AWAKENING THE SENSES
THROUGH ITS IMMERSIVE “ALIVE IN TIME THROUGH THE FIVE SENSES” EXHIBITION, GRAND SEIKO PRESENTS A NOVEL PERSPECTIVE OF ITS ART OF WATCHMAKING. JOEZER MANDAGI REPORTS FROM SINGAPORE
Ask any watch connoisseur about their “holy grails” and you’re bound to hear the name Grand Seiko popping up regularly. Ask them to tell you why and you’re likely to hear plenty of praise about the remarkable accuracy of Grand Seiko watches, the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each of them—especially the Zaratsu polishing techniques that give the watches their signature mirror-like polishes—and the brand’s innovative movements such as the storied Spring Drive calibers.
But more often than not, enthusiast will rave about Grand Seiko’s dials, especially those inspired by the surface of a lake stirred by a pre-dawn breeze, the fine texture of snowflakes or the beautiful pattern of the shirakaba white birch tree. In short, dials inspired by the beauty of nature.
And indeed, Grand Seiko creates timepieces following its philosophy of “The Nature of Time” as the brand has always viewed its timepieces as more than just instruments of time measurement but—to put it poetically—embodiments of the Japanese spirituality of time and also a reflection of its pride of takumi.
Originally referring to master craftsmen or artisans who have attained mastery in their crafts, the term takumi embodies the idea of mastery, precision, and dedication to excellence in producing high-quality work.
“The Nature of Time” philosophy now goes hand in hand with “Alive in Time,” Grand Seiko’s expression of dynamism and commitment towards innovation and pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. And, in order to present these ideas in a novel and immersive way, the brand has created the “Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” exhibition, which covers Grand’s Seiko’s history, craftsmanship and heritage, through experiences that engage all five senses. Yes, including the senses of taste and smell.
The exhibition was first hosted in Tokyo, Japan, back in September of last year.
And then, this March, the event came to Singapore. So, on March 16, 2023, DA MAN
“Grand Seiko creates timepieces following its philosophy of ‘The Nature of Time’ as the brand has always viewed its timepieces as more than just instruments of time measurement”
joined a group of media representatives gathered at the 72-13 event space for what promised to be a sensational experience.
After the usual pleasantries and opening remarks—including by Mr. Munehisa Shibasaki, Vice President of Grand Seiko, and Ms. Ida Idris-Low, Managing Director of Grand Seiko Asia Pacific—the assembled invitees were split into groups and ushered through the various areas.
The starting point of the “Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” journey begins at the Sight area, which focuses on movements, most notably the 9S Mechanical, the 9R Spring Drive and the 9F Quartz which form the foundation of Grand Seiko’s watchmaking. Two master watchmakers were on hand to demonstrate the assembly: Mr. Satoshi Hiraga from the brand’s TAKUMI Studio worked on the 9S Mechanical movement, while Mr. Ikukiyo Komatsu from the Shinshu Watch Studio tackled the 9R Spring Drive movement. Both watchmakers have won numerous awards and are recipients of the Medals of Honor with Yellow Ribbon, which is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals who “through their diligence and perseverance while engaging in their professional activities, became public role models.” In other words, these two gentlemen have truly earned the “master watchmaker” title, and seeing them demonstrate their craft was a true delight.
The second area, Sound, highlighted the Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon, which won the Chronometry prize at the 2022 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve. The highlight of this stop was an immersive space where visitors are treated to the pure sound of the 16-beat rhythm of the Kodo, which means “heartbeat” in Japanese.
Afterwards came the Touch area. As the name suggests, this is an interactive area where visitors could explore and try on a range of Grand Seiko timepieces. A
“The Taste and Smell area certainly introduced a very poetic conclusion to the exhibition, one that subtly illustrates the way nature marks the passage of time through a multitude of small but beautiful changes”
meticulously arranged Zen Garden was placed in the middle of the space to reinforce the theme of nature—and to serve as the perfect background when taking wrist shots.
Finally came what is arguably the most unique part of the entire “Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” experience: the
Taste and Smell area. Essentially, this stage consisted of a hassun, a visually aesthetic appetizer sampler that represents one of the four seasons—in this case, spring.
The menu was curated in collaboration with Chef Aeron Choo, chef-owner of omakase restaurant Kappou, and imaginatively explores the transition from winter to spring, all while showcasing the nuances embodied by the various micro seasons, or kō, that make up spring. As the event took place from March 15 to 18, we were in the section of the traditional Japanese calendar called namushi chō to naru (which means “catterpillars become butterflies”) which falls under the keichitsu (that translates into “insects awaken”) division. This is the time of year when the weather finally becomes warmer as peach blossoms start to bloom in the space between the plum and cherry blossom seasons, and when butterflies start to emerge.
The Taste and Smell area certainly introduced a very poetic conclusion to the exhibition, one that subtly illustrates the way nature marks the passage of time through a multitude of small but beautiful changes. It was also interesting to note that many of the featured ingredients—including the white grape and silver needle kombucha that was served alongside the food—were sourced from Iwate prefecture, home of Grand Seiko’s famed Studio Shizukuishi.
At the risk of sounding overdramatic, it has proven rather difficult to sum up this unique sensorial experience in words. So, for now, we would leave that to Ms. Ida Idris-Low again, who remarked of the event: “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. 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. This event is a bridge between our storied past and our vision for the future, embodying our commitment to inspire and lead in the world of luxury watchmaking.”
And perhaps that’s the best way to describe Grand Seiko’s “Alive in Time Through the Five Senses” exhibition: An experiential bridge between the brand’s philosophy of “The Nature of Time” and how we might perceive the way nature, craftsmanship and our perception of time can become intertwined in the brand’s timepieces.