Grand Seiko “Self-Dater” Quartz Limited Edition – SBGV009 – SBGV011

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

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!