The genius of Grand Seiko
From receiving prestigious awards to pushing the limits of technical innovation, the brand has established itself as a leader in watchmaking
IN 2022, Grand Seiko made history by participating in Watches & Wonders Geneva, becoming the first Asian brand to join its predominantly European peers.
Since then, this Japanese powerhouse has continued to rise, embodying the most enduring elements of Japanese culture, a longstanding tradition of quality paired with the spirit of “takumi”, or Japanese craftsmanship.
The brand’s philosophy, “The Nature of Time”, celebrates Japan’s deep respect for the natural environment; this is translated into the precision of its movements and the artistic intricacy of every timepiece.
Since its international debut in 2010, Grand Seiko’s reputation as a premier luxury watchmaker has grown rapidly. Proof of this success is reflected in numerous awards it has received – perhaps most notably the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) award for the Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon – with accolades continuing to flow.
SLGW003
Most recently, in July, the Grand Seiko SLGW003 from the Evolution 9 Collection received the esteemed “Best of the Best” distinction at the Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category.
Recognised as one of the most prestigious design awards globally, the Red Dot features 51 subcategories, including fashion, accessories, electronics and furniture.
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The SLGW003’s beauty lies in its dial, inspired by the slender white birch trees thriving near the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, home to the brand’s masterful mechanical watchmaking.
The dial’s intricate pattern mirrors the delicate texture of birchbark, with a multidimensional design that pays homage to natural symbols revered in Japan, especially among the Ainu – northern Japan’s indigenous people – who regard the birch tree and its bark as sacred symbols of nature and spiritual connection.
Part of the Evolution 9 collection, this timepiece continues the legacy of Grand Seiko’s iconic style, tracing back to the renowned 44GS of 1967.
It features the traditional Zaratsu polishing technique, which produces a flawless mirror finish coupled with a delicate hairline texture; this gives the Evolution 9 collection’s characteristic glow.
The SLGW003 was also nominated late last year in the men’s watch category of the GPHG. It is powered by Grand Seiko’s manual-winding calibre 9SA4, specially designed to enhance the tactile, auditory and visual experience of hand-winding.
SLGB005 Ultra Fine Accuracy
Since its inception in 1960, Grand Seiko has been committed to the pursuit of extraordinary accuracy. In the late 1970s, this dedication led to the development of the Spring Drive, a pioneering movement that combines the traditional energy of a mainspring with cutting-edge electronic watchmaking technology.
This legacy of precision continues with the introduction of the SLGB005 Ultra Fine Accuracy (UFA).
Grand Seiko unveiled the Spring Drive calibre 9RB2 with the UFA designation at Watches & Wonders Geneva this year. The movement boasts an impressive annual deviation of only ±20 seconds, making it the most accurate mainspring-powered wristwatch movement to date.
With a diameter of 30 mm and a profile of just 5.02 mm, the calibre 9RB2 achieves a remarkable accuracy through advanced manufacturing processes, including a meticulously refined three-month-aged quartz oscillator and a newly engineered low-power integrated circuit (IC).
Similar to the 9RA series, the frequency of each quartz oscillator is measured across multiple temperatures, with the resulting data programmed into the IC for precise thermo-compensation.
Both the oscillator and sensor are vacuum-sealed to minimise temperature fluctuations and protect against external influences such as humidity, static and light, ensuring stable and accurate performance. A regulation switch allows for fine adjustments during after-sales service, helping to maintain optimal precision over time.
The SLGB005 UFA features a stunning dial inspired by the moment when dawn breaks over the frost-covered forests of Shinshu, the renowned birthplace of all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches in Japan.
Visible through the sapphire case-back, the movement’s intricate finishing is inspired by the frost that winter deposits on the trees of Shinshu. The jewels resemble the sparkling stars that shine above the mountain region in early winter, making this timepiece a poetic tribute to the enduring passage of time.
To complement its internal craftsmanship, the exterior is equally refined. The case and bracelet are made from Grand Seiko’s “Ever-Brilliant” steel, which offers greater corrosion resistance than conventional steels used in many watches today.
Its brighter hue enhances the brilliance of the Zaratsu polishing, resulting in a distortion-free mirror finish that alternates with a refined brushed surface for a harmonious glow. The hands and prominent, grooved indices ensure exceptional legibility.
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