Grand Seiko Paints the Night Sky With $79,000 USD Engraved Platinum Spring Drive

Grand Seiko has spent a lot of time reflecting on the Japanese landscape through its watchmaking in recent years, including its recent ice ridge-inspired Omiwatari, but its latest Spring Drive masterpiece turns its attention to the heavens.

Based on Achi, a mountain village in southern Japan known for its clean, crisp air and unrivalled view of the stars, Grand Seiko has placed a manually wound 9R02 Spring Drive movement inside a 38.5mm platinum case and tasked Grand Seiko’s famed Micro Artist Studio to add more embellishment than the brand has attempted in recent memory.

The watch’s star-flecked, deep blue night sky dial is produced using a combination of stamping, plating and painting techniques, creating a surface that is different from every angle. Its applied hour markers and hands are produced from a stable 14k white gold alloy to ensure their brilliance remains for years to come, while the Grand Seiko lettering and minute markers have all been etched into the dial.

But the most apparent engraving can be found on the exterior of the slim [9.8mm] platinum case, which has been hand-engraved with an almost Monet-like motif.

The expertly finished Spring Drive movement even carries an 18k yellow gold plaque engraved with the words “Micro Artist” to identify the department responsible for its decoration, which would make for a serious flex at any gathering of collectors. The movement manages an impressive power reserve of 84 hours thanks to a dual spring barrel and Grand Seiko’s Torque Return System, which employs unusable energy within the barrel to keep it fully wound for longer.

Just 50 pieces of this SBGZ007 limited edition will be available exclusively through Grand Seiko boutiques from August, priced $79,000 USD.

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