quattro
[Moderator]
20920
Mystic Waterfall
The 44GS ref. SBGZ011 is a 50-piece limited edition created for the Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection by the Micro Artist Studio.
The case and dial, inspired by the Tateshina Waterfall, are hand-engraved with lines running in multiple directions, intersecting in a seamless flow to capture the essence of spring water.
The platinum case measures 40 x 9,6 x 45,2 mm.
The radiating patterns are designed to capture light from every angle.
The watch is powered by manual winding Spring Drive caliber 9R02 which is gorgeously designed and finished, with:
- The barrel, designed after the bellflower, the symbol of Shiojiri, where the Micro Artist studio is located.
- The channel between the two bridges symbolizing the river that feeds Lake Suwa.
- The (customisable) 18k yellow gold Micro Artist plaque.
The watch is offered with two straps that evoke diverse expressions of water:
- A classically styled black strap made of crocodile leather (both outer leather and inner lining) and finished with glazing on the outer leather.
- A leather strap with metallic accents made by KYOTO Leather. Its design is inspired by the shimmer of splashing water.
credit: Oracle Time (1), @chronotempus (2, 4, 6-7 & 9), @omakasetour (3 & 5) & wristreview.com (8 & 10) & chrono24 (11)
I have previously reviewed all other Micro Artist Studio Masterpieces and I agree that some of them are a bit over-the-top.
But I find them quite fascinating nonetheless and this “Mystic Waterfall” ref. SBGZ011 is no exception.
What do you think?
Best, Emmanuel
Available on the marketplace
651 Grand Seiko listings are live on the eBay market and 47 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
Reference Guide
Explore Grand Seiko's 'date-free' watch models, a comprehensive guide to no-date mechanical, Spring Drive, and quartz options for collectors.
25 replies41554 views
Vintage
Explore the vintage Grand Seiko 4520-8000 Hi-Beat, a hand-wound masterpiece embodying the 'Grammar of Design'. Discover its history, movement, and collector insights.
36 replies34890 views
Manufacture
A French collector's journey to Tokyo and the Morioka factory, exploring Grand Seiko's vintage models and manufacturing heritage.
40 replies23351 views
New Release
Explore the Grand Seiko 44GS re-issue from BaselWorld 2013. KIH reviews its design, historical significance, and meticulous craftsmanship. Discover Seiko's dedication to heritage.
37 replies23111 views
Review
Explore the Grand Seiko SBGD001, a platinum Spring Drive timepiece crafted by the Micro Artist Studio. Discover its design, movement, and collector appeal.
18 replies13744 views
Review
Explore the Grand Seiko SBGW047, a limited edition tribute to the 44GS. This review details its design, craftsmanship, and collector appeal.
12 replies11239 views
Mystic Waterfall
The 44GS ref. SBGZ011 is a 50-piece limited edition created for the Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection by the Micro Artist Studio . The case and dial, inspired by the Tateshina Waterfall , are hand-engraved with lines running in multiple directions , inte...
A perfect match for the giant bottle I’ve been dying to open
A bit over the top (and no doubt my budget) but I still like it. Plus you wouldn’t have to worry about minor scratches … Mike ...
A perfect match indeed! Cheers!
I like it too, definitely (and I like your sense of humour: the scratches ;-) ) Best, Emmanuel
Certainly one I appreciate for the craftsmanship 👌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻
But not of a style that I would personally feel comfortable with wearing 😊🤷🏻♂️ And huge congratulations on reaching 18.000 posts 👏🏻🎉🎊🎈
The style is very decorative,
but I would definitely live with it if I had the chance to own one! 😊 Thank you for the 18k: I saw them coming at some point but finally forgot about them ! 🌸
Surely a beauty and art piece!
I like that the case is part of the whole and integrated into the dial concept! I hope this kind of style will be replicated by others, not specifically this, but a more integrated way of dial and case! 👍🏻🤩
Yes, I see what you mean and I don’t know
if any other brand does this. GS has done a previous iteration which is very close in style, but I think I prefer this one. Best, Emmanuel
I won’t, but I’d be happy if one of these
GS would agree to live with me ;-) Best, Emmanuel
Yes, this ref. SBGZ001 for the 20th Anniversary of Spring Drive is very nice too.
Do I prefer its snowflake dial to the waterfall one? Well, it's clearly a little more subtle, yes. I covered all these Micro Artist Studio creations in this post: www.watchprosite.com Best, Emmanuel
It's ref. SBGZ001 for the 20th Anniversary of Spring Drive. Very nice too.
All are covered in this post: www.watchprosite.com
Nice post...I really am drawn to old-school (style) Grand Seiko dress watches...
...the textured Platinum is my favorite...
I like some case engravings
Would be a good artistry to have in the collection. For this one, I’m not a fan.
I understand.
Check out the other references of the Micro Artist Studio creations: some are also engraved but some are not: www.watchprosite.com Best, Emmanuel
I have had some tooled GS & Credor
I got this from a friend on a multi-year loan. But the boys on this site didn’t like the day/date feature. So I removed it (Photoshop) It did look better but when it came to “making a deal” I couldn’t UNSEE the day/date and passed on buying the watch. On ...
Both are very nice, if you ask me.
I'm not too much into openwork but this Credor looks really good. It just lacks some sharp inward angles, maybe. And I personally prefer the Day/Date with the DD: it's part of its personality. And it looks quite nice too. Best, Emmanuel
Wonderful pictures
I would be curious to see how it would look in a more urban night background such as a nightclub dance floor, I think it would do quite well it that setting which makes it very interesting as a grand seiko. The engraving is exquisite, I think I may have a...
The SBGZ001, shown above by mdg is also more subdued.
You can check the other references of this collection here: www.watchprosite.com Best, Emmanuel
Thanks as always
For some reason and although I understand the appeal of spring drive, including the wonderful gliding second hand, I fail to connect emotionally with it.
Yes, real beauty!
GS has made a few other engraved refs. which look nice too: www.watchprosite.com Best, Emmanuel
A marvelous piece!
The engraving work is stunning, artistic and kind of reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night.