Grand Seiko Celebrates 55 Years with Limited Edition
It was back in 1960 that Seiko launched the Grand Seiko collection with one goal—to create the “ideal” watch. 55 years later, the brand is celebrating that anniversary with a limited edition timepiece that lives up to that ambition.
Robert Wilson, European Marketing Director of Seiko UK Ltd. gave a bit of history behind Grand Seiko. “Grand Seiko was launched at a time when Seiko’s watchmakers were continually and rapidly enhancing the precision of Seiko mechanical watch technology,” he said.
“The aim then, as now, was to make the ‘ideal’ watch. It was a deceptively simply objective – in reality it meant setting new standards in the precision, durability, comfort and usability of a luxury watch. Today, 55 years later, the idea that inspires each new Grand Seiko creation is exactly the same as was the case in 1960. And it always will remain so.”
The stellar reputation of Grand Seiko watches spread worldwide, even though they were available only in Japan until 2010. “There was already great demand from all over the world for Grand Seiko, but we needed to increase the production capacity especially for mechanical calibers, which are assembled in the Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio, and we were ready to launch Grand Seiko internationally in the autumn of 2010,” Wilson explained.
“Today, Grand Seiko is available in over 30 markets around the world and, just in Europe, we already have over 40 retailer partners, with more wanting to join us all the time. Of course, Grand Seiko is also presented at the Seiko Boutiques in Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid and most recently in our new boutique in Frankfurt, where Grand Seiko will be the focal point of the store.”
One model certain to draw attention is the brand new Grand Seiko 55th Anniversary Spring Drive Chronograph Limited Edition, which boasts a 12-hour elapsed time measurement, enhanced accuracy and a power reserve of 72 hours. The oscillating weight is emblazoned with the Seiko lion emblem in 18K yellow gold. This is the first of several limited editions coming from Grand Seiko and is limited to only 400 pieces.
