Grand Seiko announces a new slim design in the Elegance Collection. The combination of a new case, a new manual-winding caliber with a small seconds hand and Urushi lacquer offer a new graceful refinement as well as Grand Seiko’s uniquely Japanese aesthetic.
The watch houses a manual-winding mechanical movement (Caliber 9S63) that offers a small seconds hand at the nine o’clock position and a power reserve indicator at three o’clock. While these sub-dials are easy to read, they are also discreetly unobtrusive and allow to enjoy the beauty of the Urushi lacquer dial. Caliber 9S63 has a power reserve of 72- hours and delivers an accuracy rate of +5 to -3 seconds a day.
In the new Urushi dial versions, two traditions of Japanese craftsmanship are merged together. The pure, understated and subtle design aesthetic of Grand Seiko is evident in every detail, as is the skill and care taken by the watchmakers at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio.
The special Zaratsu polishing accentuates the beauty of the curved case surfaces. Curved dial and sapphire crystal give the watch a classic look. The minute and power reserve indicator hands are bent so that they follow exactly the domed contour of the dials.
Urushi lacquer dials
The dials also showcase a second form of Japanese craftsmanship, Urushi lacquer. The amber color dial is made from a transparent and long lasting Urushi that comes from trees grown in and around the town of Joboji that lies under Mt. Iwate, the mountain that dominates the skyline above the Shizukuishi Watch Studio.
Through the amber colored “Suki-urushi” lacquer can be seen the subtle Mt. Iwate pattern. The black dial uses the same lacquer mixed with iron to give it its distinctive deep jet black color.
On both creations, the hour markers and the “GS” letters are decorated with the traditional Maki-e technique by Urushi master Isshu Tamura in his studio in Kanazawa on the west coast of Japan’s main island. Through the application of layer after layer of lacquer, these markers are given a three dimensional profile and a delicate yet strong presence on the dial.
Tamura then applies the powder, either 24k gold or platinum, and polishes them by hand using his own special tools to give Maki-e its delicately shimmering appearance. The minute and power reserve indicator hands are bent by hand to follow perfectly the domed contour of the dial.
Initially, this new design series consists of three limited editions. The two Urushi dial executions are in 18k rose gold cases and are editions of just 150 while the third, with its blue Mt. Iwate pattern dial, is in stainless steel and is an edition of 1,500. All three are available from March, 2019.
In addition, a fourth creation, with an 18k yellow gold case, will be added to the permanent Grand Seiko collection in July. This series will be available at Grand Seiko and Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.
Technical details
Movement
Caliber 9S63
Driving system: manual-winding
Vibrations: 28,880 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static)
Power reserve: 72 hours Number of jewels: 33
Model: Grand Seiko Elegance Rose Gold SBGK002
18k rose gold case
Urushi lacquer dial (amber color)
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.0mm, Thickness: 11.6mm
Crocodile strap with 18k rose gold buckle
Approximate recommended retail prices in USD: $29,000
Limited edition of 150
Model: Grand Seiko Elegance Rose Gold SBGK004
18k rose gold case
Urushi lacquer dial (black color)
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.0mm, Thickness: 11.6mm
Crocodile strap with 18k rose gold buckle
Approximate recommended retail prices in USD: $29,000
Limited edition of 150
Model: Grand Seiko Elegance Yellow Gold SBGK006
18k yellow gold case (SBGK006)
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.0mm, Thickness: 11.6mm
White dial
Crocodile strap with 18k yellow gold buckle (SBGK006)
Approximate recommended retail prices in USD: $19,000
Model: Grand Seiko Elegance Steel SBGK005
Stainless steel case
High definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 39.0mm, Thickness: 11.6mm
Blue Mt. Iwate pattern dial
Crocodile strap with
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail prices in USD: $7,400
Limited edition of 1,500
