I’ve all the time had a fascination for peeking backstage. Whether or not it was tearing aside damaged electronics, rebuilding automotive engines, or opening the caseback of my first Seiko, I’ve all the time wished to see and understand how issues work. As I’ve gone deeper into the horology rabbit gap, I’ve turn out to be extra within the bodily means of assembling a motion. Whereas I can watch any variety of YouTube movies, there’s one thing particular about seeing it achieved in particular person, particularly while you get to observe a Grand Seiko Watchmaker at work. Final week, I used to be invited to Grand Seiko’s boutique for a dwell meeting of their new 9SA4 motion, a high-beat, manually wound excessive frequency motion that includes Grand Seiko’s proprietary twin impulse escapement and 80 hours of energy reserve. When you’d prefer to study extra concerning the 9SA4 and the way it was created from the 9SA5, Zach Kazan covers that intimately right here.
This occasion was hosted at Grand Seiko’s Madison Avenue boutique (we celebrated the grand opening of this boutique in March, click on right here for the recap article) which encompasses a attractive open idea predominant degree, and an intimate decrease degree they’ve dubbed “The Cellar”. Not like any cellar I’ve ever been in, this decrease degree options a number of lounge areas, a full bar, a devoted presentation area and, after all, loads of watches. You’ll additionally discover varied gadgets of cultural significance from the cities surrounding the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, which encourage the design of many Grand Seiko timepieces.
For the occasion, Grand Seiko employed two expert cooks, who had been making ready quite a lot of recent sushi which paired superbly with a curated choice of cocktails and Japanese beer. After everybody had their fill, we had been handled to a brief presentation on the 9SA5 by Joe Kirk, Grand Seiko’s Model Curator and Director of Advertising, and the way it was used as the inspiration for the 9SA4. Afterwards, watch maker Hiroomi Suzuki constructed a whole 9SA4 earlier than our eyes.
Looking by way of the gallery of occasion images, you’ll discover that I don’t have any images of Suzuki-san utilizing a loupe or different magnification as he constructed this motion with none help, and infrequently needed to gradual his progress so Joe may precisely narrate the steps that he was performing. In complete, Suzuki-san efficiently positioned 200+ elements within the motion in slightly below 20 minutes, which was completely wonderful to observe. As soon as accomplished, visitors had been allowed to see the finished motion up shut, in addition to deal with a accomplished SLGW002, appropriately dubbed the “Birch Bark” as a result of its dial texture.