Grand Seiko 44GS Historical Collection Automatic SBGR081

The latest piece to deliver from Seiko is their new Grand Seiko 44GS Historical Collection Automatic Limited Edition SBGR081. The 44GS was originally introduced in 1967 and paid tribute to Japanese design influence utilizing flat surfaces to play off of light and shadow. There will be 6 introductions this year under the 44GS series, and the first to land is the SBGR081.

The SBGR081 has a flat silver sunburst dial with blued second hand and incredibly detailed hands and indexes. The difference in design of the dial as compared to other GS models lies in the hands and indexes.

The indexes on this model are slightly broader and most noticeably at the 12:00. The hands are slimmer than others and also have more of an angle than you will find on other GS models, with a central brushed finish and mirror finish on the sides. The Zaratsu katana blade finish is utilized to make for an incredible sparkle adding legibility and a design that is truly unique to Grand Seiko.

The case design on this piece is truly special. The 40mm stainless steel case uses a broad flat surface on the sides, exposing more of the beautiful Zaratsu finish. You can notice the sharp angles utilized on the case along with brushed and mirror finish, making this piece truly stunning. The influence of this timepiece comes from traditional Japanese aesthetics, using flat surfaces and straight lines giving to really make great use of the light and shadow aspect. The lines and slight curves on this case really make for an impressive piece on the wrist, that can be gazed upon from all angles, never losing appreciation for its unique characteristics. The simplistic but highly detailed design is what became know as “Seiko Style”.

For the SBGR081, Seiko uses their in-house designed, developed and manufactured 9S65. The 9S65 has a 72 hour power reserve (off only one barrel), 28,800 bph, and uses MEMS (Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems) to manufacture some of the most vital components in the watch. MEMS is a manufacturing technique that Seiko mastered in its semi-conductor division and uses etching to create shapes and designs that could not be produced in a conventional manufacturing process. This technique along with the Spron alloys, used for mainspring and hairspring, give the watchmakers the tools to build one of the most impressive pieces in the industry. The perfect fusion of technology and craftsmanship allows all Grand Seiko pieces to pass a more extensive testing process than Swiss certified chronometer.

With only 1,200 pieces of the SBGR081 being produced, it is sure to be a collectors item and sell out very quickly. The 44GS automatic will also be available in a black dial variation (SBGR083), that will have only 700 pieces produced. Be sure to stay tuned to our blog to see our full review tomorrow.

The MSRP of the Grand Seiko 44GS Historical Collection Automatic SBGR081 is $4,600. We are extremely proud to now have these in stock at AZ Fine Time, and will certainly miss them when they are gone.