rand Seiko respects the nature of time itself in the precision of its movements and in the serenity of its design but it also draws inspiration from the nature that surrounds the two studios, in Shizukuishi and Shinshu, where all its timepieces are crafted. A new limited edition watch, made in celebration of Grand Seiko’s 60th anniversary, perfectly embodies both these aspects of the nature of time.
The brilliant blue sky over Mt. Iwate at dawn that greets the watchmakers and technicians of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is a sight to behold, especially when it is tinged with the red of the morning sun. It is this combination of colors that has inspired the design of this new automatic timepiece. The blue of the dial is echoed in the vivid blue of the titanium sections of the oscillating weight and a red ring inside the sapphire crystal case back mirrors the glow of the morning sun as it rises and causes light to flood through the broad windows of the studio.
The blue of the oscillating weight is achieved through an anodic oxidation process in which metals are subjected to electrolysis so as to generate an oxide film. This oxide film produces color according to the light refraction index when the thickness of the oxide film is carried.
The watch is powered by Caliber 9S65 which delivers a power reserve of 72 hours and a precision rate of +5 to –3 seconds a day. It is assembled, adjusted and inspected by hand at the recently opened Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi from where Mt Iwate’s inspiring and graceful form is clearly visible.
This quintessential Grand Seiko watch is offered as limited edition of 2,500 and will be available worldwide in October, 2020.