Following on from the early October announcement that Grand Seiko has created its own U.S. subsidiary, Grand Seiko Corporation of America, the division of Seiko Watch now announces its very first limited edition just for the United States market. The is the very first time the Japanese brand has ever created a limited edition for North America.
Established in 1960, but only officially available in other parts of the world since 2010, Grand Seiko is Seiko’s handmade, high-end line with a focus on precision, legibility, and beauty – beauty, thankfully, as it is interpreted in Japanese culture. Which is fully what sets these watches apart from all others in the marketplace today.
This debut U.S. limited edition was inspired by a Japanese painting technique called kira-zuri, which is best translated as “sparkling painting.” The design of the gorgeous dial stays true to its concept, which is commonly found in ukiyo-e paintings to provide texture to the background of Kabuki actors. Used here, the transposed technique adds depth, emotion, and light to the dial.
Powered by the revolutionary 9R Spring Drive movement, this beautiful new limited edition is offered in three variations of the 40 mm 44GS case, which showcases intricate mirror-polished surfaces shaped by the brand’s proprietary Zaratsu finishing: platinum (20 pieces), 18-karat pink gold (50 pieces), and stainless steel (558 pieces). The dial on the platinum model has undergone an additional plating process to achieve its unique texture and sparkle, while the blue dial of the stainless steel version pays homage to the clear blue skies over the Sea of Japan.
Available in October 2018 at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retail partners, the edition retails for $53,000 in platinum, $29,500 in pink gold, and $6,800 in stainless steel. The steel version is delivered with two additional crocodile skin straps.
Elizabeth Doerr is the editor-in-chief of Quill & Pad, an online publication that keeps a watch on time.
