Grand Seiko Enters High Jewellery With A Spring-Drive 8 Inspired By A Lion

Since the first Grand Seiko was introduced in 1960, when a gold medallion depicting a lion's profile adorned the case back, the lion's image has stood as an enduring symbol of Grand Seiko. At Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022, Grand Seiko introduced a Spring Drive jewellery watch inspired by the white lion. Another Spring Drive masterpiece, this time adorned with blue sapphires to represent Grand Seiko's signature colour, is unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023, bringing the majesty and power of this magnificent creature to life through the jeweler's art.

This extraordinary work of art is a true testament to the values upheld by Grand Seiko, showcasing those values through its combination of Spring Drive accuracy, high legibility through strategically placed gems, and exquisite artistry and craftsmanship.

The strong and angular lugs speak to the power of the lion. The bezel and upper surfaces of the case are encrusted with a total of 112 diamonds, and the strap is adorned with 60 baguette-cut diamonds. All of the diamonds are set so precisely that they seem to create a single, flat surface. The seconds hand is the perfect shade of grey to complement the rest of the watch, and there is just one brilliant-cut blue sapphire is set into the crown.

Mother-of-pearls and texture create a tranquil space in the centre of the dial, which is surrounded by blue sapphires and baguette diamonds set at an angle. All these gems are set by hand between pairs of very thin 18k white gold rails by the most skilled of the jewellery craftsmen and women of the Shinshu Watch Studio, located in the Shiojiri facility in Nagano prefecture, where Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made. Forty-eight additional diamonds and 12 blue sapphires are individually set around the markers to further enhance the piercing depth and beauty of the dial.

The legendary Micro Artist Studio, which houses both the Shinshu Watch Studio and this timepiece, is located in the same Shiojiri building as the watch's movement, the Spring Drive Caliber 9R01. Caliber 9R01 is accurate to ±10 seconds per month and offers a power reserve of eight days, or 192 hours, thanks to its three barrels arranged in sequence. This jewellery masterpiece is offered in a limited edition of just eight and will be presented at select Grand Seiko Boutiques in June 2023.

Technical Specifications:

Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection
Spring Drive 8-Day Jewelry Watch: SBGD213
Caliber 9R01
Driving system: Manual-winding
Power reserve: 8 days (192 hours)
Accuracy: ± 0.5 seconds per day (± 10 seconds per month)
Power-reserve indicator
Independent hour hand adjustment
Number of jewels: 56
Specifications
266 diamonds (94 on the dial, 60 on the bezel, 112 on the case. 5.62 carats in all)
27 blue sapphires (26 on the dial and 1 in the crown. 1.25 carats in all)
Platinum 950 case and clasp
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 44.5mm, Thickness: 14.4mm
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push-button release
Recommended retail price in Europe: €283,500
Limited edition of 8