Description
About Grand Seiko SBGD215
Grand Seiko Spring Drive 8-Days Jewelry Watch Limited Edition Masterpiece Collection
A high-jewelry masterpiece inspired by the lion, the enduring symbol of Grand Seiko
Exuding strength and dignity, the lion symbol has been associated with Grand Seiko since the first watch in 1960, representing the strong desire to create the best possible watch. Today, the timeless lion emblem carries forth the unwavering spirit of Grand Seiko, and this jewelry masterpiece is the sublime result of a design based on the lion theme.
Its case, made of Platinum 950, is set with diamonds and blue sapphires. In this handcrafted work of master artisans, a beautiful gradation is produced by the setting of the precious stones. What’s more, the blue sapphires resonate beautifully with the central portion of the dial, which evokes the mane of a white lion enshrined atop a frozen, snow-covered mountain. The Caliber 9R01 is an 8-day Spring Drive movement created by the esteemed Micro Artist Studio, a workshop dedicated to crafting watchmaking masterpieces that can rightly be called horological works of art.
Limited edition of 8 pieces.
About 9R Spring Drive
Spring Drive, one of the great innovations in modern watch making history, regulates a spring-driven movement with state-of-the-art electronic technology that functions without batteries or other external power source. Its sole power source is a mainspring, which drives a series of gears. A rotor, connected to the end of these gears, generates a small electrical charge that activates an electronic circuit and quartz oscillator. Its accuracy is unprecedented for a watch wound by a mainspring. The development of the 9R Spring Drive movement was possible only because Grand Seiko is one of the few manufacturers with expertise in both mechanical and electronic watches.
Grand Seiko SBGD215 Features
A dial design that combines beauty and practicality
With diamonds set next to blue sapphires, two types of precious stones work together to enhance one another’s brilliance. The baguette diamonds and blue sapphires are rail-set on an 18-karat white gold dial.
A gradation of blue sapphires and diamonds
Ranging from dark to light, the blue sapphires are arranged to create a gradation of five levels on the bezel and three levels on the top part of the lugs, with the setting completed through the combination of the sapphires with diamonds. This beauty is possible only because of the skills developed by artisans rich in experience and a history of Grand Seiko high-jewelry creations. Altogether, the watch presents a harmony of 293 precious stones.
Caliber 9R01
This Spring Drive movement is the result of superior techniques, the embodiment of a beautiful craft intended to bring joy to wristwatch owners while further raising the standard of practicality. Both mechanical and Spring Drive watches are powered by springs housed inside what are called barrels. Typically, watches have only one barrel, but the 9R01 has three barrels arrayed in a series, allowing for continuous operation of up to eight days (about 192 hours).
- 56 jewels
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- 266 diamonds (94 on the dial, 60 on the bezel, 112 on the case. 5.62 carats in all)
- 27 blue sapphires (26 on the dial and 1 in the crown. 1.25 carats in all)
- Platinum 950 clasp (partly 18k white gold)
- Power reserve indicator
- Time difference adjustment function
- See-through screw case back
- Screw-down crown
Grand Seiko SBGD215 History
Prior to 1960, to challenge the status of Swiss watches and change the perception of Japanese watches, Daini Seikosha and Suwa began the discussion of a product line that can match the quality of Swiss watches under the suggestion of the parent company. At the time, Suwa Seikosha Co. was in charge of manufacturing men’s watches, so it was decided that Suwa would be producing the first Grand Seiko (GS).
The first Grand Seiko was released in 1960, it was based on Seiko’s previous high-end watch, CROWN. This Grand Seiko has a 25-jewel, manual-winding, 3180 caliber, and only 36,000 units were produced. This was also the first chronometer-grade watch manufactured in Japan, and it was based on Seiko’s own chronometer standard.
Design style
The design language of the Grand Seiko was set in 1967, with the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS. The 44GS set the ground for all future Grand Seiko with nine elements. These elements help improve the legibility of the watch under different situations, and create a sharp, crisp visual impression:
- Double width index at 12 o’clock
- Multi-faceted rectangular markers
- Highly polished bezel
- Highly polished planes and two-dimensional surface
- Half recessed crown
- Flat dial
- Multi-faceted hour and minute hands
- Curved side line
- Reverse slanted bezel wall and case side
- Dress style with simple but beautiful design
- Zaratsu polishing
source : wikipedia
