Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive Chronograph GMT 60th Anniversary Limited Edition

The lion has been emblematic for Grand Seiko since 1960, reflecting the ambition of the Grand Seiko team to make a watch that was as precise, durable and beautiful as could be and revealed the intensity of their determination. "The King of Watches," as it would come to be.

This new Limited Edition ref. SBGC238 takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese armor worn by samurai warlords during the Sengoku period, a time marked by civil wars and social upheaval in the late 15th to early 17th century. The timepiece expresses the unwavering spirit of the samurai and Grand Seiko's continuous pursuit for the ultimate in watchmaking on its 60th anniversary. The distinctive blue color of indigo dye, known as "Katsu-iro," was favored and used by the Samurai for their armor and represented their bravery. This exquisite "Katsu-iro" color is applied for the dial and together with the watch case reminiscent of a powerful lion, the timepiece expresses the martial warrior's noble spirit. The grooves of the Katsu-iro colored crocodile strap are applied rose gold to reflect the strength and dignity of the armor that has been used in battle over a long period of time.

Rendered in 18k rose gold, the case embodies the intense strength and dignity of lions, and is angled inwards to ensure a soft fit on the wrist. It reproduces the strength of the lion's forelegs to grasp and not release prey, providing overwhelming wearability. The lug of the case has been shaped to look like a lion's claw, with a distortion-free flat surface, thanks to its Zaratsu hand-polishing and hairline finish. 

Lastly, the dial bears a pattern representing the mane of the lion, textural proof of its inspiration from the king of the beasts. The new timepiece carries the lion symbol in the form of an 18k gold insert in the oscillating weight, visible through the exhibition caseback, denoting the enhanced accuracy of the specially adjusted movement (+/-0.5 seconds a day). As a proof of the limited edition, "Limited Edition" and the serial number are also printed on the case back, with "60th Anniversary 1960-2020" on the crystal sapphire glass in rose gold.

Exterior

• Case Material: 18k rose gold
• Glass Material: Dual-curved sapphire
• Glass Coating: Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
• Lumi Brite: Lumibrite on hands, indexes and bezel
• Case size: Diameter 44.5mm × Thickness 16.8mm
• Clasp type: Three-fold clasp with push button release
  

Movement

• Caliber no: 9R96
• Movement Type: Spring Drive
• Power reserve: Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
• Accuracy: ±0.5 second per day (±10 seconds per month)

Functions

• Water resistance: 20 bar
• Magnetic resistance: Equipped
• Other details / Features:
• Limited to 100 pieces ("LIMITED EDITION" etched in caseback)
• 24-hour hand (dual time display function)
• 50 jewels
• Calendar-linked time difference adjustment function
• Chronograph with 30 minutes & 12 hours
• Power reserve display
• Screw case back
• Screw-down crown
• See-through caseback
• Serial number engraved on the case back
• Stop seconds hand function