Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Hand-Engraved Grand Seiko 44GS Mystic Waterfall SBGZ011
A luxurious platinum edition with engravings on the case and dial recreate the sensation of spring water.
Nature is a cornerstone of Japanese culture and a predominant theme at Grand Seiko. Even the settings of the Japanese brand’s manufactures are intentionally studied to inspire the takumi (artisans). Hailing from Grand Seiko’s haute horlogerie Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri, the Japanese brand releases a high-end Masterpiece SBGZ011 in platinum, in a hand-engraved 44GS case and dial inspired by the Tateshina Waterfall, powered by the ultra-slim manual-winding Spring Drive calibre 9R02.
Grand Seiko’s elite Micro Artist Studio focuses exclusively on complex, handcrafted Spring Drive movements, such as the 8-Day power reserve and the more recent Spring Drive line of thin dress watches powered by the calibre 9R02. Alongside the development of ultra-refined calibres, the Studio specialises in exceptional hand-finishing techniques.
The case selected for this 15-piece platinum limited edition is the brand’s iconic 44GS. Released in 1967, the 44GS came to define Grand Seiko’s “Grammar of Design” with powerful angles, broad flat surfaces and gleaming Zaratsu-polished reflections. The new watch, with a 40mm diameter and a slim 9.6mm profile, is hand-engraved with small indentations to recreate the sensation of flowing water. Highlighting its angular lugs, the innermost surfaces are Zaratsu polished.
Similar in spirit to the coveted White Birch reference, the dial is also hand-engraved with motifs to suggest the flow of spring water. The hour and minute hands, as well as the hand-applied diamond-cut markers, are crafted from 14k white gold, creating a sharp, brilliant appearance. The tips of the minute and second hands are gently curved by hand.
As indicated by the plaque on the dial, this luxurious platinum edition is powered by the finely executed manual-winding Spring Drive calibre 9R02 – the thinnest Spring Drive movement to date. Developed as an ultra-high-end movement for Micro Artist Studio creations, the slim 4mm calibre merges the precision of quartz regulation with the beauty and perpetuity of a mechanical calibre. The dual mainspring structure and torque-return system result in an outstanding 84-hour power reserve (the power reserve indicator is featured on the caseback). The movement is decorated with hand-finished bridges, brightly polished bevels, and fine hairline finishes, and features an openworked bellflower (the symbol of Shiojiri) over the barrel and a gold plaque engraved with “Micro Artist”.
The SBGZ011 is paired with a classic black crocodile strap and triple-folding platinum clasp with push-button release. The watch is delivered with an additional Kyoto leather strap with metallic accents to suggest the shimmer of splashing water. A limited edition of 50, the watch will be available exclusively at Grand Seiko Boutiques in July 2026 and retails for EUR 86,000. More information at grand-seiko.com.
