A post in which I share some of the photographs taken of two of the watches that Grand Seiko presented at Watches and Wonders 2026. The watches photographed are the manual-winding Spring Drive (SBGZ011) and the Heritage Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 (SBGH376).
Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection Manual-Winding Spring Drive SBGZ011
At the heart of a primeval forest in the Shinshu region of central Japan flows the Tateshina waterfall. In the same region, the elite artisans of the Micro Artist Studio create the Spring Drive watches of the Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection. This manual-winding wristwatch, crafted by these same artisans, conveys the eternal flow of time in nature as it unfolds through this mystical waterfall. The watch is powered by the manual-winding Spring Drive calibre 9R02, which combines the Dual-Spring Barrel and the Torque Return System to achieve a power reserve of approximately 84 hours.
The hand-engraved dial is brought to life by craftsmanship of the highest order. Its engraved lines extend in multiple directions, crisscrossing in a continuous 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 indices, are crafted from 14k white gold, creating a crisp and brilliant look. The minute and second hands are gently curved by hand toward the dial to ensure high legibility. Embodying the serene continuity of time’s natural flow, the grey-tempered Spring Drive second hand glides across the textured surface of the dial. The dial lettering and minute markers are all engraved directly, giving the dial depth and dimensionality.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH376
The 62GS was Grand Seiko’s first automatic movement. This new creation uses a modern interpretation of the 62GS case design alongside a dial that conveys a unique moment in Japan’s seasonal landscape. For the first time on a non-limited edition 62GS model, 18k yellow gold has been used to craft the case. The light green color of the dial evokes the budding leaves that follow the cherry blossoms in late spring, which shimmer in the light by reflecting the morning sun. Offering soft comfort and wearability, the leather strap harmonizes with the subtle color of the dial to convey an elegant impression. Created by the skilled artisans of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the Hi-Beat calibre 9S85 achieves its stable precision thanks to its high frequency of 36,000 vph.
The elegant dial design evokes “Sakura-wakaba,” the fresh green leaves that emerge among the falling cherry blossoms as spring begins to give way to summer. The appearance of the dial changes depending on the angle and amount of light, enhancing the moment when one gazes at the watch. The light green design is imbued with a subtle yellow hue, which harmonizes perfectly with the 18k yellow gold case to further emphasize an ephemeral moment in nature.
