The highly collectible SBGR095 (launched in 2015) in stainless steel is a remake or reborn Grand Seiko 62GS that was first launched in 1967. Take note that it comes in a 37.6mm diameter case. Powered by the Calibre 9S65, it features 72 hours of power reserve. Limited to 600 pieces. Recommended retail price: EUR4,300. Photo: © Elfa / Timmy. BaselWorld 2015

For 2015, one highly collectible Grand Seiko piece is the re-make of the 62GS which was first introduced in 1967.

The new family member to the Grand Seiko Historical Collection is what the brand terms the “reborn 62GS” because it is “… as faithful to its original as possible,” says Yukinori Kato of Seiko Watch Corporation.

Three versions are available: the SBGR091 in 18K white gold (limited to 100 pieces), SBGR092 in 18K yellow gold (100 pieces) and SBGR094 in 18K rose gold (100 pieces).

The steel version, the SBGR095 shown above, is limited to 600 pieces.

One distinctive feature of the 1967 62GS, the first automatic watch for Grand Seiko, is the crown that is located at the four o’clock position. [Note: the first automatic Seiko watch was launched in 1956.]

As with the original, the SBGR091, SBGR092, SBGR093 and SBGR095 all have their crowns at their recessed four o’clock positions.

 

 

Case back of the stainless steel SBGR095 with the Grand Seiko lion emblem. The text “9S65” refers to the Calibre 9S65 automatic movement powering this watch and water-resistant to 10 bar or around 100 metres. Photo: © Elfa / Timmy. BaselWorld 2015

Why is the crown at the four o’clock position? “This is to dramatize the fact that hand-winding was not required [because it is a self-winding or automatic watch],” explains Kato.

This is an interesting and meaningful symbol for Grand Seiko’s very first self-winding or automatic watch.

By far, the steel version, the SBGR095, is probably the most faithful as even its dial is similar to the original of 1967.