50th

Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary Collection Watch In Platinum

This is probably the first time that an over $25,000 platinum Seiko watch was been offered in the US - so it will take us some getting used to. I recently discussed Grand Seiko's entrance into the world market here. If you aren't familiar with their high-end timepieces, then this sounds like a diamond encrusted Toyota. Ironically enough, this watch is part of a new collection from Seiko that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of their high-end Grand Seiko watch collection. So Seiko has had 50 years to refine this collection. The style is all about tradition, and the movements are superbly made. The dials each have the gold Grand Seiko lion logo on the dial and on the 18k gold automatic rotor (save for the quartz model).

For the 50th Anniversary model collections, the watches each have a similar style but come with three different movements and different sizes. At the top of the heap is this limited edition Grand Seiko Spring Drive in solid platinum (Ref. SBGA065). It has 40.2mm wide case with crocodile strap (with platinum buckle). Inside the watch is a Caliber 9R15 Spring Drive movement. Price is a whopping 2,100,000 yen (just over $25,000) and it is limited to just 30 pieces. The Spring Drive 50th Anniversary watch also comes in a 41mm version in steel with metal bracelet that is about $7,000 limited to 300 pieces (the pieces in the collection are generally limited to either 300 or 500 pieces).

In addition to the Spring Drive models, the Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary collection is offered in a pure automatic mechanical version as well as a quartz movement version. These are in steel and range from 37-40mm wide. Prices start at about $3,800. You can read more about these classy high-end Japanese watches here via Seiko press release here.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary Collection Watches

Tags: 50th, anniversary, collection, grand, platinum, seiko, watch

Mido Commander 50th Anniversary Watch Collection

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I believe Mido Commander watches are quite rare in America. My experience has told me that the line is most popular in European and Asian markets - not 100% sure why that is. The watches are quite nice, and since 1959 have represented what I believe is an interesting interpretation on a watch that has elements of the Rolex Datejust (mostly due to the hands and hour markers as well as the overall attitude of the timepiece).

The Commander design has changed little since it was introduced in the 1950s. There have been a few styles, but each is easily recognizable as a Mido Commander. For its 50th anniversary, the Commander line introduces a few gold limited edition pieces or 50 or 500 pieces depending on the edition. The watches feature a solid case with no removable caseback, and a domed Hesalite crystal (for retro purposes I am sure). Inside is an automatic ETA movement (Mido is part of the Swatch Group which also owns ETA) with a day and date complication as well as being Chronometer certified. Go for the ultra retro thin tapered gold bracelet for the throw-back look, but each model is a handsome watch piece that is decidedly "different" without causing people to raise their eyebrows.

Via WatchLuxus.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 50, 50th, 50th anniversary, 50thAnniversary, commander, limited edition, LimitedEdition, mido, timepiece, watch