Grand Seiko’s ultimate quartz movement, the “Caliber 9F,” now available in a 25th anniversary limited edition

Grand Seiko is proud of its world-class quartz movement, the ” Caliber 9F. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the birth of this legendary movement, two limited edition models remade to special precision will go on sale nationwide in March and April!

Remake of Grand Seiko’s first “9F Quartz” model

In 1969, Seiko was the first company in the world to launch a quartz watch, creating an impact on the watch industry. The Caliber 9F was developed by Seiko as a quartz movement exclusively for Grand Seiko, and was born in 1993, incorporating many new innovations that overturned conventional wisdom. These include a “twin pulse control motor” that enables the rotation of long, thick hands, which was previously thought to be impossible with quartz, a “backlash auto-adjust mechanism” that greatly reduces the wobble of the second hand, and an “instantaneous day advance mechanism” that instantly switches the calendar. The quality that surpasses that of mechanical watches was pursued not only in high precision but also in powerful functionality. This limited edition model is a remake of the first model equipped with the 9F quartz.

SBGT241″ with anniversary dial and special precision movement

While retaining the softly shaped case and bracelet of the original model of 25 years ago, the case size has been changed from 37.0 mm to 39.0 mm for a more modern update. In addition, the dial design is a special specification unique to the anniversary model. The “GS” and “9F” patterns on the dial are based on the original quartz markings that appeared on the dials of the 1970s and 1980s, when quartz watches dominated the world, and the hidden “9F25” at the 25-minute mark celebrates the 25th anniversary.

The “Caliber 9F83″ movement, which normally has an annual time difference of ±10 seconds, has achieved a time accuracy of ±5 seconds per year. As a sign of its exceptional precision, a gold-colored five-pointed star shines at the 6 o’clock position. The back of the watch is decorated with ” Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Since 1993 ” and the serial number, as well as the lion’s crest in 18K yellow gold.

SBGV238″ with a see-through back to view the 9F quartz

The most attractive feature of this model is its see-through back, which allows the wearer to admire the Caliber 9F with its beautiful gold-colored finish. While see-through backs for mechanical movements are no longer a rarity in the market, it is a sign of confidence that a quartz movement embodies such a feature. Like the aforementioned “SBGT241,” the anniversary dial and special precision movement are also marked with a serial number and “Caliber 9F 25th AnniversarySince 1993” on the back of the watch, making it a rarity.

The case design is a contemporary interpretation of Grand Seiko’s original design philosophy, symbolized by the “Seiko Style. The gorgeous 18K yellow gold bezel is another highlight.

Grand Seiko “Caliber 9F” 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Product Specifications

Grand Seiko “SBGT241

Price: 350,000 yen + tax
Case material: Stainless steel
Dial: Silver
Movement: Caliber 9F83
Sales quantity: Limited to 1,500 pieces worldwide
Domestic retailers: Grand Seiko dealers nationwide
Scheduled release date: Wednesday, March 7

Grand Seiko “SBGV238

Price: 500,000 yen + tax
Case material: Stainless steel (partly 18K yellow gold)
Dial: Champagne gold
Movement: Caliber 9F82
Sales quantity: Limited to 600 pieces worldwide
Japanese retailers: “Grand Seiko Master Shops” nationwide
Scheduled release date: Friday, April 20

Click here for details of the “Caliber 9F 25th Anniversary Limited Edition