Today we will be introducing luxury watch parts: "Movement" variations - Grand Seiko .
Luxury watch movements are made by hand by craftsmen combining hundreds of parts, and there are numerous variations, ranging from simple two-hand movements to ultra-complex mechanisms such as perpetual calendars and tourbillons.Moreover, they do not merely perform their functions, but many are finished so beautifully that they are worthy of being called works of art, and many people are impressed by their beauty and consider purchasing one.
Therefore, over several posts, I would like to introduce the main movements of each brand along with their representative models.
This time, we will introduce the main movements used in " Grand Seiko ". Please enjoy until the end.
Introducing the movement
①Cal.9R01
| diameter | 37.0mm | thickness | 4.1mm |
| Frequency | - | Year of release | 2016 |
| Number of jewels | 56 pieces | Drive system | Hand-wound Spring Drive |
| composition | 3 hands + power reserve indicator | Power reserve | Approximately 192 hours |
- By arranging three barrels in series, three times the power source is secured, achieving a maximum power reserve of approximately eight days (approximately 192 hours).
・"Masterpiece Collection" "Ref.SBGD213"
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbgd201
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbgd213
➁Cal.9R02
| diameter | 37.0mm | thickness | 4.0mm |
| Frequency | - | Year of release | 2019 |
| Number of jewels | 39 pieces | Drive system | Hand-wound Spring Drive |
| composition | 3 hands + power reserve indicator | Power reserve | Approximately 84 hours |
- The dual spring barrel using two power springs, combined with a unique torque return system, ensures a power reserve of approximately 3.5 days (approximately 84 hours).
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbgz009
➂Cal.9R65
| diameter | 30.0mm | thickness | 5.1mm |
| Frequency | - | Year of release | 2003 |
| Number of jewels | 30 pieces | Drive system | Automatic Spring Drive |
| composition | 3 hands + date + power reserve indicator | Power reserve | Approximately 72 hours |
・By adopting the company's unique Magic Lever system, developed in 1959, productivity, maintainability, and durability have been improved. 9R is the most standard caliber for Spring Drive and is installed in many models.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/grand-seiko/heritage-collection-256922/
➃Cal.9RA5
| diameter | 34.0mm | thickness | 4.8mm |
| Frequency | - | Year of release | 2020 |
| Number of jewels | 38 pieces | Drive system | Automatic Spring Drive |
| composition | 3 hands + date + power reserve indicator | Power reserve | Approx. 120 hours |
- The "dual-size barrel", which has two barrels of different sizes arranged side by side, provides a power reserve of approximately five days (approximately 120 hours).
- By moving the crown as close as possible to the case back and lowering the watch's center of gravity, an excellent fit is achieved.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/grand-seiko/spring-drive-201067/
⑤Cal.9RA2
| diameter | 34.0mm | thickness | 4.8mm |
| Frequency | - | Year of release | 2020 |
| Number of jewels | 38 pieces | Drive system | Automatic Spring Drive |
| composition | 3 hands + date + power reserve indicator | Power reserve | Approx. 120 hours |
- Equipped with an IC called "SOI-IC" that operates with a very small current consumption, the temperature sensor measures the temperature inside the watch 540 times a day to determine the effects of temperature and automatically corrects errors in the vibration frequency.
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/grand-seiko/evolution9-248200/
⑥Cal.9S85
| diameter | 28.4mm | thickness | 5.9mm |
| Frequency | 36,000 vibrations | Year of release | 2009 |
| Number of jewels | 37 pieces | Drive system | Automatic |
| composition | 2 hands + date | Power reserve | Approximately 55 hours |
・It took about six years to develop the main spring “Sprong 530,” and about five years to develop the hair spring “Sprong 610.”
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/grand-seiko/heritage-collection-325384/
⑦Cal.9S86
| diameter | -mm | thickness | -mm |
| Frequency | 36,000 vibrations | Year of release | - |
| Number of jewels | 37 pieces | Drive system | Automatic |
| composition | 3 hands + date + GMT | Power reserve | Approximately 55 hours |
-Uses advanced technology called MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), which can manufacture and process lightweight parts with a precision of 0.001 mm .
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/grand-seiko/mechanical-hi-beat-36000-253701/
⑧Cal.9S65
| diameter | 28.4mm | thickness | 5.9mm |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations | Year of release | 2010 |
| Number of jewels | 35 pieces | Drive system | Automatic |
| composition | 3 hands + date | Power reserve | Approximately 72 hours |
-Uses MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology.
- Winding efficiency has been improved by changing the winding method to a reverser method.
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbgr325
⑨Cal.9SA5
| diameter | 31.6mm | thickness | 5.1mm |
| Frequency | 36,000 vibrations | Year of release | 2020 |
| Number of jewels | 47 pieces | Drive system | Automatic |
| composition | 3 hands + date | Power reserve | Approximately 80 hours |
-By adopting a new structure called "horizontal gear train structure", it has become possible to make the watch approximately 0.8mm thinner than the "Cal.9S85".
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/grand-seiko/evolution-9-collection-346337/
⑩Cal.9STI
| diameter | 35mm | thickness | 7.98mm |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations | Year of release | 2022 |
| Number of jewels | 44 pieces | Drive system | Manual winding |
| composition | 3 hands + power reserve indicator + tourbillon + constant force | Power reserve | Approximately 72 hours |
- The "T0" concept movement, developed by Takuma Kawauchiya's team over a period of five years, has been improved and miniaturized and will be released in 2022.
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/news/20220330-1
summary
What did you think.
We have introduced various movements, but when it comes to Grand Seiko, the first thing that comes to mind is the unique Spring Drive mechanism. I believe that the Japanese temperament is the reason why this revolutionary movement, which uses a mainspring as a power source like mechanical watches but uses a quartz oscillator like quartz watches to control the precision of the watch, was born. We would like to keep an eye on the future developments of Grand Seiko, which has technical capabilities that set it apart from other brands. Why not take this opportunity to look for your favorite watch by paying attention to movements that don't often get much attention?
Once again, we hope this article helps you find your favorite luxury watch.