Grand Seiko Release ‘Mountainscape’ Hi-Beat 65th Anniversary Limited Edition

Grand Seiko is turning 65 this year, having first emerged in 1960 with a determination to push Japanese horology further than ever before. I think it’s safe to say that across the past 65 years they have achieved that goal and more with their cutting-edge use of textured dials and mechanical innovations including industry leading hi-beat and spring drive movements. In celebration of their anniversary, they’ve leant into both those factors with the launch of the Grand Seiko ‘Mountainscape’ Hi-Beat 65^th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Starting with the case, the ‘Mountainscape’ is part of the Evolution 9 series, which is Grand Seiko’s sportiest collection. That means it measures 40mm in diameter with sharp, facetted lugs and a bevelled edge to the round case. It’s the same case as used on other popular models like the White Birch in steel.

The similarities to the White Birch continue to the Grand Seiko ‘Mountainscape’ Hi-Beat 65^th Anniversary Limited Edition’s dial. It has a similar pitted, engraved texture to it with grooved lines, but instead of being fully vertical, it’s radial like sunray brushing. It’s a very attractive pattern, especially in the pale blue colour GS have used, inspired by the snow-capped peaks of mountains visible from Grand Seiko’s studio in Shizukuishi.

I do like the pattern, but, to me it doesn’t quite reach the same levels of artistry as the White Birch or Snowflake. Those watches look like you’ve taken a piece of nature and put them into a watch – a piece of tree bark or an actual snowdrift. Here, the pattern is more a symbolic representation of a mountain landslide rather than an actual depiction of one. It’s a nit-picky observation but one that feels relevant when talking about Grand Seiko. At an objective level though, the skill and execution of the ‘Mountainscape’ is just as flawless as those other watches.

As mentioned in the introduction, the other signature Grand Seiko element outside their exceptional dials are their advanced movements. The ‘Mountainscape’ Hi-Beat 65^th Anniversary Limited Edition houses the 9SA5 hi-beat automatic, which has a 5Hz frequency (equivalent to 36,000 beats per minute as noted by the dial inscription) and an 80-hour power reserve. The benefit of such a high frequency is improved accuracy and the 9SA5 has a deviation of just +5/-3 seconds per day. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can see its stylish striped finishing.

In terms of pricing and availability, it’s limited to 1,000 pieces globally at a price of £9,500. That’s £550 higher than the White Birch, which makes sense due to the exclusivity of it being an anniversary limited edition. It’s a fitting tribute to 65 years of one of Japan’s premier watchmakers, showcasing the technical elements of watch design that have made them one of the closest rivals to Switzerland’s prestige houses.

More details at Grand Seiko.

​Oracle Time 

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