Grand Seiko Spring Drive "Skyflake" SBGA407
Ref: SBGA407

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Grand Seiko box and Grand Seiko paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original Grand Seiko leather strap with a signed buckle. The watch is in fantastic condition with little to no signs of wear at all, some slight wear to the leather strap but even that is very minimal. The watch was purchased new in June 2019 and comes with its manufacture warranty, the watch is running flawlessly as you would expect.

The Watch

The first Grand Seiko debuted in Tokyo in 1960. The reference 3180 was made by Suwa Seikosha. Rather than sending its 25 Jewels Chronometer movement to the Swiss to be tested, Seiko decided to do the testing themselves. The European Chronometer Official Association believed that a chronometer rated watch had to be independently tested to be awarded that designation. Seiko watches were not independently tested so, therefore, they could not be chronometers. The ECOA did what irritated watchmakers do, they wrote a stern letter to Seiko requesting that the designation of Chronometer on Grand and King Seiko watches stop. Seiko obliged and ceased using chronometer on their watches. In response, the Japanese Chronometer Authorization Association was started in 1968 as an independent group to test timepieces to chronometer standards. The Association was short-lived: due to the rise of quartz watches, it closed in 1983. Today Grand Seiko movements are tested over 17 days in 6 positions compared to COSC testing over 15 days in 5 positions. In 1985 Suwa Seikosha became Seiko Epson Corporation. In 2017 Seiko announced that Grand Seiko would become an independent brand.
This Grand Seiko has a 40mm stainless steel case, its angles and edges are exquisitely Zaratsu polished by masters of the art. The curved faceted lugs gently taper. On the right side a large signed crown. A flat bevel-edged Sapphire crystal protects the sky blue Japanese paper textured dial. It's inspired by the windswept snow-capped mountains of Shinshu. Hence the name “SkyFlake”. The baton indexes have razor-sharp edges that are expertly polished to an incredible standard. At 3 o’clock a framed date window. Between the 7 and 8 position sits an elegant power reserve. The dauphine hands are again highly polished with razor-sharp edges that catch the light perfectly. A blued sweeping seconds hand tapers to a point, perfectly hitting each second marking. On the reverse a screwed-down exhibition case. Showcasing the CÔTES DE GENÈVE finished Spring Drive Grand Seiko Cal. 9R65, the innovative Spring Drive movement which is mechanical, but with an electromagnetic escapement regulated by a quartz oscillator. It has 30 jewels and a power reserve of an impressive 72 hours. Its sole power source is a mainspring that drives a series of gears. A rotor connected to the end of these gears then generates a small electrical charge that activates an electronic circuit and quartz oscillator. Therefore there is no need for a battery.

Personal Note

I had seen this reference before, but having it in stock really made me appreciate it so much more! In my humble opinion, this blows the "Snowflake" out of the water, it doesn't even come close! The baby blue tone dial just screams beauty, the detailing is insane! I've said it before, I'll say it again... Go and try a Grand Seiko on, you will understand the hype right away!