When it comes to the features of the Grand Seiko, the first thing that comes to mind for many players is the Spring Drive (SD) movement. This "hybrid" principle, in which the rotor obtains kinetic energy and replenishes the movement, opens up an exclusive track between the automatic mechanical movement and the traditional quartz movement. This year (2024) marks the 20th anniversary of the Spring Drive movement, for which the brand has launched a limited-edition anniversary watch, featuring the patented "Optical Multilayer Coating" technology on the dial, which reflects different colors when viewed from different angles. (Model: SBGC275)
The concept model of the SD calibre was unveiled in 1999 with a hand-wound mechanism. Although there are certain differences in the way of operation from the SD movement we are familiar with today, this hybrid concept of "mechanical + quartz" can be said to be the first in the industry. In 2004, the first mass-produced SD calibre 9R65 was released, which incorporated the "Magic Rod" automatic winding mechanism from Seiko and had a 72-hour power reserve. Since then, a number of variants have been developed on the basis of the 9R65 calibre.
The principle of the SD movement is actually not complicated, it retains the power mechanism, transmission mechanism and indication mechanism of the mechanical movement, and replaces the escapement speed regulating mechanism with a synchronous speed regulating mechanism. Powered by the mainspring and relying solely on the mainspring and gear system, it does not require batteries or external power, and is wound by simply rotating the crown or oscillating rotor, as in the case of traditional mechanical watches. The oscillating stone generates a weak current to activate the integrated circuit and quartz oscillator inside, which makes the mainspring winding.
Since 2017, when the Crown Blue Lion spun off from Seiko and became an independent luxury watchmaking brand with independent stores and operations, the 9R SD movement has become the exclusive domain of the Crown Blue Lion. This 20th Anniversary 9R SD calibre uses the 9R96 calibre. In addition to the chronograph function, the movement also features a dynamic reserve hand at 7 o'clock on the dial, as well as a GMT hands. As an "enhanced" version of the previous calibre 9R86, the 9R96 calibre boasts even greater precision. The allowable daily error range has been reduced from ± 15 seconds per month to ± 10 seconds per month (i.e., ± 0.5 seconds/day). In keeping with its precision, the oscillating weight of the movement is adorned with the Grand Seiko lion motif in 18 carat gold.
Observed from different angles, the warm color effect of the plate is also different, which is a major feature of this work. To achieve this effect, the brand uses a process called "optical multi-coating", which abandons the traditional dial coloring technique and uses physical vapor deposition. According to the brand, the inspiration for this variable warm color palette was taken from the sunrise of the Hotaka Mountains. The Shinshu region of central Japan, where the Hotaka Mountains are located, is where all Spring Drive watches are produced.
The anti-glare double-cambered sapphire crystal ensures clear reading and higher wear resistance. On the dial, the hour, minute and indexes are coated with a luminescent Lumibrite coating that emits a green glow, while the GMT hands and numerals on the bezel glow blue, enhancing legibility in the dark.
As a sporty watch, the case and bracelet are made of high-strength titanium. The advantage is that it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. The curved lugs and low centre of gravity, together with the three-fold push-button clasp with safety lock and extension, make the watch more comfortable and secure.
In terms of performance, thanks to the screw-down crown, the entire watch can achieve a water resistance of 200 meters, and the magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m also makes this watch a wider range of use cases.
Finally, the price and availability, this game is limited to 700 pieces worldwide and costs 14,000 euros (the price in Chinese mainland has not yet been announced). Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9R SD calibre, the watch pays homage to the sunrise over the Hotaka Mountains, where the Spring Drive workshop, is based on a patented "multi-layer optical coating" technology that allows the dial to have different warm effects when viewed from different angles. Compared with its predecessor, the 9R96 calibre has a higher precision, and on the basis of chronograph, GMT, dynamic display and other functions, the daily error is reduced to ±0.5 seconds. It can be seen that in the track of "hybrid motor core", the opponent of the crown blue lion is only himself. (Photo/text Watch Home Xiao Feng)