Introduced at Baselworld 1999, the Spring Drive is considered as one of the most important developments in the history of luxury watchmaking. Today, the 20th anniversary of the first Seiko Spring Drive watch is celebrated in a new series within the Grand Seiko Elegance collection that presents an even more refined and slim profile.
There are four watches in the series, featuring two new manual-winding Spring Drive calibers both of which have the signature glide motion seconds hand, reflecting the natural and continuous flow of time.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive Elegance Thin Dress Series SBGZ001 and SBGZ003
The Micro Artist Studio made its first contribution to Grand Seiko with the 8-Day Power Reserve Spring Drive watch. This same team now presents Caliber 9R02, a new movement that has two mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel and uses the unique Torque Return System to deliver a power reserve of 84 hours.
The cases are of Platinum 950 and are just 9.8mm in depth. The hour and minute hands and hour markers are made of 14k white gold to ensure that their brilliance endures for decades.
The Grand Seiko name, the minute markers and all the other markings are etched into the dial, and the power reserve indicator is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, next to the barrel whose shape echoes that of the bellflower that is the symbol of Shiojiri, where the studio is located. The two bridges have edges that are highly and painstakingly polished so that their brilliance contrasts with the perfect hairline finish of the bridges.
One of the two watches is a limited edition whose design expresses the beauty of the natural surroundings of the Micro Artist Studio. The dial features the celebrated “Snowflake” pattern inspired by the beauty of the snow in the Shinshu region.
The dial’s silver finish complements the delicate hand carving on the platinum case. In addition, this limited edition has the words “Micro Artist” engraved on an 18k gold plaque set on the lower bridge. If the owner prefers, this plaque can be replaced with one that carries his or her name.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive Elegance Thin Dress Series SBGY002 and SBGY003
The same facility as houses the Micro Artist Studio is home to the Shinshu Watch Studio where all other Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made. This studio also brings its watchmaking artistry to Spring Drive’s 20th anniversary party in the form of two further manual-winding dress watches of great refinement.
These two timepieces (SBGY002 and SBGY003) also carry a new Spring Drive caliber, 9R31, which has the same dual mainspring structure as 9R02 and the same high precision rate of one second a day and delivers a power reserve of 72 hours. One case is in 18k gold and features the “Snowflake” dial while the second is in stainless steel with a sunray dial pattern.
Both cases are just 10.2 mm in depth. The overall design is classically Grand Seiko; understated and refined with the sharp hands and hour markers that allow the delicate interplay of light and shadow that is an essential part of the Grand Seiko signature.
The series will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques, Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide from July, 2019.
Technical details
Collection: Grand Seiko Spring Drive Elegance Thin Dress Series
References SBGZ001 and SBGZ003
Movement
Spring Drive Caliber 9R02
Driving system: manual winding
Power reserve: 84 hours
Accuracy: ± 1 second per day (± 15 seconds per month)
Dual-Spring Barrel and Torque Return System
Power reserve indicator
Number of jewels: 39
Case and bracelet
Platinum 950 case and clasp
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 38.5mm, Thickness: 9.8mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Retail price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €78,000 (SBGZ001), €58,500 (SBGZ003)
Edition
Limited edition of 30 (SBGZ001)-only available at Grand Seiko Boutiques
References SBGY002 and SBGY003
Movement
Spring Drive Caliber 9R31
Driving system: manual winding
Power reserve: 72 hours
Accuracy: ± 1 second per day (± 15 seconds per month)
Dual-Spring Barrel
Power reserve indicator
Number of jewels: 30
Case and bracelet
18k yellow gold case and clasp (SBGY002), Stainless steel case and clasp (SBGY003)
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 38.5mm, Thickness: 10.2mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Retail price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €27,000 (SBGY002), €8,200 (SBGY003)
Edition
Limited edition of 700 (SBGY003)
