The celebrations at Grand Seiko continue this week, with the esteemed Japanese watchmaker releasing its latest of celebratory pieces marking the 55th anniversary of the original 44GS design. The new watch, dubbed the 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition ref. SBGY009, joins the brand?s historically influenced Heritage Collection, with it taking direct influence from the original 44GS Grand Seiko design launched in 1967 which has since proved as a longstanding major influence for the brand.

The new SBGY009 follows up on the cloudy sky inspired SBGP017 and cherry blossom dial SBGW289, both of which preceded today?s model as 44GS 55th Anniversary launches. Like those watches preceding it, the SBGY009 features strong influences from the original 44GS, embodied in the various nine design principles associated with ?Grand Seiko Style.? Yet differing from those models, the new anniversary release takes its direct inspiration from the ?moon over the Shinshu mountains,? with its dark blue sunray dial recalling the nighttime view from Grand Seiko?s studio in Shinshu where each of its Spring Drive powered watches, like this model, are produced.
Taking a closer look at the timepiece, its case features a 40mm steel construction, with its sharply faceted, slightly curved silhouette recalling historical designs first outlaid in the original 44GS editions from the late 1960s. An expert Zaratsu style polishing is applied throughout case for finishing, with the contrasting ...