To mark the 20th anniversary of the development of Grand Seiko’s iconic Calibre 9R, a Spring Drive movement which combines mechanical watchmaking with an electronic regulator to deliver high precision, the brand has unveiled two models. The first of these is the Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGA497, which pays homage to the original Spring Drive watch from 2004, and features a pink snowflake dial. The second is the Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGE305, a GMT watch with a dark red dial.  

Ref. SBGA497 celebrates the same case design as the original 9R watch, alongside the ‘snowflake’ patterned dial that debuted in 2005. In light pink and with a powdery texture, the timepiece celebrates the beauty of the rising sun against the snow-covered Hotaka mountain range in Nagano Prefecture, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made. The 41mm watch is built in high-intensity titanium – lighter and more scratch-resistant than steel – with a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. There are trapezoidal and bar hour markers, a date window at 3, and a power reserve indicator at 8 o’clock. The movement, 9R65 (power reserve 72 hours), is visible through see-through caseback. The watch has a water resistance of 100 metres.  

The watch is a limited edition of 1500 pieces and will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and with select retailers starting March 2024. 

The Ref. SBGE305 is a new addition to Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection and features a dark red dial, which is inspired by the sunrise of the Hotaka mountain range in summer. The stainless steel watch is 40.5mm, and also features trapezoidal and bar hour markers, though the date window is at 4:00, and a power reserve indicator at 8:30. The flange has showcases day and night indications, while the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel features the 24-hour scale for the second timezone. The local hour hand can be set independently, forward or backward, while the watch is running. The GMT hand is silver-coloured to enhance legibility. It is powered by the Calibre 9R66 with a 72 hours power reserve, and is water resistant to 200 metres. 

Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition: SBGE305 is a limited edition of 1300 pieces, and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailers starting June 2024. 

Both watches are priced at Rs 5,70,000.