Seiko’s luxury Grand Seiko line has recently been updated with a limited-edition model. Their new Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 20th Anniversary Edition SBGX103 watch celebrates the 20th Anniversary of their signature ultra-precise Caliber 9F.
Grand Seiko Caliber 9F: A Brief Introduction
In this age of planned obsolescence, it’s strange to see a brand like Seiko celebrating a 20-year-old quartz(!) caliber.
What’s there to celebrate when we already have quartz-powered watches that feature atomic timekeeping, GPS modules, photovoltaic panels built right into their dials? Well, turns out, even “ancient” electronic devices can be technological marvels that put modern gadgets to shame.
I am not sure if one could call Seiko’s caliber 9F “revolutionary” even back in 1993 when it was first released, but it definitely was one of the best executed calibers at the time.
Its Twin Pulse Control Motor technology allowed the company to be one of the first to use “full-size” hour and minute hands in a quartz-powered timekeeper. Most quartz calibers of the time just didn’t have enough torque to move them around the dial (at least, not without significant trade-offs).
Its independent axis structure, as well as the backlash auto-adjust mechanism allowed the hands to move with a level of smoothness that was unprecedented at the time.
And, of course, the outstanding quality of materials and the overall design of the mechanism that specifically prioritized longevity and precision over the “cost-efficiency” made this caliber one of the best on the market at the time.
Although quartz movements (even the expensive ones) usually come in their “blank” form, this one was engraved with the familiar gothic-styled “GS / Grand Seiko” logo, featured polished screws, and even sported a diagonal pattern similar to Geneva stripes. Easily trumping even some of the most advanced Swiss-made competitors, the mechanism has earned such a refined finish.
The movement that gains or loses no more than 5 seconds per year clearly deserves the lavish decor. Too bad you won’t see it through the piece’s solid case back cover.
The Case and Bracelet
This Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 20th Anniversary Edition features a traditionally laconic design.
Its compact (even small by today’s standards) 37 mm stainless steel case is nicely accented with a thin polished bezel and an elegant (although a trifle too “solid” to my taste) bracelet. Crafted from the same high-grade steel alloy, it, too, features smaller polished accent elements that visually separate its larger satin-finished links.
Sporting the familiar combination of polished and finely machine-brushed surfaces, the case of this watch, as I have already mentioned, is surprisingly compact.
Less than 10 millimeters thick, it takes full advantage of all the space savings provided by the relatively thin caliber.
Sporting such a low profile and featuring an impressively nicely sculpted shape, the case will feel great with formal attire that is rarely friendly to modern watches and often requires tailor-made shirts with wider cuffs in order for the owner to feel comfortable.
The Dial
The timekeeper’s dial with its signature quilted pattern comprising countless Roman “X” numerals also makes a very strong impression. The Grand Seiko’s line signature lion (dozens of them in fact) echoes the same heraldic beast that we saw in the solid case back’s small 18-karat yellow gold medallion.
As usual for the niche of dressy timekeepers, the legibility, which is great in good lighting, will drop below zero at night. That doesn’t look like a serious draw back to me because, again: this is neither a “diver,” nor a “pilot.”
Availability
The watch is probably limited to just the Japanese domestic market (also known as JDM) which basically means that you will have to order it directly from Japan when the SBGX103 finally arrives at online retailers.
See also: Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
Photos: Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko Caliber 9F 20th Anniversary SBGX103 specification
Movement: Quartz, Caliber 9F, in-house, ultra-precise with accuracy up to +/- 5 seconds per year, anti-magnetic, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: 9
Power reserve: 3 years
Movement decoration: Gold plated, diagonal stripes similar to Geneva Stripes
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case, Bezel, and Crown: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 37.00 mm
Case height: 9.90 mm
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective coating on the inner side
Back: Solid, 18-karat yellow gold medallion with Grand Seiko Lion
Dial: White, with a quilted pattern
Hour markers: Applied
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, solid