News: Another Masterpiece From Grand Seiko
It’s been 140 years since Kintaro Hattori founded the horological giant Seiko. To celebrate, Grand Seiko—or more specifically, the illustrious Micro Artist Studio—has been working on watches to mark the occasion, using the surrounding Japanese nature and environments as inspiration. The two most interesting watches to come out of this are the £170,000 SBGD207—which you can read about here, by the way—and this: the Grand Seiko Masterpiece Spring Drive SBGZ007.
As I previously mentioned, these celebratory watches are designed with Japan in mind. While the SBGD207 drew inspiration from the Mishaka Pond located in Yatsugatake Chushin Quasi-National Park, this SBGZ007 opts for a more celestial muse—the famous night sky above the mountains of Achi.
Let’s start with the case, shall we? It’s got a very familiar Grand Seiko shape to it, comes in a 38.5mm size and is fashioned from 950 platinum—but that’s where the “normal stuff” ends. Upon closer inspection, you are greeted with some incredible hand-engraving—yes, someone at the Micro Artist Studio really did hand-engrave every line. While the pattern might look random, it’s actually many different twinkling stars, all placed and engraved with intent.
Moving onto the dial—and it too is decorated in homage to the Japanese night sky. It’s a simple dial in layout, with 18K white gold hardware, a rich deep blue colouring, and a speckled star-like pattern. The star-like effect is achieved with a mixture of stamping, plating and painting—and, like the case, is best observed up close.
Flipping over the SBGZ007 reveals the hand-wound Calibre 9R02. The 9R02 is an evolution of the movement found in the Credor Eichi II. Like the Credor’s calibre, the movement used in this watch is incredibly beautiful to look at. Contrasting finishes on the bridges, thermally blued screws, more than your fair share of rubies, it even has a full 18K yellow gold plaque acting as a sort of chef’s kiss for the Micro Artist Studio.
Spec-wise, the Calibre 9R02 is just as impressive. It’s got an 84-hour power reserve—thanks to a dual-spring barrel—a sneaky little power reserve indicator, and of course, the hybrid-mechanical spring drive we all love so much, with an accuracy of + 15 seconds per month.
Costing a cool £72,250, this watch isn’t cheap, but like the £170,000 SBGD207, you do get a hell of a lot for your money. A hand-engraved full platinum case, an incredible dial, and a pretty amazing movement to boot—I’ve definitely seen luxury watches with less command higher price tags.
Grand Seiko Masterpiece Spring Drive SBGZ007
Case | Hand-Engraved 950 Platinum
Dimensions | 38.5mm Width, 9.8mm Height
Dial | Blue With Speckled Star-Like Pattern
Crystal | Domed Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistance | 30m
Movement | Spring Drive Calibre 9R02
Power Reserve | 84 Hours
Strap | Blue Crocodile Leather
Functions | Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Power Reserve Indicator
RRP | £72,250
Limited Edition | Yes, 50 Pieces
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