BASELREVIEW2017
Classic & Dress
SEIKO
GRAND
SEIKO
THIS BRAND’S ALWAYS-IMPRESSIVE Grand Seiko division turned independent at Baselworld 2017 as Seiko has
freed the higher-end line from the Seiko branding most of its dials have displayed. Now, all Grand Seiko dials will
utilize only the ‘Grand Seiko’ logo at the top of the dial, not far from the firm’s historic GS logo. Also, collectors can
look forward to distinct Grand Seiko boutiques.
Several limited-edition Grand Seiko debuts again underscore this collection’s longstanding attention to high-
end horology at prices far less than comparable European models. You may argue about affordability of a $5,700
watch, which is the price for the newest steel Grand Seiko 1960 tribute model, but feature-to-feature, Grand Seiko
consistently presents compelling horology with strong value.
And this year Grand Seiko continues to do so. Its premier debut is a group of three 38mm manual-wind,
limited-edition watches that mimic the firm’s first Grand Seiko from 1960. Made of steel, gold or platinum, all are
fitted with the esteemed Grand Seiko caliber 9S64 and feature domed dials and monogrammed casebacks. Prices,
as noted above, begin at $5,700 for the steel edition, rising to $30,600 for the platinum model.
A special 40.5mm hard-titanium-cased ‘modern’ adaptation of the first Grand Seiko will also be launched in a
limited edition of 968 pieces, each priced at $7,200. Seiko also re-created its first Prospex dive watch from 1965,
which will be made in a 39.9mm hard-coated limited edition of 2,000, and priced at about $4,100. An even
stronger value, however, are two more modern 42.6mm versions (Ref. SPB051 and 053) of that same original, with
a different caliber inside, that will sell for between $800 and $1,000.
On a much lower price level, Seiko’s Presage collection ($425 to $525), which debuted last year, continues to
draw accolades from collectors. A ‘cocktail-themed’ series this year was especially intriguing.
114 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SUMMER 2017