The first Grand Seiko watch was powered by Calibre 3180, a traditional mechanical movement with an accuracy of +12 to -3 seconds per day and a power reserve of 45 hours. In a purely technical sense, the key criterion for this was more stable accuracy over a longer period, with longer autonomy (power reserve). As a reminder, when Grand Seiko was created in 1960 – Genzo Kintaro, the founder’s eldest son was Chairman of Seiko, and Shoji Kintaro was President – the aim was to produce the ‘ideal watch’. To understand their place in the Grand Seiko story, let’s look at the genesis of each in turn.
The Grand Seiko SLGH002 60th Anniversary Limited Edition, featuring the new caliber 9SA5. These are entirely new movements, with every element developed and produced in-house and designed to last for decades as the foundation for a whole new generation of watches. They represent each of Grand Seiko’s two pillars: Calibre 9SA5 is a traditional mechanical movement, while Calibre 9RA5 is a Spring Drive movement. So, beyond encapsulating the expertise accumulated by Grand Seiko over the past 60 years, these two new movements are a strong statement of intent. A 60th anniversary signals renewal, revitalisation and rebirth. The choice of year is significant: in Western culture, a 60th is not considered particularly special (half and quarter centuries are more celebrated), but in Japan, where the zodiac calendar is based on a 60-year cycle, it is hugely significant. But this is what Grand Seiko has done to mark its 60th anniversary. It’s a pretty big deal for any watch company to launch an entirely new movement – let alone two new movements at once.
I/trending 22994 IN-DEPTH: Grand Seiko Movements – Part I, the Mechanicals Sandra Lane
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