Grand Seiko looks to one of Japan’s natural phenomena for the inspiration behind an ethereal new timepiece
The beautiful surroundings of its native Japan have long inspired Grand Seiko’s sophisticated creations. As the watchmaker continues the celebrations of the 140th anniversary of its founding company Seiko, it once again looks to the theme of ‘the nature of time’ to inform its elegant and slightly whimsical timepieces.
For this latest watch, Grand Seiko has taken its cues from a mysterious natural midwinter phenomenon called Omiwatari that occurs on the frozen surface of Japan’s Lake Suwa near Shiojiri, near where Grand Seiko’s famous Spring Drive movement originated. As the temperature changes, the frozen lake stretches and contracts, creating stunning ice ridges. These are reflected across the icy blue dial, lending it a unique and ethereal quality.
It comes powered by Spring Drive calibre 9R31, made at the Shinshu Watch Studio. This movement blends traditional and technology, generating energy like a conventional mechanical watch while utilising an electronic regular for enhanced precision. Here, the result is a watch that brings together the very best of Grand Seiko’s timekeeping expertise and visual artistry.
