This timepiece is one of a series of ‘Iwao’ pattern dials, with a rock-like texture inspired by nature. The Katsu-Iro dial colour of this timepiece is inspired by the distinctive armour worn by Japanese Samurai warriors during the Sengoku period – dyed indigo – “Katsu-Iro” – which represented their bravery.
The ‘Katsu- Iro’ case is an elegant combination of hairline and mirror finishing free of distortion with defined edges that are central to the Grand Seiko Style.
Zaratsu polishing is a crucial part of achieving this result and is only possible thanks to the superlative skills of the craftsmen and women who practice this most difficult art. The finishing quality is determined by a combination of various factors including how much pressure is applied to hold the surface against the rotating disc, for how long, and how quickly the surface is slid over the disc. And all of this depends on the craftsperson’s sense of touch.
Another skill almost as difficult as Zaratsu polishing is the creation of a flawless hairline pattern. There are many Grand Seiko timepieces including the SBGA469 with cases that feature both Zarasu polishing and hairline finishing. The finely brushed surfaces express a soft serenity that contrasts with the brilliance of mirrored surfaces.
The hairline patterns are formed after the case is polished to a mirror finish through Zaratsu polishing and final buffing is applied. So why is Zaratsu polishing necessary? According to Takahiro Ushiyama, the specialist in this process, “It’s because the hairlines will become irregular if there is even the slightest distortion on the surface.”
The SBGA469 is powered by Spring Drive Calibre 9R65 that delivers an accuracy rate of ±1 seconds per day. The movement uses two mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel to deliver a power reserve of 72 hours.
Spring Drive generates energy like a traditional mechanical watch but combines this with an electronic regulator to deliver a level of precision that no mechanical watch can match. The signature of Spring Drive is the glide motion of its second hand. The hand moves in a silent and beautiful glide motion, rather than the one-second tick of a quartz watch or the rapid beat of a mechanical watch.
SPECIFICATIONS
SBGA469
Case: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 41mm in diameter x 12.5mm in thickness
Movement: Spring drive 9R65
Availability: Available through our Grand Seiko Boutique Online.
