Grand Seiko Introduces A Never-Before-Seen Dial Technique That Changes Color

When it comes to Grand Seiko, it’s no surprise that it’s going to be all about the dials. This year in Geneva, Grand Seiko takes its dial innovation one step further by creating a new dial technique (“Optical Multilayer Coating”) that allows for the dial to shift in colors depending on the view of the watch.

In the heart of Japan’s Shinshu region, surrounded by the majestic Hotaka mountains, a new dawn rises in the world of horology. Grand Seiko celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first 9R Spring Drive movement with a timepiece that captures the ephemeral beauty of a Shinshu sunrise: the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT. This limited edition marvel, inspired by the summer’s early morning hues reflecting off the Hotaka range, introduces a groundbreaking dial that changes colors from pink to orange, mirroring the natural spectacle.

The innovation behind this captivating display is Grand Seiko’s newly patented “Optical Multilayer Coating” technology. Unlike traditional dial coloring methods, this technique employs a physical vapor deposition process to apply nanoscale films, creating a dial that shifts color with the viewer’s perspective. This, combined with the Spring Drive’s signature smooth second-hand movement, offers a unique visual representation of time’s fluidity, enhancing the wearer’s connection to the natural progression of time.

Echoing the brand’s ethos of strength and precision, the watch’s design draws inspiration from the lion, a symbol of Grand Seiko since its inception in 1960. The robust, angular case and bracelet, crafted from high-intensity titanium, reflect the lion’s majesty, while ensuring durability and comfort. The dial itself is adorned with a “lion’s mane” pattern, exclusive to this model, symbolizing the fusion of beauty and strength.

The Spring Drive Chronograph GMT is powered by the Caliber 9R96, offering exceptional accuracy of ±10 seconds per month, significantly surpassing the standard model’s precision. This heightened accuracy is commemorated with an 18k gold Grand Seiko lion emblem on the movement’s oscillating weight, signifying the technical excellence and craftsmanship imbued in each timepiece.

Limited to just 700 pieces, this Grand Seiko Sport Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (SBGC275) is not just a watch; it’s a testament to Grand Seiko’s commitment to innovation, elegance, and the seamless melding of nature and technology.