Grand Seiko Elegance "Omiwatari" Spring Drive mechanical 38,5 mm Full Set 2022

A sublime dial

This SBGY007 features a “Dress Style” steel case measuring 38.5 mm in diameter and 10.2 mm thick. Its finish is perfect, thanks in particular to the Zaratsu polishing technique, which had to be adapted specifically for this case to create a distortion-free finish on its curved lugs! The sides of the case are satin-finished, to contrast perfectly with the rest of the case. The watch is topped by an anti-reflective cambered sapphire crystal, and adorned with a black alligator leather strap.

This timepiece is inspired by the legend Omiwatari, literally “crossing of the Gods”. Every winter, Lake Suwa, close to our Manufacture, freezes over and ridges form on its surface: according to local legend, these ridges are the path taken by the gods from one shore to the other. True or not, this legend inspired the artisans at Shinshu Watch Studio to create a subtle dial for this hand-wound Spring Drive timepiece.

The ice-blue dial, which mimics the ripples of the frozen lake, was crafted by artisans to create this distinctive pattern. To match the dial and domed sapphire crystal as closely as possible, the multifaceted diamond-cut hour-markers are curved, as are the seconds and minute hands. Thanks to the Spring Drive movement, the seconds hand glides smoothly, reflecting the natural flow of time. This is what Grand Seiko calls “Flow of the Time”

For the record, the seconds hand is traditionally hot-blued by a craftsman at Seiko Epson's Shinshu Watch Studio, in the Shiojiri factory.

A Spring Drive caliber

This Omiwatari is powered by the exceptional 9R31 caliber! Unveiled in 2019 alongside caliber 9R02, which is produced by Micro Artist Studio, the 9R31 commemorated Spring Drive's 20th anniversary. This slim, high-performance movement features a double-barrel structure, enabling it to offer a large 72-hour power reserve while remaining compact. The power-reserve indicator of this hand-wound caliber is visible through the sapphire case-back. Its hand is hand-blued for a perfect rendering.

This movement is beautifully decorated, with its exposed rubies, blued screws and diamond-cut beveled bridges. The 9R31 features a unique brushed-finish bridge. Similar to the 3/4 plates used by German watchmakers, this construction is perfect for maintaining high shock resistance and enhancing the efficiency of the gear train. In all, the 9R31 caliber comprises over 200 components and is the second thinnest Grand Seiko Spring Drive caliber after the 9R02. It is produced by the Shinshu Watch Studio, located at Seiko Epson Corporation's Shiojiri plant.

The package

This Grand Seiko is in excellent condition and will be delivered to you Full Set, with its original case and all its papers. The warranty card is dated 2022, so this model is under Grand Seiko warranty until 2027! This SBGY007 has been authenticated and controlled by our watchmakers and as such also benefits from our Lepage Vintage 1-year warranty.