Introducing The Grand Seiko SBGW295 Titanium and Urushi Dial

As you may need seen with the opposite model of the group, Seiko Company is celebrating this 12 months the a hundred and tenth anniversary of Japan’s first wristwatch – the so-called Laurel watch. This has been beneath the Seiko model with a devoted re-creation of this watch, with the Presage SPB359. Although it got here to life a long time later, in 1960 to be exact, Grand Seiko can be becoming a member of the celebrations with a re-creation of its first-ever watch, a mannequin we’ve come to find in 2020, for the model’s sixtieth anniversary. Utilizing the identical technical base and similar general design, Grand Seiko right now brings the SBGW295, which depends on a cool mixture of modernity and custom, the place titanium pairs with urushi. 

This 12 months marks the a hundred and tenth anniversary of the Laurel, a milestone celebrated with the discharge of a collection of commemorative timepieces (which aren’t reserved for Seiko), together with a brand new Grand Seiko restricted version that, like all of the watches within the collection, attracts its inspiration from the corporate’s wealthy technological and design heritage.

This new Grand Seiko SBGW295, if we’re speaking concerning the massive picture, is similar watch because the trilogy launched for the model’s sixtieth anniversary – the SBGW257, SBGW258 and SBGW259. As such, it’s designed in the identical fashion – tailored with extra trendy proportions – because the 1960 watch that began the GS story. The case is elegant and compact, with a 38mm diameter, a relative thinness of 10.9mm and quick lugs. Easy, general domed and fewer sharp than later fashions – the Grammar of Design wasn’t but outlined in 1960 – the case is solely polished with Zaratsu (distortion-free) approach. One main distinction for this new mannequin, the case is right here manufactured from Good Exhausting Titanium (a particular alloy that’s brighter and higher reacts to sprucing and is twice as arduous as chrome steel).

The dial of this new Grand Seiko SBGW295 is, nevertheless, far more on the standard aspect of issues. It’s made utilizing the basic Urushi approach – which has been seen already inside Seiko’s Presage assortment and in addition at Grand Seiko. Urushi lacquer is an historical Japanese craft that’s right now used for its ornamentation properties, however that was as soon as created for its antiseptic and preservative qualities. The lacquer utilized by GS, right here in a deep black tone, is sourced solely from the nation of Japan, a rarity right now. Two feedback; the jet-black color outcomes from the addition of iron within the materials, and it has a particular and proprietary therapy that stops its color from altering over time.

The black color and the chilly tone of the case are balanced by the heat and richness of the markers and palms. Carried out through the use of one other conventional Japanese craft, maki-e, these are dropped at life by Urushi grasp Isshu Tamura. All golden parts of the dial are constructed up, layer upon layer, by means of the applying of lacquer, later complemented by a 24k gold powder, utilized by hand. The golden palms are conventional GS and curved by hand to comply with the curvature of the dial and crystal.

Contained in the case of the Grand Seiko SBGW295 is a widely known motion, the hand-wound calibre 9S64. Produced in-house within the model’s studio, this slim motion shops 72h of energy reserve and is finely regulated to +5 to -3 seconds per day. It’s classically adorned and is seen beneath a see-through caseback. The SBGW295 is delivered with two straps. The primary makes use of yet one more Japanese craft, a woven approach named yoroiori, which was as soon as used for making samurai armour. The second choice is a suppled black leather-based strap. The watch is secured to the wrist by a three-fold Good Exhausting Titanium clasp with push button launch.

The Grand Seiko Magnificence Assortment Seiko Watchmaking a hundred and tenth Anniversary Re-creation of the primary Grand Seiko SBGW295 is a restricted version of 500 items, out there at Grand Seiko Boutiques and choose retail companions worldwide in February 2023. It will likely be priced at EUR 14,700 or USD 13,800. For extra particulars, please go to www.grand-seiko.com.