The Shinshu region, located 200 km northwest of Tokyo, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and towering mountain ranges. It is also home to Grand Seiko’s Watch Studio. In addition to developing, designing and producing the Spring Drive and quartz movements, the studio manufactures, assembles and adjusts complete watches including cases, dials, hands and indexes. It remains one of the world’s few fully integrated watch manufactures.
Since 1960, Grand Seiko’s designers and watchmakers have sought to create watches that are in harmony with their surroundings. Inspired by a magnificent landscape that changes with the seasons, they create timepieces that pay tribute to the “nature of time”, the brand’s uniquely Japanese approach to watchmaking.
Grand Seiko’s philosophy of time revolves around the Spirit of Takumi, which is founded on the principles of Japanese craftsmanship and a meticulous attention to detail. Time becomes more than just a social construct but a means to attain ultimate precision.
The new SBGY017 Beautiful Starry Sky in Shinshu watch is no exception. Limited to 160 pieces only, it is inspired by the enigmatic night sky over the studio. Each watch features a deep blue dial bearing a swirling pattern, on which sits silver indicators (baton hour markers, minute track and the hour and minute hands) that mirror the blanket of stars that stretches to infinity. A gold GS logo at 12 o’clock is reminiscent of a pale yellow moon bathed in ethereal light, while a sweeping gold second hand trails the dial’s circumference.
Driving the watch is the Spring Drive Calibre 9R31 manual movement featuring Grand Seiko’s pioneering Spring Drive technology. It combines a traditional, hand assembled movement with an electronic regulator to deliver unrivalled precision. The innovative dual-spring barrel delivers a power reserve of 72 hours.
Like all Grand Seiko timepieces, it is impressively accurate with a deviation of just ±1 second a day or ±15 seconds a month. The watch is finished with a blue crocodile leather strap complemented by yellow stitching that perfectly matches the gold accents on the dial. A three-fold clasp and a push-button release completes the design.
The SBGY017 is exclusively available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retailers in Southeast Asia, such as Watches of Switzerland. The watch retailer recently opened a new pop-up boutique at Jewel, located in Singapore’s Changi airport. Located within the prime concourse, the 1,600 sq ft space features standalone displays and a convivial layout designed to facilitate easy interaction and lively discussions on watches.
Watches of Switzerland Jewel Boutique
Jewel Changi 78 Airport Boulevard #01-263 & 264
Singapore 819666
Monday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm
