Flagship movement in a 44GS case.
Launched in 2020 in the all-new Evolution 9 collection, fake Grand Seiko‘s top-of-the-line 0f-the-line mechanical and Spring Drive movements are now housed in a unique 44GS case, which turns 55 this year.
The 44GS case, with its wide, flat lugs, is a familiar, typical Grand Seiko (GS) design, but the Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition pairing brings a relatively new feature: the case is made exclusively by the brand The Ever Brilliant Steel was machined for the first time, and the dial now has an unusually distinct woodgrain pattern.
Typical of the brand’s recent launch, the 44GS 55th Anniversary Edition iterates on familiar elements but makes a difference with a few tweaks. It’s a subtlety that appeals to enthusiasts who cherish thematic changes, although the casual observer will find it difficult to distinguish the models. But the fundamental appeal of the GS remains, which is top execution in its price segment.
That said, the latest pair is arguably even more special. One factor in their favor is the patterned dial. This is a new addition to the GS collection, and an exclusive so far, for only two models, both of which are expensive watches in precious metals. Of course, the new 44GS is steel, so it’s more affordable. Seiko Heritage fake
That said, the latest pair is arguably even more special. One factor in their favor is the patterned dial. This is a new addition to the GS collection, and an exclusive so far, for only two models, both of which are expensive watches in precious metals. Of course, the new 44GS is steel, so it’s more affordable.
Retro design, modern movement
Debuted in 1967, the 44GS case is probably the most iconic case of the GS, thanks to its recognizable style centered on the wide faceted lugs, demonstrating the brand’s prowess in flat finishes. Notably, Ever Brilliant Steel may further enhance the polished finish GS is known for, as the alloy has a more silvery appearance. The latest Seiko watch with the Ever Brilliant Steel case is a no-nonsense diver’s watch that downplays the visual appeal of steel.
Unlike the streamlined and modern Evolution 9 case, the 44GS is very retro in style. Unfortunately, the retro case comes with an outdated five-link bracelet, although this is easy to fix as the case looks just as good, if not better, on a leather strap.
The movements in the new pairing are the brand’s flagship self-winding Spring Drive and Hi-Beat movements. Launched two years ago, both movements are technically superior to their predecessors, boasting longer power reserves and new features that improve timekeeping.
Both movements are also slimmer than their predecessors, giving the 44GS case a slimmer, elegant profile previously only possible with the brand’s quartz fake watches.
Spring Drive cal. For example, the 9RA2 has a power reserve of 5 days, up from 3 days for the cal. 9R65, and improved accuracy to within 10 seconds per month through a redesigned oscillator IC.
And Spring Drive cal. The 9RA2 is the same in all models, mechanically calibrated. The trim of the 9SA5 varies according to the price of the respective model (in part because the automatic and Spring Drive movements are produced in different factories).
For example, hot blue screws are only used for calibration. The 9SA5 is mounted on a precious metal watch. But that seems to have changed with the new 44GS, which also features blue screws in its movement – a small upgrade, but a big plus in terms of visual appeal.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Spring Drive
Ref. SLGA013
Diameter: 40mm
Height: 11.7 mm
Material: Ever Brilliant Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: 9RA2
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds and date
Frequency: Spring driven winding
:automatic
Power reserve: five days (120 hours)
Strap: Ever Brilliant Steel bracelet
