time-keeper


Grand Seiko introduces two Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Editions

September 2024


Grand Seiko introduces two Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Editions

Both new Spring Drive creations in the Elegance Collection feature dials inspired by the beautiful autumn sunrises over the Hotaka mountain range. The 9R31 manual-wound 38.5mm model is limited to 700 pieces while the 9R65 automatic 40.2mm model is available in 1,300 pieces.

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pring Drive began with an innovative concept in the 1970s: To devise an ideal watch by combining power derived from a mainspring with electronic watchmaking technologies for a level of precision no conventional mechanical watch could achieve. In the years since, the revolutionary technology has evolved to become worthy of Grand Seiko, and that movement is named 9R.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Caliber 9R series. Today, two new Spring Drive creations in the Elegance Collection join the celebration of this milestone. Both draw inspiration from the harmony of the Hotaka mountain range blushing at sunrise and the vibrant transformation of autumn leaves in the same morning light. The Hotaka mountain range rises majestically in the Shinshu region of central Japan, the birthplace of all Grand Seiko Spring Drive creations.

The gradation on the dial of the first new creation reflects the moment when the sun begins to rise. As the steep landscape of the Hotaka mountain range turns a vibrant red, the light casts a radiant glow on the autumn leaves as they emerge from the darkness of dawn. This beautiful scenery is expressed by the dark red color at the dial’s periphery gradually becoming brighter toward the center. Combined with the silent glide motion of the Spring Drive seconds hand, the dial captures the natural passage of time.

The watch offers a remarkable blend of slimness, power, and precision. It is just 10.2mm thick, its power reserve is 72 hours, and it has an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month thanks to the manual-winding Spring Drive Caliber 9R31.

Presented on a red-brown crocodile leather strap, the new creation will be available this fall as a limited edition of 700 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Grand Seiko introduces two Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Editions

With its bright red dial, the second Spring Drive creation captures the Hotaka mountain range and the brilliant autumn leaves bathed in golden morning sunlight.

The watch’s recessed power-reserve indicator in copper pink adds depth while enhancing legibility and providing a point of contrast to the design. The rose gold color of the GS logo and the vibrancy of the red dial beautifully evoke the mesmerising transition of changing leaves in all their autumnal glory.

A limited edition of 1,300 powered by the tried-and-true Caliber 9R65, the first movement of the 9R family, this creation is available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

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