To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the brand's founding, Grand Seiko will release a limited edition model themed on Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture, where its mechanical movements are manufactured. In addition to a model with a hand-engraved dial, limited to 20 pieces worldwide, a pink gold case model limited to 120 pieces will also be released.
Manual-winding (Cal. 9S64). 24 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Pt950 (diameter 39mm, thickness 11.8mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 20 pieces worldwide. Price: 10 million yen (excluding tax). Scheduled for release on July 10, 2020.
Grand Seiko "Elegance Collection 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Model"
What is "Shizukuishi Luxury Watch Workshop"?
The Shizukuishi High-End Watch Workshop is located in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture. Many people have heard of it, as it is known as the holy land of Grand Seiko's mechanical watch manufacturing. The workshop is involved in the entire process, from the design and manufacture of the balance spring, gears and other parts that are the heart of a mechanical watch, to assembly, adjustment, inspection and shipping. The workshop is known for having many skilled craftsmen who have achieved excellent results in watchmaking competitions, including those who have received awards such as the "Contemporary Master Craftsman" and the "Yellow Ribbon Medal." Incidentally, there is also a tour course where you can observe the assembly workshop and the patterning process.
60th anniversary model themed around Shizukuishi Town
The limited edition model released this time was created based on a legend related to Shizukuishi Town. It is said that the mysterious place name "Shizukuishi" was given to the town about 1000 years ago. At that time, in a cave in the Shizukuishi forest, drops of water dripped from the ceiling and hit the stones below, creating a faint sound that resonated inside the cave and echoed throughout the forest. It is said that people who came to hear this mysterious sound began to affectionately call this place "Shizukuishi."
The 60th anniversary model features a dial design that symbolically expresses this tradition of Shizukuishi. The dial is made up of three separate pieces made of white gold, and the hour markers, which gently curve outwards, are engraved using advanced techniques. Normally, it is extremely difficult to engrave straight lines on a curved surface, but this has been achieved through the skillful techniques of modern master craftsman Kiyoshi Terui. Engraving on the curved surface emphasizes the straight lines, giving them a strong shine.
Also noteworthy are the patterns on the hour and minute hands, which are designed to resemble dripping water droplets. When they overlap with the indexes, it feels as if you are witnessing the exact moment when the drop of water makes its sound. You can see on the dial the image of the water droplets bouncing and being absorbed into the cavern floor. The blue second hand is thin and sharp, improving visibility and giving an intellectual impression.
