Baselworld 2018 was an impressive show this year with so many new announcements from so many watch brands. Seiko was definitely a big player in this years show with some impressive announcements and new additions to existing lines.
One of the announcements is their new Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Limited Edition SBGJ229G. It has been released to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9S mechanical caliber and is a piece that shows off old and new parts of Seiko’s rich history. The watches inner case is made from super light high intensity titanium as is the outer bracelet which makes the watch very lightweight to wear and hold. Seiko have produced a blue zirconia ceramic bracelet which is used on the outer case and in the centre links of the bracelet, this is seven times harder than stainless steel and allows the watch to be virtually impervious to scratches of any kind.
The oscillating weight is made from a combination of titanium and tungsten parts so that even when subjected to shocks the watch can resist distortion, the titanium part of the weight is even treated with an anodic oxidation process which actually creates a vivid blue that is rich in colour and complements the ceramic blue of the Zirconia dial. From the use of advanced materials the watch has become a celebration of Seiko’s advanced watchmaking achievements which have been made possible by the first 9S caliber which was produced twenty years ago.
For those who like to know the tech parts about the watch the Anodic oxidation treatment is actually a surface treatment which involves the metals being subjected to electrolysis which generated an artificial oxide film. A oxide film made with titanium actually produces its colour according to the light refraction index which allows you to manufacture or produce different colours depending on how thick you make the oxide film.
Seiko don’t stop their either, this model is remarkable not only for its construction but also its performance. The watch contains a hi-beat movement which has been specially adjusted to the Grand Seiko “Special” standard which has an incredible precision rate of only +4 to -2 seconds per day, which is in fact better than any Grand Seiko standard currently. The words “SPECIAL” are printed on the front of the dial and there is also an 18k rose gold Grand Seiko lion on the oscillating weight bear which has been placed there as a statement from the brand to the watches high precision.
Please note that this watch is limited to only 350 which will be available for purchase from the start of July 2018 at the Grand Seiko and Seiko boutiques worldwide.
