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October 4, 2024
A revival of the model that established the "Grand Seiko Style" | GRAND SEIKO
GRAND SEIKO | Grand Seiko
A Heritage Collection Reimagining the "45GS" in Meticulous Detail
Seiko Watch Corporation is releasing a revival model of the "45GS," originally commercialized in 1968. Available in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold, these limited editions will be produced in 1,200 and 200 units respectively. The release date is Saturday, November 9, 2024.
Featuring a New Yet Warm 10-Beat Manual-Wind Movement
The unique design grammar that has been consistently passed down through Grand Seiko's Heritage Collection is known as the "Grand Seiko Style." Eschewing ostentation, it embodies a balanced, quintessential design whose simple, humble appearance is a true symbol of Japanese aesthetics.
The "44GS" (5-beat manual-wind), the origin of the "Grand Seiko Style," appeared in 1967, followed by the "45GS" the next year. The 45GS was equipped with the "Caliber 4520," the brand's first 10-beat high-beat manual-wind movement, achieving stable high precision against positional variations and external interference. More than 50 years later, this revival model is powered by the "Caliber 9SA4," a 10-beat manual-wind mechanical movement born in 2024.
This model also faithfully reproduces the original "45GS" in its design. In particular, the case and dial designs reflect the style of 1968. Characterized by a flat surface and curved case sides, the sharply defined case, recreated with modern technology, emits a distinct brilliance through the contrast of light and shadow.
The dial features the "SEIKO" logo at the 12 o'clock position. At the 6 o'clock position, the letters "GS" and "HI-BEAT" are displayed in the same font as the original model, along with the number "36000" indicating the vibration frequency per hour, and the logo mark of "Daini Seikosha," signifying the origin of the original model. These details faithfully recreate the original "45GS."
The "Caliber 9SA4" movement, announced at "Watches and Wonders Geneva" in 2024, is a state-of-the-art manual-wind mechanical movement that has received high praise worldwide. Designed with the aim of being the ultimate manual-wind movement for daily companionship, it achieves 10 vibrations per second to maintain stable accuracy.
This movement achieves a power reserve of up to 80 hours through its unique "Dual Impulse Escapement," which efficiently transmits power from the mainspring to the regulating organ, and a "Twin Barrel" system with two mainsprings. The satisfying feel and sound when winding are unique charms of a mechanical watch.
The "Kogase," a component that prevents the mainspring from rotating backward during winding, is inspired by the "Japanese wagtail," the city bird of Morioka, and can also be seen on the grounds of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.
While the 1968 original model featured a metal case back, this revival model adopts a see-through case back. This allows for appreciation of the movement's operation and beautiful finishing when winding the crown. The interaction between the socket's ratchet and the "Kogase," resembling a wagtail pecking, is a detail that showcases the craftsman's meticulous work.
This model, a fusion of traditional design and the latest movement, can be said to particularly embody the world of Grand Seiko.
Heritage Collection 45GS Revival Design Limited Model
SLGW004
Price | ¥4,235,000
Case | 18K Yellow Gold
Strap and Buckle | Crocodile, 18K Yellow Gold
Glass | Box-shaped sapphire crystal (dual-sided anti-reflective coating)
Water Resistance | Everyday use water resistance (3 bar)
Case Size | Diameter: 38.8mm (excluding crown), Thickness: 10.4mm
Limited Quantity | World limited to 200 units (175 units for Japan)
Release Date | Saturday, November 9, 2024
SLGW005
Price | ¥1,342,000
Case | Stainless Steel
Strap and Buckle | Crocodile, Stainless Steel
Glass | Box-shaped sapphire crystal (dual-sided anti-reflective coating)
Water Resistance | Everyday use water resistance (3 bar)
Case Size | Diameter: 38.8mm (excluding crown), Thickness: 10.4mm
Limited Quantity | World limited to 1,200 units (425 units for Japan)
Release Date | Saturday, November 9, 2024
