Undoubtedly, the biggest news and takeaway from the recent Grand Seiko virtual event is how a Philippines’ GS9 Collectors Club is being formally launched. For the collectors and proud owners of Grand Seiko watches here in the Philippines, it’s a validation and substantial step of inclusion to what has been an undoubtedly sustained love affair between Grand Seiko and our discriminating timepiece enthusiasts.
The GS9 Club is an exclusive platform that Grand Seiko watch owners in Japan, the USA, UK, and other selected countries have been part of and enjoyed. It was started in 2015 in Japan, and it offers exclusive content, gifts, factory tours, and first dibs on interviews with GS designers, engineers, and the teams behind the timepieces. It’s a fully immersive experience that GS collectors can enjoy.
The watch brand begins its journey in 1960, and it was founded on creating a high accuracy watch, and imbuing with the Grand Seiko style. Throughout its history, the pillars of this GS style have not changed. It’s about a watch that has a flat surface and two dimensional curves; and how this flat surface of case, dial and hands are as wide as possible. Then how the mirror surface is distortion free. Working within these steadfast pillars, we’ve then seen an evolution in aesthetics, in legibility, and in comfort.
The launching of the GS9 Club coincides with the launch of the new Evolution 9 collection. Evolution 9 is inspired by nature, crafted for a new generation of collectors. The GS White Birch SLGA009 has a stainless steel case, anti-reflective coating, and a three fold clasp with push button release. Spring drive movement is the renowned Caliber 9RA2. White birch trees, of which there are forests near the Shinso watch studio, serve as the element of nature driving the design.
Mention was also made of Grand Seiko’s being awarded Winner of the Men’s Watch Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genéve. The SLGH005 is a Hi-Beat watch with silver birch bark pattern dial, and carries a 9SA5 caliber. The Zaratsu polishing is a highlighted feature of this award-winning timepiece.
As Edric Dy explained, to be a member of the GS9 Club, one must own a GS watch purchased from one of the brand boutiques or authorized dealers, on or after March 23, 2017. One registers via the model number, the individual serial number, and case back number. You also submit the date of purchase, and the name of said authorized GS retailer, plus a photo of the watch and proof of purchase.
To join the Grand Seiko GS9 Club, register by heading to grandseikogs9club.ph/register/; and for more information, head to the Grand Seiko official FB and IG accounts. Their boutiques here can be found at 2F SM Aura and the GF Glorietta 1.