Emmanuel, known as quattro, presents a curated overview of five exceptional timepieces from the Grand Seiko Micro Artist Studio. His detailed photo essay highlights the platinum cases and manual-winding Spring Drive caliber 9R02 shared across these models, emphasizing the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking craftsmanship. This article serves as a valuable resource for collectors interested in Grand Seiko's high-end, limited-edition creations.
All five timepieces have been created by the Grand Seiko Micro Artist Studio and feature a platinum case & manual-winding Spring Drive caliber 9R02.
This is Japanese watchmaking in all its glory.
Hopefully, you will enjoy these timepieces as much as I do.
To simplify the presentation, I've woven the information in throughout the photos.
Best, Emmanuel
A/ NON ENGRAVED REFERENCES
1/ The Kintaro Hattori 160th Anniversary Limited Edition, ref. SBGZ005
The
platinum case measures
37.5 x
9.6 mm
The
dial pattern is directly inspired by a
prototype dial made in the 1960s for the
original Grand Seiko “First”, but which was finally
never put into production.
The gorgeously finished
caliber 9R02A uses the
Spring Drive technology, which regulates a
spring-driven movement with state-of-the-art
electronic technology that functions without batteries or other external power source.
A rotor, connected to the end of the gears, generates a small electrical charge that activates an electronic circuit and quartz oscillator, allowing for an impressive accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (±1 second per day).
The caliber also incorporates an
18k yellow gold plaque which usually carries the engraved words "
Micro Artist" but which can, if the
owner so wishes, be
replaced with a word of their choice, as in the example below.
This reference, limited to
50 pieces, was created in
2021 to celebrate the
160th anniversary of the
birth of
Kintaro Hattori,
founder of the
Seiko company.
The
applied Grand Seiko
logo is written in a
gothic font.
A
star mark located at
six o'clock denotes that the
indexes are of
solid gold, as has been the tradition since the 1960's.
The
caliber delivers a
power reserve of
84 hours thanks to the
Dual Spring Barrel,
in which two independent thin, long mainsprings are
set in parallel in a single barrel, and to the
Torque Return System.
credit: @watchbonsai, Mark Cho, Hodinkee, Grand Seiko Paris Boutique
2/ Ref. SBGZ003 made for the 20th Anniversary Of Spring Drive (2019)
The platinum case measures 38.50 x 9.80 mm
The
barrel is designed after the
bellflower, the symbol of
Shiojiri, where the Micro Artist studio is located.
credit: @ialienam, Monochrome, Quill & Pad, Hodinkee & A Blog to Watch
B/ THE ENGRAVED REFERENCES
1/ Ref. SBGZ001 also made for the 20th anniversary of Spring Drive (2019)
Hammered case and snowflake dial
The
platinum case measures
38.50 x
9.80 mm
This reference is a limited edition of
30 pieces.
Below is an early
prototype case for the SBGZ001 with a
different,
textured finish
Below, the
yellow gold plaque has been
personalised with the word "
optimism".
The
channel between the two bridges symbolizes the
river that feeds
Lake Suwa.
credit: Sjx, Atelier de Griff & @thebriantran
2/ Ref. SBGZ007 celebrating the company’s 140th anniversary (2021)
Deep-blue dial with sparkling specs conjuring the night sky of Achi, a village in the southern part of Shinshu that, due to its elevation, is well-known for its clear, star-studded night skies where the stars above appear to be within arm’s reach.
Case engraving inspired by patterns dating back to Japan’s Edo period.
The
platinum case measures
38.50 x
9.80 mm
credit: Monochrome, Grand Seiko GS9 Club & @novelawatch
3/ Ref. SBGZ009, limited to 50 pieces (2023)
Textured dial inspired by white birch trees
Hand-engraved case evoking the textures of the white birch forest during winter
The
platinum case measures
38.50 x
9.80 mm
credit: Monochrome, Hodinkee, @champsg & @watchyogz
4/ Ref. SBGZ011, limited to 50 pieces (2026)
