Grand Seiko  9S Mechanical  Watches

Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical: Horology’s Finest

Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical watches feature four important components which ensure utmost precision: the escape wheel, the pallet fork, the hairspring, and the mainspring. Manufactured using the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, the 9S Mechanical watches’ escape wheels are 5% lighter than the escape wheels in other movements, meaning it requires less power and has a longer power reserve. Meanwhile, the pallet forks on these watches also come with 25% weight reduction and its mainspring, which was first developed for the Caliber 9S85, has reached a level of torque that allows for a 55-hour power reserve. 

Furthermore, one of the other core components of a mechanical watch is the hairspring which Seiko has had over 50 years of experience in creating. For the 9S Mechanical’s hairspring, Grand Seiko uses a cobalt-nickel alloy called Spron that was developed over time. The newest generation, the Spron 610, is the latest hairspring used in Seiko mechanical watches, and it is more resilient to shocks and magnetic fields. This means that this hairsping can tolerate greater impacts without having any errors or having its precision in timekeeping affected.

Price List at a Glance 

How much does a Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical cost? 

Every Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical watch is crafted with extreme attention to detail to provide the highest standard of accuracy. 

Caliber 9S86

The Caliber 9S86 mechanical movement has functions including dual time with a 24-hour hand, and a quick correction function of time difference adjusting to a calendar. Some of the models equipped with this caliber are the SBGJ233 and the SBGJ251, both of which have manual winding movements, 55-hour power reserves, and secure three-fold clasps with push-button releases on their straps. However, the two models differ in size and casing, with the SBGJ233 having a 46.4mm x 14.6mm size dressed in high-intensity titanium and ceramic casing, while the SBGJ251 measures 39.5mm x 14.1mm in size and comes in a stainless steel casing. The SBGJ251 is also just splash-resistant, whereas the SBGJ233 is water-resistant up to a substantial 10 bar, or 100 meters. In terms of price, the SBGJ251 comes at a much cheaper price of $6,800 USD while the SBGJ233 retails at around $13,700 USD. 

Caliber 9SA5

The Caliber 9SA5 movement features a dual impulse escapement, twin barrels, and an instant date change mechanism. Some models powered by this caliber include the SLGH003 and SLGH005. Although both these models have the same size, with stainless steel cases that measure 40mm by 11.7mm, they differ in having their own distinct dials. At first glance, the two watches may seem similar, but the SLGH005 features a dial inspired by the white birch tree forests near the Grand Seiko studio. It is simple but it exudes a minimalistic, calming beauty. Meanwhile, the SLGH003 is a limited edition timepiece which boasts a shimmering deep blue dial that is contrasted with a striking red second hand. Both watches have water resistance ratings of 100 meters. The SLGH005 retails at around $9,100 USD, while the SLGH003 is priced at $9,700 USD. 

Caliber 9S64

The Caliber 9S64 is a manual winding movement with an impressive power reserve of 72 hours, that can be found in timepieces such as the SBGW262, SBGW260, and SBGW264. These watches fall under the Grand Seiko Elegance collection, boasting  yellow gold and rose gold cases that are splash-resistant. The SBGW262 and SBGW264 are both 39mm x 11.6mm in size but differ in terms of their exteriors. The SBGW262 boasts a luxurious 18K yellow gold case while the SBGW264 is dressed in tasteful 18K rose gold. Meanwhile, the SBGW260 is a little smaller, at 38mm x 10.9mm, and comes in an 18K rose gold case as well. All of these watches are paired with comfortable crocodile leather straps that fit securely around the wrist. The SBGW262 is priced at $30,000 USD, while the SBGW260 can be purchased for $29,000 USD, and the SBGW264 retails at around $25,000 USD.

Vintage/Retro Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical — Is it A Good Investment? 

Grand Seiko watches, in general, are some of the most coveted timepieces for watch collectors, mainly because of their history, background, technological brilliance, and impact in horology. The vintage models in Grand Seiko’s catalog, including the 9S Mechanical watches, are equally valuable as collector’s items as they are as investments. 

New 2020 or 2021 models 

Recently, Grand Seiko came out with new, limited edition 9S Mechanical models in celebration of the brand’s 140th anniversary. Inspired by their Japanese heritage, the pieces released include the STGK016, which is an automatic watch for women that comes in a 29.5mm x 10.5mm rose gold case. It features a straightforward, gorgeous white dial with rose gold hands and 12 striking diamonds embedded in the rose gold hour indices. Equipped with the Caliber 9S27, this model is splash-resistant and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. There are only 60 pieces of this limited edition variant available. 

The next two GMT watches serve as an ode to Japan’s ever-changing seasons. The first model, the SBGJ251, celebrates one of the year’s 24 seasonal phases (sekki) called Shunbun, which translates to spring. Dressed in a stainless steel case with a vibrant green dial and rose gold-tone accents, the SBGJ251 perfectly captures the fresh lushness of the aforementioned season. Meanwhile, the SBGJ249 represents another season called Shōsho, also known as summer. Its dial is designed with a wave pattern that resembles the shimmering of lakes and ponds in the early summers of Japan. 

The last two recently released Grand Seiko timepieces draw inspiration from the surroundings near the studio where Grand Seiko watches are crafted. The SLGH007’s dial showcases an elegant black wood-like face, a tribute to the inspiring growth of the rings of cedar trees in the Shizukuishi Shrine. The SLGH005, on the other hand, captures the beauty of the neighboring white birch forests. Both watches measure 40mm x 11.7mm in size and are powered by the Caliber 9SA5. The SLGH007 features a platinum case and is limited to only 140 pieces, while the SLGH005 comes in a classic stainless steel exterior. 

Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Movement History and Design Details

The Grand Seiko was born in 1960 with the goal of providing the world with precise, durable, and beautiful wristwatches. As the years went by, Grand Seiko continuously manufactured high-tech calibers until the mid-1990s, when a new generation of mechanical watches was introduced. Three excellent movements were created by the tech-savvy brand: the 9F Quartz, the 9R Spring Drive, and the 9S Mechanical. 

Initially intended to be an improvement on the existing mechanical watches, the Grand Seiko team decided to further develop a whole new mechanism, giving birth to the Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Movement in 1996. While most of the watches during that time boasted 40-hour power reserves, Grand Seiko went above and beyond, setting a record of a whopping 50 hours. That was just the start, as the Grand Seiko team aimed to achieve even higher precision for their watches. The first new Grand Seiko mechanical caliber in twenty years was born in 1998. In 2002, the brand created a mechanical watch that featured a fourth hand, which indicated GMT. Over the years, the Grand Seiko’s 9S journey has continued as the Calibers 9S67, 9S85, 9S86, and 9S65 were born. Since then, the 9S series continues to be one of the very finest mechanical calibers in the world. 

Dressed in either stainless steel, rose gold or yellow gold cases, watches in the 9S Mechanical collection are equipped with well-crafted components such as an escape wheel, a pallet fork, a hairspring, and a mainspring that uses Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology to create high-quality, superbly accurate timepieces. 

Reasons to buy Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical watches

1. 1. One of the World’s Foremost Mechanical Movements
2. 2. Components are Manufactured using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology
3. 3. Providing Timepieces with the Highest Standard of Accuracy
4. 4. Combines the Latest Technology and High-Level Craftsmanship
5. 5. Carefully Assembled by Seiko Craftsmen and Experts

Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical: Pinnacle of Japanese Craftsmanship 

The Grand Seiko was created in honor of the brand’s Japanese horological roots, combining the latest technology and the expert craftsmanship of Seiko. With the intention of providing a precise and durable wristwatch, the Grand Seiko team has managed to advance the industry’s level of watchmaking by introducing one of the world’s foremost mechanical movements, also known as Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical. Boasting components that are carefully arranged by master craftsmen, the 9S collection has achieved higher precision, weaving together the past and the present to create a timeless piece that can go the distance.