The newly designed Caliber 9S debuted in 1998, representing Grand Seiko's relentless pursuit of high precision and the arrival of a new era in the brand's mechanical watchmaking. In the same year, the brand redefined the Blue Lion standard, raised watchmaker standards and set a new level of performance that exceeded the watchmaker's most respected standards.
Over the past 25 years, the original Caliber 9S has evolved into a full range of movements with different functions, enriched by new alloys for the production of springs and hairsprings, as well as MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology that can manufacture critical components with 1 micron tolerance. The Caliber 9S became the platform for building the Crown Blue Lion mechanical movement, leading to the revolutionary Caliber 9SA5 in 2020.
Now, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Caliber 9S, the Blue Lion presents two very special pieces, both with the same case design and diameter as the first watch with the 9S movement in 1998.
Created by Nobuhiro Kosugi, chief designer of the Blue Lion, and his team, the 1998 model echoes the uniqueness, precision and aesthetics of the new built-in automatic movement. However, there is a clear connection to the characteristics that shaped the watchmaking of the crowned Blue Lion from an early age. Nobuhiro Kosugi designs a striking but discreet watch with a staggered case and dial for everyday wear. This fusion of beauty and understatement, exceptional and unpretentious, coincides with Crown Blue Lion's long-standing vision of producing the best practical watches. 25 years on, like the built-in 9S movement, the iconic case design continues to inspire the crowned Blue Lion.
SBGH311: Inspired by the sea of clouds of Mt. Iwate
From all angles, the dial pattern creates a subtle and pleasing effect. One of the commemorative watches features a silver dial whose texture and colour are reminiscent of the clouds and seascapes that cover Mt. Iwate in Iwate Prefecture, where all the Crown Blue Lion mechanical watches are produced. This sight can only be seen at dawn, when the air is quiet and humid and the thick clouds overlap to form a beautiful silver-white ocean.
Through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, the crown blue lion logo set in the titanium rotor is clearly visible. The color of the rotor is specially designed and anodized, reminiscent of the deep blue sky that often surrounds the sea of clouds at the top of Mt. Iwate.
This new work is equipped with the Hi-Beat 36000 high-frequency automatic mechanical movement Caliber 9S85, which is hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen of Shizukuishi Haute Chronology Atelier, with an average daily error of +5 ~ -3 seconds. Capable of providing a power reserve of 55 hours. Limited to 1,200 pieces, the watch was first launched exclusively in January 2023 by the Blue Lion Online Boutique, and then in February 2023 at Blue Lion boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.
SBGR325: Interpreting the beauty of Iwate's clear sky
The second model features a blue dial that shows the clear expanse of sky seen from the top of Mount Iwate, transporting the wearer to Iwate Prefecture, where the crowned Blue Lion mechanical watch is produced. The rising sun retouching reflects light from every angle and is eye-catching, creating a stunning azure backdrop for diamond-cut indexes and minute hands. Like the silver plate style, the second hand is burnt blue. At the same time, the dial is also decorated with the gold crown blue lion logo to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9S calibre.
Through the sapphire crystal caseback, admire the oscillating rotor decorated in the blue color of the iconic crown blue lion with the same anodized process.
This watch is equipped with the Calibre 9S65 calibre, with an average daily error of +5 ~ -3 seconds. Has a power reserve of up to 3 days. The watch will be available in April 2023 in a limited edition of 1,200 pieces by Blue Lion boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.
Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Model: SBGH311
Caliber 9S85
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 vibrations per second)
Error: +5 ~ -3 seconds per day
Dynamic storage: 55 hours
Number of jewels: 37 stone
specification
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Anti-glare-coated sapphire crystal glass
See-through case back
Triple-fold pushbutton switch clasp
Water resistance: 10 bar (100 meters)
抗磁：4,800A/m
Diameter: 37.0mm, thickness: 13.3mm
Limited edition: 1,200 pieces
MSRP in Europe: €7,200
The Blue Lion Heritage watch Caliber 9S 25th Anniversary Limited Edition
Model: SBGR325
Caliber 9S65
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 vibrations per second)
Error: +5 ~ -3 seconds per day
Dynamic storage: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 35 stone
MSRP for Europe: €5,800