SBGD202

Baselworld 2016 saw the release of the now celebrated Grand Seiko Spring Drive 8 day power reserve. It was the work of the Micro Artist Studio in Seiko's facility in Shiojiri in central Japan, where its Spring Drive Minute Repeater, Sonnerie and Eichi watches for Credor were also born. Today, a new version of this Grand Seiko masterpiece is announced. The Spring Drive caliber is identical, but the watch presents an entirely different view of the beauty of Japan, inspired by the night sky in the mountains that surround the Micro Artist Studio. The 18k rose gold case frames a black dial through which the stars twinkle just as they do on a clear dark night in central Japan, adding extra depth and richness to the dial.

Thanks to a special process that combines both plating and painting, the dial has a fascination all of its own. As if sprinkled with stardust, the dial is at once mysterious and yet perfectly legible, thanks to the deep black of the background, the sparkles of the stars that shine out from it and the five-faceted profile of the hands and hour markers. The razor edge polishing of the hands and markers gives this creation the unique Grand Seiko signature, as does the exquisitely sharp mirror finish achieved by our new Zaratsu technique that was developed for the platinum version.

The sapphire case back reveals a remarkable movement with a one-piece bridge and the rubies and power reserve indicator catching the eye. The one-piece bridge ensures the precise positioning of each wheel in the gear train and maximizes the efficiency of the transmission of power from the barrels. Its rigidity and enhanced depth also minimize its distortion in the event of impact or other shock. Look closely and the outline of Mt. Fuji emerges from the shape of the bridge and the highly polished rubies and tempered blue screws evoke the lights of the city of Suwa below the Studio's home. The beauty of the night is echoed both in the dial and through the case back. This remarkable watch will be available in September.