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2026W&W》Grand Seiko's New Works Carve Ocean and Mountain Scenery onto Watch Dials, Writing a New Chapter in Japanese Watchmaking

From Liberty Times · (1d ago) Chinese Positive tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Grand Seiko has unveiled new watch models inspired by Japanese nature for the 2026 Watches and Wonders exhibition.
  • The 'Tidal Ushio 300' dive watch features a titanium case, a dial inspired by ocean textures, and the new Spring Drive U.F.A. 9RB1 movement.
  • The Masterpiece Collection SBGZ011 'Spring' watch showcases intricate hand-engraving on a platinum case, powered by the Spring Drive 9R02 manual-winding movement.

From the esteemed Japanese maison of Grand Seiko comes a breathtaking new collection that further cements its reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and profound aesthetic sensibility. Unveiled in anticipation of the 2026 Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, these latest creations draw deep inspiration from the evocative beauty of Japan's natural landscapes, translating the subtle poetry of the sea and mountains into horological art.

The 'Tidal Ushio 300' dive watch, a standout piece, embodies Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 design philosophy. Crafted from lightweight yet robust white titanium, its 40.8mm case is engineered for both professional diving and comfortable wear. The dial is a masterful depiction of oceanic textures, utilizing deep blues and gradient greens to capture the shifting light and color as water transitions from the abyss to the shore. Enhanced by faceted indices and Lumibrite luminous coating, legibility is paramount. Powering this exceptional timepiece is the new Spring Drive U.F.A. 9RB1 movement, boasting an impressive annual accuracy of ±20 seconds and a 72-hour power reserve, complemented by a 300-meter water resistance rating and practical features for divers.

Further exploring the aquatic theme, another iteration of the 'Tidal' model offers a different marine character through subtle color and detail adjustments. Its green dial evokes the gentle motion of shallow waters, presenting a more serene visual experience while retaining the sharp lines and functional prowess characteristic of the Evolution 9 style. The use of white titanium ensures a lightweight feel, superior corrosion resistance, and durability, making it suitable for both daily wear and challenging environments. This model also houses the 9RB1 movement, featuring vacuum-sealed quartz oscillators and temperature compensation for unwavering accuracy.

Shifting focus to the mountains, the Masterpiece Collection SBGZ011 'Spring' watch represents a return to Grand Seiko's iconic 44GS case silhouette, reinterpreted through the lens of natural artistry. The dial is a testament to meticulous hand-engraving, capturing the dynamic flow of the Tateshina waterfall. Intricate textures catch the light, creating a fluid, shimmering effect reminiscent of water surfaces, further enhanced by 14K white gold hands and diamond-cut indices. The case, fashioned from 950 platinum, is adorned with a combination of Zaratsu polishing and engraving, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow along its sharp edges. This exquisite piece is powered by the Spring Drive 9R02 manual-winding movement, a remarkably slim caliber at just 4.0mm, incorporating a dual-mainspring and torque-return system for an 84-hour power reserve and exceptional precision of ±1 second per day. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, this watch is a true collector's item.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.