The movement

The Caliber 9R96 Spring Drive Chronograph GMT is a technical tour de force. While it is powered by a conventional oscillating mass, its similarities to a conventional watch movement end there.

I have discussed Spring Drive when reviewing the SBGA011 allowing readers to immerse themselves in a technical fest like no other.

Whilst most watches employ a Swiss lever escapement to regulate the movement, the Spring Drive takes a different path. The mainspring within a Spring Drive movement drives the gears, causing the hands to rotate. However, a small portion of energy from the mainspring is sent to an integrated circuit which in turn powers the Tri-Synchro Regulator. The Tri-Synchro Regulator serves the same role as a conventional escapement, however, in this instance it consists of an electromagnetic brake which regulates the unwinding of the mainspring.

By adopting this unique approach, Grand Seiko delivers a level of precision which surpasses any other spring-powered timepiece. Moreover, in this latest iteration, the Caliber 9R96, the accuracy usurps the highly impressive precision of other Spring Drive calibres, namely ±10 seconds per month. Grand Seiko celebrate this level of precision by fitting an 18-carat gold lion motif on the oscillating mass.

Another technical triumph of this movement relates to the operation of the pushpieces. The chronograph is of the column-wheel variety with a vertical clutch. When actuating the stopwatch function the central chronograph hand commences its journey with a stutter-free start. Furthermore, pressing the pushpieces rewards the wearer with a smooth, positive action sometimes lacking with cheaper modular chronographs.

Grand Seiko has beautifully decorated the Caliber 9R96 with sparkling stripes, similar to Geneva waves in concept. They adorn the oscillating mass and bridges. The fine lines which occupy each stripe delightfully engage with light, magnificently diffusing the various frequencies of the optical spectrum to bestow yellow and violet hues. The column-wheel is freely visible and the bridges are beautifully bevelled and shine with brilliant facets.

vedere di piu imitazioni rolex e Hublot