Lately, the Japanese watchmaker has been celebrating a series of anniversaries. 2020 saw the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko and 2021 commemorated the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the company.
The year was 1881 when Kintaro Hattori founded the company (later known as Seiko). His philosophy when it came to his watchmaking brand was “Always one step ahead of the rest”. This motto has been reflected in every aspect of the esteemed watchmaker's design and product code. Continuing the tradition of celebrating its 140th anniversary, the brand released three timepieces that only embodies Kintaro Hattori's spirit and vision but also captures a unique dial design.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Editions (SLGA008) Tree Rings:
Inspired by the natural beauty of tree rings, the pair of Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Editions are beautiful. Named the “Tree Rings” SLGA008 in rose gold, the watch features a dial that delights the eye with an organic feel and brings to the forefront Grand Seiko's vision of the Nature of Time.
The timepiece is crafted in a 40mm 18K rose gold case set with a brown toned dial that is decorated in a wood grain pattern in dark and light tones that brings out the wood texture to the forefront. The Zaratsu polished distortion-free mirror finish of the 18k rose gold case works in perfect accordance to the brown dial. The watch is completed with the presence of a brown crocodile leather strap.
When it comes to the mechanics of the watch, Grand Seiko leaves no stone unturned in equipping the timepiece with the best watchmaking innovation. The watch is powered by the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive 5 Days Caliber 9RA2 that houses all the exclusive characteristics of the Spring drive Caliber 9RA5 that was introduced last year. The only difference between the two is the presence of the power reserve indicator, which is now visible via the sapphire crystal on the back of the watch
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Editions (SLGA0087) Minamo:
Like the Tree Ring version, the Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Editions “Minamo” also features similar features but offers a more sporty approach. Its 40mm stainless steel case with its own bracelet gives off a sporty vibe that is further enhanced with the help of its blue dial. Inspired by the quiet surface of Lake Suwa that is situated near the watchmaker's manufacturing plant. The blue dial of the SLG007 is decorated with a subtle wave pattern that glimmers through and strikes a brilliant contrast against the sharply edged hands and indexes.
Like the previous timepiece, the SLG007 is also powered by Grand Seiko's new Spring Drive 5 Days Caliber 9RA2 that is an automatic Spring Drive movement that carries a total of 38 jewels and clocks in a power reserve of 120 hours.
For those who are looking to get their hands on these timepiece, the wood-patterned version (SLG008) is priced at INR 36.37 lakh (approx.) and limited to 140. The other one that was inspired by the lake is priced at INR 6.45 lakh (approx.) and limited to just 2,021 pieces.