Grand Seiko unveils a daybreak version of the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon
In 2022, Grand Seiko released the first Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon, a complication that houses a tourbillon and a constant-force mechanism as one unit on a single axis. It was the first time in horological history that one timepiece holds both complex mechanisms, which is the reason why it garnered the Chronometry Prize at that year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This year, Grand Seiko unveils its daybreak counterpart to complete the portrayal of light and dark in its Kodo collection.
The 2024 version of the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon makes use of bright elements with silver tones to mimic the appearance of daybreak. This is evident in the 44 pale blue sapphires placed within the dial, as well as the subtle gradation of light produced by the watch’s Platinum 950 inner case and its Brilliant Hard Titanium outer case. Some of the case parts are also Zaratsu polished to a distortion-free mirror finish, while others have a hairline finish.
What makes the Kodo unique than any ordinary watch is its see-through case back, which allows light to pass through the mechanism and eliminates the need for a dial. The use of the open space reveals the beauty of the hand-finished movement inside, while also reflecting the Japanese cultural and aesthetic value that respects the use of empty spaces.
A new white-coloured leather strap is also offered with the timepiece to complete the whole daybreak aesthetic. It is created from a highly durable material once used in samurai armor and is then hand-coated with layers of white urushi lacquer. An additional charcoal grey crocodile strap also comes with the watch.
At the heart of the Kodo lies the Caliber 9ST1 movement, in which a constant-force mechanism and a tourbillon are set as one unit on a single axis. Both of these mechanisms allow for a higher level of stable accuracy and delivers a 50-hour constant-force, as well as a 72-hour power reserve.
Additionally, the mechanism vibrates at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour. It is composed of approximately 340 components, in which 100 of these are packed inside the 10-mm constant-force carriage and tourbillon carriage.
The Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon joins the Grand Seiko Masterpiece Collection and is limited to only 20 pieces. Visit Grand Seiko for more information.
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