“Nature is the greatest artist.” There is some dispute as to who made this statement first. The truth therein, however, is indisputable. It’s no wonder that nature is a source of inspiration for many artists. In the world of watches, Grand Seiko is known for its devotion to nature and for capturing the beauty of nature on its artfully designed dials. Some of them are true masterpieces and deserve a closer look – in particular the following three, which are among my favorites.
Grand Seiko Snowflake (SBGA211G)
Grand Seiko Snowflake has one of the most beautiful dials in the watch world. The Snowflake (SBGA211G) is a Grand Seiko classic. With its spring drive technology, it’s not only a masterpiece of watchmaking, but also a real eye-catcher with its dial. The design was inspired by the snowy winter landscapes of Shiojiri in Japan. The dial features a unique snow-white color and fascinating vertical grain, reminiscent of a snow-covered mountain. To achieve the snow texture effect on the dial, a special, elaborate technique is used: For example, the dial is made of brass and given a white coating in a first step. A fine, multi-dimensional texture is then applied to the surface, creating the rough texture of snow. The next step is a special silver plating process. This gives the snowflake its characteristic snow color while retaining the structure created in the previous step. Finally, to give the dial a subtle shine, several layers of lacquer are applied. This elaborate combination of texture, silvering, and lacquering creates a unique visual effect reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, adding depth and vibrancy to the dial. Depending on how the light hits it, new facets are revealed – and the Snowflake is without a doubt a watch that looks best when viewed in bright sunlight, like freshly fallen snow on a sunny afternoon. One of the Snowflake’s distinguishing features is the blued seconds hand, which adds a subtle color accent while underscoring the attention to detail. The power reserve indicator on the dial blends harmoniously into the overall look, adding a functional component without upsetting the aesthetic balance. The date display at 3 o’clock completes the design and ensures balance. This work of art is covered by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which not only protects it from scratches, but also reveals the fascinating dial.
Grand Seiko Icefall (SBGH347)
The breathtaking beauty of a frozen waterfall inspired the stunning dial of the Grand Seiko Icefall (SBGH347). Inspired by the Nanataki Waterfall in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, the dial captures this natural phenomenon by reflecting the dynamism and mysticism of frozen water through its unique structure and color. A closer look at the dial reveals an intricate pattern that mimics the texture of moving water frozen in time. The dial’s rich detailing draws the eye of the beholder into the depths of the waterfall. The bluish-white color evokes the mysterious hues of ice and gives the watch a cool, wintry aura, creating an incomparable elegance. Again, the dial is based on a brass plate. First, the brass is formed in several steps to create the dynamic structure of the icefall. After the embossing process, the surface is carefully brushed to create vertical strokes that enhance both the texture and the reflections of light. The dial is then silver-plated and coated with a clear primer. In an elaborate process, up to 15 layers of paint are applied and repeatedly polished to achieve the unique white-blue color. The design of the dial is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also pays homage to the natural environment of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where the brand’s mechanical watches are manufactured. The dial embodies Grand Seiko’s deep connection with nature while demonstrating the Japanese brand’s exceptional craftsmanship. At the same time, it shows how harmoniously Grand Seiko integrates the indices and hands into the overall look. These elements are precision-engineered and polished to provide a perfect and calm contrast to the textured dial. They provide excellent readability without compromising the visual effect of the icefall motif. The golden Grand Seiko logo on the dial also adds a subtle but effective accent that harmoniously rounds out the overall composition.
Grand Seiko Birch Bark (SLGW003)
The inspiration for the Grand Seiko Birch Bark (SLGW003) was literally found on Grand Seiko’s doorstep – namely in the slender white birch trees that grow in the neighborhood of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. The dial is dedicated not only to the trees’ elegant beauty, but also to the unique structure of their bark. The dial features a fine, multi-dimensional pattern that mimics the interlacing and overlapping structure of birch bark. The basis for the production of this dial is an embossing mold, which is created in a lengthy process using the highest level of craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology. The brass dial is embossed seven times to create the distinctive birch pattern. The subsequent brushing process creates the finest horizontal strokes, giving the pattern its texture. The final step is foiling, which involves applying about 15 layers of paint and polishing several times. All of this gives the dial an impressive depth and vibrancy that reveals ever-new facets depending on the incidence of light. At the same time, the design of the birch bark is elegant and uncluttered. The redesigned indices are longer and slimmer than on previous models, giving the dial a modern touch. The color of the dial is subtle and natural, further emphasizing the connection with birch bark. This understated color choice harmonizes perfectly with the Brilliant Hard Titanium case, which is lighter than conventional titanium and gives the Zaratsu-polished surfaces a radiant luster.
Summary
The Nature of Time: Grand Seiko’s philosophy is not just a marketing concept. Rather, it’s the DNA of the Grand Seiko brand, which is dedicated to translating the phenomena and beauty of nature into the art of watchmaking. But it’s not just nature lovers who are inspired by Grand Seiko watches. The models are designed for the wearer who wants to be fascinated time and time again by the wealth of detail in their watch.
