A design inspired by the beauty of Japanese nature.
Introduced to the public in 1999, after more than two decades of development, Spring Drive is one of the most significant technologies in Fine Watchmaking in recent years. Seiko is celebrating its 20th anniversary of Spring Drive this year with a new series in the Elegance Grand Seiko collection with an even more refined and slimmer profile.
It is made up of four new models powered by two new hand-wound Spring Drive calibres, both featuring the emblematic seconds hand that slides smoothly on the dial revealing the true nature of time: continuous and fluid. In addition to great refinement and remarkable quality, in keeping with the Japanese sensibility embodied in the Grand Seiko collection, they all incorporate a barrel equipped with a double motor spring offering an accuracy of +/- 1 second per day and a large power reserve.
A new Spring Drive masterpiece from Micro Artist Studio
The first creation of the Micro Artist Studio for the Grand Seiko collection was the Spring Drive 8 Day Power Reserve model, a flagship innovation at Baselworld 2016. This same team of elitist master watchmakers is very proud to present today the calibre 9R02, a new movement equipped with two motor springs mounted in parallel in a single barrel, which uses the unique "Torque Return "* system to supply an 84-hour power reserve. On the outside, these two watches are as remarkable as the movement that makes them beat. The cases, made of 950 platinum, are barely 9.8 mm thick. The 14-carat white gold hour and minute hands and hour markers display an incomparable and long-lasting brilliance. The Grand Seiko brand, minute markers and all other inscriptions are engraved on the dial. The sapphire crystal case back allows you to admire the power reserve indicator and next to it the barrel, whose shape recalls the bell tower, the Shiojiri flower, where the studio is located. The fineness of the bevelling of the two bridges obtained after a meticulous polishing is highlighted by its brilliance and contrast with the surface of the two bridges.
One of these two watches, available in a limited edition, reflects the beauty of the landscape around the Micro Artist Studio. The dial features the famous "snowflake" motif, inspired by the beauty of the white winter expanses in the Shinshu region. The silver finish of the dial echoes the delicate hand carving on the platinum case. In addition, this limited edition is engraved with the inscription "Micro Artist" on the 18-carat gold plaque on the gear bridge, which can, upon request, be engraved with the name of its owner.
* Torque Return System: Once the main mainspring is fully charged, the torque is at its highest. About 30% of the available power does not contribute to maintaining the accuracy of the watch. In a movement without a "Torque return", this energy is simply lost. The "Torque Return" system uses this energy to wind the secondary mainspring, which will then take over and provide a longer power reserve. In Caliber 9R02, this system remains activated for 48 hours after complete reassembly.