Here we have a 2019 Grand Seiko Hi-Beat ‘Whirlpool’ Limited Edition SBGH267G launched to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Grand Seiko calibre 9S. In 1998, it was the first mechanical movement made by Grand Seiko in 40 years. Limited to 1500 pieces, ours is number 1107. The 39.5mm stainless steel is expertly Zaratsu-polished by a true craftsman, and the case gently curves over your wrist, tapering at the lugs with a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 12.5m, giving the watch a striking and impressive wrist presence. On the right side is a recessed screw-down signed crown. A polished, sloping, smooth bezel holds a sapphire crystal above a deep blue dial. This dial has the letters of Grand Seiko and the symbol of the Daini Seikosha factory (known today as Seiko Instruments Inc.) in an interesting “Whirlpool” engraved pattern. The outer minute track has applied Zaratsu-polished batons with crisp chamfered edges that catch the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o’clock, we have a framed date window. Elegant dauphine hands have Zaratsu-polished edges complemented by a sweeping second hand of gold. At 12 o’clock, you find the “GS” motif in gold with Grand Seiko underneath; at 6 o’clock, Automatic Hi-Beat 36000 is precisely printed. On the reverse, a screw-down exhibition case, inside a Grand Seiko automatic Cal. 9S85, 37 jewels, 36,000 beats per hour. This 10-beat movement has incredible accuracy and is made with new materials like Spron 610 alloy used in its hairspring, which took 5 years to develop. This movement has an anodised titanium and tungsten rotor in a striking blue, which can be similarly found on the 10th Anniversary GMT Grand Seiko. The movement went through its in-house testing in 6 positions and in varying temperatures before the movement was passed. It comes paired with its original 19mm polished and brushed stainless steel Grand Seiko bracelet with a signed butterfly clasp; all links are included and it comes with its Grand Seiko presentation box and papers.