It was 1960. After nearly half a century of producing wristwatches, the Japanese manufacturer unveiled its first timepiece stamped Grand Seiko, featuring revolutionary Spring Drive technology. Today, this watch returns to center stage in a Hard-Titanium case and an urushi lacquer dial. A 500 copies limited edition named SBGW295.
Urushi lacquer is very special in the Japanese traditional crafts. Its history can be traced several millennia back and its natural properties give it a extraordinary longevity. Issued from the sap of the tree of the same name, it is a rare substance can only be extracted in very limited quantities and after several decades of growth. The one used by Grand Seiko comes exclusively from Japan and sports this jet black hue thanks to the use of iron. To prevent it from changing over time – one of its natural properties – the Japanese manufacturer has applied a unique treatment. A highly complex and meticulous process of the order of a micron, carried out by the urushi master Isshu Tamura, which brings the indexes and the name of the brand to life on a curved surface thanks to the superposition of layers of lacquer and then of a powder of 24 carat gold (the maki e) creating a unique relief.
This sublime dial is mounted within a 38mm Hard-Titanium case with a shiny finish to give it a great lightness and a touch of elegance, while resisting corrosion and scratches! A unique alloy finished with a Zaratsu polishing for an astonishing mirror-polished finish and twice the strength of steel. Everything is driven by the caliber 9S64, a hand-wound mechanical movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, precise to -3/+5 seconds per day and offering 72 hours of power reserve. On the frame side, this Grand Seiko Elegance SBGW295 comes with two bracelets; the first is a mixture of leather and fabric crisscrossed according to the yoroiori weaving technique used to make the samurai armor, while the second has a textured grain to provide flexibility and comfort. With a price of 14,700€ this little jewel will be available in Grand Seiko boutiques as well as at certain authorized retailers from this month of February.
To find out more, visit the Grand Seiko website.
FEATURES – GRAND SEIKO ELEGANCE SBGW295
Case: Brilliant Hard-Titanium alloy – Zaratsu polishing with mirror finish – 38mm wide x 45.7mm long x 10.9mm thick – sapphire crystal domed on the outside and curved on the inside with internal anti-reflective treatment – ​​back transparent – ​​resistant to splashing water
Dial: jet black color background – traditional urushi lacquer finish with unique treatment against alteration over time – indexes and markings in 24 carat gold powder made by hand – brushed dauphine hands with polished chamfers
Movement : hand-wound mechanical – caliber 9S64 – 72-hour power reserve – 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) – daily deviation of -3/+5 seconds – magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m – hours, minutes, & seconds functions
Straps: calfskin and fabric crisscrossed using the traditional yoroiori method & supple textured leather – flat shape & fitted cut – 19mm wide at the lug – Brilliant Hard-Titanium alloy folding clasp with push-button opening
Information: reference SBGW295 – limited edition of 500 pieces – available in Grand Seiko boutiques as well as in certain partner boutiques – 5-year warranty – €14,700 including tax
