In 1968, Grand Seiko introduced the 45GS. This watch came just one year after the 44GS, the legendary creation that established the brand’s design code, the Grand Seiko Style. Although the two watches were nearly identical in styling, the 45GS featured a dramatic upgrade in terms of stability and performance with the brand’s first manual-winding high-beat movement, the Caliber 4520. Today, two re-creations of this milestone are born, one in stainless steel and the other in 18k yellow gold, to pay respect to two variations introduced in 1968.
A design loyal to heritage
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The new creations closely follow the original case and dial designs. The original angular case design, which featured flat, mirror-polished surfaces and curved case sides, has been re-created using Grand Seiko’s latest watchmaking technology. The design creates a remarkable brilliance based on the interplay of light and shadow, which has been at the core of Grand Seiko’s design grammar since it was established in 1967 with the 44GS.
The dial colors and lettering are virtually identical to the originals. At the 12 o’clock position appear the Seiko letters, which have been made to reimagine the vintage character of the original lettering. At the six o’clock position, one will notice the GS and Hi-Beat letters; the number 36000, which signifies the high frequency of the movement; and even the Daini Seikosha factory logo, indicating the birthplace of the original 45GS.
An evolution in watchmaking technology
The watches are powered by Grand Seiko’s latest hand-wound, high-frequency mechanical movement, the Caliber 9SA4. Just like the Caliber 4520, the new 9SA4 was made in pursuit of high rate stability and precision, beating 10 times per second; however, it achieves a power reserve of 80 hours when fully wound thanks to Grand Seiko’s highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement and two barrels. Not only was Caliber 9SA4 made to achieve the height of performance in high-beat watchmaking, but the movement was also designed with particular attention to the tactile, aural, and visual sensations encountered during hand-winding to create an ideal experience for the watch’s owner.
The click and the click spring have been tailored to perfect their feel and sound. Although the original 45GS featured a closed case back, the case backs on the re-creations are see-through, allowing the click’s bird-like pecking motion and the beauty of the movement’s finishing to be enjoyed during the hand-winding process.
Both watches will be available as limited editions in November 2024. The yellow gold creation will be limited to Grand Seiko boutiques, and the stainless steel version will be available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection
Re-creation of the 45GS Limited Editions: SLGW004, SLGW005
 SLGW004 |  SLGW005 |
Caliber 9SA4
Driving system: Manual-winding
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second)
Accuracy (mean daily rate): +5 to -3 seconds per day
Power reserve: 80 hours
Number of jewels: 47
Specifications
18k yellow-gold case and clasp (SLGW004)
Stainless steel case and clasp (SLGW005)
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
See-through case back
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 38.8mm, Thickness: 10.4mm
Crocodile strap with 18k yellow gold buckle (SLGW004) Crocodile strap with stainless steel buckle (SLGW005)
Limited edition of 200 (SLGW004) and 1,200 (SLGW005)
For further information:
Note:
The specifications and price information in this release are as of the published date and are subject to change.
source : Grand Seiko News
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