Grand Seiko Heritage 44GS 55th Anniversary Watch Limited Edition 2000 pieces quartz blue dial steel bracelet 40 mm

A history of style

In 1967, Grand Seiko introduced the 44GS, a watch that would embody the design code known as the Grand Seiko style. This style consists of 9 distinct elements that govern the design of every detail of the watch, from the shape of the case to the shape of the 12 o'clock index to the flat surface of the dial. As Grand Seiko fans know, the 44GS was designed to make watch design history. With its iconic case geometry, distortion-free finish and eye-catching dial, the 44GS was then - and remains to this day - exemplary of Grand Seiko's focused design language.

In 2013, Grand Seiko unveiled the modern interpretation of the 44GS style, adapting the founding 1967 model to contemporary sensibilities. Now, 55 years after its first appearance, the brand presents this SBGP017, a limited edition quartz model commemorating the iconic 44GS design in a reasonably sized case. All the elements of Grand Seiko's style are brought to the fore in this model, contributing to the brand's defining "quality sparkle". Every facet of the case, the hands and the indexes are designed to reflect the slightest ray of light and create infinite combinations of light and shadow, which change with every movement. The Zaratsu polished and brushed surfaces complement each other perfectly. The texture of the dial is as delicate as the clouds that inspired it. It is this crisp, clear, and unique aesthetic that makes it possible to say, "This is a Grand Seiko.

"Unkai", the sea of clouds

The blue patterned dial of this timepiece is an immediate eye-catcher! The dial has a texture that evokes the unique natural phenomenon of the sea of clouds that forms on certain mornings around the mountains of the Shinshu region, where all Grand Seiko quartz watches are made. The air is sometimes so still and humid that dense clouds gather and intermingle, forming a sea of clouds over the Shinshu plains. They extend as far as the eye can see, and are tinged with the blue of the sky. The harmony is completed by the tone of the GS lettering and the flame-blued seconds hand.

The case of this SBGP017 measures 40 mm in diameter and 10.7 mm thick. Made of stainless steel, it is polished according to the Zaratsu technique of Grand Seiko, for a perfect result. The 10 bar waterproofness and the domed sapphire crystal are ideal for everyday life. There is also a stainless steel bracelet with five links, equipped with a folding clasp and a push-button release.

A 5 star quartz caliber

As the star on the dial indicates, this limited edition is powered by a specially enhanced version of the 9F85 caliber. Indeed, it offers a record accuracy of +/- 5 seconds per year, whereas the classic versions of the 9F calibers are accurate to +/- 10 seconds per year. This unique accuracy is achieved by using aged quartz crystals that have been rigorously tested over a 3-month period. This ensures that only the most accurate and highest performing crystals are incorporated into this very special movement.

Every functional aspect of the watch underlines this commitment to exceptional precision. It has a time difference adjustment function, which allows the hour hand to be set without stopping the second hand, thus maintaining its extreme precision when the owner wishes to change time zones. An automatic jerk regulation mechanism prevents the second hand from jerking. The date changes in the blink of an eye, and the dual-pulse control system allows the minute and second hands to extend to the edges of the dial for easy time reading.

This star is quite rare in the Grand Seiko world and even more so when it is revealed through the sapphire case back. The integrated circuit of quartz watches is sensitive to ultraviolet rays, which usually requires a closed case back. So this is only the third Grand Seiko with a 9F quartz caliber to have a sapphire caseback. For this occasion, the finishing of this movement has been improved by the watchmakers of the Shinshu Watch Studio, where the 9F quartz calibers as well as the Spring Drive 9R are assembled by hand. Indeed, this is only the second GS 9F to be equipped with blued screws, which subtly contrasts with the gold-colored bridges and the red rubies.

In bref

• A 9F quartz caliber with an extraordinary accuracy of +/- 5 seconds per year
  A breathtaking blue textured dial
  A limited edition of 2,000 pieces worldwide