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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.

Thanks for reading!

See more pictures below…

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV011

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

: Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition SBGV009

Grand Seiko 1964 Self-Dater

To honor the 50th Anniversary of the 2nd Grand Seiko model ever made, the 1964 GS Self-Dater (or 57GS), Seiko has introduced a new part of their Historical Collection featuring the design very similar to that of the 1964 model. These recreations will come in 3 Spring Drive models, and 2 9F Quartz. Today we introduce the 3 Spring Drive Limited Editions, SBGA103, SBGA105 and the Platinum 950 cased SBGA107.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition Platinum SBGA107

Before we get into the exacts of the new editions, it is important to talk about the ’64 model. When they introduced the 1st “Self-Dater”, this was the 1st Grand Seiko to feature not only a date, but also to have 5 ATM water resistance, and was the 1st to implement the Zaratsu Katana Blade polishing technique. These virtues hold true now to all Grand Seiko’s today, and this retro-remake is no different.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition Platinum SBGA107

It is important to know that the ’64 variation was manufactured at Suwa Seikosha, which is now Seiko Epson. The factory that produced this model as well as all other Grand Seiko’s prior to the 44GS was the Suwa factory, and Suwa is home to the Shinshu Watch Studio, which also created Spring Drive. The new Historical Collection models that house Spring Drive movements are going to be a 39.9mm case that is 13.2mm thick. The piece pictured above is the Platinum 950 model SBGA107 on crocodile leather, which is limited to only 50 pieces to the world, only 1 of which will come to the USA. This will be exclusively available at AZ Fine Time.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA105

The next model in the line up is already without question the most popular, the SBGA105 with a deep radial finished metallic blue dial. This model has the same 39.9mm case as on the SBGA107, but in stainless steel with a stainless steel 5 piece link bracelet. The dial color on this model is spectacular and has a huge range of color depending on the amount of light that hits the dial. Varying from a deep dark blue to a vibrant true blue, it is the perfect color to symbolize Grand Seiko.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA105

Only 500 units will be produced for the world of the SBGA105, which is truly a shame. With such limited quantities, and such a highly demanded dial color, these models are sure to sell quickly. The dial color isn’t even one of the best parts of this model, or the entire series for that matter. What is truly special, is what lies on the inside.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA105

All 3 models in this line up will feature the higher accuracy 9R15 Spring Drive movement. Thanks to a specially selected quartz crystal, which Seiko grows and tests entirely in-house, this Spring Drive movement is capable of an accuracy rating of only +/- 10 seconds a MONTH, or .5 seconds a day specifications. The accuracy and performance of Spring Drive is already uncanny to begin with. The 1st time this movement was available outside of Japan was in the 18k gold Spring Drive Snowflakes. Now, this movement is available in a much more reasonable price point.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA103

The final model in this series of Spring Drive “Self-Daters” is the SBGA103, with radial silver dial and blued second hand. This model recreates the original the most in this series, and has a very complex dial, which is easy to see in any lighting. The sapphire crystal utilized in this series has an even deeper dome than most core models of Grand Seiko, which also adds to its vintage appeal. Of course, the sapphire is coated in Seiko’s proprietary anti-reflective coating, giving a distortion free view of the dial.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA103

You can certainly distinguish the case design is completely unique as compared to other models of the GS line up. The wider, more square, lugs of this model contribute more to its unique design, which combines a small amount of satin finish with a large amount of Zaratsu. This model holds special value in the sense the Self-Dater was the 1st to use this technique, and the quality speaks for itself. The mirror finish will be found on the bezel, front of the lugs, case sides, and in 2 pieces of each link set.

Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA103

The Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Editions are scheduled for delivery sometime in July. The estimated MSRP’s will be $34,500 for the Platinum SBGA107, and $6,500 for the steel SBGA103 and SBGA105. These models are currently available for pre-order through AZ Fine Time, but are sure to sell through quickly. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at 1-800-486-3996 or submit an inquiry through AZFineTime.com.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more Grand Seiko goodness!

See more pictures below…