The creation and evolution of three distinct watchmaking platforms – 9S mechanical, 9R Spring Drive, and 9F quartz – has been a defining feature of Grand Seiko in the modern era. Each movement occupies a unique place in the brand’s offering, representing a breadth of craftsmanship and innovation quite unlike anything else in the watch industry.

The pursuit of high-level quartz watchmaking through exclusive 9F movements has been a key part of Grand Seiko since 1993. Built to last, with high-performance, beauty, and long-term serviceability in mind, Calibre 9F is a standard-bearer among contemporary quartz watch movements.

Today, Grand Seiko introduces two new 62GS ladies’ watches powered by a quartz movement that debuted in February of this year. The 9F51, Grand Seiko’s most compact 9F quartz movement to date, allows smaller watches to be powered by this innovative and high-quality movement platform.

The SBGX363 “Hana-Ikada 32” and SBGX365 “Hana-Ikada Blue” feature the 62GS case design, an icon of Grand Seiko introduced in 1967. Known for its bezel-free construction, which provides a clear view of the dial, the design was created to accommodate Grand Seiko’s first automatic movement. Today, with its flowing contours and exposed crystal, it is a favorite of Grand Seiko collectors and is paired with mechanical, Spring Drive, and quartz movements. Thanks to its compact size, Calibre 9F51 allows these two new stainless steel 62GS watches to have a 32.3mm case – a refined and wrist-friendly size that was once impossible for 9F-powered quartz models.

Each of the creations features a dial inspired by the springtime rite of cherry blossoms in Japan. Around the time of the spring equinox, cherry blossoms fall from their branches, landing on streams and rivers. The floating flower petals coat the surface of the water and become what are poetically referred to as hana-ikada, or “flower rafts.” The SBGX363 recalls this breathtaking and symbolic moment with a pale pink patterned dial, while the SBGX365 channels hana-ikada in a dreamlike nightscape, as it would appear under the moonlight with its deep blue dial.

Reflected in the new calibre are features that define 9F, which speak to a very Grand Seiko way of making quartz watches. The Twin Pulse Control Motor generates the torque required for Grand Seiko’s large and heavy watch hands, which enhance legibility. The Backlash Auto-Adjust Mechanism prevents any shudder or recoil of the seconds hand. And a regulation switch allows for manual fine-tuning of the movement during after-sales service. Each movement features an individually selected quartz crystal aged for three months and a thermo-compensated IC for excellent rate stability regardless of temperature differences. These features, a robust structure intended to protect the vital timekeeping components, and accuracy to ±10 seconds per year are the calling cards of Calibre 9F.

The SBGX363 and SBGX365 will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide beginning in January 2027.