(Catalogue picture from 1980)

1979 when the quartz crisis was in full bloom SEIKO released the 9983 movement, a HAQ (high accuracy quartz) with double quartz crystals and thermo compensation. Specs are +-5 seconds/year and this model cost about 3 times as much as a Rolex Submariner the same year. +-5 spy is still 2016 the best spec available for a quartz watch.

The 9983-8000 is one of the two original models released 1979 and it is of course very rare to find today .

The integrated bracelet and the coarse surface makes it a real stunner imho. The all applied markings of the dial look great and the dial structure resembles paper.

 

“To be honest I’m not all that interested in the GPS function, what’s cool about this watch is the finishing and the lengths gone to make it bulletproof”

Full review in english

Full review in swedish

54,7mm steel+resin case, solar-powered,  GPS+radio controlled timekeeping, chrono, GMT, timer, alarm and more.

Made to to withstand pretty much anything. Sallaz polishing and AR-coated sapphire crystal makes this model one of the few true premium G-Shock models.

I wll review this model in a week or so, stay tuned for more.

 

xxx/700 limited edition, 40mm titanium case, 9R65 spring drive movement (+-1spd), see through caseback.

This model was released 2015 as part of the heritage line celebrating the 62GS. There is however a big difference compared to the mechanical SBGR095 (released 2015) and the quartz SBGV009 (released 2014 as part of the heritage line) which are pretty much replicas of the “selfdater” and the 62GS. That difference is that the SBGA127 has the overall aesthetics and shapes of the 62GS but with a modern twist. I would rather call it “inspired by” than a modern replica.

The case lacks a glass ring which makes the glass protrude more than on versions with glass ring present. Brushed and polished parts are smartly interlaced which makes for a very interesting case that can be studied for hours.

As usuall with spring drive GS models you get a see through case back displaying the beautiful mountain inspired movement bridge and the spring drive escapement. A great detail is the hiding lion logo on the crystal which only can be seen at certain angles.

The 40mm x 12,8mm titanium case and the great 5 piece bracelet makes this a lightweight piece and you easily forget that you are wearing it.

With GS, LE means LE so you are not likely to see this watch model on a wrist or in a shop near you. Once they are sold out GS LE models seem to disappear from the market.

 

I already own a KS5626 with the broad 7000 case I love but I really wanted one with the chronometer grade movement.

During the 60s there were accuracy competitions in Switzerland, mainly for Swiss made watch brands but SEIKO started participating since the competitions were open to all brands. Late 60s SEIKO started winning the competition which ultimately led to the death of the competitions and the start of COSC which is Swiss made exclusive. What makes it even more impressive is that SEIKO used their general production watches while many brands only entered with special watch movements made for the competitions.

The 5626 chronometer grade movement is a 28800bph, hack, manual/auto wind, double quickset movement which is said to have had +5/-3 s/d as timekeeping standard which is very good even by today’s measure but especially when you take into account that the COSC 1973 standard was +10/-1. The case has a screw for regulation between the lugs since the case is made in one piece. My other KS5626 keeps +2/-2 on the wrist which is very very good.

The case features “grammar of design” which basically is a design language which states that some angles should be recurring throughout the case in combination with polished and brushed finishes interlaced. If you study the angles you can see that the lines of the bezel and case have parallel lines. Beautiful to study when you know what you’re looking for and of course if the watch is in great condition since it makes for great light play on the case.

I received this watch today and was worried that the crystal wasn’t original since its domed and not flat like on my other KS. Well guess what, my son smashed it and it turns out it’s plexi. SEIKO crystals are hardened and don’t shatter like this. Bad timing but forced me to buy an original crystal for it.

Credor GCBP997, 40mm SS case, year 2000.

 

Features: 6s78 Automatic column wheel chronograph movement (28800bph), integrated bracelet, tachymeter, telemeter.

Credor is a SEIKO line exclusive to Japan that has lived side by side with the more known Grand SEIKO line. Credor models are usually released in very small batches and for short periods of time.

Credor has a big variation when it comes to models, from haute horologie to ladies Quartz watches. While Grand SEIKO is known for clean designs, Credor is known for designing watches with more Japanese aesthetics, often with light porcelain dials and sometimes with gems and diamonds.

Though unknown, make no mistake about it, the GCBP997 is a premium watch. The dial is high gloss with a glass like finish and with subdials resembling the sapphire bezel of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The chrono seconds and running seconds hands are both closed.

I would say the overall quality of the watch is on par with GS and the 6s78 movement share a lot of architecture with the mechanical 9S GS movement.  As such the GCBP997 is as close to a GS chronograph you can come today and as such it’s probably the best mechanical chronograph ever released by SEIKO making it a fantastic watch.n

 

Visited Arnold And Son in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland with my buddy “Leben” and got a factory tour.

Swedish article 

English article

http://www.lajouxperret.com/

http://www.arnoldandson.com/

 

Can be found by the meny or here

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