Inspired by the Lion emblem, Grand Seiko’s symbol since its inception, the SBGD223 is a stunning Spring Drive creation crafted by the Micro Artist Studio.

The SBGD223 evokes the potent image of a lion emerging from the darkness through the combination of diamonds and black spinels. The more than 600 diamonds of various sizes meticulously set onto the watch’s Platinum 950 case and its dial, which are achieved through exceptional craftsmanship, create a radiant contrast with the depth of the black spinels and represent a masterful display of the jeweller’s art. The jewellery work that went into it is so fine that several of the stones serve as functional hour and minute markers. Though Grand Seiko has created high-jewellery watches before, this is notably the first to feature a pavé setting.

The Micro Artist Studio has earned a reputation as one of the preeminent sites for high-end watchmaking not only in Japan but in the world, renowned for a level of finishing seldom seen in watchmaking today. What makes the studio truly unique, however, is that it achieves this while implementing a technology, Spring Drive, that is created in precisely one place in the world: Shinshu, Japan.

Turning the case over reveals the Calibre 9R01 Spring Drive 8 Days movement, which melds the convenience of a long power reserve with the accuracy and beauty of Spring Drive. In the case of Calibre 9R01, it is ±10 seconds per month. A veritable map of the region in which it is made, the movement’s single bridge traces the contours of Mount Fuji, while the wheel behind it resembles the sun. Rubies shimmer like the lights of Suwa City, with the power-reserve indicator standing in for nearby Lake Suwa.

The Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection Spring Drive 8-Day Jewelry Watch SBGD223 will be available exclusively from Grand Seiko Boutiques in May 2025.