the SBGH311’s silver-colored dial in a dramatic effect brought to life through the Grand Seiko’s skill and advanced manufacturing techniques. On the back, a titanium oscillating weight completes the vivid scene with a sky-blue color achieved through anodic oxidation.
The movement at the heart of SBGH311 is the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S85, which is painstakingly created by the skilled craftsmen and women of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. It is presented in a comfortable and 37mm case that matches the diameter of the original SBGR001 from 25 years ago.
Limited edition of 1,200 pieces.
Grand Seiko SBGH311 Features
- 37 jewels
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Case back with lion emblem
- Date display
- See-through case back
Grand Seiko SBGH311 History
Prior to 1960, to challenge the status of Swiss watches and change the perception of Japanese watches, Daini Seikosha and Suwa began the discussion of a product line that can match the quality of Swiss watches under the suggestion of the parent company. At the time, Suwa Seikosha Co. was in charge of manufacturing men’s watches, so it was decided that Suwa would be producing the first Grand Seiko (GS).
The first Grand Seiko was released in 1960, it was based on Seiko’s previous high-end watch, CROWN. This Grand Seiko has a 25-jewel, manual-winding, 3180 caliber, and only 36,000 units were produced. This was also the first chronometer-grade watch manufactured in Japan, and it was based on Seiko’s own chronometer standard.
Design style
The design language of the Grand Seiko was set in 1967, with the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS. The 44GS set the ground for all future Grand Seiko with nine elements. These elements help improve the legibility of the watch under different situations, and create a sharp, crisp visual impression:
- Double width index at 12 o’clock
- Multi-faceted rectangular markers
- Highly polished bezel
- Highly polished planes and two-dimensional surface
- Half recessed crown
- Flat dial
- Multi-faceted hour and minute hands
- Curved side line
- Reverse slanted bezel wall and case side
- Dress style with simple but beautiful design
- Zaratsu polishing
source : wikipedia
