Seiko

chmandaue
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This GS case design has a name: 9S5

So named because the first watch with this case was the first modern mechanical GS: the SBGR001 of 1998. Inside was the new cal. 9S55.



The designer of the case was Nobubiro Kosugi, who relates the process of its creation: https://article.gs-story.com/5e51e8d8459cb20e7b53a147e88d628b.html

“From around 1995, a project was started to consider how Grand Seiko watches would be made in the future. From the customer's perspective, leather straps were relatively easily damaged and had to be replaced, so they were considered an extra expense. Additionally, metal bracelets were long-lasting and were in extremely high demand. However, there were many people who loved the idea of switching to a leather strap in winter.

That's why we settled on crafting Grand Seiko watches that are sold with a metal bracelet but can be switched to a leather strap. To this day we continue with this policy.”

The design was then used for the first GS Spring Drive watches (SBGA001 to 007) and finally some models of 9F quartz, such as my SBGP007 ‘Superman’ twenty years after that SBGR001.



I always thought the design was ‘GS generic’ so I thought I would share this info.