Spring Drive Manual SBGZ009

A hand-engraved Masterpiece inspired by the white birch forest

In the eastern part of Shinshu lies a majestic forest of white birch trees that inspires Grand Seiko’s watchmaking. In the winter, it’s covered with snow. This year, the esteemed Micro Artist Studio has produced a Spring Drive masterpiece limited edition in 950 Platinum inspired by this special place. Its dial and hand-engraved case evoke the forest in the height of winter.

The manually wound Grand Seiko Caliber 9R02 movement is the work of the skilled watchmakers of the Micro Artist Studio, and the case engraving is performed by the artisans of the Shinshu Watch Studio, located in the same facility in Shiojiri. It has two mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel and uses the unique Torque Return System to deliver a power reserve of 84 hours.

The fully engraved case measures 38.5 x 9.8mm, and the long grooves engraved into the Zaratsu-polished platinum surfaces are mirrored in the dial. The hour and minute hands, as well as each of the diamond-cut markers, are made of 14k white gold, providing a sharp and brilliant finish. The seconds hand is tempered to a perfect grey. This is difficult to achieve and is accomplished by subjecting the hand to heat for a longer period than is used for tempered blue hands. The minute track, the lettering, and the mark at six o’clock – which indicates precious metal for the markers – are all carved directly into the textured dial.

SBGZ009 is a limited edition of 50 timepieces.