While the older GS watches largely feature simple silvered dials in the mode of contemporary Swiss models, modern versions are famous for their incredibly creative colors, textures, imagery, and finishing. Made in imitation of the rivers, mountains, and natural surroundings of the Seiko facilities scattered throughout the country, they’ve become incredibly popular with collectors of all stripes.
“In Japan, we have a concept called mitate, or ‘indirect expression,’” explains Naito. “Our dials are not direct representations of nature-inspired themes. Rather, they feature designs intended to evoke a manifestation of the natural world. The wearer’s mind, memories, and imagination play a part in how the dial design connects back to the nature that inspired it. We find this can lead to a rich experience for the wearer, and it is our pleasure to provide such experiences.”
Still, I thought, there’s something distinctly compelling about this older crop of original Grand Seiko designs—the ones from the 1960s and 1970s sitting in the historical vitrine in Studio Shizukuishi. If only I could track one of these babies down, I thought…
I needed a GS to call my own
Perusing watches in a boutique on Madison Avenue or in a harshly lit meeting room in Geneva is one thing; exploring the company’s place of birth and getting a feel for its history is quite another. After touring its Ginza headquarters and museum, exploring its manufactures in Shiojiri and Shizukuishi, and chatting with Naito, it’s clear that Grand Seiko is a brand whose roots go so deep, one would need multiple lifetimes to find their source. One thing would surely help, however: A Grand Seiko of my own.
AloJapan.com