In celebration earlier this year, the company released three limited editions, which are ‘re-creations’ of the first Grand Seiko watch issued in 1960. Presented in a 38mm steel, gold or platinum case they are slightly bigger than the original 36mm watch on which they are based and are powered by the hand-wound Grand Seiko caliber 9S64.
At BaselWorld in 2013, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary by presenting among others a contemporary re-interpretation, totally faithful to the much sought-after 37.9mm Grand Seiko 44GS design from 1967. This recent update to the collection is the striking Grand Seiko Hi-beat 36000 GMT with its stamped pattern, peacock green dial. It is powered by the hi-beat GMT caliber 9S86 automatic movement, designed, made and tested at the Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are manufactured and assembled by hand. The caliber has a high accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 55 hours. The perfect watch for the independent globetrotter, the second GMT hand can be used as a dual time indicator with the primary hour hand being adjustable independently. Its 40mm stainless steel case features multiple polished angles, which are a signature of the brand. Both case and stainless steel bracelet are finished with Grand Seiko's signature Zaratsu polishing.
According to Seiko, in its 10-beat movement, the balance wheel that controls the accuracy of the mechanical watch oscillates 10 times per second. This is equivalent to 36000 oscillations per hour, which earns it the name ‘Hi-Beat 36000’. (Ordinary movements beat at 21600 oscillations per hour or at 28000 per hour).