Grand Seiko's Masterpiece selection is pretty self-explanatory; it's merely a collection of the brand's the majority of crafted creations. Each member from the series is from the well-known miniature artist studio within Shiojiri, Nagano. The first Great Seiko watch produced by Tiny Artist Studio in 2016 was the SBGD201. The watch is actually powered by a Caliber 9R01 hand-wound mainspring movement having an 8-day power reserve. In 2019, the SBGZ001 made the high-profile debut to celebrate Springtime Drive's 20th anniversary. The situation and dial of the SBGZ001 are beautifully engraved along with snowflake patterns and are powered by the stunning caliber 9R02. The movement is an development of the Caliber 9R01, that is essentially an upgraded edition of the acclaimed Caliber 7R14. Credor Eichi II.
This year, Grand Seiko welcomes a new member of the actual Masterpiece Series: SBGZ009. This timepiece is essentially the SBGZ001 together with minor but notable locations decoration. This is nothing brand new, as everything else, including the motion, is the same. But from the whole different beast with regards to the imagery and feelings it evokes. Here all of us bring you details and actual thoughts on the top-of-the-line Grand Seiko SBGZ009.
Case, Dial and Fingers
The case dimensions in the SBGZ009 are 38. 5mm x 9. 8mm. Designed in noble platinum, the situation is decorated with hands engravings reminiscent of those within the groundbreaking SBGZ001. If you evaluate the two side by side, you will see that they may be distinctly different. The decoration on the SBGZ001 is more comprehensive and is designed to evoke the particular imagery of snow. SBGZ009, however , has a deeper and much more pronounced engraving, inspired through the majestic birch forests which stretch across the Yazencho level east of Shiojiri. Because each stroke and each groove is done by hand, each situation is slightly different.
The same goes for the switch, which showcases the brand's birch motif. It is really worth noting that this design continues to be done before in some other references. On the dial on the SBGZ009, however , the design is more striking than ever. Because of the tone and metallic consistency of the dial, the birch carvings on the dial shimmer subtly in the light. It is worth mentioning that the additional inscriptions on the dial : including the Grand Seiko logo design, the words “Spring Drive” ~ and the minute track, will also be hand-engraved. Just like the case, which means that given their handcrafted character, no two dials tend to be exactly alike. Contrasting typically the highly textured surface with the dial are the beautifully refined hour and minute fingers and applied hour indicators, all in 14k white gold. These ingredients are all faceted and thus connect to incoming light, like a fireworks display. At the same time, the secs hand is shaded grey (as opposed to blue inside SBGZ001), so that it does not comparison with the rest of the dial, however stands out harmoniously. The black and white theme of the case and call is perfectly executed right here, with the contrast only noticeable in the finish. The watch in general can be called a masterpiece of workmanship.
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Driving the SBGZ009 may be the magnificent 39-jewel caliber 9R02. Caliber 9R02 is a hand-wound spring-driven movement widely considered as the most beautiful Grand Seiko movements ever made. Spring-driven movements link the gap between the mechanised and quartz worlds. The mainspring-driven movement does not make use of a battery, but is run by a mainspring, which in turn turns a series of gears. A one attached to the end of these armor and weapon upgrades generates a small charge that will activates an electronic circuit along with a quartz oscillator. Unprecedented accuracy for a mainspring-wound movement, Quality and reliability 9R02 is accurate in order to within 1 second each day. Caliber 9R02 offers a reserve of power of 84 hours whenever fully wound, thanks to just one barrel housing two mainsprings connected in parallel.
But where the Competence 9R02 really shines is within its craftsmanship and finish. The very best surfaces of the bridges associated with Caliber 9R02 are carefully brushed rather than the Côtes hun Genève favored by the Switzerland watchmaking industry. The sides of these bridges are expertly chamfered and polished. These types of polished bevels are broad and rounded and highlight the bridges brilliantly. Refined countersinks for screws and jewellery are also wide. Perhaps the best benefit of the finish is the razor-sharp inward angle that nearly slides between the two gems to the southwest of the brand's logo. There are also plenty of facing outward angles to admire, specifically in the bluebell motif cut in to the mainspring barrel. What's great is that the crack formed between two bridges resembles often the stems and leaves of the flower. Jewelry aside, very hot blue screws, gold dish, blue lacquered engraving as well as blue power reserve hands put in a welcome pop of colour to an otherwise expansive greyish. All these elements combine to create one of the most magnificent movements in most of watchmaking.
Grand Seiko has always been the actual flag bearer of the Oriental watchmaking industry, and the inclusion of the SBGZ009 further tones up this philosophy. The watch will be technically nothing new, however it has an evocative finish in which sets it apart from various other members of the Masterpiece series. As it stands, the SBGZ collection of watches is one of the greatest ever made in Asia, rivaling even the best in Switzerland.