We live in an era where smartphones provide accurate time anytime, and it’s been a long time since watches were whispered to be obsolete. In fact, according to one survey, more than half of Japanese people do not wear a wristwatch when going out. Yet, I still believe that a wristwatch is an indispensable item in life. In the extreme, a wristwatch can be worn anytime, anywhere, reminding us of the moment we acquired it, allowing us to admire it, and truly becoming a life companion with whom we mark the passage of time.

I have handled countless watches and have been steadily enjoying collecting them, but my most favorite wristwatch is actually a Grand Seiko. To coincide with the “Seiko Boutique Grand Front Osaka 4th Anniversary Fair” starting Friday, June 9th, I will introduce Grand Seiko from its history to its latest models, including my personal impressions.

Grand Seiko was born in 1960. At a time when the market for luxury watches was dominated by foreign brands from Switzerland and elsewhere, it was created with the ambition to “create the finest domestic watch that challenges the world.”

My Grand Seiko is a model from 1968, commonly known as the “44GS.” The 44GS is also known as the first model to embody the “Seiko Style,” which was researched under the concept of a “brilliantly shining watch.”

Even after more than 50 years, the exterior and indices still gleam like a mirror, the hands are sharp and elegant like a Japanese sword, and the hand-wound movement boasted the world's highest precision. It is a watch that makes me feel the strong ambition to conquer the world with national prestige, and it straightens my back every time I wear it.

Grand Seiko has been producing outstanding timepieces since its inception, and its global reputation has only grown in recent years. A prime example is the SLGH005, born in 2021.

This model is also called the “Birch Tree Model” due to its dial, which expresses the birch forests that grow near the “Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi,” the manufacturing base for Grand Seiko’s mechanical watches. The dial, evoking the strength and majesty of nature in the birch forest, is simply breathtaking.

The movement used is the Caliber 9SA5. Since its birth in 1960, Grand Seiko has continued to evolve, aiming for robust and highly accurate movements to achieve the “world's finest practical watch.” The Caliber 9SA5 is a masterpiece movement that marks a significant milestone for Grand Seiko.

In addition to its high precision of +5 to -3 seconds per day, achieved by a high beat rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour, it boasts an astonishing power reserve of approximately 80 hours. Furthermore, it is thinner than previous movements and has significantly improved aesthetics.

The exterior design follows the new design grammar of Grand Seiko called “Evolution 9.” With a lower and wider profile than previous models, the center of gravity is lowered, significantly improving stability when worn. The case is also curved to follow the wrist, ensuring a comfortable fit.

When this model first appeared, I thought of it as the wristwatch equivalent of a racing car with a super engine. In fact, this model achieved the feat of winning the Men's Watch Prize at the GPHG (Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix), often called the Academy Awards of the watch world.

The SLGH005 is a versatile watch that easily pairs with both formal and casual attire, and can be recommended as a first luxury wristwatch.

Two years after the birth of the Birch Tree Model, in 2023, another ambitious work from Grand Seiko emerged: the SLGC001 “Tentagraph.”

The Tentagraph is Grand Seiko's first mechanical chronograph. Its name is derived from “Ten-beat,” “Three days,” “Automatic,” and “Chronograph,” and it boasts the world's longest power reserve for a 10-beat mechanical chronograph.

The Caliber 9SC5 movement is based on the aforementioned 9SA5, sharing the advantages of being thin and having a long power reserve.

This model, designed with “use while in motion” in mind, features wide hands and indices, intentionally simplified sub-dials, and a date display window in the same color as the dial for excellent instant readability.

Furthermore, it is made of robust yet lightweight Bright Titanium, and the push buttons have a satisfying feel, making it a truly practical chronograph.

While Grand Seiko offers a Spring Drive chronograph, that model has an asymmetrical dial design, whereas this one is symmetrical. While preferences may vary, this design is likely to be more widely appealing.

Normally, when creating a new watch, it would be safer to opt for a classic white or black dial. However, this model features a deep blue dial, Grand Seiko's signature color. This suggests it is a model intended to represent the future of Grand Seiko.

For OPENERS readers, many of you are likely car and travel enthusiasts. Why not take a drive or embark on a journey wearing one of the finest domestic, or rather, world-class chronographs? It is sure to be a special experience.

The two Grand Seiko models introduced here, the SLGH005 and SLGC001, can be seen in person at Seiko Boutique Grand Front Osaka.

A wristwatch has a very long lifespan and is not a purchase that ends with buying it. The key to using a watch for a long time is to have it regularly maintained and to purchase it from a store where you can easily consult with them if anything arises. In this regard, Seiko Boutique Grand Front Osaka is easily accessible and has specialized staff with extensive knowledge, allowing for a worry-free shopping experience.

The experience of encountering a life companion in the form of a wristwatch within a refined space that embodies the brand's worldview is sure to be an unforgettable event in your life.

Furthermore, Seiko Boutique Grand Front Osaka, which celebrates its 4th anniversary on June 23rd, will be holding the “Seiko Boutique Grand Front Osaka 4th Anniversary Fair” from Friday, June 9th to Thursday, August 31st. During this period, customers who purchase a Grand Seiko here will receive an original novelty gift, so please do visit.