Ever since Grand Seiko was introduced in 1960, every creation has embodied the highest level of horological craftsmanship with the quiet and uniquely Japanese beauty for which the brand is now renowned. Today, in celebration of its 60th anniversary, a new creation is added to the Masterpiece Collection which reveals a different aspect of Grand Seiko. It is a platinum cased Spring Drive jewelry watch whose design takes inspiration from the winter mornings in Shinshu, the area near the studio where this and every Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch is made.
This remarkable timepiece has all the essential qualities that define Grand Seiko. It is high in legibility, extremely precise and striking in the serenity of its beauty. Diamonds act as minute markers and blue sapphires designate each hour so that the time can be read at a glance. It is powered by the Spring Drive 8 day Caliber 9R01 that delivers an accuracy rate of ±10 seconds a month and offers a power reserve of up to 192 hours or 8 days. In its elegant simplicity, it is perfectly designed for every occasion while its quietly dazzling dial marks it out as one of the most precious works of art yet created by Grand Seiko. It is offered in a limited edition of just 10 and will be presented in June 2020, at the Grand Seiko Boutiques.
A sparkle of brilliance from every angle
Taking inspiration from the tiny ice crystals that shimmer on a cold, clear morning in the Shinshu region, the dial center has a “diamond dust” texture that creates a subtle sparkle and a unique beauty. Carefully selected and tapered baguette diamonds and blue sapphires surround the dial as minute and hour markers, set over an 18k white gold base. The arrangement of the diamonds and sapphires side by side around the entire dial requires great dexterity; the gems are set between a very thin pair of rails with great precision by the most skilled of the jewelry craftsmen and women at the Shinshu Watch Studio. The diamonds and sapphires are placed exactly horizontally so that they catch the light evenly and the sapphire at twelve o’clock is slightly wider than others to ensure perfect legibility. Enhancing the beauty of the dial are 48 additional diamonds and 12 blue sapphires individually set around the markers. The case is made of Platinum 950 and is finished with a form of Zaratsu polishing that is specially adapted for working with platinum to create the brilliant look that defines Grand Seiko.
Caliber 9R01. 8 days of power and a view of Mt. Fuji
The watch is powered by the manual-winding 8-Day Spring Drive Caliber 9R01 made by hand by the elite team of watchmakers at the Micro Artist Studio which has its home in the Shinshu Watch Studio. The caliber incorporates three barrels arranged in sequence to deliver the extended power reserve. The exquisite finishing of the one-piece bridge, designed in the image of Mt. Fuji, and the rubies, which evoke the lights of Suwa city, can be seen through the case back.
