2014 Grand Seiko Historical Collection Selfdater SBGV011
Ref: SBGV011 (9F82-0AC0)
Specification
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
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 a signed clasp, all links included plus a Grand Seiko leather strap with a signed buckle. The watch is from June 2014 and is sold in worn condition, however as you can see from the photos the watch is in excellent condition. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.
The Watch
Here we have a 2014 Grand Seiko Historical Collection Selfdater SBGV011 limited to 900 pieces, with a 37mm stainless steel case, its chamfered-edged Zaratsu high polish and brushed surfaces have razor-sharp lines leading to elegantly tapering drilled lugs, lug-to-lug length of 43.5mm and a case thickness of just 9.5mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right side, is a signed crown, and the smooth polished bezel holds a box-style sapphire crystal AR coated on the inside above a black dial. An outer minute track has applied steel batons that are exquisitely cut and polished by Seiko Zaratsu experts, at 3 o’clock a framed date window, and elegant Dauphine's hands have razor-sharp edges that play with the light as you turn your wrist complemented by a tapered second hand. At 12 o’clock we have the applied Seiko motif and at 6 o’clock “Grand Seiko” completes this stunning sophisticated dress watch. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with polished sides and brush finishing around the Grand Seiko Lion embossed in the centre, reminding us of the past Grand Seiko’s medallions, inside a Grand Seiko 9F82 calibre, a top-tiered Quartz movement. Seiko grows their own quartz crystals, and using a higher torque allows them to use these heavier GS hands, keeping their brand aesthetic intact, they have incorporated a backlash auto-adjust mechanism that controls every single tick of the second hand accurately and perfectly in time. The watch comes fitted on a 19mm Grand Seiko polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet with a push-button release signed three-fold clasp, all spare links included plus an additional Grand Seiko Leather strap with a signed buckle and the watch comes with its Grand Seiko presentation box and paperwork.
Personal Note
This reference is quintessential Grand Seiko, from case proportions and finishing, to dial and hands! This model comes with both its bracelet and strap, which both look incredible on the watch and truly transform the look, essentially providing two watches in one. I wouldn't hesitate on this reference if you are considering a Grand Seiko, book an appointment and come see it for yourself.
The Brand
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 the "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.