Introducing: The Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Hi-Beat GMT 'Special' Limited Edition

March 22, 2018

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the caliber 9S C the base of many Grand Seiko greats C Grand Seiko has released the Blue Ceramic Hi-Beat GMT "Special" Limited Edition (in addition to quite a few other LEs). The GMT is a staple of the Grand Seiko family, so it should come as no surprise that Grand Seiko has released a new version to commemorate the 9s. This special edition (limited to 350 pieces) features a 46.4mm case made of Seiko's High Intensity titanium, treated with an anodic oxidation process that turns it blue.?The process involves the metals being exposed to electrolysis to generate a film of titanium oxide. You can get a very wide range of colors using this process C the color you get depends on the thickness of the oxide coat. The center links are made of a new blue zirconia ceramic that is seven times harder than steel and is very scratch resistant (good news for those who are hard on their watches). But the most impressive part is the Hi-Beat movement, the caliber 9S86 (the same movement used in previous GMT models), which has been adjusted to meet the Grand Seiko "Special" standards with a precision rate of +4 to -2 seconds per day!? Initial Thoughts The GMT has always been a fan-favorite from Grand Seiko, and now you have the amped up "special" version. It's really exciting to see Grand Seiko add interesting design elements to an already popular model. The guilloch dial is spectacular to look at and the rich blue ceramic adds something slightly unusual to an otherwise standard watch. Not to mention the technology behind the ceramic is pretty impressive and interesting. The added precision is a welcome change to the existing caliber 9S86, which is accurate to +5/-3 seconds per day. The watch is not only tough as nails, but precise as hell too.? The Basics Brand: Grand SeikoModel: Blue Ceramic Hi-Beat GMT "Special" Reference Number: SBGJ229Diameter: 46.4mmThickness: 14.6mmCase Material: Titanium and ceramicDial Color: BlueIndexes: Applied stickWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Titanium and ceramic bracelet with three-fold clasp The Movement Caliber: ?9S86Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and second time-zone via 24-hour handPower Reserve: 55 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vph)Jewels: 37Additional Details: Regulated to +4/-2 seconds per day Pricing & Availability Price: $14,800Availability: July 2018 at Seiko boutiques, Grand Seiko boutiques, and select Grand Seiko retailersLimited Edition: 350 piecesFor more click here.