Guide to Grand Seiko Timepieces

Created by the Japanese time masters, Seiko, Grand Seiko is the sibling company created to change the world. Grand Seiko was designed under the concept of produce the “ideal watch”, keeping to standards of beauty, durability, and accuracy that would transform the watchmaking industry as we know it. Below we take a deep dive into the inner workings of the grand watches and what makes a Grand Seiko watch so special. Let’s get into it! 

History of Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko was born in 1960 with the aim of creating the most beautiful, durable, and stylish timepiece ever created. And while the Japanese market adored the watch, other brands and institutions were forever producing unmatched timepieces.  

Grand Seiko continued designing luxury watches and, in 1964 launched the first Grand Seiko Self-Date with the goal of being practical yet fashionable.  

However, in the 1970’s Seiko were forced to shut down their sibling brand as the world preferred the accuracy of a quartz movement over an automatic movement. This lasted for less than a decade as Grand Seiko once again began construction in the 80’s. However, it took over 30 years for the Japanese artists to release their creations to the world.  

Today, Grand Seiko is a well-established luxury watch brand offering precision, longevity, and style at a much more affordable price tag.  

The Collections

While being discontinued in the 1970’s, Grand Seiko have still produced an incredible selection of watches. Broken down into different collections including the signature Spring Drive collection. Let’s take a deeper look at the grand collections: 

Grand Seiko Elegance Collection 

Whether you enjoy wearing something luxurious every day or wish to save it for a momentous occasion where everything has to be perfect, the Grand Seiko Elegance collection offers refined opulence and revolutionary mechanics.  

The Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Men’s Watch is a vision of true Japanese Takumi. With a vintage cream dial and black leather strap, this timepiece can go from the office to the upscale bar.  

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection 

The name of this collection alone is enough to signify the goals of Gand Seiko. The Evolution 9 collection marks a new era of design with clean lines, a commanding dial, and subtle artisanry. 

The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Chronograph GMT Spring Drive Watch is a true marvel of innovation and design. The GMT function allows you to keep track of more than 1 time zone while the contrasting black and stainless steel materials ensure an attention-grabbing display.   

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 

The Heritage collection is where the watch brand remains true to their roots. Taking inspiration from original Grand Seiko designs, the collection offers the straightforward precision in performance and workmanship for which Grand Seiko has long been known, while also embodying the distinctively Japanese Grand Seiko look. 

The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection ‘Sakura Kakushi’ 62GS Hi-Beat 38mm Men’s Watch is a classic style. The pink dial is representative of the changing seasons in Japan and the beauty found throughout the country.  

Grand Seiko Sport Collection 

The world of sports is home to Grand Seiko. Their Sport collection is durable, reliable, and stylish, perfect for on the pitch, on the green, or even on the track. The Sport Collection provides a vast and alluring collection of watches, including diver's watches, chronographs, GMT watches, automatic watches, and Spring Drive watches. 

The Grand Seiko Sea of Clouds Hi Beat GMT Watch is a wonderful addition to your collection. With a bright sky-blue dial, and a blue and white bezel, this timepiece is nothing short of incredible. Featuring the signature calibre 9S mechanical movement, you are always on the go.  

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Collection 

The Grand Seiko 9S Spring Drive movement is one of the most iconic movements on the market. Using a quartz movement in a mechanical watch, the Spring Drive allows the hands to move seamlessly across the indexes, preventing that lag that causes the movement to either be 15 seconds faster or slower per month.  

The Grand Seiko Limited Edition ‘Pink Snowflake’ Spring Drive 20th Anniversary Men's Watch is a testament to Japanese construction. The soft pink dial, paired with the texture, offers a serene picture of the Hotaka mountains, where the Spring Drive was born.  

Design & Aesthetics

In 1967, Grand Seiko watches found their style with the launch of the Grand Seiko 44GS. While the brand continues to offer versatlity with an option of material, colours, and movement choices, there are 9 defining characteristics of a Grand Seiko watch:

• Multi-faceted hands 
• Cured Case Sides
• Zaratsu Polished Glass
• Double index at 12 o'clock
• Rectangular indexes
• Curved Case
• Polished Bezel
• Slanted Bezel and Case Side
• Half-recessed Winding Crown

While they are absolutely gorgeous, many people believe Grand Seiko watches to be simple in their construction, but a slightly closer look shows that they are diverse and expertly crafted. Making them on the most incredible designs on the market.  

Design & Aesthetics

At the heart of Japanese watchmakers is flare. Or more expertly known as Takumi, the Japanese word for artisan. However, they also have some of the most talented watch engineers within their design teams, allowing them to create truly incredible movements.  

There are three main in-house movements: 

• Calibre 9F Quartz: Assembled entirely by hand, the 9F Movement uses the same hands as a mechanical watch without the inaccuracy or lag.
• Calibre 9S Mechanical Movement: An expert blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. An automatic movement displaying accuracy like never before. 
• Calibre 9S Spring Drive Movement: One of the most recognisable in-house movements, the Spring Drive now powers the majority of Grand Seiko watches.

Grand Seko pride themselves on creating award winning timepieces that change the world. With innovational movements, each watch is unique and begs to be worn. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Best Grand Seiko Movement? 

Anyone looking for a mechanical movement with the accuracy of a quartz movement would find the Calibre 9R Spring Drive Movement appealing. For many, it's the ideal solution to the conundrum of which Grand Seiko movement to select because it combines the best of both worlds. 

Are Grand Seiko Watches A Good Investment? 

With cutting edge technology, award winning in-house movements, and sheer beauty in artisanry, Grand Seiko timepieces are most certainly worth the investment. Not only are you investing in your future, but you are also investing in more than a brand name. 

How To Care For Your Gadn Seiko Watch? 

Grand Seiko watches are amazing timepieces designed to last for generations. However, they do require regular care to ensure they are running smoothly.  

Wipe down your GS watch daily with a soft cloth to get rid of any moisture, dirt, or sweat that may have collected throughout the day. Be sure to rotate the crown every now and again to prevent erosion.  

Every 2-3 years, take your luxury watch to a licensed service residence to ensure the mechanism, and other hidden elements, are cared for properly.  

While still young in comparison to other major watch brands such as Breitling or Longines, Grand Seiko have glided to the top of the chain with incredible design, innovative in-house movements and undiluted love for timepiece creation. Finding that sweet spot for luxury without the lavish price tag, Grand Seiko watches are among the best on the market and make a statement with every turn of your wrist.