Grand Seiko Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Celebrates Japanese Watchmaking

Grand Seiko’s new Caliber S 25th Anniversary Edition celebrates the 1998 launch of one of the company’s most important movements, the high-frequency 9S. It is significant in many ways, not least of which is its function as a reminder to people that Seiko did more than introduce quartz technology to the world in the 1960s. It is also evidence, in case we needed it, that Grand Seiko’s separation into a standalone brand in 2017 was more than just a corporate reorganization or a new logo. The substance behind the brand includes elite movements, high-watchmaking finishes and substantial archives from which to draw inspiration for new models. Grand Seiko had been a luxury collection within the Seiko umbrella since 1960.

The Anniversary Caliber 9S celebrates the movement – high frequency movements are a special accomplishment because they oscillate faster than standard movements – 36,000 vibrations per hour compared to the standard 28,000 – and that results in greater accuracy. Because the high frequency can induce extra wear on the components, it must be built to more precise tolerances (key components are manufactured to tolerances of one-thousandth of a millimeter), with more durable materials, so it’s a caliber that is highly optimized for performance. The 9S has an accuracy rating of +5 to -3 seconds per day.

The watch also celebrates its “made in Japan” roots, which imply every bit as much cachet as a “Swiss made” label. In that context, the Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary pays tribute to the landscape near the workshop where Grand Seiko movements are made. The dials are inspired by the sky over Mt. Iwate, visible through the windows of the workshop. There are two references, one with a silver dial etched with textures that evoke the clouds over Mt. Iwate at daybreak, and another with an azure blue dial inspired by the view from the top of the mountain. The 37mm cases are stainless steel. Both are limited editions of 1,200 pieces, available only at Grand Seiko boutiques, beginning in April.