Last Friday, the Lexus Manila showroom at the Bonifacio Global City became a venue for watch aficionados – specifically, fans of the vaunted Grand Seiko (GS) brand.
The Japanese brand flew in its craftsman Takuya Nishinaka, and previewed anniversary pieces for its 60th anniversary. Nishanaka performed a live demonstration of watch assembly in front of Lexus, GS, and media guests. He displayed amazing dexterity and attention to detail as he worked on completing a GS Snowflake. The watch, known to enthusiasts as the SBGA211, has an eye-catching textured dial evoking, yes, snow. In a release, GS says this “unique pattern resembles the snow surface blown by the rough wind in the severe winter of the Shinshu area, where the watch is made.
Aside from three watches yet to be launched here, local distributor Timeplus Inc. showcased a range of Grand Seiko pieces which were sold with a 20-percent discount.
First launched in 1960, Grand Seiko is said to be known for its “functional beauty and design purity.” Three collections are currently available. “Heritage” is composed of classic watches evoking the spirit of the earliest Grand Seiko timepieces, “re-interpreted with the very latest movements, manufacturing techniques and craftsmanship.” Meanwhile, “Elegance” is said to convey “strength and resilience to be worn every day while offering a special level of refinement that makes them the perfect choice for those landmark occasions in life where everything has to be just right.” Lastly, “Sports” appeals to people with a more active lifestyle, and features divers’ watches and chronographs.
In an exclusive interview with Wheels, Lexus Manila president Raymond Rodriguez said the hosting of the GS event made sense as there are shared values between the two Japanese brands. “Both feature takumi craftsmanship. The two brands are a perfect fit. It’s all about being particular with design and thinking about customer needs and demands.”
Takumi is the Japanese word for “artisan,” and Rodriguez adds that just as how GS highlights attention to detail, “We at Lexus are passionate about how we execute our cars – the interiors, the leather, the appointments. We’re both about the attention to detail and craftsmanship… It’s not about mass production but personalization.”
In a statement, Timeplus president Karl Dy revealed that aside from the Snowflake, more GS styles will be brought into the country.
For more information, visit www.grand-seiko.com/ph-en, follow Grand Seiko Philippines on Facebook and Instagram (@grandseikophilippines). Seiko boutiques are located on the ground floor of Glorietta 1 of the Ayala Center in Makati City, second floor of SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, and third floor of SM Seaside Cebu.