A celebration of time and innovation
SINGAPORE — Are watches becoming obsolete? A lot of the people I know either wear a smart watch or no watch at all since they always have their reliable phones, which boast clocks far more accurate than any mechanical caliber can ever hope to be.
But for those who are passionate about horology, there’s definitely more to a watch than meets the eye. Timepieces transcend mere time measurement. And that’s what I realized at the recent Grand Seiko “Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” exhibition in Singapore.
Timepieces are of the essence
First hosted in Tokyo last September, the private event — which welcomed 150 guests — showcased the Grand Seiko’s history, craftsmanship, innovation, and the art of (Japanese) watchmaking through an immersive journey that engaged all the five senses.
“The Tokyo leg was very intimate since almost everybody in Japan knows Grand Seiko already,” shared Ida Idris-Low, managing director, Grand Seiko Asia Pacific. “But here in Singapore, we want to get everybody immersed in the world of Grand Seiko. We want to tell not just the brand’s history but also its story focused on the five senses.”
“Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” is Grand Seiko’s new communications message. It expresses the brand’s dynamism and commitment as a luxury watch manufacturer to continue innovating and pushing watchmaking boundaries, appealing to those who live in the present and continue to transform themselves.
Held at 72-13, along the trendy Robertson Quay area, the event’s place was divided into four areas: Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste and Smell.
From the entrance, we were led to the History Wall, which walked us through Grand Seiko’s journey through time. The brand’s historical pieces were showcased, including the very first Grand Seiko watch, which was created in 1960. It was the first watch in Japan to be compliant with the standard of excellence of the Bureaux Officiels de Controle de la Marche des Montres.
Feast of the senses
In the Sight area, guests were introduced to the spirit of takumi (artisan), which is very important to Grand Seiko. It’s how the artisans pour their heart and soul into every detail of the watch.
Grand Seiko’s pride, master watchmakers Ikukiyo Komatsu and Satoshi Hiraga, demonstrated the assembly of the 9S Mechanical, the 9R Spring Drive and the 9F Quarts movements, the foundations of Grand Seiko’s timepieces.
The highly acclaimed Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon, Grand Seiko’s first mechanical complication watch, was the highlight of the Sound area. This watch won the Chronometry prize at the 2022 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve.
Here, we experienced pure sound of the 16-beat rhythm of the Kodo, which means “heartbeat” in Japanese, through an immersive space harmonized with light effects.
In the Touch area, we had the opportunity to try on and personally experience the quality and beauty of Grand Seiko’s exquisite timepieces, which are inspired by serene beauty of nature. A meticulously crafted Zen garden right in the middle allowed guests to not only see but feel the spirit of the brand.
The journey ended with a Japanese hassun experience, specially curated in partnership with chef Aeron of Kappou. The menu represents the passage of time and the transition from winter and how it unfolds to welcome the spring season, where flowers start to bloom into abundance.
Each item on the plate is named after a place in Japan that holds significance to the brand: Iwate (grilled fresh cheese, blue-fin tuna, and kelp), Hokkaido (sweet red shrimp, yellow chives, vinegared miso), Nagasaki (big fin reef squid, kelp, sudachi citrus), Chiba (rapeseed flower, caviar, sansho pepper), and Wakayama (blue-fin tuna, yuzu, radish).
I was blown away by chef Aeron’s culinary skills. Like a true takumi, each dish is delicately seasoned, weaving a tapestry of exquisite flavors that dance on your palate.
“This event marks a significant milestone for us; it is our first ever large-scale exhibition in the region, and a testament to Grand Seiko’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the art of watchmaking,” Ida said. “Bringing ‘Alive in Time Through the Five Senses’ to this part of the world not only underscores our commitment to our enthusiasts and clients here but we are also thrilled to have provided an immersive experience that celebrates the intricate beauty of our timepieces and intimately connects with each individual’s five senses, inviting them to live in time with us.”
Grand Seiko’s “Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” is a bridge between Grand Seiko’s storied past and its vision for the future, “embodying our commitment to inspire and lead in the world of luxury watchmaking,” Ida added.
