Quartz Beauties
In 1993, Grand Seiko debuted its first 9F movement: a quartz calibre of the most exacting standards and precision. It proved that quartz innovation was very much alive, featuring technologies such as a mechanism that suppressed any excess shaking of the second hand, and others that increased its durability and reliability—like a unique shield that prevented dust from entering the motor or gear train.
For the 9F’s 25th anniversary, Grand Seiko has introduced two limited edition models that exemplifies the Japanese watchmaker’s modern standards of construction. The 9F83 day-date movement on the SBGT241 and the 9F82 date-only movement on the SBGV238 are compensated and calibrated to within +/- 5 seconds per year, an astounding level of accuracy.
In typical Grand Seiko fashion, the textured dials are beautifully detailed, and the stainless steel cases and bracelets are immaculately polished. The SBGV238 also has an 18k yellow gold bezel, as well as a display case back. The latter is a true rarity for a quartz watch, and a quick glance at the flawless hand-finishing of the 9F movement will dispel any notion that a quartz movement cannot be a fine example of the watchmaker’s craft.
