To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the birth of Grand Seiko, the flagship Japanese watch brand, a limited edition model equipped with a newly developed mechanical Hi-Beat movement is scheduled to be sequentially available in Japan and overseas from Saturday, August 1, 2020.

Grand Seiko is releasing the "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours," a limited edition model to celebrate its anniversary year, as the brand approaches its 60th anniversary in 2020.

This model is equipped with "Caliber 9SA5," an evolution of the Hi-Beat movement (Caliber 9S8 series) previously used in Grand Seiko, which offers approximately 55 hours of power reserve when fully wound. In addition to the highly efficient new "Dual Impulse Escapement," the adoption of "twin barrels" has significantly extended the power reserve to approximately 80 hours when fully wound.

The newly developed escapement utilizes advanced processing technology, typically used for ultra-precision components like semiconductors, enabling the creation of parts with precise shapes to the nearest 0.001 millimeter through a manufacturing process called MEMS. This results in a highly original and complex shape that efficiently transmits energy from the mainspring to the balance wheel.

Furthermore, by arranging the two mainspring barrels side-by-side in a planar configuration, not only is the extended power reserve achieved, but the increased power also reduces the load on the gear train.

The balance wheel in "Caliber 9SA5" features a unique "overcoil" (巻き上げヒゲ) shape derived from approximately 80,000 simulations. The overcoil generally offers the advantage of maintaining accuracy even when the amplitude changes during wear, thus achieving greater stability than ever before.

Additionally, this model employs a system known as "free-sprung balance" (フリースプラング), which is ideal for maintaining high accuracy over long periods. By rotating the stud that secures the end of the balance spring, isochronism can be adjusted, resulting in a highly original mechanism.

This "Grand Seiko Free-sprung" system, comprising the overcoil and free-sprung balance, is a new mechanism realized through advanced design techniques, high-precision component manufacturing, and the assembly and adjustment skills of master watchmakers. This mechanism also incorporates the "instantaneous date change" (瞬間日送り機構), a first for the 9S mechanical movement, with a newly designed "movable date jumper" (可動式日送りつめ) that provides optimal strength for a beautiful and instantaneous calendar change.

Furthermore, to achieve unprecedented comfort, "Caliber 9SA5" features a unique "horizontal gear train structure" (水平輪列構造). This not only allows for a thinner movement but also positions the crown as close as possible to the case back, resulting in a lower center of gravity. Concurrently, aiming for a refined and beautiful appearance, designers and engineers worked together from the conceptual stage of the movement, incorporating warm curves reminiscent of Mount Iwate, the symbolic peak of Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture, the development's home, and the gentle flow of the Shizukuishi River.

This model, marking Grand Seiko's 60th anniversary, adheres to the "Grammar of Design" (セイコースタイル) that Grand Seiko upholds, while re-examining the design of the very first Grand Seiko, the origin of it all. It pursues a timeless design that leads the new era of Grand Seiko, with consideration for wearability and legibility. The 18K yellow gold case, reminiscent of the original, achieves a sharp form thanks to the new movement that pursues both a low center of gravity and thinness.

The balance between the case and strap has also been reconsidered, enhancing comfortable wearability that conforms well to the wrist. The hour and minute hands on the dial, inspired by the strong hour hand and the minute hand that tapers elegantly towards the index of the first Grand Seiko, have been further enhanced with a line on the hour hand that resonates with the index, ensuring even greater legibility, embodying the essence of a wristwatch.

The brilliantly shining GS logo, the distinctive index markers, and the calendar frame are made of 18K yellow gold. As a testament to this, the SD (Special Dial = dial with precious metal indices) mark at the 6 o'clock position celebrates the birth of the next-generation "9S Mechanical."

Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Model Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours
Ref. | SLGH002
Movement | Automatic (Caliber 9SA5)
Power Reserve | Approx. 80 hours
Case Material | 18K YG
Case Diameter | 40mm
Strap Material | Crocodile leather
Water Resistance | 10 bar
Price | ¥4,500,000 (excluding tax)
Limited Edition | 100 pieces worldwide