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Le Régulateur Gravé Bleu, Louis Erard’s Tribute to the Sector Dial

Louis Erard presents its latest release, the "Le Régulateur Gravure Bleu," a watch that, as the company describes, embodies the concept of the "Napkin Strategy." This well-known business term refers to a simple, concise idea, often improvised, symbolizing its ability to be quickly sketched on a napkin.

Louis Erard introduces Le Régulateur Gravé as a permanent addition to its Noirmont Métiers d'Art line, reinterpreting the sector dial with intricate traditional engraving. By presenting this non-limited model, Louis Erard further solidifies its distinct identity while making its rare design more accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts.

Introducing Grand Seiko Celebrates The 20th Anniversary of The 9R Spring Drive Caliber

New aesthetics for the GMT sport, and the iconic snowflake

Grand Seiko is a high-end luxury watch brand that originated in Japan. It is a subsidiary of Seiko and is known for producing high-precision timepieces characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and elegance. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9R Spring Drive, Grand Seiko unveils two exclusive models, the Spring Drive SBGA497, known as the "Snowflake," and the Spring Drive GMT SBGE305. Both models encapsulate the essence of the "Morning Glow of the Hotaka Peaks'' theme.

The 9R Spring Drive movement was introduced in 2004, and it represents a technological fusion of mechanical and quartz components. It operates by harnessing energy similar to a mechanical watch but achieves the precision characteristic of quartz timepieces. While retaining many elements of a traditional mechanical movement, the Spring Drive substitutes the conventional escapement and balance wheel with the innovative "Tri-synchro Regulator" system. This regulator produces electrical power from the mainspring and utilizes quartz technology and electromagnetic power to govern the release of energy to the watch hands. Through electromagnetic braking, it controls the speed of the rotor and the movement of the hands.
 

Grand Seiko Heritage“Snowflake” Spring Drive SBGA497

The SBGA497 encapsulates the tranquil ambiance of a winter morning in Shinshu, the birthplace of Spring Drive. Crafted  from robust high-intensity titanium, the case boasts a diameter of 41mm, a thickness of 12.5mm, ensuring both durability and an elegant appearance on the wrist. Its pink gradation dial evokes the gentle glow of the morning sun over the snow-clad Hotaka Peaks, symbolizing the evolving scenery at dawn. The nuanced color transitions on the dial mirror the play of light on a snow-covered surface as it catches the morning sun. In harmony with the tones of dawn, the date window at 3 o'clock, power reserve hand between 7 and 8 o'clock and Grand Seiko logo complement the overall aesthetic.

Driving this watch is the self-winding Spring Drive 9R65 Caliber, adorned with 30 jewels. It provides 72 hours of power reserve and maintains an accuracy, averaging ±1 second per day and ±15 seconds per month. The watch comes with a titanium bracelet secured by a three-fold clasp, the Spring Drive SBGA497 is limited to 1,500 pieces, with a price of USD 6,300 which is equivalent to AED 23,200.

 

Technical specifications: Grand Seiko Heritage“Snowflake” Spring Drive SBGA497
  • Case: titanium case, sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating, open case back
  • Diameter: 41 mm 
  • Height: 12.5 mm 
  • Dial: pink dial, power reserve hand between 7 and 8, date window at 3 o'clock
  • Movement: In-house, Spring Drive 9R65 Caliber, Automatic, 30 jewels
  • Power reserve: 72 hours, ±1 second per day and ±15 seconds per month
  • Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator 
  • Bracelet / Strap: titanium bracelet secured by a three-fold clasp
  • Availability: limited edition to 1,500 pieces 
  • Price: USD 6,300 which is equivalent to AED 23,200

 

Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive GMT SBGE305

Measuring at a diameter of 40.5mm and a thickness of 14.7mm, this stainless steel timepiece is enhanced by the mid-case curvature for a secure fit. The case features a captivating contrast through a blend of Zaratsu-polished and brushed surfaces, reflecting the distinct brilliance associated with Grand Seiko watches. Adding durability, the black ceramic bezel provides scratch resistance to a crucial area of the watch prone to contact. The SBGE305's black ceramic bezel reflects the resilient rock formations of the Hotaka landscape, while its deep-red dial evokes the visual poetry of a summer sunrise illuminating the iconic terrain. This unique combination highlights Grand Seiko's commitment to encapsulating the beauty of nature in its exceptional timepieces.

The hands feature hairline surfaces adorned with polished bevels. These hands, along with the indexes, undergo diverse surface treatments on their multifaceted surfaces, further heightened by the brand's lume coating "Lumibrite", to ensure clear legibility during nighttime hours. The dial also includes a GMT hand, a date window at 4 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator between 7 and 8 o’clock, using colors ranging from black, gray, and white to indicate the available power reserve.

The watch is powered by the Spring Drive 9R66 Caliber and comes with a stainless steel bracelet secured by a deployant clasp. It is limited to 1,300 pieces, with a price of USD 6,200, equivalent to AED 22,800.

Technical specifications: Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive GMT SBGE305
  • Case: stainless steel case, black ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating, closed case back
  • Diameter: 40.5 mm 
  • Height: 14.7 mm 
  • Dial: deep red dial, Lumibrite filling on hand and indices, power reserve hand between 7 and 8, date window at 3 o'clock, GMT hand, date window at 4 o'clock
  • Movement: In-house, Spring Drive 9R65 Caliber, Automatic, 30 jewels
  • Power reserve: 72 hours, ±1 second per day and ±15 seconds per month
  • Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT, power reserve indicator 
  • Bracelet / Strap: stainless steel bracelet secured by a deployant clasp
  • Availability: limited edition to 1,300 pieces 
  • Price: USD 6,200, equivalent to AED 22,800

 

For more information please visit Grand Seiko’s official website


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