Re-creation of the first Grand Seiko

The first Grand Seiko was born on December 18th, 1960. It was a watch with a 14k gold-filled case and a slim movement whose precision met the highest international standard of the time. To this day, the design of the original watch is highly favored by watch fans around the world for its representation of Grand Seiko's design aesthetics, understated elegance, and attention to detail.

Ever since the first watch, durability and longevity have been the North Stars that have guided Grand Seiko on its path to making the ultimate watch. With this in mind, Grand Seiko introduces a Brilliant Hard Titanium re-creation of the first Grand Seiko timepiece, with the beloved profile of 1960. It features an urushi lacquer dial with maki-e hour markers crafted to stand the test of time. The curved dial and Grand Seiko lettering are faithful to the original 1960 creation. But here, through the implementation of Japanese craftsmanship far older than watchmaking itself, a beloved design reaches a new level.

Urushi lacquer is synonymous with traditional Japanese craft. While today it is most often employed to add a level of restrained ornamentation, urushi’s utility through the ages caused it to be used for its antiseptic and preservative qualities. The lacquer employed by Grand Seiko has the distinction of being sourced exclusively from the country of Japan, when the vast majority of the urushi is produced abroad. The jet-black color of the urushi in this watch’s dial was achieved through the addition of iron. The lacquer is further enhanced through a special treatment unique to Grand Seiko that prevents its color from changing over time.

The maki-e hour markers were brought to life by urushi master Isshu Tamura. The markers and Grand Seiko name are built up, layer upon layer, through the application of lacquer, endowing them with their trademark three-dimensional profile. Next comes the 24k gold powder – maki-e means “sprinkled picture” – which is applied and polished fastidiously with the special tools of the artisan. The process requires tremendous dexterity and precision to the micron level. Producing markers of uniform depth and width on a curved surface such as this watch dial is a challenge that requires a master’s touch.

The watch is powered by the manually wound Caliber 9S64, which allows for the slim profile and accuracy to +5 to -3 seconds per day. The Brilliant Hard Titanium case and clasp ensure that the watch is not only beautiful and light but also highly resistant to corrosion and scratches. Grand Seiko’s proprietary alloy is brighter than traditional titanium, causing the Zaratsu-polished surfaces to appear even more radiant while commanding a hardness double that of standard stainless steel.