Earlier this month, the Horological Society of New York welcomed Grand Seiko to present a lecture on Kodō. More than 460 participants tuned in from 23 countries, breaking the record for attendance in HSNY's modern era. To accompany this milestone, HSNY received an overwhelming amount of questions for the Grand Seiko team throughout the lecture. While many questions were answered live (and can be viewed by HSNY members now) the Grand Seiko team reunited to answer the remaining questions. Below are responses from Akio Naito, Takuma Kawauchiya, Hisashi Fujieda and Joseph Kirk.
HSNY thanks Grand Seiko once again for their fascinating lecture and for responding to 50+ questions. Video recordings of lectures are available to members immediately (using your membership password), and to the general public with a two-month delay.
Q: Will the new 9SA5 movement make its way into lower priced models?
A: Yes, we are going to develop a range of products based upon this new caliber in the future which will include a price point significantly lower than the 60th anniversary limited edition model (SLGH002), an example of which is SLGH003 recently announced. (Response provided by Mr. Akio Naito)
Q: What’s on your wrist, Joe?
A: SBGJ203! It is certainly one of my most, if not most frequently worn watch. The design was created by Nobuhiro Kosugi, a quite famous designer for Grand Seiko who envisioned Mt. Iwate from above, which is visible from the studio, as his inspiration for the dial texture and has the reinterpretation 44GS case design. Plus, a GMT feature as I (was) travel(ling) frequently. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Was MEMS used to create the recesses for screws on the balance wheel in the new movements?
A: No, we do not use this method for these components. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: A quick question about earlier material - is the 9S64 family the same generation, technically, as the 9S65 (but just without a rotor)?
A: It is based on the 9S65 but does have a slightly different design. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Does the step design make it easier to apply lubricant than in regular instances?
A: Yes. The step design of the escapement wheel made by MEMS technology makes it easier to apply lubricant. However, there is no big difference in ease of applying lubricant between the new escapement wheel for 9SA5 and previous escapement wheels with the step design. (Response provided by Mr. Hisashi Fujieda)
Q: Is the challenge of designing a new escapement design more of a practical or theoretical one?
A: Both theory and practicality are important. First the theoretical performance suggests the maximum performance of the escapement. Therefore, it is very important to tackle the challenge of designing a new escapement from theory. However, even if the escapement is superior in theory, it does not mean that the escapement can exhibit excellent performance. The theory only suggests the potential and it is necessary to overcome practical problems in order to demonstrate the theory. How can the actual performance be brought closer to the theoretical performance, and does it perform the basic functions of an escapement? Such practical challenges are indispensable in the development of escapements. Theory and practicality are intricately intertwined. So, if you focus on only one of them, I think it is difficult to make great progress in designing escapements. (Response provided by Mr. Hisashi Fujieda)
Q: Joe, thanks for the awesome talk! Can we expect the 9SA5 to be serviceable in the USA?
A: Our goal is to expand our global service capabilities, however, since it is still so new, we cannot confirm at this time. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Is the new patented regulator system adjusting the hairspring collet position?
A: No, it is not. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: In terms of accuracy did Fujieda-san test his patented balance design against a tourbillon based system in a high-end Swiss watch to compare the result of his invention against a mechanical system that would cost a buyer a lot more money?
A: I am sorry but we cannot disclose any information about comparisons with other brands. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Is spron used for the two mainsprings?
A: Yes! (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: What material is the rotor made of?
A: Brass with Tungsten weight. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Two not-brutishly-large barrels in parallel… so in that way similar to the 9R31 and perhaps its higher-end sibling? Are there other GS (or Credor) movements which do that?
A: Actually, the 9R31 uses one barrel, but has two springs stacked within the one barrel which is unique to this and the 9R02 caliber. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Does the manual winding of the new caliber goes directly to the ratchet wheel without going the reverser wheels or is the winding going through the reverser wheel?
A: It goes directly to the ratchet wheel. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Why does the tourbillon use a traditional escape wheel rather than the new one?
A: These two were developed in parallel, and at the point when T0's design was fixed, the dual impulse escapement did not exist yet. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: In the T0, is the constant force mechanism a remontoire, or is a remontoire simply one way of delivering constant force and the T0 presents another way?
A: I regard T0's constant-force mechanism as a kind of remontoire. There are several mechanisms within remontoire, I applied a planetary type constant-force mechanism itself and combining it with a tourbillon on the same axis as a unit, which is less likely to cause malfunction and can minimize the resistance. I was thrilled thinking that I invented a new type of constant-force, until I found the patent filed in Switzerland in 1952. I was disappointed to find out I wasn't the first one but at the same time glad to have the same idea as a great watchmaker in the past. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: How robust will the T0 movement be?
A: T0 has passed various tests including drop test, vibration test, magnetic resistance test, and wearing test, so I believe T0 has enough practicality and durability. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: Great presentation Joe. All these new features on the 9AS5 will increase the service interval ? If the answer is “Yes” can we expect an extended warranty
A: In theory, yes. However, we we are not making any changes to the suggested service interval or warranty at this time. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Question to Takuma Kawauchiya - what is the next innovation you are working on?
A: I have so many ideas in my mind. Movement development always takes time and I am probably an old guy when I realize all of them. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: Is Grand Seiko considering Silicon movements for future movements?
A: While we recognize the benefits of silicon material, we believe that the longevity and ease of serviceability lies within metal components. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: With your new hi beat 36K movement, will Grand Seiko be phasing out the 9S85 movement in future watches?
A: At this time there are no plans to phase out 9S8 series. The two calibers will exist along side each other, yet at different price segments. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Thank you for wonderful presentation to all from Grand Seiko. How does one get a job at Grand Seiko? Cheers, from Canada wearing my SBGW253
A: There may be openings in various positions in each national office. (Response provided by Mr. Akio Naito)
Q: Understanding that T0 is a concept design, what learnings do you hope to apply to future Grand Seiko models?
A: There is no solid plan yet but 9SA5's free-sprung balance and movement finishes are inspired by know-hows gained in the development of T0. I hope the technologies and constructions in T0 can be utilized in developing more elements in the future. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: I want to ask if the T0 movement will be incorporated in a chronograph later on.
A: We believe it could be possible, but it is not under consideration at this time. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Mr. Kawauchiya, congratulations on the T0. It looks fantastic. Do you find your musical background being a big source of inspiration for creating new movements like the T0? Will we see more musically-inspired movements from Grand Seiko?
A: I personally think the sound is one of the biggest charm of mechanical watches and I hope my creations to follow will have an attractive sound as well. T0's sound is clearly influenced by my music career. I will try my best to create watches that the wearer can enjoy using his/her own five senses. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: What are the tradeoffs that caused even higher beats not to be as effective as the optimal 10/15 beats/s?
A: Some of the main concerns are the wear, lubricant consumption, high torque output and shorter duration on the movements as were some of the concerns for Hi-Beat 36,000 though we found ways to overcome the challenge in time. We found good balance in the 36,000bph frequency, with high stability, duration and new methods and materials to increase its durability. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: What are the chances of seeing the new 9SA5 movement in a chronograph?
A: Caliber 9SA5 will be the foundation for future generations of Grand Seiko. (Response provided by Mr. Hisashi Fujieda)
Q: It seems like materials science is playing a bigger role in design changes. Is it the biggest or are there things like additive manufacturing that are on the horizon?
A: Both T0 and 9SA5 utilize parts made by MEMS technology, and I do believe material science and technology development will remain crucial for design. As far as I know, additive manufacturing like 3D metal printing is not yet used in a watch movement yet but I believe it is realizable in the future. However, as a personal and cultural item, in my opinion, what attracts people most is the emotional value of mechanical watches rather than technology itself. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: I wanted to ask with Grand Seiko heritage and and Japan’s history with martial arts - does Martial arts have any influence with design and execution with Grand Seiko/Seiko.
A: In Japanese martial arts we train the mind, body and spirit and aim for perfection of character. It is also important to learn moral codes and etiquette as well as to improve techniques. More so than influence in design, perhaps this spirit is reflect in our spirit of watchmaking that is based on the pursuit of the essence of the wristwatch. (Response provided by Mr. Hisashi Fujieda)
Q: What CAD software did you use to design T0, did you face challanges using CAM to cut out the T0 carriage, and did you use any heat treating/hardening techniques for the carriage?
A: We cannot disclose which CAD software. As you imagine, the 3D carriages are not easy to form, measure and assure the quality. I am glad these are all cleared eventually. The carriages are in titanium alloy and I didn't apply heat treatment. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: What are the next steps required to make the T0 movement commercially feasible?
A: We don't have a plan yet, but to commercialize it, we have to consider from many aspects including the production capability, after sales service, exteriors design and development which meet GS standard. There will be a lot of work. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: What is the antimagnetic rating for the T0?
A: 4800A／m. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: When, if ever, do you expect the T0 to be commercially available?
A: We do not have any concrete plans but as the movement designer, I am hoping that day will come soon. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: How did you arise at the decision to use ceramic as the material for the stop wheel?
A: A constant-force stores the force of a mainspring and releases it in constant intervals. Thus, as a key component, a stop wheel is required to have high durability (because this part bears high torque from the two barrels) and low friction resistance. I applied a precise ceramic gear for the stop wheel, whose processing was precise to a micron level. As a result, T0 can operate with certainty every second without the wear of the stop wheel. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: @Mr. Kawauchiya - As a musician, did you have the unique resulting ticking sound when you designed/developed the T0 movement? It is like a digital-ish sound rather than a typical mechanical watch movement sound?
A: I tried to make the sound unique. T0's ticking sounds like a 16th note in music. The movement of a constant-force is extremely delicate and it is hard to realize the exact 16th beat if made in a common engineering tolerance. So, despite the fact that the beating does not have to be exact in order to reach a high precision, I set more severe tolerances of the parts and included a mechanism to adjust the timing of the constant force mechanism's action to make the sound to be exact 16th note. I wanted to express the precision of manufacturing in the sound too. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: I have a Lord Marvel 36000 from the late 60's - it is +/- 4s day - 46 hour reserve (it’s amazing). Does all the new alloys, design and material make a significant difference?
A: Yes, the alloys, manufacturing methods and designs contribute greatly to improving the accuracy, stability, durability and longevity of our calibers. All important parts of our philosophy in watchmaking. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Following up to supporting heritage pieces, will Seiko (USA, or Japan) perform service on heritage pieces e.g. 44gs or 45gs?
A: Yes, servicing these calibers will be possible depending on the condition. It would have to be inspected prior to confirmation. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: What was the greatest inspiration for the T0 architecture design?
A: As a movement designer, I love watch components. In designing T0, I wanted to feature these beautiful components so that we can see them, as a watch, and to arrange them beautifully in a symmetrical layout. Although T0’s construction is not simple, as a concept creation of Grand Seiko, I tried to use simple lines and forms in the parts to make it understated yet impressive. I prefer designs developed to maximize function, rather than a beautiful design without considering usability. This is what every Grand Seiko has in common. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: What would you suggest for an American looking to get into watch making?
A: There are WOSTEP schools as well as independent watchmakers in US. I entered the WOSTEP school in Japan when I was 30 and it was not too late. In such a digitized world I believe there are so many chances. I hope whoever has passion in watchmaking can join the industry and hopefully we can make this industry more attractive and prosperous. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: Is the “16th note” engraved on the T0 connected to music in any way?
A: I did the engraving because T0's ticking sounds like 16th note in music and this is the first ever creation to have this feature. I am very proud of this engraving since it is also done to commemorate T0's high level processing. Hope you like my 'humor'. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)
Q: The technology and level of finishing in the 9SA5 is superb, and the price of the new high beats reflects that. Given that you plan to roll out this movement (or variants of it) broadly, should we expect a step change in GS price points?
A: While the new 9SA5 caliber does reflect a higher price than the 9S8 series calibers (example SBGH281: $6,300 vs SLGH003: $9,700, there will not be a change exactly in price points. There will just be two different price segments between the two calibers coexisting. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Does Grand Seiko plan to continue creating new mechanical movements that will improve accuracy and robustness? Aside from advancements and innovations in materials, how will this be possible? Many thanks.
A: Of course, innovation is something we always stride toward. Yes, advancements in materials plays a large part, but also the manufacturing methods and design. In the lecture, you learned that our calibers tend to focus on improving energy efficiency. It is a goal we continue to pursue. (Response provided by Mr. Joseph Kirk)
Q: Hello from Portugal! I have a very spiritual question. Is in any way Shintoist cultural heritage present in the creation of Grand Seiko Movements? As if it where a kami present in every creation as special as the T0. Thank you!
A: T0 is not inspired by Shintoism, but I do feel the Japanese sense of beauty is reflected throughout the whole movement, including the forms valuing the interplay of light and shadow, the tomoe shaped gear, and finishes inspired by shizuku (water drop) and waves. Both 9SA5 and T0 are developed for years, devoting our full passion and will, and if you can feel that, I cannot be more appreciated. (Response provided by Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya)