Quartz « AZ Fine Time Blog

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

To celebrate 100 years of watchmaking and 20 years of the 9F Quartz Movement, the introduction of the new Grand Seiko SBGX103 Limited Edition has had precision infatuated collectors drooling. We first saw this spectacular timepiece hands on at the Basel World Fair back in April and were very excited to see such a gorgeous commemorative piece. As of last night, this piece is officially available at AZ Fine Time. With many special attributes and characteristics, lets see what makes the SBGX103 such an impressive timepiece.

To start, the SBGX103 is the essentially the same movement as the standard 9F62, but the difference lies in the quartz crystal utilized. Seiko actually grows, ages (for 90 days) and tests all quartz crystals found in Grand Seiko extensively for about 6 months. This ensures a standard 9F62 to perform within a +/-10 second a year deviation rate. On the SBGX103, an even more rare quartz crystal is used, that has been thoroughly tested and is guaranteed to perform within a +/-5 second a year deviation rate. Because these crystals are so limited, this particular model is restricted to only 2,000 pieces for the world.

The 9F62 movement itself is incredibly impressive. Seiko’s technology and technique used to make the 9F the ultimate quartz movement vary on many levels. One of the reasons the 9F is so accurate is that it is thermo-compensated. As I mentioned, the quartz crystal utilized has to be thoroughly aged and tested to make for superior accuracy, but the real precision falls on compensating for temperature deviations. All 9F Quartz detect internal temperature variations 540 times a day and fine tune the oscillation to compensate for these variations. Each quartz crystals characteristics are programmed to the watches integrated circuit, ensuring its high precision on each individual timepiece, despite the way the quartz crystals react to temperature variants.

Some other incredible feats of the 9F are its twin pulse control motor, its backlash auto-adjust mechanism, and its super-sealed cabin. The twin pulse control motor provides the extra torque necessary to move the larger and heavy second hand used in GS. By sending two signals per second, the watch is provided the extra torque needed without effecting the battery life. The backlash auto-adjust mechanism controls the vibration of the second hand by using a hairspring (yes, the same one found in a mechanical watch). This allows for the perfect second hand alignment without the vibration throwing it off. Finally, its super-sealed cabin protects the rotor and gear train and increases the life of the lubricants used, making for a 50 year service life. The watches battery does need to be changed every three years, but since it is on the outside of the movement, it can be done easily without allowing any dust or debris to enter the movement.

With the SBGX103, there are many attributes to the dial that while subtle, add for tremendous detail in tribute to its anniversary. The white dial seems to almost have the “snowflake” texture to the background, which is hardly noticeable without looking close. This would make sense though as it is also made at Shinshu watch studio where the Snowflake SBGA011 is made. On top of that is an embossed pattern resembling “XX”, (Roman Numerals for 20) to indicate the 20 year anniversary. You will also notice the small Grand Seiko lions spread the across the dial. All of which are facing West, except for the lone lion at the 20 minute indicator, also paying tribute to the 20 year anniversary. The final icing on the cake is the 5 pointed star located above the 6:00, to signify its +/- 5 second a year accuracy rating.

Along with the other special attributes, the SBGX103 also has an 18k gold medallion on the center of the case back with engravings of both the serial number and “Caliber 9F 20th Anniversary Since 1993”. The bracelet on this piece also differs from the standard quartz, using the Zaratsu blade polishing technique on the in-between links of its 5 piece construction. The overall fit and finish of this piece is exquisite on the 37mm stainless steel case.

With such limited availability in the US, it is certain to sell out fast. The MSRP is set at $3,450 and is now available for order at AZ Fine Time. Of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-486-3996.