Those ‘in the know’ know that Seiko can be anything but the cheap and cheerful brand that some might see them as.

Hard to find outside of Japan, ‘Grand Seiko’ models prove that more than most in the range, and these Anniversary models only serve to further underline the point.

Released as part of the brand’s 130th Anniversary Commemorative Collection these limited edition models come in three flavours – steel ($6500), 18k yellow gold ($16,500), and platinum ($25,000).

$25K for a Seiko is certainly nothing to be sniffed at!

All three models house a newly developed mechanical hand-winding movement.  The caliber in these timepieces, 9S64, is a mechanical hand-winding movement.  The mainspring is Seiko’s proprietary “SPRON510” alloy. The balance spring is made of another recently developed highly shock resistant and anti-magnetic alloy “SPRON610” and the caliber uses a new escape wheel and pallet manufactured by Micro Electro Mechanical System or MEMS.

Seiko claims a -3 to +5 seconds per day mean daily rate under static conditions.

The cases are polished by hand, using Seiko’s Zaratsu technique, and the dual-curved sapphire crystals have an anti-reflective coating. The Grand Seiko name on the dial and buckle is exactly as it was on the first 1960 Grand Seiko watch, and the “lion” symbol adorns the case back.

The gold and platinum versions are offered in a limited edition of just 130, while the steel edition is limited to 1,300 pieces.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber 9S64
• Manual winding – Hour, minute and second hands
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 24 jewels
• Power reserve: 72 hours
• Mean daily rate between -3 and +5 seconds per day (under static conditions)
• Movement diameter: 28.4 mm, thickness: 4.9 mm
• Available in September 2011

SBGW033
• Case: Stainless steel
• 35.8 mm in diameter
• Band: Crocodile with stainless steel buckle
• Glass: High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 3 bar
• Magnetic resistance: 10,000 A/m
• Limited edition of 1,300 pieces
• Retail price: $6,500 USD

SBGW039
• Case: Platinum
• 35.8 mm in diameter
• Band: Crocodile with platinum buckle
• Glass: High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 3 bar
• Magnetic resistance: 10,000 A/m
• Limited edition of 130 pieces
• Retail price: $25,000 USD

SBGW040
• Case: 18 karat yellow gold
• 35.8 mm in diameter
• Band: Crocodile with 18-karat yellow gold buckle
• Glass: High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 3 bar
• Magnetic resistance: 10,000 A/m
• Limited edition of 130 pieces
• Retail price: $16,500 USD

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