Halcro
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Grand Seiko SBGY-003 Spring Drive --- thread now inclusive of text
Ten years ago, I discounted Seiko's Spring-Drive Technology as a cynical advancement of their Quartz Movements.....
But I now realise how poorly informed I was and completely ignorant of the significance of Seiko's achievement.
Thankfully.....before it was too late, I stumbled on some YouTube Videos of the 20th Year Anniversary Limited Edition (700) of the SBGY-003 and commenced an in-depth study on the subject of Spring-Drive.
Using a Quartz Crystal as a 'Reference Regulator' seems of little difference (to me)....to the use of the Balance Wheel (in a traditional watch movement) which can beat at between 5 and 10 times a second.
"A watchmaker can precisely adjust the oscillation of the balance spring to attain the desired number of beats and, thus, precise time."
From the Quartz Crystal (in a Spring-Drive).....there is basically a complex and revolutionary frictionless mechanical movement without a battery which regulates the accuracy via a tiny electro-magnet powered entirely by the mechanical movement.
Having made my peace with the Spring-Drive revolution....I turned my attention to the design, quality and craftsmanship of the watches produced by the special team at Grand Seiko who devote themselves to the creation of these 'Artworks.'
I have rarely seen the equal of the quality and workmanship on the movements of A. Lange & Sohne watches....and I'm not prepared to claim this particular Grand Seiko approaches (or exceeds) those standards.
But when it comes to the quality, finishing and craftsmanship of the dial, hands, batons and hand polishing of the entire watch case......A. Lange & Sohne, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and even F.P. Journe are like 'novices'.
And this is not hyperbole!!!
Just ask Philippe Dufour who trained the special team from Grand Seiko when they studied with him in his atelier in the Vallee de Joux.
I'm thankful I didn't miss the boat on this masterpiece.....
[Text included -- FabR (moderator)]
Grand Seiko SBGY-003 Spring Drive --- thread now inclusive of text
Ten years ago, I discounted Seiko's Spring-Drive Technology as a cynical advancement of their Quartz Movements..... But I now realise how poorly informed I was and completely ignorant of the significance of Seiko's achievement. Thankfully.....before it wa...
