$57,000 Grand Seiko Spring Drive Captures the Beauty of Japanese Winter

By Nick Hall - News Published: 20 Oct 2021, Last Updated: 22 Aug 2023

Grand Seiko has paid homage to its homeland with a stunning new Spring Drive creation straight out of Shinshu. Complete with stunning jewels and a glide motion seconds hand that slips silently around the white textured dial, the latest Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGY0008 is inspired by the Japanese winter in essence and design.

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2 grand seiko spring drive creation sbgy008 — Image: Grand Seiko

As a brand, Grand Seiko has always drawn inspiration from the natural world, crafting timeless pieces that embody Japanese sophistication without austerity. This time around, Grand Seiko has channelled Shizuri-yuki, the natural phenomenon that sees freshly fallen snow cascade down from the branches to create a spectacular play of light. It’s a dazzling display of beauty amongst the elements, something Grand Seiko has captured with its latest piece.

Measuring 38.5mm in diameter, the new Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGY0008 is crafted from 18k rose gold, but there is much more under the surface. The new watch carries a total of 53 diamonds, each delicately set by hand at the Shinshu Watch Studio and arranged so that they gradually decrease in size from the centre of the case to the lug ends, creating a beautiful, flowing effect. Furthermore, the surfaces of the diamonds are aligned in such as way as to recreate a ‘quiet sparkle’ that typifies the Grand Seiko craftsmanship.

4 grand seiko spring drive creation sbgy008 — Image: Grand Seiko

Aesthetically, the new Spring Drive creation is astonishing. The bright patterned dial seamlessly evokes the freshness of snowfall, which, when combined with the smooth sweeping movement of the seconds hand, feels innately calming. Flip the watch over and the see-through sapphire crystal caseback puts the stunning manual winding Spring Drive Calibre 9R31 movement on full display.

For Grand Seiko fans, the new latest timepiece is an ode to the brand’s ethos. Craftsmanship at the forefront and acknowledgement of home and heart underpinning it all. The new Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGY0008 is limited to just 60 pieces worldwide and is priced at AUD$57,000.

Check it out

5 grand seiko spring drive creation sbgy008 — Image: Grand Seiko

1 grand seiko spring drive creation sbgy008 — Image: Grand Seiko

Grand seiko spring drive creation sbgy008 — Image: Grand Seiko

7 grand seiko spring drive creation sbgy008 — Image: Grand Seiko

Nick Hall

Nick Hall is an award-winning journalist and the current Editor-in-Chief of Man of Many. With an extensive background in the media industry, he specialises in feature writing, lifestyle and entertainment content. Nick is the reigning Mumbrella Publish Awards ‘Editor of the Year’ and B&T ‘Best of the Best - Journalist’, courtesy of his work with Man of Many.

Prior to working at the men’s lifestyle publication, Nick spent two years as a journalist with Inside Franchise Business, focusing on small business, finance and legal reporting.

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