Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as Piaget, Bulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

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Introducing Grand Seiko Unveils The Heritage Hi-Beat “Icefall” SBGH347

A new watch with a blue dial inspired by Japan’s Nanataki Falls

ByWaqt

1 week ago

3 minutes read

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Grand Seiko is one of the most famous Japanese watchmakers, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to perfection. Renowned for blending precision with artistry, the brand stands out with its nature-inspired releases, a hallmark that reflects the deep connection to the natural world embedded in Japanese culture. Now, Grand Seiko is releasing the Heritage Hi-Beat “Icefall” SBGH347, a stunning new addition to its iconic Heritage collection, featuring a beautiful icy blue dial.

The SBGH347 masterfully reflects designer Nobuhiro Kosugi’s original vision, harking back to the era of the Caliber 9S debut, when Nobuhiro and his team introduced a new aesthetic grounded in the Grand Seiko Style. This timepiece is crafted from Ever-Brilliant Steel—an advanced alloy renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, with a rating 1.7 times higher than that of standard stainless steel. Measuring 37mm in diameter, with a thickness of 13.3mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 44.6mm, the SBGH347 sits comfortably on the wrist.

The case features a beautiful Zaratsu-polished finish with satin-brushed accents. It also includes a push-pull crown, a sapphire crystal that protects the dial, and a sapphire crystal caseback that provides a glimpse of the movement. The watch offers 100m water resistance.

The dial embodies the frozen beauty of the ice-covered Nanataki Waterfall in Hachimantai City during the winter, inspiring the watch's name, "Icefall." It features a unique vertical stripe pattern, rendered in a stunning icy blue hue that reflects the color of the ice on the water. The dial includes polished hands, a black printed minute track between the hour markers, a date window at 3 o’clock, and an applied GS logo.

The ‘Icefall’ Hi-Beat is powered by the automatic Caliber 9S85, a high-performance movement renowned for its precision and reliability. Introduced in 1998 as part of the 9S series, this calibre operates at a high frequency of 36,000 vph (5 Hz) ensuring exceptional timekeeping accuracy within a range of +5/-3 seconds per day, and offers 55 power reserve. The movement features an engraved rotor with the brand’s name in gold colour.

The watch comes with an Ever-Brilliant-Steel bracelet featuring a three-folding clasp. It will be available from October 2024 at a price of USD 6,900, equivalent to AED 25,300.

For more information please visit Grand Seiko official website.

Technical specifications: Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat 36000 SBGH347 “Icefall”

Case: Ever-Brilliant Steel, Zaratsu-polished finish with satin-brushed accents, Sapphire crystal on dial and case back
Diameter: 37mm
Lug-to-lug: 44.6 mm
Thickness: 13.3 mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Dial: ice blue dial, polished markers and hands, black printed minute track, date window at 3 o’clock, an applied GS logo
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 9S85
Power reserve: 55 hours
Frequency: 36,000 vph (5Hz)
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date
Bracelet / Strap: Ever-Brilliant Steel bracelet that includes a three-fold clasp
Availability: Permanent line
Price: USD 6,900 / 25,300 AED