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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 PiagetBulgari, 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.

Introducing The Grand Seiko 62GS Titanium Sakura-Wakaba & Sakura-Kakushi

Two new additions with beautiful dials inspired by cherry blossoms

Introduced in 1967, the Heritage 62GS marked Grand Seiko's inaugural venture into automatic movement watches. This particular watch garnered acclaim for its captivating design characterized by a mirrored, multi-faceted case and a beautiful dial. Achieved through bezel-free construction and the renowned Zaratsu polishing technique synonymous with Grand Seiko, this watch quickly captured the attention of enthusiasts.

A while ago, the brand introduced a commemorative edition honoring its roots in Ginza, featuring a street map of the Tokyo district on its dial. Now, Grand Seiko unveils two new models inspired by Sakura which means “cherry blossom”, expanding the 62GS design and sporting a 38mm titanium case. In Japan, each of the four seasons unfolds in six phases, each possessing its own unique characteristics. The subtle transitions between these phases bring the essence of time closer to our perception, serving as inspiration for Grand Seiko.

The watches are presented in a high-intensity Grade 5 titanium case which is even more resistant to scratches than regular titanium, boasting brushed and Zaratsu-polished surfaces, with a diameter of 38mm and a thickness of 12.9mm. Its design is accentuated by a box-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, ensuring optimal clarity and durability. Additionally, the timepiece features a see-through case back, allowing admirers to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and mechanics within.

The new 62GS watches also bring forth fresh dial designs. The initial variant, “Sakura-Wakaba” (SBGH343), exhibits a light-green dial inspired by the emergence of new leaves on cherry trees towards the end of spring. The hue of the dial aims to capture the vitality of these fresh leaves as sunlight filters through, illuminating their translucency amidst the peach-colored cherry blossom petals during the simultaneous blooming of flowers and sprouting of young leaves. On the other hand, the second variant, named Sakura-Kakushi (SBGH341), light pink dial presents a unique aspect of Japan's shifting seasons. Specifically, it portrays a scene where cherry blossoms are obscured by fallen snow. Both watches feature the same polished and beveled applied markers and hands, along with a date window at 3 o'clock.

Both watches are powered by Caliber 9S85, an in-house high-frequency movement renowned for its precision and reliability. This automatic movement comprises 37 jewels and boasts a power reserve of 55 hours, and operating at a frequency of 36,000 (5Hz). Additionally, both timepieces are paired with a brushed and polished high-intensity titanium bracelet, with a triple folding clasp and a push-button release. This release is not limited, and will be available from March 1st, 2024, with a price of USD 7,300 which is equivalent to AED 27,000.

 

For more information please visit Grand Seiko's official website. 

Technical specifications: Grand Seiko 62GS Titanium Sakura-Wakaba & Sakura-Kakushi
  1. Reference: SBGH341 (light pink dial), SBGH343 ( light green dial)
  2. Case: high-intensity Grade 5 titanium case, brushed and Zaratsu-polished surfaces, box-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, see-through case back
  3. Diameter: 38 mm 
  4. Height: 12.9mm
  5. Water resistance: 100 m
  6. Dial: Light green or light pink textured dial, polished and beveled applied markers and hands, date window at 3 o'clock
  7. Movement: Caliber 9S85, in-house high-frequency movement, automatic, 37 jewels
  8. Power reserve: 55 hours
  9. Frequency: 36,000 (5Hz)
  10. Functions:  Hours, minutes, seconds, date 
  11. Bracelet / Strap:  brushed and polished high-intensity titanium bracelet, triple folding clasp with a push-button release
  12. Availability: Permanent line 
  13. Price: USD 7,300 which is equivalent to AED 27,000

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