Today sees the release of the first ever Grand Seiko 9F quartz GMT caliber. It is the perfect caliber for the international traveler. Caliber 9F86 is based upon, and has all the precision and durability attributes of, the original 9F created in 1993 but incorporates a GMT function that allows the watch’s precision to be maintained when the hour hand is adjusted independently. This is made possible by new components that have been created especially for this movement.
Despite the addition of the GMT hand, the depth of the case has been increased only slightly, thanks to a newly designed main plate, a redesign of the gear train and the way the hands are attached, a process that is done by hand. Like the other hands, the GMT hand is mounted on an independent axis so as to ensure its smooth operation. Caliber 9F86 is presented in one limited edition and two other permanent creations in the Grand Seiko Sport Collection.
The metallic charcoal dial features a pattern based on the traditional Quartz symbol to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Caliber 9F. It also carries the five-pointed star that symbolizes Grand Seiko’s special level accuracy and, at the 25 minute position, the dial pattern is subtly different; the symbols 9F and 25 are discreetly shown as a permanent reminder of the caliber’s anniversary. The outer rim of the dial, from three o’clock to nine, is picked out in vivid yellow to display at a glance whether the GMT hand indicates AM or PM.
This unique commemorative Grand Seiko watch is offered in an edition limited to just 800 and will be available in selected markets from October.
In addition to the limited edition, two other new creations are to be released incorporating the 9F86 caliber. They add a new dimension to the Grand Seiko Sport Collection and share the simple but powerful design that characterizes it.
The dials are three dimensional in appearance and are edged with a two-tone ring to allow the AM or PM time indicated by the GMT hand to be read instantly and easily. Similarly, the use of Lumibrite on the hour markers and hour, minute and GMT hands delivers the enhanced legibility that the international traveler needs. These two new creations will be available in January, 2019.
