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Grand Seiko Presents a New Calibre at Watches and Wonders 2025

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As Watches and Wonders 2025 rolls around, the watchmaking world is bracing for what is sure to be a showstopper from Grand Seiko. Known for its flawless blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology, Grand Seiko is set to unveil something special. This year, they are releasing a brand-new calibre that is bound to excite collectors and watch enthusiasts. And if you have ever seen a Grand Seiko in person, you know that when they make a move, it is not just a step—it is a leap.

With this exciting new release, Grand Seiko reinforces its commitment to precision, beauty, and innovation. It’s safe to say this calibre will raise the bar once again. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just entering the world of luxury timepieces, all eyes should be on Grand Seiko as they redefine what’s possible in horology.

Grand Seiko Calibre 9RB2 | Image: Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko Calibre 9RB2

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Calibre 9RB2
  • Diameter: 30 mm
  • Thickness: 5.02 mm
  • Winding Mechanism: Automatic With Manual Winding
  • Accuracy: ±20 Seconds Per Year (±3 Second Per Month)
  • Number Of Jewels: 34 Jewels
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours

The Calibre 9RB2 was unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2025, and let’s just say—it’s a total game-changer. With an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, this new movement elevates precision to the next level, thanks to significant advancements in Japanese quartz processing and a smart integrated circuit that keeps everything stable, even when the temperature changes.

It’s part of Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection, and you can find it in two stunning models: the SLGB001 in Platinum 950 and the SLGB003 in High-Intensity Titanium. Both feature a dial with a cool “Ice Forest” texture, inspired by the peaceful Kirigamine Highlands in Japan.

With a 72-hour power reserve, a regulation switch for accuracy adjustments, and a sleek design, the 9RB2 demonstrates once again why Grand Seiko, renowned for its Japanese craftsmanship, is a leader in the world of luxury timepieces.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition | Image: Grand Seiko

Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Evolution 9 Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition
  • Reference: SLGB001
  • Diameter: 37 mm
  • Thickness: 11.4 mm
  • Material: Platinum
  • Dial Colour: Ice Forest
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9RB2
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $39,000 (Limited Edition – 80 Pieces)

The SLGB001 is the first watch to feature the new Spring Drive Caliber 9RB2, introduced in Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Collection. This innovative movement offers an accuracy of ±20 seconds per year, setting a new benchmark for precision in mainspring-driven watches. The watch has a 37mm Platinum 950 case, combining elegance with durability. Its dial, inspired by the frost-covered trees of Japan’s Kirigamine Highlands, showcases a unique “Ice Forest” texture.

Crafted from Platinum 950, the SLGB001 case is both luxurious and durable. The Zaratsu-polished surfaces and mirror-finished bevels reflect light beautifully, showcasing Grand Seiko’s attention to detail. The blue crocodile leather strap, combined with a Platinum 950 clasp partly made of 18k white gold, guarantees both comfort and style. With a water resistance of 100 meters and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, it is designed for everyday wear.

The SLGB001 is scheduled to launch in June 2025, and with only 80 pieces available worldwide, it’s a rare collector’s item. Each piece is individually numbered, making it an exclusive timepiece. This watch truly represents Grand Seiko’s dedication to both precision and artistry.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection SLGB003G | Image: Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko – Ice Forest

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Evolution 9 Ice Forest – 65th Anniversary Limited Edition
  • Reference: SLGB003
  • Diameter: 37 mm
  • Thickness: 11.4 mm
  • Material: High-Intensity Titanium
  • Dial Colour: silver-tinged blue hue
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9RB2
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $10,900

Much like the Limited Edition above, the SLGB003 pays homage to the stunning Ice Forests of the Kirigamine Highlands in Japan’s Shinshu region. While the SLGB001’s dial features a more intense blue, the SLGB003 opts for a subtler approach with delicate pale blue accents that capture the essence of the frosty landscape. The dial’s silver-tinged blue hue perfectly mirrors the serene, frosty atmosphere of the Kirigamine Highlands, where the winter air gives the trees their beautiful icy coating.

The SLGB003 replaces the leather strap of the SLGB001 with a high-intensity titanium bracelet that combines durability with lightweight comfort. It also features a new three-step micro-adjustment clasp that doesn’t require tools, allowing for 2mm adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and ultimate comfort throughout the day.

This is also scheduled for release in June 2025 and will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide. With a price tag of $10,900, it combines the precision of the Spring Drive Calibre 9RB2 with a refined design, making it a standout addition to any collection.

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Purple Kiri | Image: Grand Seiko

Heritage Collection – Purple Kiri

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Heritage Collection
  • Reference: SBGW323
  • Diameter: 36.5 mm
  • Thickness: 11.6 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Purple Kiri
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9S64
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $5,600

A stunning addition to the Heritage Collection, this timepiece celebrates elegance and nature. The soft lilac dial, inspired by the kiri (paulownia) flower—known as the “empress tree” and “princess tree”—captures the delicate beauty of this feminine bloom, which also serves as Iwate Prefecture’s symbol. Boasting a pressed pattern that represents Mt. Iwate as seen from Shizukuishi, it is a graceful nod to the region’s natural beauty.

Powered by the manual-winding Caliber 9S64, which features a 72-hour power reserve, this watch delivers precision and reliability. The 36.5mm stainless steel case, along with the comfortable bracelet, ensures both style and practicality.

Grand Seiko Tentagraph Snow Blue | Image: Grand Seiko

Tentagraph Snow Blue

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Evolution 9 Tentagraph Snow Blue
  • Reference: SLGC007
  • Diameter: 43.2 mm
  • Thickness: 15.3 mm
  • Material: High-Intensity Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Snow Blue
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9SC5
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $14,100

Set to launch alongside the Purple Kiri model in May 2025, the Evolution 9 Tentagraph SLGC007 is a stunning example of Grand Seiko’s dedication to precision and artistry. Inspired by the snowy landscape of Mt. Iwate during winter, this mechanical chronograph combines the beauty of deep snow with rugged mountain ridges. The dial showcases a striking dual-layered ‘Snow Blue’ hue, featuring an embossed pattern that mirrors the ridge lines of the mountain, providing breathtaking visual depth.

The connection between the watch and Iwate Prefecture is strong, as it is home to Grand Seiko’s GS Studio Shizukuishi, nestled within a tranquil forest. While the harsh winter conditions showcase the region’s tough exterior, the watch’s design conveys a deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder of the spirit of Mt. Iwate, which, despite its challenging nature, teaches that “Even if life is rough, we should live with determination.”

Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion Tentagraph | Image: Grand Seiko

Tokyo Lion Tentagraph

  • Brand: Grand Seiko
  • Model: Tokyo Lion Tentagraph
  • Reference: SLGC009
  • Diameter: 43 mm
  • Thickness: 15.6 mm
  • Material: Brilliant Hard Titanium
  • Dial Colour: Snow Blue
  • Calibre:  Calibre 9SC5
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 20 Bar (200 metres, 660 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,400

The last of Grand Seiko’s collection at Watches & Wonders 2025 is the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph SLGC009, a bold and adventurous timepiece designed to “invite its owner on an adventurous journey.” This model features the Tentagraph Calibre 9SC5, a high-beat mechanical chronograph movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour with a 72-hour power reserve. It also incorporates a vertical clutch and column wheel for precise chronograph operation.

This is the first in the Sport Collection to feature Grand Seiko’s Brilliant Hard Titanium, enhancing both durability and aesthetic appeal. The case design, inspired by a lion’s paw, showcases bold, angular lines and Zaratsu-polished surfaces that reflect the brand’s careful craftsmanship.

One of the most striking features is its new dial pattern, developed around the motif of a sprinting lion with its mane trailing behind. This dynamic design adds to the piece’s adventurous spirit. The dial also features three-dimensional sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, designed to maximize legibility while adding depth to the overall appearance.

The chronograph pushers have been redesigned for a satisfying tactile experience, resulting in smoother and more precise operation. Additionally, the watch offers 200 meters of water resistance and magnetic resistance up to 4,800 A/m, making it as durable as it is stylish.

Set to launch in August 2025, the SLGC009 is an exceptional combination of ruggedness and refined design. Whether you’re diving into an adventure or simply appreciating its craftsmanship, this timepiece is ready for whatever comes your way.

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Former F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone’s ‘Priceless’ F1 Car Collection to Be Sold

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For most of us, collecting a few classic cars is a dream—a poster on the wall, a fantasy drive through Monaco, maybe a vintage 911 tucked away in the garage. For Bernie Ecclestone, that dream turned into a lasting legacy. Over the past 50 years, the former Formula One boss has quietly assembled what’s widely regarded as the finest collection of Grand Prix and F1 cars ever put together—a garage of 69 race-winning legends, each with its own story, victory, or scandal to tell.

Now, at 94, Ecclestone is letting go. This isn’t some billionaire’s fire sale. It’s a deeply personal decision to unload the weight of a lifetime’s racing memories—on his own terms. In a recent media statement, Ecclestone said, “After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone and not leave them for my wife to deal with should I not be around.” It’s a classic Bernie move: strategic, calculated, but also—dare we say—sentimental.

Key Highlights:

  • Bernie Ecclestone, 94, is selling 69 vintage F1 cars from what’s considered the greatest race car collection ever assembled.
  • The entire collection was sold privately to Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz to Preserve Its Integrity and Eventually Open It to the public.
  • Automotive dealer Tom Hartley Jnr is managing the sale, calling it “The most important race car collection in the world.”
  • Iconic cars include Schumacher’s Ferraris, the banned Brabham BT46B fan car, and Stirling Moss’s Vanwall VW10.
The Exclusive Bernie Ecclestone Interview | Video: YouTube – @Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd

The task of finding a suitable new home for these priceless machines has been entrusted to none other than Tom Hartley Jr., one of the most respected names in high-end automotive trading. And Hartley isn’t shy about emphasizing the importance of what he’s selling. “There has never been, and probably never will be, a collection like this ever offered for sale again,” he says. “It consists of the greatest cars of their time, many of which have not been seen for decades and are totally unique.”

These aren’t just dusty relics hidden under tarps; they are living legends—machines that once dominated Monza’s straights, glided through Spa’s curves, and ruled Monaco’s streets. From the infamous Brabham BT46B “fan car,” which won its only race before being banned, to championship-winning Ferraris driven by icons like Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Mike Hawthorn, this collection is more than just cars. It stands as motorsport’s Mount Olympus.

Also included are the Vanwall VW10, driven by Stirling Moss during Britain’s first Constructors’ Championship victory in 1958. Additionally, the Brabham BT52, a turbocharged legend that helped Nelson Piquet win the 1983 world championship. Some of these cars have not been seen in decades, let alone available for purchase.

Bernie Ecclestone F1 collection | Image: Tom Hartley Jnr

Hartley, fully aware of the responsibility, stated in his promotional video, “I feel very privileged that Bernie has entrusted the sale of his cars to my Tom Hartley Jnr business… However, there has never been a collection like this one offered for sale, and no one in the world has a race car collection that comes close to Bernie’s.”

The asking prices? Not publicly available. But as Hartley bluntly said, “Buyers shouldn’t expect any deals.” These are the kinds of cars that don’t come with price tags—they come with stories, scars, and legacies.

That legacy will now continue—thanks to Mark Mateschitz, son of the late Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. The younger Mateschitz has purchased the entire 69-car collection. No cherry-picking. No broken-up lots. Just one seamless transfer of history from one F1 titan to the heir of another.

In an interview, Ecclestone confirmed his trust in the handover: “They’ve gone to a good home… I wouldn’t have sold them unless I knew where they were going to end up.” And it will be a great home. Mateschitz has already suggested that the cars will eventually be accessible to the public—probably in a museum or exhibition in Austria. This gives fans, enthusiasts, and future drivers the opportunity to see these mechanical marvels up close, instead of them being stored away in some billionaire’s warehouse.

Bernie Ecclestone F1 collection | Image: Tom Hartley Jnr

And thank goodness for that. With the recent leaks revealing the Sultan of Brunei’s car collection languishing in storage containers, the last thing anyone wants is for these irreplaceable engineering marvels to decay in silence. These are the kinds of machines that deserve to be displayed, admired, and—if we’re fortunate—occasionally brought back to life on a proper racetrack.

This story, in many ways, closes a chapter on one of motorsport’s most influential figures. Bernie Ecclestone didn’t just collect cars—he collected moments. These weren’t investments to him; they were personal. Milestones. Markers of change, of triumph, of evolution. Now, with one sweeping move, he has passed the torch.

It’s not every day that the most important Formula 1 car collection ever assembled changes hands. It’s even rarer that it does so with such intention, grace, and respect for what these machines mean—not just to motorsport, but to those who lived and breathed it.

When the public finally gets to walk through the next iteration of this collection—wherever it ends up—it won’t feel like stepping into a museum. It’ll feel like walking through the DNA of Formula 1 itself.

Bernie Ecclestone F1 collection | Image: Tom Hartley Jnr
Bernie Ecclestone F1 collection | Image: Tom Hartley Jnr
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