As the first release celebrating the 55th anniversary of the "44GS," which established Grand Seiko's design grammar "Seiko Style," the "Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Model" will be available worldwide in a limited edition of 1,200 pieces starting Friday, December 10, 2021.

The "Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Model" has been announced to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the "44GS," released in 1967. This model inherits the "Seiko Style" design grammar established by the "44GS." The exterior features a simple composition of straight lines and flat surfaces, rooted in a unique Japanese aesthetic, yet it reveals countless expressions of light and shadow depending on the time and occasion.

This design is realized through advanced artisan techniques, including "Zaratsu polishing" to achieve smooth, beautiful surfaces. This sophisticated handcraftsmanship forms the foundation of Grand Seiko's timeless and universal beauty.

The mastery of these skills was globally recognized when a limited model featuring the "44GS" design equipped with a mechanical hi-beat GMT caliber received the "Prix de la Petite Aiguille (Small Hand Prize)" at the Grand Prix de Genève in 2014.

This model, the first in the "44GS" 55th anniversary series, features special specifications based on the award-winning 2014 model. The case, a modern interpretation of "a watch that shines brilliantly" as defined by "Seiko Style," retains its distinctive form with distortion-free mirrored surfaces, even while utilizing Bright Titanium.

Furthermore, as a testament to the 55th anniversary, the case back features a special gold-colored titanium oscillating weight with an anodized finish (a process that artificially creates an oxide film through electrolysis, producing various colors on the surface through light refraction). The dial reinterprets a specification considered during the development of Grand Seiko GMT models released in 2002.

The classic Grand Seiko white dial is complemented by blued steel GMT hands coated with Lumibrite for enhanced nighttime visibility, and three-dimensional indices. This reflects the original intention to fuse traditional style with active functionality. This special model celebrates the 55-year evolution of the "44GS" by harmonizing heritage-based design and function at a high level, while also heralding a new continuation into the future.