Seiko Spring Drive Moonphase automatic 42 mm Full Set 2008

A Seiko “Spring Drive”

There's no need to revisit the epic story of the Spring Drive, a watchmaking technology that revolutionized the world of watchmaking over two decades ago. Discreet and little-known for many years, this movement long evolved in the shadows, confined to the circle of connoisseurs. It was the rise of Grand Seiko that truly propelled the Spring Drive to the forefront of the watchmaking scene, revealing a long-hidden treasure.

During the first decade of its existence, the Spring Drive was a veritable playground for Seiko's designers. They didn't hesitate to explore bold, avant-garde aesthetics, giving birth to models that were often unique in their kind. The first generations of watches equipped with the Spring Drive movement are now considered collector's items. These models, often produced in limited series, appealed to a select circle of watch enthusiasts. Indeed, the prices charged at the time may have discouraged some collectors, who found them very expensive for Japanese watches! But today, these timepieces are real treasures for lovers of singular timepieces!

The model we're lucky enough to present to you in this episode “Lepage 10h10” is probably one of the most beautiful Spring Drive, which won the 2008 “Golden Balance Wheel Award”, in the category of watches worth 5,000 euros or less! This watchmaking prize is awarded by the German watchmaking magazine “Uhren-Magazin”.

Limited to 200 pieces, this Seiko is inspired, as is often the case with Seiko and Grand Seiko watches, by landscapes and the nature of time. This one is no exception, and its design is based on the “night landscape”.

It features a steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter, for a thickness of 13 mm, ingeniously constructed! In fact, the sides of the case are “three-dimensional”, with precise, rhythmic straight lines alternating between polished and satin-finished finishes. The lugs are finished to give them a sharp appearance, and the balance between these two elements brings a truly unique design.

It's really on the dial side that the magic happens! The glossy black dial resembles the night sky. At 4 o'clock, the moon phase is modern, almost futuristic, with beautifully executed curves and the use of polished steel.

On the lower left of the dial is the power reserve indicator, carved into an organic shape and given a bold matte finish, like a starry sky. This creates an interesting visual asymmetry on the high-gloss black dial. As with all high-end Seiko watches of this era, we have a similar Grand Seiko finish, with applied, faceted hour-markers and brushed hands standing out from the dial. The whole is protected by a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

Mechanical side

This Seiko is powered by Seiko's first “Moonphase Spring Drive” caliber, the 5R67! First presented in 2006, this self-winding movement demonstrates the Japanese brand's expertise and mastery of movement design. Engineering know-how, it brings together all the group's technologies, with a mechanical caliber base, but where the traditional escapement has been replaced by a “Tri-synchro”, where a quartz crystal is located. This technology was a real revolution when it was introduced in 1999! Few watchmakers can offer such a caliber, as it is highly complex and unique on the market.

This 288-component 5R67 movement offers a 72-hour power reserve and a daily precision of +/- 1 second! Visible through its sapphire crystal, it offers a flawless finish with sober yet elegant decoration. It features “Tokyo dimensions” starting from its “Tri-synchro” balance. As always with a Spring-Drive caliber, you'll fall in love with its uniquely smooth seconds hand, representing the true nature of time!

The package

This Seiko is in excellent condition and will be delivered to you Full Set, with its original case, manual and 2008 warranty. The watch leaves our workshop for polishing and a complete check-up to check its power reserve and precision (always excellent for a Spring Drive!). The icing on the cake for all collectors, this model is number 1 in this series of 200! This SNR017 benefits from our Lepage Vintage one-year warranty.