Grand Seiko 44GS Historical Collection Limited Edition 18k Pink Gold SBGW046

To continue our reviews of the latest historical recreation from Grand Seiko, we introduce the 44GS Manual Wind in 18k Pink Gold, SBGW046. The 44GS Series will consist of 3 different colors of gold (pink, yellow, and white) each being limited to only 70 pieces produced for the entire world. Only one of each color came to the United States, and are exclusively available at AZ Fine Time.

The SBGW046 is the same retro design originally founded in 1967. The 44GS has impacted the overall design of Grand Seiko in many ways, in creating Seiko Style. The inspiration of this reincarnation of the 44GS stems from the 100 years anniversary of watchmaking for Seiko. In 1913, what was known back then as Seikosha, had introduced their 1st wrist watch, the Laurel.

Seiko was originally founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori. Originally, he had opened a clock and jewelry store in the Ginza region of Tokyo. The evolution of the company truly started in 1892 when Hattori started manufacturing his own clocks under the name Seikosha. Hattori had dreamed of manufacturing his own wristwatch and knew it could only be possible if all parts were manufactured in house. By 1910, Seikosha had started to develop their own hairsprings. By the dawn of the Taisho era (mid 1912), other clock manufactures started to challenge Seikosha, pushing Hattori to reach his goal of manufacturing his first wrist watch. By 1913, Seiko had released Japan’s first wrist watch.

The release of the Laurel continued to drive Seikosha in the realm of watchmaking and to continue the pursuit of perfection. By 1960, Seiko had introduced Grand Seiko, which rivaled the finest watches in the industry when it came to precision. In 1967, the design of the 44GS combined the beauty of design was implemented along with the finest mechanics to create a new era for Grand Seiko.

Today, the 44GS Limited Edition has the same exact 37.9mm case beautifully finished in the immaculate and time consuming Zaratsu blade polishing technique. This allows for a beautiful sparkle, on the case, but also the hands and indexes. The flat, slightly off white, dial has a very subtle metallic tone with an even more discreet sunburst pattern. The heavily domed sapphire crystal uses Seiko’s proprietary clear anti-reflective coating ensuring you see no distortion when looking at its gorgeous dial.

The strap on the SBGW046 is an elegant brown croc in a glossy finish, which compliments the pink gold tremendously well. The tang buckle is also in 18k pink gold and also helps duplicates the original 44GS in every aspect, aside from the fact of the precious metal used. This classic design is truly impressive and with out question, retains its vintage appeal.

The use of the 9S64 manual wind in this timepiece pays tribute to the vintage 1967 44GS. Of course, Seiko’s most modern technology takes place internally, boasting a 72 hour power reserve due to its Spron 510 mainspring, and incredible reliability and stability die to its Spron 610 hairspring (as we discussed in our last 2 reviews.

Another important contribution to the quality of the 9S64 is the use of MEMS technology. MEMS allows for the ultimate construction of parts, enabling for a more precise design of the escapement wheel and pallet fork, that also has enhanced durability and a longer lubricant reserve. When compared to traditionally machined parts, the other benefits include a smoother surface with less abrasion, intense hardness, and shapes and designs that would not typically be possible. The combination of the use of cutting edge technology and traditional watchmaking are incredible.

The SBGW046 retails for $18,500. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-486-3996 or check us out on AZFineTime.com.