Grand Seiko has embodied the excellence of Japanese watchmaking since its inception. In particular, their 1967 release of the 44GS put the watch world on notice, while also establishing the signature design code known as the “Grand Seiko Style.” The nine design principles that make up said style have been the guiding light of the iconic watchmaker for nearly 55 years. To commemorate the watch that essentially started it all, Grand Seiko is releasing a modern-day reimagining of the icon in the limited-edition Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary edition watch in titanium.
Featuring a high-intensity titanium construction for its case and bracelet, the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition enjoys the benefit of being 30% lighter than its stainless steel counterparts, as well as augmented resistance to scratches and corrosion. Moreover, Grand Seiko treated the titanium with a Zaratsu polish that ensures the watch’s surfaces remain free of distortions, a hallmark of Grand Seiko design. As its name suggests, the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT 44GS sports a hi-beat 9S86 caliber movement that offers 55 hours of power reserve and an accuracy rate of + 5 to –3 seconds a day. Its dial is a gorgeous backdrop that allows the deep blue GS, GMT, and tempered blue GMT hand to pop. The hour, minute, and GMT hands have Lumibrite for easy reading in the dark, and the timepiece has a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on its inner surface. On its see-through case back, wearers will be pleased to see its oscillating weight featuring the iconic Grand Seiko lion emblem.
Grand Seiko achieved the lion emblem’s gold tone by employing an anodic oxidation process that subjects the titanium to electrolysis, resulting in the brilliant oxidized gold film. Given its limited-edition status, the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary Edition will be limited to only 1,200 pieces, retailing for $8,500. Grand Seiko will release the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition in January 2022.
