Self-Dater « AZ Fine Time Blog

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…