Grand Seiko Hi-Beat Heritage

This timepiece echoes the design of the first ever Grand Seiko mechanical 9S watch launched in 1998, with an aesthetic inspired by the surroundings of Grand Seiko Shizukuishi studio where the brand’s mechanical timepieces are handcrafted in house by Takumi artisans. The ‘Icefall’ 40mm case is crafted from High-Intensity Titanium – an alloy that is 30% lighter than stainless steel with the added benefits of increased resistance against corrosion and hypo-allergenicity. High-intensity titanium has a much brighter finish than most other grades of titanium used in the industry, allowing it to be Zaratsu polished to a mirror finish, and it has a higher hardness than that of pure titanium as well. The new dial pattern is in an ice blue colour, inspired by the natural ‘icefall’ phenomenon seen when the natural springs near to Mount Iwate freeze over in winter’s cold air. Throughout history, the abundance of clear water sources throughout Shizukuishi have provided for the local people, and were a key reason for the founding of the watch studio in this beautiful location. This 40mm timepiece is powered by the in-house 9S85 Hi-Beat movement, which is accurate to +5 to –3 seconds a day with a 55-hour power reserve. Every Grand Seiko features signature high standards of precision, durability and legibility, handcrafted in Japan by Takumi artisans.