In celebration of 20 years of the ground-breaking 9R Spring Drive, Grand Seiko have today released two new models into the Hotaka Peaks’ Morning Glow series. The design inspiration of the ‘Morning Glow of Hotaka Peaks’ series is the red dawn near to the Grand Seiko studios, whilst the peaks represent not just the mountainous landscape, but also the Takumi watchmakers’ aspiration to create the peak of watchmaking.
Honouring the region in which Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive creations have been crafted since 2004, the new references join models such as the 20 th Anniversary Tokyo Lion, which was released to much fanfare at Watches & Wonders earlier this year. Considering the first drop of that sold-out celebratory model was limited to only 700 pieces worldwide, it’s likely that the two new additions to the Elegance Collection will prove to be extremely popular.
The Hotaka Peaks novelties released in 2024 mark a monumental 20 years of the Grand Seiko 9R Spring Drive calibre, but what exactly is so special about it?
First introduced in 2004, the 9R Spring Drive seamlessly blends the best of mechanical and electronic watchmaking. Grand Seiko unveiled the unique watch technology which generates energy in a similar manner to other luxury mechanical watches but can also deliver an unbeatable level of precision thanks to its electronic regulator.
Enabling Grand Seiko watches with one-second-a-day accuracy, the 9R Spring Drive Calibre effortlessly combines the beauty of traditional mechanical watchmaking with the precision of quartz and, in a seamless expression of the flow of time, the seconds hand of 9R Spring Drive models glides in motion, just like time itself, moving continuously in silence with no tick or shudder.
Grand Seiko ‘Morning Glow of Hotaka Peaks’ 9R Manual-winding Spring Drive
The first of the two new models entering Grand Seiko’s Elegance Collection is the 9R Manual-winding Spring Drive (ref. SBGY035). Capturing the vivid autumn glow at Karasawa Cirque, the new reference boasts a 38.55mm stainless steel case and a stunning red-brown dial reminiscent of “koyo”, or in English, the finest autumn foliage Japan has to offer. With leaves appearing in burning reds and oranges throughout the glacial circque in the heart of the Hotaka Mountains, the beauty of Japanese nature is perfectly preserved in the Morgenrot dial. Offering 3 bar (30m) water-resistance, date display and a 72-hour power reserve, this reference is presented on a brown crocodile leather strap and retails for £7,550 (inc. VAT).
Grand Seiko ‘Morning Glow of Hotaka Peaks’ Sunray 9R Spring Drive
The second addition (ref. SBGA499) is equipped with Spring Drive calibre 9R65 and appears in a 40.2mm stainless steel case, this time presented on a steel bracelet. Retailing at £5,400 (inc. VAT), despite this being the more affordable of the two new models, this reference still maintains a similar 72-hour power reserve, an accuracy of +1/-1 seconds per day and an increased 10 bar (100m) water-resistance rating. Its red sunray dial once again captures the vivid hues of Japan in autumn-time and is presented with a date window at 3 o’clock as well as a power reserve indicator.
Full technical specifications and pricing information can be found here, but at first look, these Grand Seiko models are perfect for those keen to find themselves a nice daily beater for the autumn season that can be dressed up or down to take you from the office to dinner. A versatile strap replacement option is our Classic Highley Leather Strap for casual daytime wear or the dressier Laverton Padded Cavallo Leather Strap, perfect for evening occasions.
