The watch industry like the other major industries in the world is going through a major dip with the continued spread of the Coronavirus. Many events have been either cancelled or postponed. Among these was the Grand Seiko Summit 2020 that was scheduled to happen earlier in the month but was cancelled abruptly due to the increasing spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

However, the Japanese brand is not deterred. Despite this major hiccup, Grand Seiko have stepped up and are already in the forefront with the showcasing of a number of Novelties. Starting from last month, they gave their collectors a brief taste of the their 60th Anniversary celebration with the release of four limited edition timepieces featuring the signature Grand Seiko blue dial.

This time around, the brand releases a major chunk of theNovelties that is not only dedicated to the 60th Anniversary celebration of Grand Seiko but also cements its authority over watchmaking like never before. Here are the major highlights:

Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition with Caliber 9SA5

Grand Seiko first launched the 9S mechanical caliber back in 1998 which catapulted the brand to new found respect and popularity. Hence, the creation of the 9S was one of the most important moment in the history of the brand. To commemorate its 60th Anniversary , the brand released a new high beat mechanical caliber, 9SA5 which is not only deeply inspired by the original 9S but also marks aa technological advancement like the 1988 caliber. 15% slimmer than its predecessor, the caliber also features a precision rate of +5 to -3 seconds, beats at 36,000 vph and a clocks in a power reserve of 80 hours. Offering the perfect balance between precision, power and size, the caliber is slated to be the foundation that will hold a multitude of mechanical Grand Seiko timepieces in the future. For 2020, it powers the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Limited to just 100 pieces, the watch features a 40mm 18k yellow gold case with a simple white dial. The hour and minute hands and the hour markers hark back to those on the first Grand Seiko of 1960 with gold hour markers and hand that are inspired by . Strapped to a brown crocodile strap, the limited edition timepiece is priced at INR 37.82 lakh (approx).

Recreation of the 1960 Original

In the spirit of celebrating 60 years of Grand Seiko, the brand released three timepieces that are a recreation of the 1960 original timepiece that featured a 14k gold filled case and a slim movement. Keeping these themes in mind, 60 years later, Grand Seiko released three versions of the 1960 original watch with a slim case, precise workings and a design that is loyal to its heritage.

The recreation is available in three versions; Platinum 950, 18k yellow gold and Brilliant Hard Titanium. All of them feature the same slim profile of a 38mm (increased from 35mm) case diameter, softly curved dial with hands that are faithful to the original, sapphire crystal caseback. Going into the details of the watch, the Platinum version houses a dial that “carries the star mark that signifies that its hour markers are in 18k gold.” The same style is used for the 18k yellow gold version as well.

Each of the versions are powered by the precise 9S64 caliber that clocks in a power reserve of 72 hours and offers an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day. All the watches are available in crocodile straps and are priced at INR 33.13 lakh approx.(Platinum 950), INR 22.94 lakh approx. (18k Yellow Gold) and INR 7.05 lakh approx. (Brilliant Hard Titanium).

Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SBGW263 & SBGW264)

Take a moment to step away from the hum-drum of the crowded cities and step into the natural beauty of Shizukuishi. A place filled with lush greenery and volcanic mountains. It is also the home of Grand Seiko's mechanical watches. 

Amid the 60^th anniversary celebration of Grand Seiko is a new platinum cased watch that is dedicated to natural beauty of Shizukuishi. Featuring a dial that is hand engraved with symbols that is inspired by the legend that gave the place its name. According to the legend, the place got its name from “shizuku” water droplets that was dripping from the ceiling of a cave to the “ishi” which means rocks. Aspects of this legend has been beautifully etched onto the new watch by Master engraver Kiyoshi Terui and his small team. The dial features the water droplet motif across the hands and also on the hour markers showcasing the pattern of water splashing onto a rock. Additionally, the caseback also houses a Grand Seiko emblem in 18k yellow gold. Limited to just 20 pieces, this 60th Anniversary edition is powered by the manual-winding Caliber 9S64 and is a “powerful symbol of the vitality that the start of Grand Seiko’s new 60 year cycle represents.

The second Shizukuishi-inspired timepiece is the SBGW264 that features the same 9S64 manual winding caliber but is available in an 18k rose gold case. Similar to the water-droplet motif spread across the dial of the above mentioned timepiece, this one features a green dial decorated with an intricate yet sharp pattern that can only be achieved through precise machine engraving. This particular pattern is inspired by the forest of white birch trees that are found near the Grand Seiko studio. The green patterned dial is so perfectly developed that every light that hits the surface offers a unique shimmering effect that is reminiscence of when summer light hits the leaves of trees. Slim in it profile at just 39mm, the timepiece is strapped to a brown leather strap and is limited to just 120 pieces. Both the Shinzukuishi- inspired timepieces are priced at INR 85.07 lakh approx. (Platinum) and INR 21.05 lakh approx. (Rose gold). 

Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Professional Diver’s 600M

It is a given that Grand Seiko has a very stronghold when it comes to developing dress watches. However, for 2020, the brand has also released a sports watch called the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Professional Diver’s 600M. This timepiece is not just a pleasant withdrawal from the numerous classical looking watches from the bunch but also garners a rather astounding reputation. How? It is the first watch to be presented with a new generation Spring Drive movement Caliber 9RA5. In comparison to the 9R6 which has been the staple Spring Drive movement till date, the new and improved 2020 Caliber 9RA5 features a slimmer design (from 5.8mm to 5.0mm), higher precision (±15 seconds a month to ±10) and greater power reserve (5 days which is an increase of 60%).

The new Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Professional Diver’s 600M is made of high-intensity titanium crafted in a 46mm case diameter that has a water resistance of 600 meters. The black dial features a simple design with a power reserve indicator at 10 o' clock, SuperLuminova filled hands and hour markers. Additionally, the case, crystal and bezel are developed to offer maximum comfort and resistance that a divers watch demands. Strapped to a titanium bracelet, the watch is limited to just 700 pieces and is priced at INR 9.71 lakh (approx.)