Grand Seiko’s foray into jewellery watches continues with the Masterpiece Collection SBGD207 (€195,000), which is a 15-piece limited edition to mark Seiko’s 140th anniversary. It is similar in layout and mechanics to last year’s SBGD205, but the theme is verdant rather than icy. As before, the landscape surrounding the watchmaker’s Micro Artist Studio is the inspiration. Nearby the Studio is Mishaka Pond, a pristine body of water with a lush forest that grows right up to the water’s edge, and a particularly spectacular sight in the summer.
The central dial of the SBGD207 is made from green mother-of-pearl, and it is surrounded by a precise array of diamonds and garnets that serve as hour markers and as a minute track. The resulting effect speaks volumes of Grand Seiko’s philosophy: as much as the bejewelled aspects of the watch sparkle in the light, they are harmonious and graceful, and are an essential, seamless component of the function of the watch. The garnet at 12 o’clock is slightly wider than the rest – an example of the attention to detail in design.
The rest of the watch is in Grand Seiko’s typical understated quality. The classically formed 43mm case is in platinum and boasts of a water resistance of 10 bar. It houses the manual-winding 9R01 Spring Drive movement, which has an eight-day power reserve and an indicator for such on the back. Of course it also has that smoothly gliding seconds hand, which contributes to this timepiece’s overall feeling of serenity.
