Winters in Shinshu, where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are meticulously produced, offer a variety of scenes that are ephemeral and lastingly memorable. One such scene is known as Shizuri-yuki, or when snow spills down from the branches of trees and creates a shimmering cascade of light. With its rose gold case graced by lines of diamonds, and with its glide motion seconds hand that floats silently across the white textured dial, SBGY008 brings to life the essence of Shinshu’s gentle winter landscape and the transient beauty of Shizuri-yuki.
The 18k rose gold case measures 38.5mm in diameter, features a dual-curve sapphire crystal, as well as a sapphire crystal on the exhibition case back. The case carries a total of 53 diamonds set by hand by the highly skilled craftsmen and women of the Shinshu Watch Studio. They are arranged so that they gradually decrease in size from the center of the case down to the lug ends, resulting in a beautiful, flowing effect. The surfaces of the diamonds are also perfectly aligned to create a uniform sparkle, one that evokes the essence of Shizuri-yuki.
SBGY008 runs on the manual-winding caliber 9R31. The movement’s Dual Spring Barrel achieves a greater power reserve by housing two mainsprings in one barrel, which keeps the movement compact. The movement has an extended power reserve of 72 hours without any loss of torque. Exposed jewels, tempered screws, and some of the gear train are visible through the hairline-finished bridge, highlighting the exceptional finishing.
SBGY008 is a limited edition of 60.
