Grand Seiko releases a limited edition model celebrating the 55th anniversary of the "44GS" equipped with a new generation movement

Release Date:2022.02.24
Jan 28, 2022
Seiko Watch Corporation will release two special limited edition Grand Seiko models featuring two new-generation movements to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the 44GS on February 24th. The suggested retail prices range from 1,045,000 yen to 1,155,000 yen (tax included), and each model is limited to 550 pieces worldwide.

SLGH009 (left), SLGA013 (right)
Grand Seiko, founded in 1960 with the aim of creating the finest wristwatches, has continued to pursue the essential qualities of a wristwatch—accuracy, beauty, and legibility—at a high level. The "Seiko Style" was established with the release of the "44GS" in 1967, and in 2020, marking the 60th anniversary of the brand's founding, the company announced the revolutionary mechanical movement "Caliber 9SA5," which will lead the next generation, as well as the Spring Drive movement "Caliber 9RA5." The "Caliber 9RA2," released in 2021, has the same performance as the "Caliber 9RA5," but by placing the power reserve indicator on the back and lowering the mounting position of the hands, the company has succeeded in making the case thinner.

≪Product Features≫

Uses "Ever Brilliant Steel," boasting the world's highest level of corrosion resistance


For the first time, Grand Seiko has adopted "Ever Brilliant Steel" (※1), which boasts the world's highest level of corrosion resistance, not only for the case but also for the bracelet. This advanced material, which is whiter and more beautiful than conventional stainless steel, harmonizes with the evolved mechanical movement, "Caliber 9SA5," and the Spring Drive movement, "Caliber 9RA2," and beautifully enhances the 55-year-old "44GS" design. (※1) This material has a PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) value 1.7 times higher than the stainless steel commonly used in luxury watches. PREN is a widely used index for evaluating the corrosion resistance of metals.


A dial that evokes the passage of time


The mechanical model features a dark blue dial, while the Spring Drive model features a dark gray dial, featuring a deep, intricate embossed pattern. This expresses the eternal flow of time, like the cycle of stars in the endless universe. Grand Seiko will continue to carry on the "Seiko Style" design principles established 55 years ago into the future.


Intricate finish visible through the case back


The case backs of the models reveal their different personalities, inspired by the rich nature of Shizukuishi and Shinshu, where they are each manufactured. The Caliber 9SA5 features a "Shizukuishi River finish" inspired by the gentle ripples of the Shizukuishi River, while the Caliber 9RA2 features a "Shinshu Hoarfrost finish" that evokes the frost that can be seen in the Shinshu region during the harsh winter months.


≪Product Specifications≫
Grand Seiko≫
Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
Mechanical Hi-Beat 80 Hours


Product Number SLGH009
Suggested Retail Price (tax included) 1,155,000 yen
Case/Bracelet Ever Brilliant Steel
Crystal Box-type sapphire crystal (with anti-reflective coating on the inside)
Water Resistance Enhanced water resistance for everyday use (10 bar)
Case Size [Outer Diameter] 40.0 mm (excluding crown) [Thickness] 11.7 mm
Sales Quantity Limited to 550 pieces worldwide (200 of each in Japan)
Release date: Thursday, February 24th
Other specifications
https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slgh009

【Movement specifications】
Mechanical movement: Caliber 9SA5 (SLGH009)
Winding method: Automatic (with manual winding)
Accuracy: Average daily rate of +5 to -3 seconds (static accuracy)
*Accuracy when worn is estimated to be +8 to -1 second per day
Power reserve: Approximately 80 hours
Number of jewels: 47
Vibration frequency: 36,000 vibrations/hour (10 vibrations/second)


<Grand Seiko>
Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Model

/> Spring Drive 5 Days

Product Number: SLGA013
Suggested Retail Price (tax included): 1,045,000 yen
Case/Bracelet: EverbrilliantSteel
Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire crystal (with anti-reflective coating on the inside)
Water Resistance: Enhanced water resistance for everyday use (10 bar)
Case Size: [Outer Diameter] 40.0 mm (excluding crown) [Thickness] 12.1 mm
Sales Quantity: Limited to 550 units each worldwide (200 units of each in Japan)
Release Date: Thursday, February 24th
>
Other Specifications
https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slga013

【Movement Specifications】
Spring Drive Movement Caliber 9RA2 (SLGA013)
Winding Method: Automatic (with manual winding)
Time Accuracy: Average monthly rate ±10 seconds (equivalent to daily rate ±0.5 seconds)
(When worn on the wrist at an temperature of 5°C to 35°C)
Power Reserve: Approximately 120 hours (approximately 5 days)
Number of Jewels: 38




Seiko Watch Corporation Customer Service Center 0120-061-012 (toll-free)
Official Grand Seiko website address
https://www.grand-seiko.com



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PR TIMES
  • Two special limited edition models commemorating the 55th anniversary of the 44GS
  • Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Mechanical Hi-Beat 80 Hours
  • Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Spring Drive 5 Days
  • Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Mechanical Hi-Beat 80 Hours
  • Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Spring Drive 5 Days
  • Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Mechanical Hi-Beat 80 Hours
  • Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Spring Drive 5 Days
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