The light blue textured dial of this timepiece is inspired by a mysterious natural midwinter phenomenon called “Omiwatari” occurring on the frozen surface of Japan’s Lake Suwa near Shiojiri, birthplace of Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movement.

“Omiwatari” are ice ridges created when the temperature changes cause the frozen lake to stretch and contract. Considered to be ‘God’s Footsteps,’ religious ceremonies are held to predict the forthcoming year’s harvests and good fortune by looking at the direction and height of the ridges.

‘The Nature of Time’ theme features prominently in Grand Seiko watch designs – a Japanese spirituality where each moment is a unique expression unveiled through light and shadow. The watchmakers’ pride in their surroundings is represented from engineering watch movements which emulate the smooth motion of time passing, to creating dials reflecting the beauty of Japanese nature.

This model is powered by the slim Spring Drive calibre 9R31 made at the Shinshu Watch Studio – its dual spring barrel creates a power reserve of 72 hours, shown by a power reserve indicator on the back. Spring Drive was uniquely pioneered by Seiko Watch Corporation’s watchmakers – it generates energy like a conventional mechanical watch with a mainspring, but combines this with an electronic regulator to deliver a superior level of precision, never requiring a battery change. Spring Drive is only available in Seiko Watch corporation timepieces.

Grand Seiko: beautifully, precise Japanese watchmaking, from the pinnacle of Seiko Watch Corporation’s in-house manufacture.
Every Grand Seiko features signature high standards of Japanese precision, durability and legibility, handcrafted by Takumi artisans.