Introduced in 1960, Grand Seiko has been following an unwavering path of what Seiko calls "the purest essentials of watchmaking". This path includes a clear ideal that each Grand Seiko timepiece should follow the rules of precision, legibility, comfort, and durability.

Since Grand Seiko's introduction, these ideals have been followed to a "T". However, this consistent forward motion does not mean there is no room for creativity and innovation.  Today, Grand Seiko is giving us a taste of the future with their latest additions.

First up is the Black Ceramic Limited Edition Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC017 (limited edition of 600).

This is the 1st of 4 models to feature Grand Seiko's new take on Luxury sport watches, and will likely be a popular one because of it's unique green dial.  This special dial pays homage to the Onbashira festival held in the town of Suwa every six years. The centerpiece of this event is the carrying of a huge fir tree down the mountainside to be raised in a shrine as a symbol of renewal.  This festival has been taking place for 1200 years in this town.  To symbolize this renewal event, Seiko has included alternating rows of fir trees in the dial of this Limited Edition timepiece.

This new collection of Grand Seiko Spring Drive Sports watches all feature a unique case design. They all utilize a five-piece construction technique that was designed for both strength and lightness.  The inner case is made of Seiko's proprietary high-intensity titanium along with Seiko's Zirconia Ceramic for the outer shells and bezel. This ceramic material if stronger and tougher than any other fine ceramic and seven times the harder on the vickers scale than stainless steel. This unique combination works to create a case that is 25% lighter than stainless steel and "virtually" scratch resistant.

It's black color is something new for Grand Seiko, however the case design is clearly recognizable as an iconic Grand Seiko Design.

Along with the chronograph model discussed above, there is also another Chronograph model (SBGC015) and two Spring Drive GMT Models (SBGE037, SBGE039) that are limited editions of 500 pieces each as well.

The movements for these special pieces are equally as unique.  They are specially adjusted 9R Spring Drive movements that deliver an even higher level of precision. A deviation of only + or - 10 seconds a month and a Grand Seiko Lion in 18k gold graces the oscillating weight to symbolize the enhanced accuracy.

CALIBER SPECIFICATIONS:
9R96 Spring Drive Chronograph GMT(SBGC015, 017)
9R16 Spring Drive GMT(SBGE037, 039)
Driving system: Automatic with manual winding mechanism
Power reserve: 72 hours
Accuracy: ±0.5 seconds per day (±10 seconds per month)
GMT hand
Chronograph up to 12 hours (9R96)
Number of jewels: 50 jewels (9R96), 30 jewels (9R16)

CASE SPECIFICATIONS:
High-intensity titanium and ceramic case
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back, Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 100 meters
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 46.4mm
Thickness: 16.1mm (SBGC015, 017) 15.0mm (SBGE037, 039)
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Approximate US Retail prices:
SBGC015 & SBGC017 - $13,000.00
SBGE037 & SBGE039 - $10,500 

Stay tuned to AZ Fine Time for more information. In the meantime, take a closer look at the Grand Seiko timepieces available here.