Grand Seiko, the prestigious brand of Japanese watchmaking giant SEIKO Corporation, has created the first ever U.S. exclusive collection of timepieces. These timepieces will be unveiled at WatchTime New York Exhibition on 26/27 October 2018.
Inspired by a Japanese painting technique called Kira-zuri, true to its translation “sparkling painting,” the lustrous dial takes a life of its own. Commonly found in ukiyo-e paintings to create texture to the background of Kabuki actors, the inspired technique adds depth and emotion to the timepiece in movement and light.
Designed in platinum, 18k rose gold and stainless steel, the dial on the platinum model has an additional plating process to create its unique texture and sparkle, while the unique blue dial of the stainless steel model shares influences from the clear blue skies over the Sea of Japan.
Assembled at the Shinshu Takumi Studio in Japan, where all Grand Seiko 9R Spring Drive are manufactured and created, the Spring Drive 9R15/65 timepieces are designed, adjusted and tested by hand, by acclaimed craftsmen and women. A completely unique caliber, Spring Drive is powered solely by the motive force of a mainspring, as any luxury mechanical watch.
What distinguishes it is its use of an exclusive escapement system using three different forms of energy (mechanical, electric, and electromagnetic) to regulate its precision. This mechanism, known as the Tri-Synchro Regulator, enables an astounding precision nearly unattainable by any other mechanical watch.
Both dial and movement are enclosed in the iconic 44GS case design and dual-curved sapphire crystal. The perfectly flat and mirror polished surfaces shaped by Zaratsu finishing create a sense of harmony between the light and shadow. The gradient expressions of light and shadow found in Grand Seiko are based on Japanese aesthetic.
All three limited editions are available from October 2018 at select Grand Seiko retail partners and Grand Seiko boutiques in the United States.
Technical details
Grand Seiko US Exclusive Limited Edition: SBGA385 (Platinum)
Movement
Caliber 9R15
Driving system: Spring Drive
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 30
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 second per day
Exterior
Platinum 950 case and clasp
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0 mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Price and availability
Approximate recommended retail price in USD: $53,000
Limited edition of 20
Grand Seiko US Exclusive Limited Edition: SBGA384 (Rose Gold)
Movement
Caliber 9R15
Driving system: Spring Drive
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 30
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 second per day
Exterior
18K Rose gold case and clasp
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0 mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Price and availability
Approximate recommended retail price in USD: $29,500
Limited edition of 50
Grand Seiko US Exclusive Limited Edition: SBGA387 (Stainless Steel)
Movement
Caliber 9R65
Driving system: Spring Drive
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 30
Accuracy: +/- 1 second per day
Exterior
Stainless steel case and bracelet, with two additional crocodile straps
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar. Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0 mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Price and availability
Approximate recommended retail price in USD: $6,800
Limited edition of 558
