Hodinkee
Entry Level: Sure, Grand Seiko's Entry Level Is Quartz, But That Only Makes Me Love It More
The simple SBGX Series lets you 'set it and forget it' for 50 years.
1,020 articles · 48 videos found · page 22 of 36
The 2010 Spring Drive reference with a dial textured like fresh Shinshu snow.
Nine new references, a better bracelet, and the Spring Drive UFA making its way into classic Evo9 cases. Here's what actually changed.
Hodinkee
The simple SBGX Series lets you 'set it and forget it' for 50 years.
Hodinkee
A smaller Snowflake, just in time for winter.
SJX Watches
Having delved into the origins, concept, and design of the Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT003, we now turn to the granularity of its technical qualities. The Kodo is first and foremost a chronometer in the vein of the watches that lay behind the founding of Grand Seiko (GS). A brand focused on precision timekeeping since its establishment in 1960, the opening act of GS in its first decade was competing in observatory chronometer trials at Neuchatel and Geneva – and winning, much to the horror of the Swiss. Several decades later the brand is still pursuing perfect accuracy in both mechanical, quartz, and hybrid formats, most notably with the novel Spring Drive. The Kodo powered by the cal. 9ST1 is the latest, and arguably greatest, endeavour in chronometric precision from GS. But it is like no GS that has come before it. Rather than rely on modern technology and materials, the Kodo instead revisits traditional mechanical solutions, namely as the constant-force mechanism and tourbillon. Combining the two in a wristwatch mark a milestone for GS, or any Japanese watchmaker for that matter. To understand the mechanical systems within the Kodo, we must first understand the fundamental challenges in precision timekeeping. The factors that influence precision fall into two categories, the first related to the barrel or energy supply, and the second, gravity’s effect on the balance or oscillator. Energy challenges The barrel is the source of energy in a conve...
Time+Tide
When I learned that Grand Seiko had announced the SBGJ269 with a pink dial as an Australian limited edition, it’s fair to say I lost my mind.The post INTRODUCING: The Grand Seiko SBGJ269 ‘Pink Flannel’ appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
The first complicated mechanical watch from the brand in its six decades years of history, the Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT003 is an impressive example of high horology. The Kodo is self-explanatory: it is equipped with a highly skeletonised and sensitively finished movement boasting a one-second remontoir and tourbillon, both mounted on the same axis. The Kodo is an interesting watch in all respects, tangible and intangible, making it worth a detailed examination – exactly the focus of this two-part series. In this first instalment, we explain the development and conception of the Kodo, as well as the decoration of its movement. In the second part that will be published subsequently, we detail how the movement works and analyse how it compares to the competition. A surprise Evolved from the T0 concept movement unveiled just two years ago, the Kodo is undoubtedly a milestone – and a major step upwards – for the Japanese watchmaker that’s historically been focused on simple but high-quality everyday watches. Like conventional Grand Seiko (GS) watches, the Kodo is all about high-quality timekeeping, but it is far from simple. An example of a typical Grand Seiko, which is strikingly different from the Kodo, yet not so different in terms of philosophy Well known for its quest for high precision – amongst its earliest timepieces were observatory-tested chronometers – GS has done much research and development in the cutting-edge timekeeping techn...
Time+Tide
You may have your own opinion about quartz watches, but Grand Seiko has certainly elevated the movement technology to a whole different level. And their new 9F-powered GMT models make a compelling case for half of a two-watch collection, or even a one-watch collection, depending on your needs. A quartz GMT certainly fits the bill … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Grand Seiko make a compelling case for a one-watch collection with their new quartz GMTs appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
If you thought Grand Seiko was obsessed with the details, well, you weren't wrong. But there's another level. An even higher level. Behold the detail-iest Grand Seiko of them all, the Credor.
Hodinkee
Red alert – the SBGE253 is ready for your next adventure.
Time+Tide
The 44GS case has been a staple in Grand Seiko’s line-up for a long time, with the Japanese luxury giant paying tribute to its 55th anniversary with multiple new releases over the past 12 months. This newest duo, the Grand Seiko SBGW291 and SBGW293, also fall into that category, being placed in Grand Seiko’s Heritage … ContinuedThe post The Grand Seiko SBGW291 and SBGW293 condense dazzling dials into 36.5mm cases appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
Grand Seiko stretches its wings into the Asia Pacific market with the creation of the new company - Grand Seiko Asia Pacific.
SJX Watches
Having enjoyed several years of double-digit growth in its biggest markets outside of Japan, Grand Seiko is continuing to hone a marketing and distribution strategy inspired by its Swiss peers. One of the key planks of its brand development has been to vertically integrate its sales channels, with Asia being the latest to join the mothership. Headquartered in Singapore, Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific is a newly established entity that will take charge of sales and marketing of the brand in the region. Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific becomes the company’s third regional subsidiary, after those covering Americas and Europe, both amongst the brand’s most important markets outside of Japan. The Grand Seiko boutique in Place Vendome, Paris The Asia-Pacific division of Grand Seiko no doubt develop the brand along similar lines as its counterparts in Europe and the United States. The senior managers in both the Americas and Europe are Omega alumni, with the head of the American operations also being the brand’s Global Strategy Officer. Unsurprisingly, Grand Seiko has embarked on a game plan centred on brand boutiques in upscale locations as well as limited edition models, mirroring the familiar approach utilised by many of its Swiss rivals. The newly-established Asia-Pacific operation is a joint venture between Seiko Watch Corporation and Thong Sia, the Hong Kong-based company that was the longtime Asian distributor for Grand Seiko (as well as other Seiko brands). It is chaired by Ak...
Revolution
Time+Tide
Don’t get me wrong. The Evolution 9 case geometry has a stellar aesthetic. But when we first saw Grand Seiko’s innovative and beautiful 9SA5 hi-beat calibre in a case other than the Evolution 9 case, the classic and iconic 44GS case it was found in for their limited edition SLGH009, I immediately knew I wanted … ContinuedThe post The new Grand Seiko SLGH013 means the 9SA5 x 44GS case combo has arrived in standard production appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s Note: When Nicolas Cage recently gushed over his Grand Seiko on the red carpet, many of you in the comments noted how he should become an ambassador for the brand – and we agreed it would definitely be a fun pairing. This then got us thinking what other ambassador match-ups we would want to see. … ContinuedThe post Fantasy Watch Ambassador: Dom Toretto joins the Diesel family appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
What's in a nickname? Have a look at our latest 60-second video and find out.
Hodinkee
Confession: I don't actually have a brother. (But Grand Seiko doesn't need to know that.)
Time+Tide
A few days ago, as I sat in front of my watch box, a familiar thought crossed my mind. One I’ve already shared with you all before. And that’s the feeling that I own too many watches. Some may consider this a random thought but when 10 watches are staring back at you, it’s not … ContinuedThe post Did Grand Seiko just give us the perfect two-watch collection? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Zach has just departed on a well-deserved holiday and is currently basking on a sun-lounger wearing a Hawaiian shirt loud enough to make your ears ring. So it’s up to me to pick up the Wind Down slack and bring you a few bulletins from the watch world this week. First up, take a minute … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: New Grand Seiko 9F GMTs, gift-giving footballers and Louis Monet x Fratello appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s Note: When Nicolas Cage recently gushed over his Grand Seiko on the red carpet, many of you in the comments noted how he should become an ambassador for the brand – and we agreed it would definitely be a fun pairing. This then got us thinking what other ambassador match-ups we would want to see. … ContinuedThe post Fantasy Watch Ambassador: Willem Dafoe and the ever-cheeky Konstantin Chaykin appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
Introducing the new re-interpretations of the legendary Grand Seiko 44GS - the new SBGW291 and SBGW293, both 36.5mm case size with hand wound 9S64.
Hodinkee
GS heads gather around, there's a new hot (small) watch in town.
Time+Tide
When the Grand Seiko SLGT003 “Kodo” made its debut at Watches & Wonders it was a definitive "drop the mic" moment.The post HANDS-ON: Grand Seiko dropped the mic with the SLGT003 “Kodo” Constant Force Tourbillon appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Welcome to the Friday Wind Down. Let’s dig into some of the horological headlines of the week! Grand Seiko regional limited editions cause some of the greatest amount of FOMO in the collecting community, often producing really striking and distinct creations that people want but, due to the region they live in, cannot buy. The … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Grand Seiko Thailand makes the world green with envy, British survey reveals why people truly wear watches appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
This weekend we're talking Zaratsu polishing, textured dial work, and what's still one of the best value props in all of luxury watchmaking.
Time+Tide
Editor’s Note: When Nicolas Cage recently gushed over his Grand Seiko on the red carpet, many of you in the comments noted how he should become an ambassador for the brand – and we agreed it would definitely be a fun pairing. This then got us thinking what other ambassador match-ups we would want to see. … ContinuedThe post Fantasy Watch Ambassador: Wild and Free Jason Momoa with the adventurous Panerai appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s Note: When Nicolas Cage recently gushed over his Grand Seiko on the red carpet, many of you in the comments noted how Cage should become an ambassador for the brand – and we agreed it would definitely be a fun pairing. This then got us thinking what other ambassador matchups we would want to see. … ContinuedThe post Fantasy Watch Ambassador: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg with climate conscious Oris appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Size matters – but not in the way you think.
Time+Tide
Evolution 9 represents a new era of design for Grand Seiko, pushing the envelope both externally and internally. The most prolific Evolution 9 design is the SLGH005 “White Birch”, but since 2021 the Grand Seiko Birch family has rapidly grown – expanding into new materials, movements and dial colours. So, here is an overview of … ContinuedThe post Branching out: An overview of the Grand Seiko Birch family appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Following last week’s review of the Grand Seiko SBGP017, and your comments on Instagram regarding the exhibition of quartz movements, we were inspired to find other quartz watches with equally beautiful movements that also chose to put them on display. It’s always been a rare sight to see a quartz watch with a display caseback, … ContinuedThe post Here are the most beautiful quartz movements with open casebacks, with some hidden honourable mentions appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 collection greatly expanded at this year’s Watches and Wonders, with no less than five new additions. Among those we find today’s offering - the Grand Seiko SBGC249 and SBGC251 Spring Drive Chronograph GMTs. The idea isn’t exactly novel for Grand Seiko; in fact, one of the models celebrates the 15th anniversary of … ContinuedThe post The Grand Seiko SBGC249 and SBGC251 are complicated additions to the Evolution 9 collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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