Grand Seiko released its first jewellery masterpiece in 2021, a platinum case Spring Drive watch. The design for the jewellery timepiece was inspired by the morning winters in the Shinshu region, which is the home of the Mirco Artist Studio in which the watch was created.
For their latest timepiece, the Spring Drive 8 Day Jewelry Watch, Grand Seiko has chosen another unique aspect of the studio’s stunning and varied natural environment as the subject of another jewellery watch celebrating the company’s 140th anniversary.
The inspiration for the Spring Drive 8 Day Jewellery Watch comes from Mishaka Pond, where infinite green shadows are reflected in the calm water. Mishaka Pond is hidden in the forest east of Suwan Lake, not far from where the Micro Artist Studio is located. Its pristine crystal clear water is the perfect reflector for the growth of trees, which grow to the edge of the water and countless greens. This is a breathtaking sight, especially in the midsummer season, when the tranquillity seems to envelop and enchant every visitor, including the painter Kaji Higashiyama with his famous work “Emerald Green” in 1982, which perfectly depicts the beauty of the emerald green of the pond.
The Spring Drive 8 Day Jewellery timepiece comes in a 43mm platinum 950 case, which perfectly compliments the dial and hour and minute hands. This new Spring Drive timepiece uses a green mother-of-pearl dial and a green garnet index to show the passage of time with a calm and elegant atmosphere, just to capture the atmosphere of Mishaka Pond. There are 24 green garnets (0.63 carats) used throughout the dial. 12 are used for the hour indices, with the other 12 set on each hour marker on the outer portion of the dial. Watching the sliding second-hand move silently and continuously on the luxurious dial shows the essence of time in a novel, unique and profound way.
Between each green garnet hour marker, there are tapered baguette diamonds that act as the minute markers. They are set in an 18k white gold base, separated by 48 additional diamonds and 12 garnets, respectively placed around the mark to further enhance the depth and aesthetics of the dial. The gems arranged side by side on the entire dial require the dexterity of the craftsman; the gems are set between the extremely thin rails, and the most skilled jewellery craftsmen and women in the Shinshu Watch Studio accurately carry out this work.
The movement inside this timepiece is the Spring Drive 8 day Caliber 9R01. The Calibre 9r01 makes use of three barrels which are arranged in sequence to deliver a staggering power reserve of 192 hours. The 8-day power reserve is shown by an indicator on the back of the watch which is visible through the sapphire case back. The exquisite finishing of the one-piece bridge has been created to show the image of Mt. Fuji, along with the rubies which represent the lights of Suwa City below Shiojiri. The Caliber 9R01 movement gives out accuracy of +/- 0.5 seconds per day (+/- 10 seconds per month).
A black crocodile strap with a three-fold clasp and push-button release is used, which provides a nice contrasting effect against the dial. Available in Grand Seiko Boutiques in May 2021, this masterpiece will be offered in a limited edition run of just 15 pieces.
