Since its creation in 1960, Grand Seiko has produced timepieces that represent the best Japan has to offer. And for 2015, they debuted a new version of their first automatic: the 62GS. The modern reinterpretation, like the original, has a mirrored, multi-sided case and a wide dial opening achieved with a bezel-free construction and Grand Seiko’s unique “Zaratsu” polishing.
Notably, in 1967, when the 62GS made its debut, the crown was recessed and placed at the 4 o’clock position to dramatize the fact that hand winding was not required. The 62GS also had the long and razor-edge hands that have always been part of the Grand Seiko signature.
Inside, is the 35 jewel, in-house manufactured caliber 9S65 with automatic winding, with an oscillation frequency of 4Hz (or 8 beats per second). It has a mean daily rate of +5/-3, with a 72-hour maximum power reserve.
The case measures 37.6 mm by 12.9 mm and is available in steel, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. Each case is polished to Grand Seiko’s exacting standards. According to Grand Seiko, “The mirror finish on the case side surface has no distortion. The process is known as ‘Zaratsu’ or blade polishing and is made by carefully applying a rotating tin plate against the case at a very precise angle. This process is entrusted to only the most skillful and experienced craftsmen.”
Interestingly, the crystal is boxed shaped and is flush with the edges, effectively acting as both the crystal, and the bezel. The case back is screwed in and features the Grand Seiko lion emblem. Water-resistance is 100 meters. Magnetic resistance is 4,800 A/m.
The dial features the signature Grand Seiko blade style hands with pointed ends and applied indices. It also has the “DIASHOCK” logo as an homage to the original. There is a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The dial color of the steel case model is faithful to the original dial. The outer ring is flat, with black printed minute graduations.
The steel model (Ref. SBGR095), is distinguished from the white gold model by a steel seconds hand (the white gold has a blued seconds hand) will be $4,300 and limited to 600 pieces. The 18K white gold mode (Ref. SBGR091) will be $17,200 and the 18K yellow gold (Ref. SBGR092) and 18K rose gold (Ref. SBGR094) models will both be $16,300 – and are limited to 100 pieces per edition.
