The Grand Seiko GS9 Club for Australia and New Zealand is finally here

Daniel Yong

Oh the fear of missing out (or FOMO as the kids say) is real. As I scroll through Instagram stalking the GS9 Club events around the world, I can’t help but ask why? Why am I not there sipping on sake, fondling Grand Seiko after Grand Seiko? When is Australia launching our very own GS9 Club? And as if the horological gods had heard my prayers, those pleas have been answered!

It’s no secret that Grand Seiko is my favourite brand, I’ve adored them from the early days. The brand that most collectors in the Australian market used to turn their noses at in favour of European timepieces. Those days my friend, are just a blur in the distance. Since the rebranding in 2017 and the newly established boutique in Sydney, Grand Seiko has made its mark in the mainstream. I mean, I don’t know about you but whenever I’m scrolling through Instagram or consuming articles online, there’s a high chance that I’m going to be seeing posts outlining dial texture, Spring Drive or zaratsu polishing. The point is, Grand Seiko isn’t just for the nerds or the niche collector market anymore. And with that said, the timing of the GS9 Club being officially launched in Australia and New Zealand a few weeks ago on June 23 could not be anymore perfect.

Australia’s first Grand Seiko GS9 Club event

Within the chatter, energy and sidestepping of champagne glasses in the Ora Sydney restaurant under Executive Chef Nobuyuki Ura, a careful selection of Grand Seiko’s finest watches dazzled, almost a live performance of their own. From the Kodo, to the SBGD207 and the SBGZ009, the main players from the Masterpiece Collection were on full display.

Later in the evening, Vincent Cuche (Head of Grand Seiko ANZ) formally welcomed guests to the first GS9 Club event, outlined the benefits of being a member and brought to our attention that there was just one more “Pink Flannel Flower” limited-edition (SBGJ269) available to be auctioned off from July 3. The proceeds, of course, would go to a worthy cause, the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, whose mission is to support projects that tackle biodiversity loss. I have to applaud this, nothing says Aussie like giving back to the community, especially one that supports the environment.

The GS9 Club

The purpose of the GS9 Club is for owners to deep dive into the brand’s very own culture and celebrate everything that is Grand Seiko. To be accepted into the club, one has to register a watch purchased from an Australian or New Zealand authorised dealer or boutique as of March 23, 2017. Once accepted, you will have access to exclusive articles and content on the site that will educate you on the intricate details of what makes a Grand Seiko watch so damn cool. From the inner workings of movement designs to learning about how the SBGK007 was developed through Mr Kiyotaka Sakai’s vision of wind-filled sails. Oh yeah, it goes deep! Oh and did I mention invitations to events and freebies? I mean, who doesn’t love free merchandise?

What does this mean for Australian and NZ collectors?

Aside from the invitations to hot events, free merchandise and access to exclusive content, what the GS9 Club means for Australian and New Zealand collectors is that the brand is ready to make its mark. As mentioned earlier, it’s no longer a brand for the niche market but for the masses.

The GS9 Club attempts to engage both new and old collectors through further education and I believe, to continue raising awareness for the amazing quality that makes a Grand Seiko watch so special. Besides the actual watches, I’ve always said that I love the brand for its philosophy and this deep connection I have for the friends I’ve made through collecting Grand Seiko watches. I’m hoping that the community will grow and that collectors, enthusiasts and the curious alike, will continue to develop a love and appreciation for these timepieces. And I’m willing to bet that with something like the GS9 Club here in Australia and New Zealand, the community is on its way to becoming an official Grand Seiko family.