Watch Of The Week: The New Grand Seiko Mt. Iwate-Inspired Evolution 9 Watch

Nestled in the serene surroundings of northern Japan, the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is a place where the beauty of nature meets the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship. With Mt. Iwate standing majestically in the distance, this revered studio serves as the birthplace of Grand Seiko’s mechanical timepieces.

Inspired by this iconic mountain, a new addition to the Evolution 9 Collection is introduced, embodying the brand’s commitment to innovation in design, material, and technology.

The latest Grand Seiko creation features a textured dial that draws inspiration from the rugged ridges of Mt. Iwate. Since 2006, this signature dial pattern has been closely associated with Grand Seiko mechanical watchmaking.

Mt. Iwate, an active volcano, has left its mark on the landscape through centuries of lava flow and natural transformation. The new timepiece’s dial captures the timeless allure of the mountain, with a striking light-blue hue evoking the pristine air and water surrounding this legendary landmark.

Designed in the Evolution 9 Style, the watch embodies Grand Seiko’s core ideals of beauty, legibility, and wearability while paying homage to the legacy of the 1967 44GS. The meticulous Zaratsu polishing technique is employed to create a distortion-free mirror finish, complemented by delicate hairline finishing that imparts a refined, harmonious glow.

The bold hands and deeply grooved indexes ensure superior legibility, a hallmark of Grand Seiko craftsmanship. Furthermore, the low center of gravity of the case, paired with an expertly proportioned bracelet, guarantees a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. Crafted from Ever-Brilliant Steel, the case and bracelet offer superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional stainless steel.

This exceptional alloy enhances the overall luminosity of the timepiece, making the hairline-finished surfaces appear brighter and more refined. The seamless integration of Ever-Brilliant Steel with the light-blue dial creates a mesmerizing interplay of texture and color, resulting in a truly elegant wristwatch.

Ever-Brilliant Steel is distinguished by its impressive Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN), which is 1.7 times higher than the steel grade typically used in luxury watchmaking. This ensures exceptional durability and longevity, reinforcing Grand Seiko’s commitment to engineering excellence.

At the heart of this high-beat timepiece is the remarkable Caliber 9SA5, an automatic movement offering an 80-hour power reserve. Featuring a highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement and twin barrels, the movement is engineered for both precision and performance.

Its finishing, inspired by the gentle waves of the Shizukuishi River near the studio, showcases Grand Seiko’s attention to detail and reverence for nature. The watch’s sapphire crystal case back provides an exquisite view of this meticulously crafted movement.

Available in a limited edition of 1,200 pieces, this extraordinary timepiece will be released in May 2025 at Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide. Designed for collectors and enthusiasts alike, it stands as a testament to Grand Seiko’s continuous pursuit of excellence, seamlessly blending nature’s beauty with cutting-edge watchmaking innovation.