Whoa! Check Out The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon!
Welcome to an entirely different side of Grand Seiko. We’ve seen some rather exotic limited edition models over the past several years, but the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon has to be the most audacious. This watch is really something, but sadly it is for those with incredibly deep pockets. Still, it’s fun to dream!
The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon comes to us at Watches & Wonders 2022. It is not the only limited-edition model from Grand Seiko, but it is the most exclusive. Only 20 of these amazing watches will be produced and they will cost — wait for it — €370,000! So, park your Bugatti, and let’s see what all the fuss is about…
The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon
The Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon is a watch that brings a concept from 2020 alive. Two years ago, Grand Seiko showed us the T0 Constant-force Tourbillon. Now, we have the production movement called the 9ST1 with over 340 components. GS envisioned a movement where the constant-force carriage (the blue portion above) is integrated with the tourbillon carriage (the pink elements).
The result is an impressive pairing of mechanisms that sits on the same axis and, therefore, loses no torque between them. The hand-winding movement has a power reserve of 50 hours and an accuracy of +5/-3 seconds per day.
Impressively, the inner carriage rotates at eight beats per second while the constant-force mechanism rotates at 1 beat per second. Visually, this is a real treat to watch. Furthermore, the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon is supposedly delightful to hear! Each movement goes through 48 hours of testing in each position and at three different temperatures.
This watch is a platinum beauty
The movement certainly takes center stage in the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon, but it’s housed beautifully. Grand Seiko chose 950 platinum and Brilliant Hard Titanium for the 43.8mm × 12.9mm case. The gap in the lugs shows how these two materials come together. As far as finishing goes, both Zaratsu polishing and hairline brushing are here. The calf strap receives Urushi hand-lacquering to emulate samurai armor. A tri-fold buckle completes the package. Oh, and if swimming in this watch is your thing, do note that it can “dive” to 100 meters.
Thoughts…
The tourbillon was all the rage back in the ’90s and was a proper symbol of wealth. When I see them these days, I often think that they muddy up a nice dial. The Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon is the exception, however, as this watch is truly stunning. Yes, it should be at this price, but I’ve seen plenty of watches in this range that don’t impress like this. Is this my favorite watch thus far from the show? Likely so…
For more information, visit the official Grand Seiko site.
