Grand Seiko’s latest spring drive takes inspiration from cascading snow. BY MARTIN GREEN
GRAND SEIKO FINDS A LOT OF INSPIRATION IN NATURE
around its Shinshu Watch Studio in Japan, the place where all Spring Drive models come to life. For its latest model, the brand captured the spirit of Shizuri-yuki. This is the natural phenomenon when freshly fallen snow cascades down from tree branches, creating a spectacular play of light. As we have grown accustomed to with Grand Seiko, it translated this beauty in the most sophisticated way in a timepiece, in which design and craftsmanship go hand in hand. The case measures 38.5mm in diameter and is crafted from pink gold. Thanks to its overall height of just 10.2mm, it has a slim profile that is accentuated by a string of brilliant-cut diamonds. They are placed to follow the case’s design, with the precious stones gradually decreasing in size accordingly. This is the first reference to the snow-topped landscape around the Shinshu Watch Studio, with the second being the dial. Here the brand opted for a bright white color but gave it a unique texture that resembles freshly fallen snow in which the wind has created a distinct yet subtle pattern. It gives the watch a great sense of refinement. Refinement is also what we find inside the case, where through a sapphire crystal insert in the rose gold caseback, caliber 9R31 is visible. This movement combines great looks with outstanding performance. Thanks to the unique Spring Drive technology, it is accurate to 15 seconds per month while offering a power reserve of a generous 72 hours. The finish of the movement is, in true Grand Seiko tradition, outstanding. The main plate has a subtle brushed finish against which the red rubies and blued screws stand out. An elegant power reserve indicator is also placed on the back of the watch, a welcome and helpful feature for a manualwind watch like this. To ensure exclusivity, this latest Grand Seiko creation is limited to 60 pieces. 32 HAUTE LIVING hautetime.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRAND SEIKO
+Japanese winter
