First visit to the holy land! Seeing the true power of Grand Seiko at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi (Part 2)

On July 20, 2020, Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi opened within the Shizukuishi luxury watch workshop of Morioka Seiko Kogyo (Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture), the manufacturer of Grand Seiko mechanical watches. The studio includes a specialized workshop where watchmakers assemble and adjust Grand Seiko watches, as well as an exhibition space. While it was unveiled to local media, it has not yet been revealed to the watch media. We bring you a sneak peek at the new studio.

To read from the first part, click here
http://www.webchronos.net/features/52945

The in-house hairspring manufacturing machine that holds the key to the 9SA5

　Inside the workshop, the 9SA5, released in 2020, was being assembled. It features a new dual impulse escapement, Grand Seiko free sprung spring, and a winding balance spring. A winding balance spring, which winds the outer end of the balance spring inward, theoretically provides high isochronism. However, due to its high manufacturing costs, it is only adopted by a select few manufacturers. I had thought it was impossible to mass-produce, but a visit to the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi cleared my doubts. In one corner of the workshop, there was a machine for winding the balance spring (!), where a watchmaker was working. Photography and viewing were prohibited, but I was given a special tour. One machine lifts the outer end of the balance spring. The other is a machine that shapes the lifted outer end. These two machines form the rough shape, and the watchmaker then refines it. The machine is operated by a watchmaker who adjusts the balance spring. Honestly, I never imagined such a machine would be found at the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi.

　The winding hairspring, which is fixed to the balance, is balanced and the isochronism is adjusted by turning the balance spring stud. It was previously thought that it was impossible to adjust the isochronism of either a free-sprung balance without a regulator or a winding hairspring wound at its outer end, but with the 9SA5, this has become possible by turning the balance spring stud. As far as I know, this is probably the first free-sprung balance with adjustable isochronism. Tsutomu Ito, who adjusts Grand Seiko balance springs, says, "It is possible to adjust the isochronism by turning the outer end. It has high precision and a high pass rate for GS inspections."

The 17-day GS test is preceded by a 10-day aging period.

　The GS test checks the accuracy of the movement in six positions and at three temperatures. The biggest difference from the COSC Chronometer (The Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètre) test is the addition of one additional position (accuracy at the 12 o'clock position). While it is possible to achieve accuracy in five positions without focusing on accuracy at the 12 o'clock position, it suddenly becomes difficult when it comes to six positions. Additionally, at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the assembled movements are aged for 10 days, and those with stable accuracy are checked. A space for aging has been set up on the "island" where the testing takes place, where the completed movements are stored.

The Oni casing is the same at the new workshop.

　Seiko Epson manufactures Spring Drive and quartz watches, while Seiko Watch produces mechanical watches. What they all have in common is excellent casing. The casing process involves attaching the dial and hands to the completed movement and then placing it in the case. It simply involves firmly fixing the parts and placing the movement in the case without distortion, but it is an important process that determines the appearance of the watch. That's why it's so difficult. Of course, if dust gets in, it's a disaster. It's said that with the increased precision of exterior parts, casing is no longer as difficult as it once was. However, anyone can tell at a glance whether the casing is good or bad.

　At the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the casing is done by a watchmaker. It is a luxury to have someone who can assemble movements do the casing, but it is precisely for this reason that the finished product is so well-made. The hands and dial are attached by hand, and the movement and case are fixed to the case with mechanical stops and screws. The screws are painstakingly coated with an anti-loosening agent. Dust is then carefully removed while inspecting with a magnifying glass. This is an astonishing level of meticulousness, and it is one of the reasons why Grand Seiko is so highly esteemed. Even when enlarged with a macro lens, there is not a single scratch on the hands, and the clearance between the dial and the faceplate is consistent. A watch with a poor casing would never have this level of detail.

The "thing" that will make Seiko fans go wild and the Shizukuishi limited edition model

　Once you pass through the assembly and adjustment workshop, there is a staircase leading up to the second floor. There is a large window on the landing, from which you can look down on the assembly and adjustment workshop. Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is characterized by a structure that reduces the number of beams in the building and emphasizes the walls. The openness of this structure is immediately apparent. Once you go up the landing, you will come across a lounge with a view of Mount Iwate. Near the entrance there is an Iwate-do Tansu work desk, where you can get a taste of what it's like to be a watchmaker.

　There are several displays lined up along the wall. An architectural model with a bird's-eye view of Morioka Seiko Kogyo, a design model of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, and the thing that makes Seiko fans go wild: the actual "T0 Constant-Force Tourbillon." The components are displayed on either side of the actual watch, giving a clear view of the T0 in its entirety. Honestly, it's worth visiting Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi just to see this exhibit.

　There's one more special thing at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Not only can you touch the actual watches assembled in the workshop, but you can also buy watches in the shop in the back. However, only Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi limited edition models are available for purchase. Four models have the words "Shizukuishi Limited" engraved on the automatic winding rotor. A new model has also been added, the "Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi Original Model SBGH283," which has a revised dial. This model not only changes the rotor, but also the dial to a deep green with subtle stripes. The five Shizukuishi limited edition models, which can only be purchased locally, are the most difficult to obtain and are the coveted models for Grand Seiko fans.

Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi: A potential location for watch tourism

　The Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi was originally scheduled to open on June 10, 2020. However, due to the COVID-6 pandemic, it remains closed to almost all media and the public. However, Seiko says it will reopen to the public by reservation once the pandemic has subsided. Not only Grand Seiko fans, but anyone who loves Japanese watches should visit at least once. Additionally, Morioka is home to wankosoba, Morioka hiyashimen, and jajamen (Morioka's yakiniku is also quite appealing). Koiwai Farm and the famous Tsunagi Onsen are also located nearby. The famous tourist destinations of Hachimantai and Lake Tazawa are also just a stone's throw away. See the Grand Seiko, savor the food, enjoy the hot springs, and explore the tourist attractions. Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is a place where you can enjoy this kind of "watch tourism."

Side note: I recommend going by car, but you can also get there by bus.

　We recommend driving to Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, located on the outskirts of Shizukuishi, especially if you plan on sightseeing. If you don't have a car, the quickest route to Morioka Seiko Kogyo is to take the Iwate Kotsu Bus bound for Shizukuishi Office from bus stop 10 at the east exit of Morioka Station and get off at Otori Onsen-mae or Oirino. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs 540 yen. There are buses every hour both ways, so access is not bad. Taking a taxi from Morioka Station will cost about 4000 yen. You can walk from JR East Koiwai Station, but it's about 3 kilometers away, so we don't recommend it.