Every once in a while, I get to see something spectacular. That can be all sorts of different things, and most of the time not watch related. At this year’s Baselworld, ‘spectacular’ made an effort to find its way to me all the way from Japan. I’m talking about the SBGZ001, absolutely Hanabanashī.
The watch is one of four created for the 20th anniversary of Spring Drive, a new series within the Grand Seiko Elegance collection. The watch features an all-new manual-winding Spring Drive caliber 9R02. Spring Drive means you get that incredibly smooth gliding seconds hand which according to Grand Seiko reflects ‘the natural and continuous flow of time’. The Caliber features the unique Torque Return System resulting in a power reserve of 84 hours. “When the mainspring has been fully wound and the torque output is at its highest, approximately 30% of the available power is not needed to maintain the precision of the watch, and is in effect wasted in a normal movement. The Torque Return System uses this energy to rewind the mainspring, resulting in an increase in the power reserve.”
Agree on that naming!
You guys are so lucky you got to see this in real life!!! Grand Seiko did a great Baselworld (again) .I look forward to reading your other coverage of them 👍
Great statement piece by Grand Seiko and the Micro Studio! Hope to see it one day in reality . Lucky guys indeed!
I have only just realized you tried these on your wrist! Bare naked wrist with no stickers!!! Great write up too, but my oh my!!!