Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive SBGY007G Watch Review
The Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive SBGY007G is named after the frozen surface of Japan’s Lake Suwa near Shiojiri, home to the Spring Drive movement. Its pale blue dial gently undulates, replicating ice ridges, while the limited number of dial indications delivers a wonderfully pure aesthetic.
Japan’s love of nature
It is widely accepted that Japan’s citizens possess a deep understanding of nature and a well-developed appreciation for their surroundings. For example, each year the famous cherry blossoms, or Sakura, attract locals and tourists alike. Although I was aware of this widespread admiration for the natural world, I witnessed this national characteristic first hand while touring Japan.
A few years ago, Seiko kindly invited me to visit its various production facilities. After touring the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, I assembled with other journalists in the car park. Whilst waiting for our coach to arrive, I noticed a sign detailing the wild plants, birds and various animals in our midst. This wonderfully demonstrated the nation’s affinity with nature.
Grand Seiko Snowflake
Over the years, Grand Seiko has released several models inspired by its surroundings. The white dial of the legendary ‘Snowflake’ SBGA011 resembles the appearance of fresh snow, as seen outside the firm’s Shinshu Watch Studio. Several of the firm’s models have been endowed with the ‘Mount Iwate pattern dial’, including the GPHG prize-winning model, the Hi-Beat 36,000 GMT SBGJ005. More recently, the Japanese marque unveiled the Shirakaba (White Birch) SLGH005 and a platinum hi-beat model featuring a ‘wood grain’ dial SLGH007J.
Put simply, the design language employed by Grand Seiko regularly celebrates nature and the Japanese landscape.
Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive SBGY007G – the origins of its name
The name of the Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive refers to the ‘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.’
The epidermis of the model’s pale blue dial gently undulates, replicating the ice ridges that adorn the frozen lake. While it has a more pronounced texture than the iconic Snowflake, it remains understated and elegant.
Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive SBGY007G – Spring Drive calibre 9R31
Unlike many Spring Drive models, the power-reserve indicator is located to the rear of the watch and the dial shuns the date display found on many of its siblings. The resultant watch looks more formal and dressy. Moreover, by limiting the dial side functions to merely hours, minutes and centre seconds, the watch exhibits a becoming sense of purity.
Grand Seiko has equipped this timepiece with the Spring Drive calibre 9R31 movement. This type of movement is exclusive to the luxury marque. It is a hybrid of both electronic and mechanical watchmaking, delivering a level of precision that surpasses most tourbillons (for more detailed information about Spring Drive – see my review of the SBGA011). Indeed, Grand Seiko states the watch has an accuracy of ‘±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month (average)’. Unlike a conventional quartz watch, the calibre 9R31 does not require a battery. It is powered by the mechanical energy stored within the movement’s twin barrels.
Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive SBGY007G – discreet refinement
Measuring 38.5 mm in diameter and with a modest height of 10.2mm, this model is an exemplar of discreet refinement.
Grand Seiko “Omiwatari” Spring Drive SBGY007G – the brand’s press release (June 2021)
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.
Further reading