Grand Seiko Celebrates 25 Years of the 9S Caliber with New Mt. Iwate-Inspired GMTs
2 min read
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its renowned Caliber 9S mechanical movement, Grand Seiko released two new limited edition GMT watches inspired by the beautiful skies over Mt. Iwate in Japan.
First is a sporty blue dial model from the Sport Collection, limited to 2000 pieces and priced at ₹7,10,000. The dial illustrates the rare sea of clouds seen at dawn over Mt. Iwate. Its blue hue mirrors the morning sky blanketed by this tranquil fog. A rotating bezel with blue and white ceramic inserts enables three time zones to be read simultaneously. It has a see-through sapphire caseback offering a view of the hi-beat 9S86 movement and its blue titanium oscillating weight, colored using an anodic oxidation treatment. This is the first 20-bar-resistant Grand Seiko with an exhibition caseback.
Launching exclusively online in September 2023, it will later expand to Grand Seiko boutiques and retailers.
Second, is an elegant sunray blue dial model recalling the vivid daytime sky from atop Mt. Iwate, priced at ₹6,10,000. From The Elegance Collection, it features a mirror-finished bezel and Zaratsu polished case with gently curved lugs. A box sapphire crystal amplifies its classical appeal. Through the caseback, the 9S66 GMT movement is visible with its blue oscillating weight. The 24-hour scale on the pale blue sunray dial displays a second time zone with legible subtlety.
Arriving in October 2023 at Grand Seiko boutiques worldwide, this model combines timeless aesthetics and modern mechanics.
Both commemorative editions celebrate the enduring legacy of the 9S caliber, hand-assembled for a quarter century by skilled craftspeople at the Grand Seiko studio near Mt. Iwate. Their unique designs draw inspiration from the mountain's celestial vistas.
