Our watch of the week is not just a watch of the week, it’s just won Watch of the Year. Since 2000, the magazine now known as 00/24 WatchWorld has organised a Watch of the Year competition. Readers of the magazine, visitors to its website and a distinguished panel of 8 horological experts all have a voice in the selection of the watches that win the six coveted ‘Watch of the Year’ awards.
The 2012 competition attracted over 100 entries. In the category of watches from £2,500 to £8,500 the winner was the Grand Seiko Hi-beat 36000. The judges’ verdict was revealing.
“If any category demonstrated just how much variety there can be in watch design then this was it, and every piece staked a strong claim. Indeed, this was the closest fought category, with each watch having its advocates among the judges. The voting swung one way and then another, but eventually victory went to Grand Seiko’s Hi-Beat 36000 – a perfectly conceived and executed, high-frequency demonstration of Grand Seiko’s impeccable craft and technical excellence”.
The awards were presented on October 2 at the first ever European Watch of the Year Gala in London, a ceremony attended by over 100 representatives of the nominated brands and other guests.
This new award adds to the already glittering trophy cabinet of Grand Seiko, and Seiko is very proud to have been selected as a winner. 00/24 Watchworld is widely read in the UK, Netherlands and Scandinavia and its website is followed by watch lovers worldwide.
The Grand Seiko story started over 50 years ago with a simple idea, to create the “ideal watch”. For 50 years, watch lovers in Japan have been able to enjoy the experience of owning their ideal Grand Seiko, and now that it is available in other markets worldwide, accolades are coming thick and fast.
