Grand Seiko
For over 50 years, Grand Seiko has been a story of dedication, perfecting the deceptively simple idea of creating the ideal watch. Even with the changing technology, the spirit of the brand has remained the same. The very first Grand Seiko model was produced in Suwa Seikosha (current Seiko Epson) in central Japan. Since the release of this watch in 1960, it has continued to evolve and include additional complications like calendar functions. In 1967, the 44GS was released, being the first model to embody the exterior design concept of the “Grand Seiko Style,” which is still seen today. Through the years that followed, the luxury brand has released watches for women, designed to be very precise and even featured both quartz and automatic movements. In 2002, for the first time in Grand Seiko history, the watch featured a fourth hand GMT function. Then in 2007, the first Spring Drive Chronograph was released featuring an accurate chronograph driven by a main spring. Still today, the brand continues to produce superbly accurate watches while maintaining the same spirit behind the original model.
About The Brand
Grand Seiko is one of the most loved and coveted watch brands among collectors. It, as well as Seiko, its parent company, have a history that rivals all but the very best European watchmakers. In fact, there are few brands that have been more influential in the previous five decades. However, even while this is true, Grand Seiko is a watch brand that was only recently introduced to the Western world, which has resulted in some watch enthusiasts not fully understanding what the brand offers. From their innovative Spring Drive movement to their extraordinary dials and aesthetics, each watch is steeped in history and horological excellence.
History of Grand Seiko Watches
It was the ongoing determination to excel that brought about the creation of this luxury brand. Grand Seiko is a Japanese brand in an industry dominated by Swiss and German competitors. Compared to other brands, it’s considered “young,” having started in 1960. While being developed, and ever since that time, the main idea that encouraged designers and engineers alike was that the Grand Seiko should be the “perfect” watch featuring durability, and standards of precision and beauty that would take over the world.
Throughout the 1960s, the brand expanded their suite of watches, introducing new collections and calibers at a fairly fast pace—not to mention, winning many awards along the way. In 1968, their movement was awarded the overall prize for best mechanical watches in the Geneva observatory competition. Then in 1988, the first Grand Seiko quartz watch was launched, exceeding performance standards of the time. Interestingly, all of their quartz crystals were grown in their own facilities, giving them the power to choose only the pieces that could pass a test against extreme temperatures, humidity, and shock. By the mid-1990s, Grand Seiko was working tirelessly to enhance their mechanical watches with a new generation of models featuring the 9S movement. Meanwhile, the brand’s much-anticipated Spring Drive movement debuted in 1999 after nearly 20 years and 600 prototypes—a testament to the brand’s determination and commitment to their goal of producing the “ideal” watch.
Explore Quartz & Spring Drive Movements
Known for their extreme precision and continuous innovation, Grand Seiko delivers high performance and durability in all of their timepieces. Particularly, their quartz and Spring Drive movements are unparalleled and highly-sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Quartz Calibers
The first Grand Seiko quartz watch was the 95GS, a very popular and precise watch boasting incredible accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per year. Then in 1989, they released the 8NGS, the brand’s first water-resistant quartz watch. As the quartz movement evolved, so did the need to incorporate additional innovations. For example, the caliber 9F83 featured a Backlash Auto-Adjust Mechanism, Twin Pulse Control System, Instant Date Change Mechanism, and a protective shield construction which gave a new meaning to the term “quartz watch.” Soon afterward, Grand Seiko became famous for their 9F caliber series that houses three groundbreaking movements—the 9F86, 9F82, and 9F62. Learn more about Quartz by exploring our pre-owned collection of models.
Spring Drive Watches
Combining the best of Mechanical Watches and quartz movements, the revolutionary Spring Drive movement was born. Each watch in this family of models is assembled by hand and features in-house calibers that are rigorously examined before hitting the market. The two most important components of this innovative function include the mechanical mainspring and the tri-synchro regulator, an exclusive speed control system crafted specifically for the Spring Drive suite. Explore more about this fascinating horological feat by perusing our collection of Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches. Or, discover the infamous Grand Seiko Snowflake model—perhaps the most iconic Spring Drive timepiece available.