Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

·March 21, 2013·0 Comments

The famous Grand Seiko line of expensive timekeepers has recently been updated with a limited edition model. Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their signature Seiko Caliber 9F, the ultra-precise quartz movement that was first brought to market back in 1993, the Japanese watchmaker introduces their new Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (Ref. SBGX103) wrist watch.

Probably limited to just the Japanese domestic market (JDM), the new watch features traditionally unassuming design with that combines a simple stainless steel body with a thin polished bezel and an elegant (although a trifle too “solid” to my taste) bracelet crafted from the same metal.

Sporting the familiar combination of polished and machine-brushed surfaces, the body of this watch is surprisingly compact. Less than 10 millimeters thick, the case is only 37 millimeters in diameter: a breath of fresh air in the world, which is ruled by Swiss watches with their deliberately massive, often insolent design.

Still, the timekeeper’s dial is nicely decorated with a quilted pattern that comprises countless Roman “X” numerals that serve as frames for the brand’s signature lion. The same heraldic beast is displayed on the 20th Anniversary’s solid case back that features a small medallion, which is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold.

Although quartz movements (even quite expensive ones) usually come in their “blank” form, this particular variation is engraved with the familiar gothic-styled “GS / Grand Seiko” logo, features polished screws and even sports a diagonal pattern similar to Geneva stripes.

Well, for a highly accurate, magnetically shielded king of quartz movements, such an attention to details doesn’t look too far-fetched. The movement that gains or loses no more than 5 seconds per year clearly deserves the lavish decor.