Grand Seiko has developed a strong reputation for its beautiful dials, meticulously handcrafted by Japanese artisans drawing inspiration from elements of Japanese art and culture.
With the open-work nature of its Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon, however, it shows that it can take risks in design and stray from the codes that have garnered in a large following. First introduced in 2022, the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon is the first creation from the Manufacture’s Atelier Ginza to feature a mechanical tourbillon (it can be argued that the Kodo is Grand Seiko’s first mechanical complication), the first to feature a constant-force mechanism, and also Grand Seiko’s first skeletonised watch. An update was released at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva, this time in a cream-coloured ‘Daylight’ strap.
With the Kodo, Grand Seiko is displaying a charming self-confidence, and proves that it deserves to be in the same conversation as the great Swiss Manufactures. This is further proven when the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon won the Chronometry Prize in 2022’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
The watch is powered by the uniquely innovative Caliber 9ST1, the only fully integrated constant-force and tourbillon on the same axis in the world. The movement is a thing of wonder, and one cannot help but marvel at the seamless connection between the two mechanisms: devoid of any intervening wheels or components, the torque flows unimpeded from the constant-force mechanism to the balance wheel, ensuring a highly stable amplitude for the balance. Of the 340 components of the movement, 140 form the constant-force and tourbillon carriages.
In the expression unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva, Grand Seiko is inspired by Daylight, utilizing the interplay between light and shadow – a hallmark of Grand Seiko aesthetics. The hand-polished, open-work movement gives the watch an alluring gleam and brightness. It is adorned with blue sapphires to evoke a fresh sunrise. Finally, the cream leather strap rounds off the ‘Daylight’ motif.
This new expression of the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon is part of Grand Seiko’s Masterpiece Collection and is a limited edition of twenty pieces.
Specs
Case 43.8mm Platinum 950 and Brilliant Hard Titanium case, box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, with water resistance of 100 meters
Movement Manual winding Caliber 9ST1, power reserve of 72 hours
Price €385,000
Limited to 20 pieces
