Grand Seiko STGK015 Elegance Collection Womens Automatic Limited Edition Watch

June 29, 2021

2020 marks the 60th birth year of the first Grand Seiko watch. To begin a full year of celebrations of this important landmark, the independent brand spun off from Seiko is introducing four new limited-edition timepieces. The standout piece for ladies? Reference STGK015.While Rob has already covered the three mens models, my eye is on the womens watch from Grand Seiko, obvs! This diamond-studded automatic watch is limited to 300 pieces. It is a very feminine extension to the brands Elegance collection. At 27.8mm, the petite size offers a delicate presence on a ladys wrist. Together with the SBGH281, its the his and hers of the celebratory pair.DialThe stainless steel STGK015 boasts a dial colored in Grand Seikos signature blue (like the other three anniversary models), crafted in mother-of-pearl. The hour markers are set with 11 diamonds and the bezel with 45 diamonds. After all, it is a diamond anniversary.MovementReference STGK015?is powered by Caliber 9S27, an automatic movement launched at Baselworld last year and was specifically designed for Grand Seikos womens collection. It strikes a wonderful balance between performance and elegance. The 8-beat movement delivers a precision rate of +8 to?3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 50 hours. It is just 19.4mm in diameter and 4.49mm in height, which allows for a slim profile for the case.Each movement is made, assembled and adjusted by hand in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan with the same GS manufacture standard. This is a serious mechanism that deserves a nod from any aficionado. Not to mention the finishing, which is worthy enough to be in full display through an exhibition case back.ConclusionSince its launch in December 1960, Grand Seiko has garnered a reputation in its own right. GS stands for a cult symbol of superior quality and indeed Japanese Haute Horlogerie. In my mind, it carries a certain collectors cred that is generally off the radar for women. Declaring its independent entity in 2017 was a great move. To cement its high-end positioning, the brand has continued to release womens watches, powered by in-house mechanical calibers.Personally I dont care for gemstones. When prices hitting the $10K mark for the sake of adding diamonds, I would prefer to see a no-bling version at 2/3 of the price. At least to match that of its male counterpart, if not for the style. That said, STGK015 certainly justifies the price with what goes into the watch to mark a special milestone. It is a beautiful package. The mainstream appeal to a feminine audience is there, and it will not be hard to attract 300 takers. Find more information via the Grand Seiko?website.Watch specifications Brand Grand Seiko Model Ladies' Elegance CollectionReference STGK015Dial Signature Grand Seiko BlueCase Material Stainless steel case with 56 diamonds (0.48 carat)Case Dimensions Diameter: 27.8mm, Thickness: 11.2mmCrystal High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatingCase Back See-through screw case back Movement Automatic Caliber 9S27Water Resistance 100mStrap Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push-button releaseFunctions 50-hour power reserve. Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second). Accuracy: +8 to -3 seconds per day (when static). Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/MPrice Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: $9,900 Special Note(s) Limited edition of 300