As the sky lightens in the early morning light, a new, untainted day begins. Grand Seiko's new SBGY011 is a Japanese dress watch that perfectly captures this atmosphere.
The delicately stamped white dial, silently moving second hand, and tense case design evoke the refreshing mornings of Shinshu. Hand-wound Spring Drive (Cal. 9R31). 30 jewels. Average monthly rate of ±15 seconds (equivalent to ±1 second per day). Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm, thickness 10.5mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 935,000 yen (tax included).
Edited by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2023 issue of Kronos Japan]
Grand Seiko "Heritage Collection 44GS Modern Design SBGY011"
The sun signals the start of the day and gradually illuminates the earth in the "morning twilight." The new "SBGY011" captures the freshness of that moment.
The star of the show is the pure white dial. The delicate, linen-like embossed pattern evokes the morning mist of Shinshu, where Grand Seiko is manufactured, and the faintly visible mountains beyond. Rather than simply incorporating elements that evoke the sun, the design expresses the clear, refreshing feeling you get when witnessing that scene, and the subtlety with which that sense of presence is translated into colors and patterns, showcasing a uniquely Japanese aesthetic sense.
Japanese aesthetics are also evident in the case of the 44GS Modern Design, a reinterpretation of the 44GS from 1967. The unique design grammar, based on perfect flat surfaces and straight lines created by Zaratsu polishing, is constructed with a focus on the harmony of light and shadow, which has long been familiar to the Japanese.
The blued steel second hand glides across the dial, creating a sense of stillness and serenity. The secret lies in the hand-wound Spring Drive movement that this watch is equipped with. Combining powerful torque with precise control by a quartz oscillator, Spring Drive is Seiko's unique drive system that combines the benefits of both mechanical and quartz movements.
It also boasts the practicality of a Grand Seiko. Its approximately 72-hour power reserve ensures stable operation over long periods of time, and its 10-atmosphere water resistance means it can withstand wind and rain. The hand-wound movement keeps the case to a mere 10.5mm thick, ensuring a comfortable fit. This is perhaps the ultimate dress watch for all seasons.
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