A masterclass in elegance and craft

The dial on SBGW262 showcases a form of Japanese craftsmanship known as Urushi lacquer. The dial is made from a transparent and long lasting Urushi that comes from trees grown in and around the town of Joboji near Mt. Iwate, the mountain that dominates the skyline above Studio Shizukuishi. The black dial uses lacquer that has been mixed with iron to give it a deep jet-black color.

The Arabic numerals, indexes, and the "GS" letters are decorated using the traditional Maki-e technique by Urushi master Isshu Tamura in his studio in Kanazawa on the west coast of Japan's main island. By applying layer after layer of lacquer, these markers are given a three-dimensional profile, resulting in a strong visual presence on the dial. Tamura then applies powder, either 24k gold or platinum, to the markers before finally polishing them by hand using his own special tools to give Maki-e its delicate shimmering appearance. This processes requires great dexterity because it is very challenging to give every marker the same depth, especially on a curved surface.

Sitting inside an elegant 39mm case is Caliber 9S64, a mechanical manual winding movement with 72 hours of power reserve. Rendered in 18k yellow gold, the case is polished by a special Zaratsu method developed to accentuate the beauty of the curved surfaces. The dial and the sapphire crystal are also curved to give the watch a classic look.