Ever since the first Grand Seiko watch was born in 1960, the pursuit for high accuracy has been fundamental in every Grand Seiko timepiece and innovation. Its latest creation, the T0 (T-zero) Constant-force Tourbillon, incorporates a fully integrated constant-force mechanism and tourbillon on the same axis.
The constant-force mechanism provides even energy distribution to the escapement, regardless of how much the mainspring is wound. The tourbillon eliminates the error in precision caused by gravity by incorporating the escapement parts and balance in a rotating carriage.
These two mechanisms alone require exceptional design and manufacturing technologies, and the integration of the mechanisms as one unit is a patented design that achieves a new level of accuracy for Grand Seiko's mechanical watchmaking.
In pursuit of the highest level of accuracy for mechanical watchmaking, the designers conceptualised the new creation without restrictions from production capability considerations. The free approach to development resulted in the birth of T0, and inspired essential movement parts for the new Caliber 9SA5, which was developed in parallel with the concept creation.
The T0 is currently displayed on the second-floor lounge of the brand-new Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, which was inaugurated on July 20 in Shizukuishi, Morioka. The rotating tourbillon and intermittent turning of the constant-force as well as the rhythmical 16th note ticking sound of the mechanisms can be thoroughly enjoyed by watch enthusiasts everywhere.
For information, visit gs-studio-shizukuishi.resv.jp.
Read about the Seiko Museum of time and timepieces in Ginza, Japan HERE
