Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical

From 1960 to today, Grand Seiko's innovations in accuracy lead to the new Hi-Beat 36000

Hi- Beat 36000HistoryMaster craftsmen

A tradition of dedication to the advancement of the mechanical watch


The history of Grand Seiko's mechanical watch making is a story of ever-increasing accuracy. It started with the The Grand Seiko Inspection Standard, which boasts the highest level of precision in the world, and covers 6 positions, 3 temperature shifts, and 17 days for testing. And it culminates in the launch in 2009 of an all-new 10-beat caliber .


The new Hi-Beat 36000

10-beat caliber 9S85
The new 10-beat caliber 9S85 was developed exclusively for Grand Seiko, 41 years after the very first 10 beat model. Why 10 beat? Because, by increasing the vibration speed, the watch becomes more resistant to shock and precision is increased. To build a reliable and durable 10 beat caliber is the true test of a 'manufacture'.

The History of SEIKO's mechanical excellence

The first Grand Seiko (1960)
Since 1913, SEIKO has produced high quality mechanical watches and has led the industry in Japan. In 1950's, SEIKO looked to expand overseas and developed new, greatly superior movements whose accuracy was proven when SEIKO was the overall winner of the Neuchatel Observatory Competition in 1960's. This success provided the technological platform on which, in 1969, the GS V.F.A. (Very Fine Accuracy) was created. It was SEIKO's first hi-beat caliber and was both a technical and commercial triumph.

Master craftsmen & women

Master craftsmen
While most components of Grand Seiko are, of course, designed and made by machines in SEIKO's own in-house facilities, each watch is hand assembled, adjusted and finished. These delicate and demanding tasks are entrusted to just a few of SEIKO's most skilled craftsmen and women, all of whom are trained by SEIKO's own master craftsmen. The skills of these master craftsmen have been honed over the decades and are passed on to each successive generation. This tradition sustains Grand Seiko today, and always will.