An Homage to the Legendary "V.F.A." High-Precision Adjuster

The first Grand Seiko achieved accuracy equivalent to the highest precision Swiss chronometer standards (Superior) of the time, establishing Grand Seiko as a world-class luxury watch from its inception. In 1966, it introduced its own "Grand Seiko Standard," a precision standard exceeding the chronometer standard (Superior), reaching world-leading high precision just six years after its debut. The history of Grand Seiko is also a history of pursuing precision.

Time moved on, and in 1998, Caliber 9S was born under the banner of the "New Grand Seiko Standard." This caliber has continued to evolve since its creation, pursuing stable high precision through innovations such as a escapement using advanced nanotechnology (MEMS technology), a mainspring made of proprietary "Spron" material for precision and power reserve, and a revised winding system.

The Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition models are characterized by their elegant and intricate new case design by Nobuhiro Kosugi, the first watch designer to be honored as a Master of Modern Craftsmanship and recipient of the Medal with Yellow Ribbon. Evolving the advanced techniques of Zaratsu polishing, the design achieves even more precise differentiation between mirror and hairline finishes within a gently curved form.

The dial at the 6 o'clock position bears the inscription "V.F.A.," an abbreviation unique to Seiko, standing for "Very Fine Adjusted." This designation was given to models that achieved an astonishing level of precision in 1969, surpassing the norms for mechanical watches with a daily rate of ±2 seconds. This time, through special adjustment by Grand Seiko's dedicated watchmakers and an extended 34-day inspection period—twice the duration of the standard Grand Seiko standard inspection (17 days)—a mean daily rate of +3 to -1 seconds (static precision) has been achieved, rivaling that of the original V.F.A. models.

While maintaining the enhanced power reserve, durability, and magnetic resistance developed alongside Caliber 9S, the potential of the 10-beat high-frequency Caliber 9S85 has been pushed to its limits. The rotating weight, adorned with an 18K yellow gold lion emblem, is also inscribed with "Very Fine Adjusted."

This special model features a case crafted from Pt950 and a dial with a unique pattern exclusive to this limited edition. Three types of emblems—the brand's "GS" logo, a unique "S" mark symbolizing the Second Seiko-Epson Corporation (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) which developed Grand Seiko's first 10-beat high-frequency model in 1968, and the "V.F.A." mark—are arranged radially in a geometric pattern.

Other variations include 18K yellow gold and stainless steel. While the case and dial designs and the base movement are the same as the Pt950 model, the 18K yellow gold model is equipped with a specially adjusted movement that has passed the "Grand Seiko Special Standard Inspection," achieving a mean daily rate of +4 to -2 seconds (static precision). Alongside the "SPECIAL" designation at 6 o'clock on the dial, the rotating weight features an 18K yellow gold lion emblem, similar to the V.F.A. model. The stainless steel model, meanwhile, is fitted with a movement featuring a blue titanium rotating weight treated with anodization to create various colors through its coating.

Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Models

Ref. | SBGH265, SBGH266, SBGH267
Movement | Automatic (Caliber 9S85)
Power Reserve | Approx. 55 hours
Case Diameter | 39.5mm
Case Material | Platinum, 18K Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel (from left)
Strap/Bracelet Material | Crocodile (Black), Crocodile (Brown), Stainless Steel (from left)
Water Resistance | 10 bar
Limited Production | 20 pieces (world), 150 pieces, 1500 pieces (from left)
Price | ¥5,500,000, ¥2,800,000, ¥650,000 (excluding tax) (from left)