EVILA I N T I ME

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Grand Seiko usually favours Japanese names for their watches, but two standout pieces from this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva tend towards the functional rather than the traditional.

The name of the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Tentagraph is derived from four characteristics: the frequency rate of 10 beats per second (Ten), followed by the “T” representing a three-day power reserve, the “A” denoting the incorporation of an automatic movement, and the “graph” referencing the type of complication.

“Surprisingly, it is actually Grand Seiko’s first automatic mechanical chronograph (powered by the new Caliber 9SC5), despite being part of Seiko Watch Corporation which has a history of timing major events [beginning with the 18th Olympiad, Tokyo in 1964],” says Grand Seiko brand manager Rob Brook.

He explains Grand Seiko wanted to create a high-beat chronograph because it is accurate to a small fraction of a second, but to do that, they had to make a movement that would generate enough power to run the chronograph without compromising the watch’s precision. The Tentagraph achieves that with a power reserve of 72 hours, making it the longest-running 10-beat chronograph on the market, accurate to +five, -three seconds per day. “This watch is very efficient, functional and smart. The design adheres to the brand’s guiding principles, conveying the essence of the beautiful, Japanese aesthetic, which focuses on the play of light and shadow while incorporating the modern technology and style synonymous with the Evolution 9 collection,” Rob says.

Design That Reflects The Eternal Nature Of Time

By contrast, the Grand Seiko “Majestic White Birch” from the Masterpiece Collection, a Hand-engraved Manual-winding Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGZ009 in platinum 950 showcases the immense talents of the artisans from the Micro Artist Studio and the influence of their natural environment. Its design is inspired by snowfall on the white birch trees at the foot of the North Yatsugatake Mountains in the Shinshu region. The dial pattern is meticulously hand engraved with the familiar Shinshu white birch pattern, but this time slightly different in tone and with a more metallic texture. First polished using the Zaratsu method, the case is hand engraved with long individual grooves referencing the trees and echoing the dial pattern. While the process might seem counterintuitive, Brooks explains that the polishing achieves a better result. The manual-winding hand-assembled Spring Drive Calibre 9R02 has an 84-hour power reserve and maintains onesecond-per-day accuracy. Limited to 50 pieces globally, these dressy, elegant watches will be available at Grand Seiko Boutiques in June 2023. ■

Byredo has always brought to life a series of memories through niche fragrance collections. Byredo Bal d’Afrique (R4 250 for 100ml EDP) is inspired by 1920s Paris, as well as African culture, art, music and dance. As founder and creative director of Byredo, Ben Gorham explains, his father lived and travelled in Africa for 15 years. “His diaries gave life to my imagination of the experience of arriving in Africa. Bal d’Afrique reflects that; it’s an imaginary journey as well as a complete celebration of how I see African culture and its influence.” skins.co.za

Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Summer Vibes Eau de Toilette Pour Homme (R2 365 for 125ml), is a delicious blend of Sicilian lemon, cypress and amberwood – ideal for lifting your spirits during the southern hemisphere’s colder months. And to add that extra luxurious touch, the fragrance is encased in a magnificent majolica print. The limited edition is available at selected beauty retail outlets.

Issey Miyake’s L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Vétiver (R1 780 for 100ml) is a delightfully intense EDT with powerful notes of woody vetiver, spicy ginger and warm clary sage. It’s vegan-certified (93 percent of the ingredients are of natural origin) and features a plastic-free cap made from wood sourced in sustainably managed forests. Selected beauty retail outlets.

Fine perfumery creator Clive Christian uses only the best ingredients for pure perfume pleasure. Originally created in 1925 and famously worn by Winston Churchill, Town & Country (R9 545 for 50ml EDP) has been completely reimagined to capture the vibrancy of London and the fresh beauty of the British countryside. It’s a delicious blend of clary sage, sophisticated sandalwood and precious grey amber for warmth and depth. skins.co.za