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Watch lovers – specifically lovers of Grand Seiko – were this week treated to the news that an Australian chapter of the brand’s GS9 Club, the exclusive community for fans of the Japanese luxury watch brand.
Open to anyone who has purchased a Grand Seiko from one of their boutiques, salon or Mastershop the GS9 club had previously only had official offshoots including Japan, US and UK. Now, Australians can be part of the Grand Seiko family.
If you’ve ever attended a gathering of watch lovers you’ll know that the shared passion for the technical artistry and design history for their particular favourite timepieces is like being part of a secret club. Not so surprisingly, many watch brands do have such a club, an inner cadre owners and aficionados.
First launched in Japan, the watch brand’s home soil, the GS9 isn’t just a network of fellow collectors and owners of a Grand Seiko but also a chance to hear about new launches and updates that the watchmaker may have on the horizon. Members are invited to access exclusive content and private events that align and inform the precision-led craftsmanship of Grand Seiko.
For example, Australian members were invited along to a supercar Spring Drive this coming September, in partnership with The Prancing Horse.
At the 2022 GS9 Collectors Summit held in Brooklyn last year, the watch brand even launched a new model to commemorate the event: the stunningly subtle Elegance SBGY023.
While the launch of the Australian leg didn’t come with the same announcement it did however come with news that one the very last of the Australian exclusive limited edition Grand Seiko SBGJ269 “Pink Flannel” timepiece is going to auction.
The first Australian exclusive, money raised from the auction will benefit of the Foundation of Nationals Parks and Wildlife. In addition, the winner will receive a one-of-a-kind sketch of the watch by Mr Akira Yoshida, the watch’s designer.
Online bidding for the watch will commence at midday on July 3.
Operating across both in-person and digital events, people can register for membership by taking a photo of their watch and receipt and emailing them here.
