SBLL023 « AZ Fine Time Blog

Seiko Galante 2014

This year will bring forth more of Seiko’s bold and intriguing luxury brand, Galante. As there was only one sample to be seen at this years Baselworld Fair, we did get a sneak peak of 2 other very interesting items to be released in 2014.

Seiko Galante Spring Drive Chornograph "Snow Leopard" Limited Edition SBLA081

Seiko Galante Spring Drive Chronograph “Snow Leopard” Limited Edition SBLA081

The 1st model to actually be seen in person is the SBLA081 “Snow Leopard” Limited Edition. This model will be the 1st to come to the USA using the 5R86 Spring Drive Chronograph GMT movement. The dial features black roman numerals from 6:00 to 12:00 with white roman numerals atop a mother of pearl. You will also notice the 8:00 index is 4 diamonds as opposed to the roman numeral. The design element theme is very fashionable as Galante is intended to be. The strap is a white crocodile leather with a bluish grey tint surrounding the scales, which is a nice touch.

Seiko Galante Spring Drive Chornograph “Snow Leopard” Limited Edition SBLA081

There is a glittery granite texture to the chronographs hour minute and central seconds hand, which seems subtle in person, but ads that extra bit of flare that makes it Galante. The case sides are also ornately designed with what is called a coin edge V shaped cut. This model will be limited to 100 pieces for the world and will become available at AZ Fine Time this fall.

Seiko Galante “Glitter” Automatic Limited Edition SBLL023

The next on the list of new Galante’s coming this year is the mechanical automatic SBLL023 labeled the “Glitter” for obvious reasons. This piece is made for the “Galantist” who goes out to the night scene such as night clubs, parties, and glamorous events. The new “Glitter” symbolizes the exciting night life. Trendy and fashion forward, the Glitter model will have Swarovski crystals to make the large “G” on the dial. Black and white diamonds are also accented on the dial and lugs to give the extravagant feel. The case sides of this piece will have 23 facets, symbolizing the 23 wards of Tokyo, and will be completely finished in Zaratsu polishing. The Glitter can easily be a chic men’s pieces, or a fashionably large women’s piece. This will also be limited to 100 pieces for the world.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for an exclusive peak at another Galante coming soon!

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

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 SBXB001

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…