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Five Micro Artist Studio Masterpieces
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 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
The barrel is designed after the bellflower, the symbol of Shiojiri, where the Micro Artist studio is located.
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
The platinum case measures 38.50 x 9.80 mm
credit: Monochrome, Grand Seiko GS9 Club & @novelawatch
The platinum case measures 38.50 x 9.80 mm
credit: Monochrome, Hodinkee, @champsg & @watchyogz
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
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.
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)
This reference is covered in the following post: Mystic Waterfall
Five Micro Artist Studio Masterpieces
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 d...
I also like the first one very much!
I like the blue dial too, but the engraving of the case introduces a sophistication which doesn’t match the overall simplicity and understatement imo. Best, Emmanuel
I find it interesting
That the movement finish is so high - in particular the presence of multiple sharp angles, including one inward - an area where many so-called independent fail to deliver in my humble opinion, including many on the hype bandwagon.
The hand finishing is absolutely first class.
But Grand Seiko isn’t really widely known for these very high end pieces. The first reference appeals to me very much. Best, Emmanuel
The first one is my favorite too!
It’s also the only one to have a simple signature on the dial, whereas the others have a redundant GS and Grand Seiko. And, yes, the movement finishing is absolutely first class. Best, Emmanuel
One is more gorgeous than the next!
The movements of each watch are simply spectacular. Of If I had to choose one it would be bur blue dial depicting the night sky as I have a soft spot for blue dials.
The movement is spectacular indeed.
I definitely understand the appeal of this blue dial: it seems to be awesome. Best, Emmanuel
All great watches, and the first one is the most special, in my view.
Notably, the movement in each of these is finished more elaborately than on the Credor Eichi II (look at the beautiful inward angle in the “river” that Eichi II misses).
I absolutely agree with you: the first one is very special and it's the one I would want to own.
I didn't want to get into a comparison with the 7R14, but, yes, they've gone an extra mile here: the "river" angle is simply stunning. Best, Emmanuel
Simply epic 🙌🏻👌🏻👍🏻
If one finds the Eichi 2 too showy these definitely provide a superb range of alternatives. Thanks for collecting all of them - some came during a time when I was following the watch world less and wasn’t aware of all the options 👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 ...
The first one, SBGZ005, appeals to me the most.
A stunning watch, really. I'm glad if this post, which brings them all together, proves useful. Best, Emmanuel