Grand Seiko replica watches shines on multiple fronts at Watches & Wonders 2024
From new hand-wound high-frequency movements to patented dial treatments, the Japanese watchmaker’s watchmaking prowess was on full display.
Since its debut at Watches & Wonders 2022, Grand Seiko has been one of the most talked-about brands at the show; it debuted its first mechanical complication, the Kodo Constant Force Tourbillon, and followed up last year with its first mechanical chronograph, the Tentagraph. This year, it presented a range of elegant dress watches and beautiful sports replica watches swiss, while turning heads with the 20th anniversary Spring Drive Caliber 9R, an updated version of the GPHG-winning Kodo, and even a new high-frequency movement. Here are some of the highlights.
Evolution 9 (Ref: SLGW002 and SLGW003)
Grand Seiko’s headline products may not have been as flashy as in previous years, but they’re just as noteworthy. At first glance, both watches feature textured dials said to be inspired by birch trees. However, hidden within this otherwise understated dress watch is the Japanese watchmaker’s first manual-winding high-beat movement in 50 years, the Calibre 9SA4, the third automatic movement in the 9S platform, which includes the Tentagraph’s 9SC5. Jacob & Co epic x chrono 44mm tri-compax
Although based on the Calibre 9SA5 and sharing some common features, such as a frequency of 10 vibrations per second and an 80-hour power reserve (thanks to an efficient double-impulse escapement and two barrels), nearly 40% of the 9SA4 has been redesigned and reworked to enhance the tactile, auditory, and visual experience of winding. For example, its pawl (the part that makes the ratchet wheel resist the force of the mainspring) is shaped like a wagtail, and its bird-like pecking action can be observed through the sapphire crystal caseback when winding.
The 38.6mm case is just 9.95mm thick and is available in either shiny hard titanium (Ref. SLGW003) or 18K rose gold (Ref. SLGW002). The latter is limited to 80 pieces and features a “star” marking to indicate that its hour markers are also in yellow gold. replica Ulysse Nardin Watches
Calibre 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (Ref. SBGC275)
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first Grand Seiko watch to feature the 9R Spring Drive movement, this new Spring Drive Chronograph GMT features a patented dial treatment called “optical multi-layer coating”. Essentially, multiple layers of nano-scale thin film are applied via physical vapor deposition to highlight the dial’s intricate “lion’s mane” texture. The dial’s design is inspired by the Hotaka Mountains and, thanks to a novel technique, it appears to change color, evoking the colors of a summer morning amidst the vast landscape.
Kodo Constant Force Tourbillon (Ref. SLGT005)
Speaking of mornings, the Kodo Constant Force Tourbillon returns this year in a limited edition of 20 pieces inspired by dawn. The 2022 original, which won the Chronometer Award at that year’s GPHG, was somewhat somber with its grey-toned light and shadows, but the new Ref. SLGT005 brightens things up with silver-toned movement components that evoke dawn. Notably, sapphires are used for the first time in a Grand Seiko movement, seemingly mimicking morning dew. replica watches online
Housed in a 43.8mm-diameter 950 platinum case (inner case) and bright hardened titanium case (outer case), the innovative Calibre 9ST1 is more striking than ever, as its meticulously hand-finished components are even more visible here. Barely shielded from curious eyes, the 340-part skeletonized movement proudly displays its inner workings, including the ingenious integration of the constant force mechanism and tourbillon as a unit on one axis, thus ensuring that the transmitted torque is not lost or varied.replica Richard Mille RM 27-05 Rafael Nadal