2016 Grand Seiko Hi-Beat Seiko Boutique Edition SBGH051 [ON HOLD]
Ref: SBGH051

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko box & Grand Seiko paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original stainless steel Grand Seiko bracelet with signed clasp, all links included. The watch is from December 2016 and is sold in worn condition, however as you can see from the photos the watch is in excellent condition despite the age. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The reference 3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. Rather than sending its 25 Jewels Chronometer movement to the Swiss to be tested, Seiko decided to do the testing themselves. The European Chronometer Official Association believed that a chronometer rated watch had to be independently tested to be awarded that designation. Seiko watches were not independently tested so therefore they could not be chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers do, they wrote a stern letter to Seiko requesting that the designation of Chronometer on Grand and King Seiko watches stop. Seiko obliged and ceased using "Chronometer" on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorization Association was started in 1968 as an independent group to test timepieces to chronometer standards. The Association was short-lived: due to the rise of quartz watches, it closed in 1983. Today Grand Seiko movements are tested over 17 days in 6 positions compared to COSC testing over 15 days in 5 positions.  In 1985 Suwa Seikosha became Seiko Epson Corporation In 2017 Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would become an independent brand. 

This very special limited edition Grand Seiko Hi-Beat has a 40mm stainless steel case. Its Zaratsu high polish has razor-sharp lines leading to elegantly tapering lugs. On the right side, a signed screw-down crown. The polished bezel holds a flat sapphire crystal. A deep blue dial catches the light perfectly. Applied steel batons are exquisitely cut and polished by Seiko experts. At 3 o’clock a framed date window. Dauphine's hands have razor-sharp edges that play with the light as you turn your wrist. A gold center seconds hand hits its mark and sweeps in a smooth manner. Applied gold Seiko and GS at 12 and 6 respectively. On the reverse, a coin-edged exhibition case back, the Seiko lion sits centrally and "Seiko Boutique Limited Edition" is stated in gold. Inside a Grand Seiko Automatic Cal. 9S85, 37 Jewels, 36,000 beats per hour. This 10 beat movement has incredible accuracy and made with new materials like Spron 610 alloy used in its hairspring that took 5 years to develop. The movement went through its in house testing in 6 positions and in varying temperatures before the movement was passed. Fitted on its 20mm Stainless Steel Seiko strap with signed clasp.