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The Kodo - An overview
The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon was introduced in 2022 as ref. SLGT003, a limited edition of 20 pieces.
credit: @yuu.sekiguchi
credit: Grand Seiko
The two case materials combine most evidently at the tapered end of the lugs where a small open space between each lug adds a lightness and unique aspect to the overall design.
credit: @xx_jiii_xx
credit: Hodinkee
credit: @windovermatter
The light beige calfskin strap emphasises the opposition between this new Kodo, inspired by morning and the initial one, inspired by twilight.
The single axis combining tourbillon and constant-force mechanism can still be admired.
One last shot.
credit: Sjx
credit: @yuu.sekiguchi
It was the first complicated mechanical watch from the brand in its six decades years of history and it combined a constant-force mechanism and a tourbillon as one unit on a single axis.
Two years earlier, in 2020, Grand Seiko had introduced the “T0 Constant-force Tourbillon”, a concept movement that had yet to be realised into a wristwatch.
Both the T0 and the Kodo were designed by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya.
credit: Grand Seiko
The SLGT003 featured a 43.8 x 12.9 mm case made up of a platinum inner case contained within an outer case of Brilliant Hard Titanium.
The two case materials combine most evidently at the tapered end of the lugs where a small open space between each lug adds a lightness and unique aspect to the overall design.
The main specificity of Caliber 9ST1 is to integrate together the constant-force carriage (left) and tourbillon carriage (right).
The sounds of the escapement and of the once-per-second impulse of the constant-force mechanism are said to create a regular “heartbeat”, hence the name of the watch, “Kodo” being the Japanese word for heartbeat.
The watch was awarded the 2022 GPHG Chronometry Prize.
Below, Akio Naito, President of Seiko Watch Corporation, and watchmaker Takuma Kawauchiya receiving the prize.
credit: @xx_jiii_xx
The same year, Grand Seiko made a Piece-Unique variant of the Kodo, the SLGT001, the concept of which was based on musō 無双, which roughly translates to “one and only” or “second to none”.
While the standard version had a monochromatic grey palette, the SLGT001 was set apart by its colour: heat-blued and gilded components against rhodium-plated bridges.
And the SLGT001 was also distinguished by its full Brilliant Hard Titanium case (instead of a mix of platinum and titanium).
The watch was sold by Phillips and a portion of the proceeds from the sale went to the Children’s Heart Foundation.
Finally, in 2024, Grand Seiko released a third version of the Kodo, the SLGT005.
credit: Hodinkee
The watch was technically identical but dressed in brighter colours of silver tones and pale greys, hence the “Daybreak” nickname.
credit: @windovermatter
As in the initial SLGT003, the case is a two-metal combination of a platinum inner case with a Brilliant Hard Titanium outer case.
The light beige calfskin strap emphasises the opposition between this new Kodo, inspired by morning and the initial one, inspired by twilight.
The single axis combining tourbillon and constant-force mechanism can still be admired.
One last shot.
credit: Sjx
Not being a fan of watches with openworked dials and movements, the Kodo evokes mixed feelings in me.
I admire the craftsmanship, but I'm not drawn to it.
Especially since the watch's transparent structure, which makes the wrist visible through the dial, also gives me pause.
What do you think?
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Grand Seiko at its finest.
I admire the brand and these pieces underline their commitment to excellence. Thanks for sharing Emmanuel!
I was not aware of this piece! Thank you! Mindblowing🚀🤩
Especially the monochrom one - SLGT005❣️
Grand Seiko Flexing it's Muscle, a Real Achievement, I like the SLGT001 but wish the hands were blued, thank you for the Excellent Post 😊🙏👍
My pleasure, Salman!
Does GS do blue hands? Maybe but I can’t think of a particular example right now.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Technically and aesthetically pleasing. I would have preferred a bit thicker and manually applied anglage similar to the Eichi. Is this watch produced in the Micro Artist Studio?