Seiko Basel 2013

We just returned from a long journey to Basel, where we saw a lot of cool things, that we intend to share with you all.  For the next couple weeks, the AZ Fine Time Blog will be showing you all of our findings.  First on our list, is Seiko.

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW047

In Grand Seiko, the big release was the Historical Collection “44GS” Limited Edition series.  Deriving from a model back in 1967, the 44GS’s unique case design is implemented to show a body that has a perfect finish in every way.  The lines and curves take a piece of Japans finest designs, playing off light and shadow to show the depth and beauty it truly deserves.  The signature Zaratsu polishing technique is abundant in these models, making for a unique retro style with more of that GS finish you love.  There will be 4 styles, steel and 3 shades of 18kt gold  in 37.9mm case using the manual wind 9S64 movement.  The 18kt pieces will be exclusively sold at AZFT in the US market.

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW047

SBGW047 in Stainless Steel , limited to 700 pieces for the world

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW046

SBGW046 in 18kt Pink Gold, Limited to 70 pieces for the world

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW044

SBGW044 in 18kt Yellow Gold, Limited to 70 pieces for the world

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW043

SBGW043 in 18kt White Gold, Limited to 70 pieces for the world

There will also be 2 automatic 44GS limited Editions with 40mm case and the 9S65 movement…

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGR081

SBGR081 – Limited to 1,200 pieces for the world

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGR083

SBGR083 – Limited to 700 pieces for the world

2013 not only marks the 100th Anniversary of Seiko (and Japan’s) 1st wrist watch, it is also the 20th Anniversary of the renowned 9F high-accuracy quartz movement.  In celebration of it’s debut 20 years ago, Seiko has released a very special limited edition, the SBGX103.

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition SBGX103

As I mentioned in a previous post, this piece is limited to 2,000 pieces for the world, has an embossed dial showing resemblance to “XX” (or roman numerals for 20) with small GS lions found throughout the dial.  You will notice at the 20 minute index, the lion is facing the opposite direction of the rest, paying tribute to the 20 marker.  There is also a 18kt gold medallion on the case-back, which has not been seen on any model in the US before.  Another attribute of this piece is its even higher accuracy rating of only +/- 5 seconds a year, which has also never been seen in the US market.

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Limited Edition Brown Chocolate Dial SBGA095

There will be more to follow soon on new releases of Grand Seiko, but the final piece in this post is a new limited edition that will be the Spring Drive 9R65 caliber, 41mm case, and a new brown (or chocolate) dial.  As we have seen over the last couple of years, Seiko has released small batch limited editions with incredibly unique dials.  This model is no exception.  Its gorgeous color along with a spiderweb styled embossing give it tremendous beauty from every angle of light.

Seiko Ananta Blue Lacquer Limited Edition Chronograph

There will be one new limited edition in the Ananta series this year.  The hand lacquered dial by Isshu Tamura is now in a deep dark blue, with a almost granite type stripe around the outer edge of the dial.  This model is very impressive in person and looks tremendous on the wrist.

Seiko Astron GPS Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition SAST100

The Seiko Astron GPS Solar has introduced a few new pieces to their lineup.  For the US market, we have confirmed delivery of the SAST100 Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition which will have a total count of 5,000 pieces produced for the world (of which, only 2,500 will leave Japan).  The  case back is branded with the original Seikosha logo and is engraved with the slogan “ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE REST”.  This model comes on a crocodile leather strap, but also has a titanium bracelet included in the package.

Seiko Astron GPS SAST015

There will also be a couple new pieces that are a core part of the Astron line up.  The new titanium and ceramic link SAST015 has the city codes engraved into its ceramic bezel and red on the second and function hand.

Seiko Astron GPS Orange

The other is a new steel model, with black hard coating on a silicone strap.  This model will also have the engraved bezel, but has a new orange lumi-brite applied to the indicies.

Seiko Astron GPS AZFT US Exclusive SAST029

In addition to the new line up, AZFT has managed to get an exclusive on a limited edition model, of which has white ceramic inner links, a blue ceramic (engraved bezel) and orange accents for the second, function, and 24hr hand.  More details soon to follow.

Galante has finally made its debut to the US!  The new FC Barcelona Galante Limited Edition will only have 150 pieces in production.  Using the 8L38 mechanical automatic, this model will have a unusual open heart beat, FC Barcelona engraved on the bezel and “més que un club” stamped in the strap.  The unbelievable case design is 45mm wide and 14.4mm thick.

Aside from the new products mentioned today, there will be many more great pieces from the Premier, Velatura, Spotura, Coutura and Monster series.  We have also confirmed that the SBDB008 Limited Edition Tuna Can will be coming stateside.  Not only will we get our 1st Galante this year, but also our 1st Prospex model!  Stay tuned for more when AZFT visits Seiko at the JCK show in Las Vegas in June.

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGR081

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGR083

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGR083

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW043

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW046

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW044

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW047

Grand Seiko Historical Collection “44GS” SBGW047

Seiko Ananta Blue Lacquer Limited Edition Chronograph

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Limited Edition Brown Chocolate Dial

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Limited Edition Brown Chocolate Dial

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition SBGX103

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition SBGX103

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition SBGX103

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition SBGX103

Seiko Astron GPS Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition SAST100

Seiko Astron GPS AZFT US Exclusive

Seiko Astron GPS AZFT US Exclusive

Seiko Astron GPS Orange

Seiko Astron GPS SAST015

Seiko Astron GPS SAST015

Advertisement