It’s no question that Grand Seiko is one of the most unique brands in horological history. Grand Seiko has shown year after year its craftsmanship capabilities with beautifully textured dials, expert finishing and innovative movements. For 2023, they kicked it up a notch with a textured dial and a textured case representing a forest of birch trees in the height of winter.

---

Advertisement

---

The new SBGZ009J—let’s call it the “Winter Birch”—is the perfect example of what makes Grand Seiko so special and showcases what they can do by pushing the design limit. Inspired by the white birch forests that stretch across the Yachiho Plateau at the Eastern foot of the Kita-Yatsugatake Mountains, the platinum-cased “Winter Birch” is beautifully engraved on both the 38.5mm case and dial to represent the bark of the birch tree.

Powering the SBGZ009J is the manual-winding Spring Drive Calibre 9R02, which has a maxim power reserve of 84 hours when fully wound. Crafted by the Micro Artist Studio, the team producing the movements for the Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection, the high-power reserve is possible using the Dual Spring Barrel and Torque Return System.

When the mainspring is completely wound and at maximum torque, Grand Seiko estimates approximately 30% of the power isn’t needed to maintain the watch’s accuracy. The Torque Return System reuses the energy to rewind the mainspring, extending the power reserve—an impressive piece of mechanical tech.

The SBGZ009J, or “White Birch,” is a piece of art you can wear. Each component contributes to the creation of a beautiful work of Japanese craftsmanship, from the case to the dial, to the movement. Grand Seiko always impresses with their watches, and for 2023, they did it again.

Please see the brand website for more details.

---

Advertisement

---

About the Author

Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. Tyler has also written for Montres Publiques. You can follow him on Instagram.

---

On Spec articles refer to upcoming projects and rely upon available information on Kickstarter, the brand website, and promotional materials provided by the watchmaker. An On Spec article does not preclude a future full-length review in our Off The Cuff section. If you would like your project to feature in On Spec, please contact us here.

Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.