Aesthetically, the case has Grand Seiko’s “Tough” design, which was last featured in SBGX341 and SBGX343 (learn more here). The angular form of the Tough case is highly complex, and that complexity is most evident around the mid-case and, specifically, the lugs. Note the multi-faceted geometry of the lugs and the intricate level of finishing applied to them, with Zaratsu-polished surfaces contrasting against the hairline-finished case-sides and top (right where the ceramic bezel
sits). Certainly, the overall look pulls from Grand Seiko’s design philosophy, otherwise known as the “Grammar of Design,” but inspiration can also be attributed to some of the other recent designs found in Grand Seiko’s Sport Collection, among them SBGH255. Altogether, it’s a beautiful case, and one that keeps wearability right at the forefront. With its manageable size and crown at four o’clock, these are very comfortable watches on the wrist.
When the first 9F movement came into existence in 1993, it was created to be the quartz that surpasses all other quartz. This new series combined the aforementioned accuracy rating of +/-10 seconds a year with the high torque of a mechanical movement, all the while maintaining a low level of energy consumption. This meant that the movement’s new Twin Pulse Control Motor would allow for the use of Grand Seiko’s large heavy hands. Additionally, a Backlash Auto-Adjust Mechanism eliminated any wobble of the second hand as it advanced across the dial, and an aged and highly-stable quartz crystal was paired with an in-house-developed, ultra-low-power IC programmed to specifically respond to that crystal’s reaction to temperature changes, guaranteeing the highest level of performance. There was also an Instant Date Change Mechanism, never before seen in a quartz
movement. This instant date mechanism was one of the features that posed a challenge when Grand Seiko first set out to create the 9F GMT, and it wasn’t until 25 years later that Grand Seiko engineers were able to resolve it.
Longevity was also built into these movements. Featuring nearly-full metal construction with thick bridges and plates, all 9F calibers are designed to be taken apart and fixed should there ever be an issue, and not simply discarded as is the case with many other quartz movements. Furthermore, a protective shield construction allows for the retention of lubricant thanks to the Diafix spring and cap jewel system, and it also prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the gear train, an especially useful feature to have during battery changes.
