Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA103 – SBGA105 – SBGA107

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…

Grand Seiko 1964 Self-Dater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seiko – Live From Baselworld 2014 -Part 1

AZ Fine Time is proud to bring you the first live look from Seiko’s booth here at Baselworld 2014!!   There are some great anniversaries for Seiko this year, which leads to a ton of great new items releasing in the near future.  Here’s a taste of what you will see delivering to our store over the next several months…

As a part of the Grand Seiko Historical Collection, Seiko commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the 2nd Grand Seiko released, the Self-Dater from 1964.  The collection will consist of 3 40mm Spring Drive models, the silver dialed SBGA103, the blue dialed SBGA105, and the champagne dialed with platinum case SBGA107.  All 3 of these models will utilize the 9R15 Spring Drive movement the US market saw for the 1st time last year in the 18k gold Snowflake models.  This movement contains a specially selected quartz crystal giving a higher accuracy rating of +/-10 seconds a month as compared to the 9R65’s +/-15 seconds a month.  The steel bracelet versions will retail for roughly $6,500 and be limited to 500 pieces for the world,while the platinum piece will retail for roughly $34,500, with only 30 pieces produced total.

 

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Limited Edition Platinum SBGA107

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA105

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA103

As a part of the same collection, Seiko will have 2 new Grand Seiko Quartz models to pay tribute to the GS Self-Dater.  The silver dialed SBGV009 and black dialed SBGV011 will have 37mm stainless steel cases with black crocodile leather straps.  Each contains the 9F82 quartz caliber with specially selected quartz crystal giving a +/- 5 second a year accuracy rating.  The SBGV009 will be limited to 1,200 pieces for the world, while the SBGV011 will only have 900 pieces.  The estimated retail is roughly $4,000.  The fact that the GS Self-Dater was made in Seiko’s Suwa Seikosha factory (now Seiko Epson) makes these pieces even more special as this is now where they make their Spring Drive and Quartz movements for GS.  Daini Seikosha (now SII) did not start making GS until 1967 with the 44GS we saw reprised last year.

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition Self-Dater Historical Collection SBGV011

Grand Seiko Quartz Limited Edition Self-Dater Historical Collection SBGV009

Another anniversary this year is the 5 year of the 9S85 Hi-Beat caliber.  In light of this, Seiko not only has a limited edition model (or 2), but has introduced a whole new feature and caliber to the Hi-Beat line up.  The 9S86 movement will feature a GMT with independent moving hour hand and be expressed in 2 regular production models, the white dialed with blue GMT hand SBGJ001 and the black dialed with red GMT hand SBGJ003.  The limited edition variation is labeled as SBGJ005 and have a green dial with gold GMT hand.  All pieces will have the same Hi-Beat case that is 40mm, and the LE pieces will be limited to 600 made for the world with titanium and tungsten rotor in gold tone.  All dials are textured, and exquisite in person.  Prices are estimated to range from $7,000-$8,000.  There are also 3 18k Hi-Beat GMT Special’s on the horizon, not on display, but they are coming.

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT 9S86 Limited Edition SBGJ005

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT 9S86 SBGJ003

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat GMT 9S86 SBGJ001

Aside from all the anniversary type pieces, Grand Seiko is finally expanding their 9F Quartz collection.  The introduction of the SBGV005 with champagne dial and the SBGV007 with black dial, will have the same 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet as found on last years 44GS automatic limited editions.  Prices are estimated to be in the $3,500 range.

Grand Seiko Quartz SBGV005

Grand Seiko Quartz SBGV007

Galante will also have a new addition labeled the “Snow Leopard”.  This limited model will have a white dial, white leather strap and incredible design.  More information soon to come.

 

Seiko Galante Snow Leopard

And now the news everyone has been waiting for…  Prospex will finally be available in select styles in the US!!!  I hate to leave you hanging, but there will be more to come…

 

Seiko Prospex Kinetic GMT

Seiko Prospex Kinetic GMT

And one of the biggest advancements in tech for Seiko is the release of the NEW Astron GPS Solar CHRONOGRAPH!!  Utilizing the 8X82, not only will Astron have a completely new function, but also smaller size at 45mm wide, 13.3mm thick.  The new series will consist of many models, with SBXB001 as the new flagship limited edition.  Stand by for a whole lot of news on these new releases…

 

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Limited Edition SBXB001

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph SBXB003

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph SBXB005

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Ladies

Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph

All models are officially available for pre-order through AZ Fine Time.  As I mentioned in the beginning, this is only a taste of what is to come.  Stand by for much much more on the AZFT Blog, from Seiko and all the other brands we carry!  Here’s a little teaser of something else we love…

credor minute repeater GBLS998

Prices, quantities and availability are subject to change 

Thanks for reading!