Grand Seiko Releases Platinum 44GS “Mystic Waterfall” With Hand-Engraved Detailing

The SBGZ011 model incorporates engraved elements on the case and dial, designed to reflect the visual and textural qualities of flowing spring water.

Grand Seiko

Nature is fundamental to Japanese culture and a prominent motif of Grand Seiko. The environments of the Japanese brand's factories are deliberately designed to inspire the takumi (artisans). Originating from Grand Seiko’s prestigious Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri, the Japanese company unveils the luxurious Masterpiece SBGZ011 in platinum, with a hand-engraved 44GS case and dial inspired by the Tateshina Waterfall, driven by the ultra-slim manual-winding Spring Drive calibre 9R02. Grand Seiko’s exclusive Micro Artist Studio specialises solely in intricate, artisanal Spring Drive movements, including the 8-Day power reserve and the newer series of slender dress watches driven by the calibre 9R02. In addition to creating ultra-refined calibres, the Studio excels in extraordinary hand-finishing processes.

The case chosen for this 15-piece platinum limited edition is the brand's renowned 44GS. Launched in 1967, the 44GS epitomised Grand Seiko’s “Grammar of Design” through its striking angles, expansive flat surfaces, and lustrous Zaratsu-polished reflections. The new watch features a 40mm diameter and a slender 9.6mm profile, meticulously hand-engraved with minute indentations to emulate the impression of rushing water. The interior surfaces are polished with Zaratsu, accentuating the sharp lugs. In a manner akin to the esteemed White Birch reference, the dial is meticulously hand-engraved with designs that evoke the movement of spring water. The hour and minute hands, along with the hand-applied diamond-cut markers, are composed of 14k white gold, resulting in a striking, luminous aesthetic. The tips of the minute and second hands are meticulously hand-curved.

Grand Seiko

This opulent platinum version, as noted on the dial's plaque, is driven by the meticulously crafted manual-winding Spring Drive calibre 9R02 — the slimmest Spring Drive movement to date. Engineered as an ultra-premium movement for Micro Artist Studio creations, the slender 4mm calibre integrates the accuracy of quartz regulation with the elegance and durability of a mechanical calibre. The twin mainspring configuration and torque-return mechanism yield an exceptional 84-hour power reserve, with the power reserve indicator located on the caseback. The movement is adorned with hand-finished bridges, highly polished bevels, and exquisite hairline finishes, and has an openworked bellflower (the emblem of Shiojiri) above the barrel, along with a gold plaque inscribed with “Micro Artist.”

The SBGZ011 features a traditional black crocodile strap and a triple-folding platinum clasp with a push-button release mechanism. The watch is accompanied by an extra Kyoto leather strap featuring metallic details that evoke the glimmer of splashing water. The watch, a limited edition of 50, will be exclusively available at Grand Seiko Boutiques in July 2026, with a retail price of EUR 86,000. Additional details are available at grand-seiko.com.