Grand Seiko has unveiled a new dressy design with a manual spring drive movement. Deployed through the Heritage Collection, it follows the signature case design of its historic model 44GS, which celebrated its 55th anniversary this year.
The manual-winding thin dress series was launched in 2019 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Spring Drive. It features a thin profile like Nevertheless, it feels quite different from the existing dress series, perhaps thanks to the unique design of the 44GS, such as the rug that is slanted outward and polished like a mirror,fake watches and the curved line that runs from the thin circular bezel to the case. I think this is a product that would be preferred by those who have a certain level of understanding of the Spring Drive movement while preferring the historic 44GS design that established the ‘Grand Seiko Style’.
Like most recent Grand Seiko products, the luxurious textured dial catches the eye. The white dial has been processed with irregular and calm plaid stamping as if it were frosted. The dial is nicknamed Asaborake, which means ‘dawn’ because it reminds us of the gloomyness of dawn. It follows Grand Seiko’s usual naming style, such as Omiwatari, Sakura, and White Birch.
The movement is equipped with a manual spring-drive caliber 9R31 with a highly accurate tolerance of ±1 second per day (average ±15 seconds per month). It supports stop second (nuclear function) and guarantees a power reserve of about 3 days (72 hours) by applying an innovative dual spring barrel. The power reserve indicator is also exposed through the sapphire crystal caseback for more practical use. As a result of the spring drive mechanism, replica watches which can only be found in the Seiko Group, the traditional part corresponding to the escapement of a mechanical movement is replaced with a tri-synchro regulator, and a rotating wheel that engages with the 4th wheel that moves the second hand. By applying a unique glide wheel to the parts, you can enjoy the so-called Glide Motion, where the second hand delicately flows like water. As with all Spring Drive products, it is fully assembled and rigorously calibrated to Grand Seiko standards in the Shinshu Watch Studio in Seiko Epson’s Manufacture.
The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Spring Drive Asaborake model (Ref. SBGY011) is scheduled to be released around December as a regular model, not a limited edition. It is available through selected Grand Seiko boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide, and has a retail price of 8,200 EUR (European standard).