Grand Seiko celebrates 20 years of mechanical artistry with two selected releases that uphold its tradition of taking inspiration from Japan’s natural beauty.

First introduced in 2004, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive is a unique movement that combines the best of both mechanical and quartz watchmaking. It’s a novel invention, and emblematic of the Japanese watch brand’s reputation for combining traditional Japanese watchmaking techniques with modern technology.

Instead of a traditional escapement found in most mechanical watches, GS’s Spring Drive features an electronic regulator that ensures the increased accuracy and precision of quartz watches, with the craftsmanship of mechanical movements. Like most things, it began its life as just an innovative concept: ‘What if we could create something no other mechanical watch has yet achieved?’

In the decades since, this iconic movement, named 9R, has become a mainstay of the Japanese manufacturer’s wheelhouse; a revolutionary feat of contemporary watchmaking that has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. And that’s as good a reason as any, for Grand Seiko to celebrate.

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Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Calibre 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (ref. SBGY035)

Look out at the Hotaka mountain range at sunrise and you’ll see the sun-blushed woodlands and the changing autumn leaves as it catches the morning light. The Hotaka sits within the Shinshu region of central Japan and has served as the inspiration for several of Grand Seiko’s most celebrated releases.

The Japanese brand has long-maintained a close connection to its picturesque natural surroundings, and this 20th-century release is certainly no different. On the dial, the design captures the essence of the Hotaka mountains’ transient autumnal beauty with its vibrant colours and textures, reflecting the stunning sunrise and changing leaves.

Limited to just 700 pieces, the Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Calibre 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition is another contemporary triumph and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide beginning in November 2024.

Grand Seiko Elegance Collection Calibre 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (ref. SBGA499)

With a slightly larger 40.2mm stainless steel case, the second Grand Seiko Calibre 9R model (ref. SBGA499) is a sportier iteration that almost removes this collection from its natural home within the Hotaka mountain range.

Of course, this limited edition release still takes its inspiration from the seasonal glow of the autumn sun, but with a cleaner dial and stainless steel bracelet reminiscent of the Grand Seiko Limited Edition Sport Collection GMT SBGE305. Today’s sporty offering could well be more popular than the SBGY035 – which is handy considering it retails at $9,000 AUD and is available in 1300 pieces.

Elsewhere on the dial, this piece features a recessed power-reserve indicator in copper pink between 7 and 8, which is accentuated by the brand’s minimalist ‘GS’ logo at 12 o’clock. This creation will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and online beginning in September 2024.