
The new Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT 60th anniversary limited edition (SBGC238) watch’s design takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese armor worn by samurai warlords during the Sengoku period, a time marked by civil wars and social upheaval in the late 15th to early 17th century. The timepiece expresses the unwavering spirit of the samurai and Grand Seiko’s continuous pursuit for the ultimate in watch making on its 60th anniversary.

The distinctive blue color of indigo dye, known as Katsu-iro, was used by the Samurai for their armor and represented their bravery. This Katsu-iro color is applied for the dial of the limited edition watch and together with the watch case reminiscent of a powerful lion, the timepiece expresses the martial warrior’s noble spirit. The grooves of the Katsu-iro colored crocodile strap are applied rose gold to reflect the strength and dignity of the armor that has been used in battle over a long period of time.

The case of Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT watch embodies the intense strength and dignity of lions, is angled inwards to ensure a soft fit on the wrist. It reproduces the strength of the lion’s forelegs to grasp and not release prey, providing overwhelming wearability. The lug of the case looking like a lion’s nail has a flat surface without distortion by Zaratsu polishing and hairline finish. It is a case design that gives a brave impression like a lion.

The dial also has a pattern representing the mane of the lion, which is the proof of the king of the beasts. A second hand with glide motion unique to the Spring Drive slides gracefully on the lion’s mane. The new timepiece carries the lion symbol in the form of an 18k gold insert in the oscillating weight, denoting the enhanced accuracy of the specially adjusted movement (+/-0.5 seconds a day).

The new Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT comes with Caliber 9R96 movement. Caliber 9R96 is specially adjusted Caliber 9R86, to deliver an even higher level of precision. Caliber 9R86 is ±15 seconds a month (equivalent to ±1 second per day), whereas Caliber 9R96 is ±10 seconds a month (equivalent to ±0.5 seconds per day). Only quartz crystal oscillator, which exhibit particularly excellent performance, are selected and mounted on the Caliber 9R96.

The Grand Seiko lion in 18K gold graces the oscillating weight to symbolize the enhanced accuracy. As a proof of the limited edition, Limited Edition and the serial number are printed on the case back, with “60th Anniversary 1960-2020” on the crystal sapphire glass in rose gold. The limited edition Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT is scheduled to be released on October 9 in Japan for 5,060,000 yen ($47660) including tax.
