Description
About Grand Seiko SBGZ009
Grand Seiko Hand-engraved Manual-winding Spring Drive Limited Edition Masterpiece Collection
A manually wound Spring Drive masterpiece inspired by a majestic white birch forest at the height of winter
This hand-engraved platinum limited edition watch demonstrates the expertise of hand-engravers, watchmakers, and other artisans as they pay homage to the white birch forests that stretch across the Yachiho Plateau at the eastern foot of the Kita-Yatsugatake Mountains. Skilled in jewelry techniques, they have created the long grooves in the case one by one. Combined with the pattern of the dial, these designs paint the picture of the splendor of a majestic white birch forest.
The movement was crafted by the Micro Artist Studio, the team behind the Masterpiece Collection, and features the Spring Drive Caliber 9R02, which has a maximum power reserve of approximately 84 hours when fully wound. This is made possible by the combination of the Dual Spring Barrel and Torque Return System. When the mainspring has been fully wound and the torque output is highest, approximately 30% of the power isn’t needed to maintain the watch’s precision. The Torque Return System reclaims this energy by using it to rewind the mainspring, thus lengthening the power reserve.
The hour and minute hands, as well as the indexes, are made of 14K white gold, with the engraved minute markers and logo mark drawing out the delicate brilliance of the dial. This limited-edition model imparts the feeling of the tranquil flow of time through a sublime, snow-covered landscape.
Limited edition of 50 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 SBGZ009 Features
A majestic white birch forest comes to life on the case, echoing the pattern of the dial.
Skilled artisans with expertise in advanced jewelry techniques have crafted a masterpiece inspired by a white birch forest. Its fully hand-engraved Platinum 950 case is harmoniously complemented by the white birch dial.
A dial with carved text and markings.
The white birch dial is further refined through elaborate carvings for the Grand Seiko logo, Spring Drive, the mark at 6 o’clock (denoting gold applied markers), and the minute track.
The hour and minute hands, as well as the indexes, are crafted from 14k white gold. The seconds hand is tempered to a shade of grey that harmonizes with the dial and has an appearance that stands apart from that of coating or plating.
An impressive 84 hours of power reserve for a slender Spring Drive wristwatch.
The Spring Drive Caliber 9R02 was designed by the team at the Micro Artist Studio. Its Dual Spring Barrel technology combines with the Torque Return System to achieve a power reserve of 84 hours (3.5 days) while allowing the watch to maintain a slim form.
- 39 jewels
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Platinum 950 clasp (partly 18k white gold)
- Dual spring barrel and torque return system
- Power reserve indicator
- Screw case back
- Screw-down crown
- See-through case back
Grand Seiko SBGZ009 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
