Zirconia ceramic: light,
strong and scratch-resistant
Of the many types of ceramic that were tried, zirconia ceramic had the most potential. Like its close relative, cubic zirconia, which is widely used in jewelry, it is very hard and light and has a unique deep brilliance. Its greatest asset, however, was also its greatest challenge for the designers and engineers charged with making the zirconia ceramic case. Its hardness made it very difficult to machine and the team needed many months of experimentation with manufacturing processes before they achieved their aim.
High water resistance is just the start
The Grand Seiko diver’s watch was specially designed for maximum durability, in two important respects. First, it was designed to withstand the shock and rapid changes in temperature that can occur in sports situations. Secondly, it was designed for the long term in the sense that the design of the movement and the casing allow the watch to be disassembled easily so that maintenance and the replacement of components can be done safely and simply.
