Exquisite hand engraving channels flowing water in a Spring Drive masterpiece inspired by a mystic waterfall.
The majestic Tateshina Waterfall can be found in the heart of a primeval forest in Shinshu, the region of central Japan where the elite craftspeople of the Micro Artist Studio ply their trades to create the handcrafted Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches of the Masterpiece Collection. Today, a new manual-winding creation by these very artisans conveys time’s eternal flow in nature as it unfolds through this mystic waterfall.
A dial expressing spring water
Each watch’s dial is hand-engraved and comes to life through craftsmanship of the highest order. The engraved lines run in multiple directions, converging in a seamless flow to capture the essence of spring water emerging from the earth. The hour and minute hands, as well as each of the hand-applied, diamond-cut markers, are made of 14k white gold, creating a sharp and brilliant appearance. The minute and seconds hands are curved gently by hand toward the dial to ensure supreme legibility. The lettering and minute markers are all carved into the dial, lending the dial depth and dimensionality. Embodying the serene continuity of time’s natural flow, the tempered grey Spring Drive seconds hand glides across the dial’s textured surface.
A 44GS case engraved with fluid lines
which was characterized by its flat surfaces and sharp edges.
Echoing the flow of water depicted on the dial, countless hand-engraved lines inspired by the mystic waterfall adorn the 44GS case. Capturing light from every angle, the radiating patterns flow seamlessly across the sharp ridgelines that characterize the 44GS design, expressing the timeless structural beauty of its case. The Zaratsu polishing and brushed finishing on the case, combined with its delicately engraved surfaces, further enhance the shifting beauty of light and shadow that can be observed in every detail of this creation.
The watch is offered with two straps that evoke diverse expressions of water. There is a classically styled black strap made of crocodile leather, finished with glazing on the outer leather, and a leather strap, made by KYOTO Leather*, with metallic accents and a design inspired by the shimmer of splashing water.
*KYOTO Leather fuses the traditional craftsmanship of kimono – such as Nishijin weaving and gold leaf techniques from Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan – with tanners from Himeji, one of Japan’s leading leather-producing regions, to create a distinctly Japanese leather that is unparalleled in the world.
Driven by the thinnest Spring Drive movement
The timepiece is powered by the manual-winding Spring Drive Calibre 9R02, expertly crafted within the Micro Artist Studio. Measuring just 4.0mm thick, this is Grand Seiko’s thinnest Spring Drive movement to date. Its 84-hour power reserve is achieved through the Torque Return System* and the Dual Spring Barrel, the latter of which features two mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel.
*Torque Return System: 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, increasing the power reserve.
Like the case and dial, the movement showcases the beauty of light and shadow through two hand-finished bridges. Their high-polished edges, achievable only by hand, create a striking contrast with the fine straight graining across the bridge surfaces. The barrel is adorned with a motif of the bellflower, the symbol of Shiojiri, offering a subtle tribute to the birthplace of this masterpiece.
A limited edition of 50, the creation will be available exclusively at the Grand Seiko Boutiques beginning in July 2026.
About the Micro Artist Studio
The Micro Artist Studio is a luxury watch atelier housed in a Seiko Epson facility in the city of Shiojiri in Nagano Prefecture, which makes a series of exclusive Spring Drive watches that combine the best in horological technology with hand craftsmanship of the highest order. The team consists of craftspeople who are experts in their respective fields, such as movement design, assembly, and movement finishing.
Hand-engraved Manual-winding Spring Drive Limited Edition:
SBGZ011
Calibre 9R02
Driving system: Manual-winding
Power reserve: 84 hours
Accuracy: ± 15 seconds per month (± 1 second per day)
Dual Spring Barrel and Torque Return System
Power reserve indicator
Number of jewels: 39
Specifications
Platinum 950 case
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 9.6mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push-button release
Platinum 950 clasp (partly 18k white gold)
Additional leather strap created by KYOTO Leather
Recommended retail price in AUD: $120,000
Limited edition of 50
For further information:
https://www.grand-seiko.com/au-en/collections/sbgz011j
Note:
The specifications and price information in this release are as of the published date and are subject to change.
