Grand Seiko releases a new Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGA499.
Press release information with commentary in italics.
New: Grand Seiko Elegance SBGA499
Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition SBGA499 retails at SGD 7,700. Price is inclusive of GST. Limited Edition of 1300 pieces.
Commentary
Grand Seiko release yet another of their limited editions to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Spring Drive. The press release text outlines two novelties in the Elegance Collection, but only one is described. In discussing with Grand Seiko Singapore, we were told that the second watch will be launched in November.
The novelty on this release has the 9R65 movement powering the classical GS case with a bright red dial. it has a contrasting polished copper coloured dial sector for the power reserve indicator. The GS logo is also finished in this copper hue. Other than the dial, this novelty is exactly the same watch as the Snowflake SBGA011 which we reviewed in detail here.
Release details
Spring 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.
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 mesmerizing 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 ofthe 9R family, this creation will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailpartners worldwide beginning in September 2024.
Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGA499
Caliber 9R65
Driving system: Automatic
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (approximately ±1 second per day)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 30
Specifications:
– Stainless steel case and bracelet
– Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
– See-through case back
– Water resistance: 10 bar
– Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
– Diameter: 40.2mm; Thickness: 12.8mm
– Three-fold clasp with push button release
– Limited edition of 1,300
