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20th anniversary of the 9S caliber
The 20th anniversary of the 9S mechanical caliber is an occasion to look both back into Grand Seiko’s history and forward to new opportunities. This new Ceramic Hi-Beat limited edition speaks of both the past and the future and does so in the spirit of the 9S caliber that it celebrates. The inner case and outer bracelet links are crafted from the very light high intensity titanium. The outer case and the center links of the bracelet are made of the new Grand Seiko blue zirconia ceramic, a material that is seven times harder than stainless steel so that the watch is virtually impervious to scratches. Behind the sapphire case back, titanium and tungsten combine in the oscillating weight to resist distortion even when the watch is subjected to shock. The titanium section of the weight is treated with an anodic oxidation* process that creates a new, rich and vivid blue that complements the Grand Seiko blue of the ceramic and the dial. In its use of these advanced materials, this remarkable watch echoes and celebrates the advanced watchmaking that made possible the first 9S caliber twenty years ago.
* Anodic oxidation treatment This is a surface treatment in which metals are subjected to electrolysis so as to generate artificially an oxide film. Titanium oxide film produces color according to the light refraction index, enabling production of different colors by varying the thickness of the oxide film.
Case: High-intensity titanium and ceramic, high definition dual curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, exhibition caseback
Case diameter: 46.4mm
Case thickness: 14.6mm
Dial: Blue alternating GS Mosaic symbols
Bracelet: High-intensity titanium and ceramic bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
Movement: Hi Beat Caliber 9S86 ‘Special’ standard and offers a precision rate of +4 to -2 seconds per day
Power reserve: Approximately 55 hours
Water Resistant: 100 meters / 330 feet