Grand Seiko Heritage Watch

37 mm steel case, self-winding movement, steel bracelet

25 years ago, Grand Seiko introduced its iconic 9S, a mechanical caliber born from an uncompromising desire for the highest precision in mechanical watchmaking. When the 9S debuted in 1998 as the SBGR001, it marked the beginning of a new era for Grand Seiko and laid the foundation for the many mechanical watchmaking creations that followed over the next 25 years. These ranged from the first 9S Hi-Beat models to the more recent introduction of the 9SA5, Grand Seiko’s most advanced Hi-Beat movement to date. This year, a new limited edition celebrates the 9S and symbolizes the continued evolution of this movement family, while retaining the original diameter of the 1998 model. The 9S family of movements are manufactured in Shizukuishi, the spiritual home of Grand Seiko mechanical watchmaking. Known for its pastoral vistas and breathtaking landscapes, the city’s name is also poetic, meaning “water flowing over stone.” The beauty of the landscape is further enhanced by the proximity of Mount Iwate, a towering snow-capped peak that emerges from the surrounding clouds at sunrise. The outlines of these clouds inspire the silver dial of the SBGH311, made possible by Grand Seiko’s advanced craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques. On the back, a titanium oscillating weight completes the scene with a sky blue color achieved through anodic oxidation. The movement at the heart of the SBGH311 is the Hi-Beat caliber 9S85, which is painstakingly created by the skilled artisans at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. This new creation features a mechanical caliber 9S85 Hi-Beat 36000, assembled by the artisans at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.