Grand Seiko Spring Drive Heritage 'Lake Suwa'

Grand Seiko is responsible for some of the best contemporary watch designs in the world. With their stunning craftsmanship, in-house movement technology, creative sense of aesthetics, and eye for detail, the high-end spinoff of Japanese powerhouse Seiko is keeping the Swiss on their toes. Grand Seiko's wares are some of the finest in any class, whether it’s a complicated GMT, a constant-force tourbillon, or a beautifully textured dial. This example, a Reference SLGA007, was a limited edition released in 2021 as part of Grand Seiko’s 140th Anniversary celebration. It features a 40mm stainless steel case with ‘holey’ lugs, a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and impeccable finishing across its entire case architecture.  Beautifully textured and engraved with shallow ridges resembling wind across flat water, its dial is made in reverence to the surface of Lake Suwa, situated near the manufacture’s Shinshu-based studio. Complemented with applied faceted indices, a matching polished handset, yellow gold seconds hand, and a framed date window, this stunning display of dial artisanship continues to be a hallmark of the brand. Powering this piece is the relatively new automatic Spring Drive Calibre 9RA2, which features a slimmer profile than its predecessors, 120 hour power reserve, and a power reserve indicator visible through its sapphire exhibition caseback. Fitted to a multi-link stainless steel bracelet with a yellow gold ‘GS’ deployant button, this excellent example is accompanied by all of its factory collateral, including inner and outer boxes, hangtags, and warranty card dated December 2021.   Grand Seiko's limited production pieces such as this one don't last long, so don't miss it!