The first day of Baselworld is underway and there’s so much news my keyboard is already falling apart. Watch brand Seiko are already celebrating and the show has only just started! They have produced not one but three new special movements, a new case and a unique dial all on the first morning of Basel. Talk about a grand entrance… Who got the pun there?
Ever since Seiko launched their very first premier models or “Grand seiko” in 1960 the 9S mechanical calibre was in the works, it was in 2998 when the calibre was released and the Grand Seiko really took a huge leap in the watch industry. The movement was given an overhaul including an entirely new design which was done to help emphasise the high precision and excellent durability that Grand Seiko is known for. Since its release the brand has once gone from strength to strength, continuously building on their success with new models, inspirational designs and materials. For example the Spron alloys which are used in both the mainspring and the hairspring of the watch.
Fast forward to 22nd March 2018 (today’s date) and you will notice that the 9S calibre is the roots that all of the Grand Seiko suite of watches is build from and its easy to see why. Seiko have produced a series of three limited-edition timepieces in order for them to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9S. There is one model that is probably the most likely to turn some heads in Baselworld is the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A 950 Platinum (try to say that fast). It is definitely one that watch collectors should look out for at the show, it’s part of an exclusive series and limited to only 20 worldwide which will probably sell out before Baselworld ends so if you want one you better be there!
The “V.F.A.” in the watches official release name stands for “very finely adjusted” and refers to the Grand Seiko’s adage, which has been valid for precision since 1969. This tribute and celebration of new creations allows Seiko to proudly showcase their V.F.A tradition in 2018. They can confidently show off due to their extraordinary technology inside their watches such as their incredibly precise rate of their 9S85 Hi-Beat 36000 calibre. This Hi-Beat calibre is so impressive, it has a gain/loss of +3 / -1 seconds a day. The watch also features a new case that has been designed to include two Zaratsu polished surfaces which extend to the very edge of the lugs where the surfaces meet to create a perfect triangle. Now that’s precision design at its best.
The watches face features the classic Grand Seiko logo which is on the other two limited editions too, one has a gold case and is limited to 150 pieces and one that is stainless steel and is limited to 1500 worldwide.
