SpotlightSeiko and Grand Seiko 2018 collection launched at Baselworld

The Seiko pavilion at Baselworld is not a debutant or a fairly new face, rather a seasoned player that attracts watch enthusiasts and the Seikoholics who patiently await novelties from the brand every year. This year at Basel, while Seiko introduced the new Presage and Prospex models, Grand Seiko ruffled Swiss watchmakers with it’s new calibre and watches. Seiko swept over the watch world in the 1960s and 2018 seems to be a recap of the same, courtesy the launches of their latest collection.

A starry Seiko connect- New 2018 Seiko Presage

The new Presage collection is a visual spectacle powered by a great movement. Japan has a fascination with the moon, and the country’s home brand could not have presented it any better. The watch is an amalgamation of Seiko’s reputed mechanical watchmaking and Japenese craftsmanship which is embodied in the enamel of the rich blue dial. The second’s hand with a golden crescent moon gracefully sweeps across the dial, the same crescent moon, is on the flipside as well, on the sapphire case back. The Roman numeral on the dial have been painted ten times to give an elevated illusion and the 40.5 mm case has undergone the Zaratsu treatment.

Available in two versions, the blue Presage watch runs on a 6R15 caliber, has a 50 hour power reserve, fitted with a deep blue crocodile strap and is limited to 1500 pieces. The watch is undoubtedly value for money, true to Seiko’s history of making affordable timepiece without compromising on quality. Mitsuru Yokozawa, the ingenious craftsman responsible for creating the gorgeous blue dial, also worked on the white dial variation of the collection which was highly appreciated by watch connoisseurs.

Blast from the past, specially curated for diving watch enthusiasts

Watch enthusiasts with a penchant for vintage divers watch should be squealing with joy because that is exactly what Seiko offers in its highlight collection- The Prospex. Not one, not two, but a total of six new Prospex timepieces have arrived in 2018 which commemorate two major milestones –  the first Japanese, Seiko Hi-Beat Diver in 1968 and the first quartz saturation diver watch in 1978.

Three latest models released as an ode to Hi-Beat Diver watch are a mix of contemporary and vintage aesthetic. One watch that stood out in our opinion, reflects the same characteristics as the original, a one-piece case built, a flat case back and the sharpness is enhanced Zaratsu polishing. It is limited to 1500 pieces. Two models in the same collection are more contemporary in terms of the dial architecture i.e. sleek hour hands and a compact date window. Even the bezel is thinner and more appealing. Seiko also released a watch that bears an uncanny resemblance to the 1978 timepiece with an increased water resistance of up to 1,000 meters. The watch features a durable silicone strap that makes it apt for a diver.

The collection also features two models limited to 800 pieces with cases made of Cermet (ceramic and metal) which is pretty much indestructible and makes it shock resistant. Seiko developed another version, closer to nature, with a green dial that embodies the vibes of the famous Yakushima forest, Japan’s famous diving spot.

Grand Seiko makes a grand presence with a new caliber

Seiko’s presence grew larger after the brand decided to launch Grand Seiko at Baselworld 2017. 2018 proves to be a special year for Grand Seiko as the brand celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Grand Seiko 9S Caliber which features in three of its new watches, with a revamped case and a unique dial. The calibre which was first launched in 1988, has evolved over the years and is the epitome of accuracy in the latest 9S85 Hi-Beat 36000 caliber (SBGH267). Grand Seiko is known to understate its accuracy which is mostly a good deal, as the watches always over deliver, and this one comes with a deviation of +3 to -1 seconds per day. The famous Zaratsu polishing makes the platinum 950 case and lugs shine in all its glory.

The 1500 piece limited edition watch has a gorgeous blue dial features a date window at 3 o’clock and has a swirling pattern which is captivating and the geometric lines are extremely dynamic. The collection also has two more limited edition versions with the same 9S calibre, first in a gorgeous 18 k rose gold case (SBGH266) and brown strap while the other has a white dial set in stainless steel case (SBGH265) with a black strap. SBGH266 has 150 pieces available, while SBGH265 is limited to 20 pieces.

The Grand Seiko also launched rock sturdy, the new Ceramic Hi-Beat limited edition wristwatch. What makes the watch so solid is the high-intensity titanium used in the inner case and outer link of the bracelet. While the outer case and centre links are made up of new Grand Seiko blue zirconia ceramic, a material known to be seven times harder than stainless steel making the watch insusceptible to scratches. A vivid and vibrant mosaic pattern sits perfectly atop the blue dial. The watch is set precisely to the Grand Seiko ‘Special’ standard of +4 to -2 seconds.

Which Seiko or Grand Seiko 2018 wristwatch are you eagerly waiting for? Do you prefer the Japanese brand over its Swiss counterparts? Tell us in the comment section below.

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