Grand Seiko Introduces Two Stunning New Spring Drive Models
To commemorate the company’s founding 140 years ago, Grand Seiko is adding another two models to its anniversary collection. Both are powered by Caliber 9RA2, the innovative Spring Drive movement that Grand Seiko developed for the occasion. It takes this unique technology to new heights with a slimmer movement, as a result of the redesign and repositioning of many parts. Thanks to two mainspring barrels, the caliber has a power reserve of an impressive 120 hours, which it indicates on the back of the watch. The IC has also been updated and comes with a built-in temperature sensor. This allows for an incredible accuracy of around 10 seconds per month.
Grand Seiko likes to take inspiration from the natural beauty of Japan and incorporate it into its watches. For SLGA007, we see the deep blue color and the gentle sway of the water at Lake Suwa back in the dial. The pattern shows an impressive play of light that makes it very much like you are looking over the lake itself. Bold yet elegant hands and hour markers form not only a pleasant contrast but also make it easy to read the time. Quite surprising is the gold printed logo and brand name, combined with the gold seconds hand. It adds not only a dash of color but also to the symbolic storyline of the watch as, according to Grand Seiko, it represents the morning sun shimmering on the lake’s surface. The SLGA007 is fitted with a 40mm large stainless steel case and matching bracelet. It is limited to a very appropriate 2,021 pieces and available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected retail stores worldwide in December 2021.
While SLGA008 is fitted with the same movement as its sibling and shares its case design, it is a different watch altogether. Crafted from pink gold, it is more a dress watch than a sports watch. To complement this precious metal, Grand Seiko has created a unique dial, which design has been inspired by the growth rings of trees. The result is mesmerizing, especially when lights hit the dial under different angles, aided in this by the dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. It makes it look very organic and precious at the same time. To match the theme, the SLGA008 is fitted with a brown alligator strap with a pink gold clasp. Of this watch, Grand Seiko will make only 140 pieces which will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected Grand Seiko retailers worldwide as of November 2021.
