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Continuing there additions of automatic movements to the Citizen Signature Collection, Citizen has introduced their first diver model in the series. The new NB1031-53L Grand Touring Sport is going to be the first to feature a screw down crown, have a 60 click uni-directional blue diver bezel, and have an impressive blue dial with orange accents.

The blue dial on this piece is very well executed, using a sandwich type style for the minute/second track on the outer edge of the dial. The first 15 minutes of the are highlighted in orange, and the rest in white making for a nice subtle accent. The hour and seconds hand are in white with the minute hand in orange making for an easy indication of minutes passed when coordinated with its blue uni-directional bezel. The bezel has 60 clicks and functions solid and smooth giving clear indications of what minute marker you are aligned with.

The blue dial definitely has a slight radial pattern to it and looks metallic in certain lights, however, in most situations the dial looks to be a matte blue. It is sort of an optical illusion with this model as you really have to pay attention to see its detail. The applied indexes are very thick with generous amounts of lume applied towards the outer edge of the dial. Finishing on the indexes is mostly brushed but its faceted edges are done in a high polish.

With the new NB1031-53L, you have a 300m water resistance achieved mostly due to its screw down crown. None of the other Citizen Signature Automatic have had this feature, or this water resistance as of yet. The crown protector, very similar to the Grand Touring model that came out last year, is still attached to the actual crown through an insert on the side profile. As the crown is unscrewed and pulled out, you will see the insert protrude from the crown protector as pictured above.

The movement utilized in the Grand Touring Sport is the automatic Citizen produced caliber 9012. This movement (which was also featured in the original Grand Touring) has 28,800 bph, 24 jewels, a 42 hour power reserve, striping and skeletonized rotor exposing more of the internals. The rotor is uni-directional winding and moves at a very fast, smooth pace. You can tell the weight of the rotor is significant, as it throws itself around like a 7750, though this is only a three hand with date. Very impressive, especially for its price point.

The retail price on the NB1031-53L is going to be $1,195, but is available for order directly on our site for $896.25 HERE. There will also be a black dialed version with rose gold accents (pictured below) that will retail for $1,295, but sold for $971.25 HERE.

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Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

For the 50th Anniversary of the second Grand Seiko ever produced (the Self-Dater cal. 5722), Seiko introduced a series of limited editions in 2 movement types. We first reviewed the Spring Drive series, and today, introduce the 9F82 Quartz models, SBGV009 and SBGV011. Both the Spring Drive and quartz models are made at the Suwa factory in the Nagano prefecture of Japan. This is the same area where the Grand Seiko was made back in 1964, when they released the original Self-Dater.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

There will be 2 models of 9F82 high accuracy quartz introduced this year to help replicate the original. The first in the line up is the SBGV009. The 009 will have a silver, radial sun burst dial in a 37.2mm stainless steel case. The Grand Seiko logo is in the same font type as found on the model from ’64 and the case design will be almost exact, just slightly larger. Only 1,200 of this model are to be produced.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

The second model in the series is the SBGV011 with what may be called a black dial based on most pictures seen. The dial is actually more of a dark grey, or anthracite, also with a radial sun burst finish. Only 900 will be produced of the 011. The case on both models will be 37.2mm wide, 10.5mm thick, and will be completely finished in the immaculate Zaratsu blade polishing technique, giving a beautiful mirror look to every angle of the case. This is special not only because of all the labor that is required for this technique, but also as the ’64 Self-Dater was the first in the Grand Seiko brand to have it.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

The movement utilized in these L.E.’s is the 9F82 quartz. Not your typical quartz watch to begin with as it typically has a +/- 10 second a year accuracy rating and 50 year internal service life (not counting battery changes every 3 years). The movement inside these Self-Dater models will actually have a specially aged, tested, and selected quartz crystal, ensuring a +/- 5 second a year accuracy rating, and of course still maintains the same service life.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

The case back of both models pay tribute to the original by using the same Grand Seiko logo on the case back. The watches will be individually numbered XXX/1,200 or XXX/900, depending on the model. The case design is truly impressive, using a deeply domed sapphire crystal, with thick rounded lugs, that are something you do not see in any other current Grand Seiko models. The facet to the case sides also adds tremendous detail, especially considering the whole case is executed in the same finish.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

The release of the original Self-Dater was considered to be the “evolution of practicality”, being the first Grand Seiko to have date, higher water resistance, and Zaratsu finish. This started new design elements in the series and those designs continued to evolve every year.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

Both models are set to retail at $4,000. These will include the crocodile leather strap with tang buckle (as pictured) and (I believe) stainless steel bracelet. Both are scheduled to arrive sometime in July, with extremely limited quantities in the USA. Both are available for pre-order. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-486-3996 or submit an inquiry through AZFineTime.com.

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