Inside the Heart of Japanese Fine Watchmaking, A Visit to the Grand Seiko Manufacture

Regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking, Grand Seiko distils remarkable expertise into its mechanical timepieces. Their production takes place at the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, in Iwate Prefecture. A visit to Shizukuishi reveals the origins of the brand’s emblematic dials and the artisans who bring them to life.

In the world of fine watchmaking, a timepiece draws part of its identity from the environment in which it is created and from the hands that shape it. In Switzerland, whether the workshops are located in cities or nestled in snow-covered valleys, the surrounding landscape influences design, mechanics, and finishing. For watchmakers, place matters.

Grand Seiko’s mechanical models are produced by Morioka Seiko Instruments in Shizukuishi. On its extensive grounds stands the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where every stage following component manufacturing—including final assembly—is carried out.

The building was designed by Kengo Kuma. From the glass corridor reserved for visitors, technicians appear wholly absorbed in their work, focused on the precision of the movement. Its generous roofline allows for large north-facing windows, framing a sweeping view of Mount Iwate. Grand Seiko frequently draws on the surrounding landscapes—from white birch forests to the contours of the mountain—to imagine its dial textures. Here, interior and exterior enter into dialogue: the flooring echoes the colour and grain of the stone in the garden, softening the boundary between architecture and nature.

Grand Seiko’s philosophy, ‘The Nature of Time’, reflects the way the house turns to seasonal transitions and the presence of living ecosystems to approach the essence of time—an invitation to sense it rather than merely measure it. The studio gives form to this idea.

Creating a mechanical watch requires skills that cannot be fully automated: many operations depend on the hand, the eye, and accumulated experience. The Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi brings together several highly skilled artisans responsible for assembling and casing the movements. Leading the team dedicated to assembly and adjustment, Tsutomu Itō has spent twenty-five years honing his craft. He holds the title of ‘Outstanding Skilled Worker’ (Contemporary Master Craftsman) awarded by the Ministry of Labour and last year received the Medal with a Yellow Ribbon. A respected figure across the profession.

In recent years, new calibres have appeared in succession, including the slim 9SA5 and the hand-wound 9SA4. The assembly team plays an active part in their development, sharing feedback with R&D designers as the movements evolve.

‘The level of machining is extraordinary today,’ explains Tsutomu Itō. ‘Parts fit together with remarkable accuracy, which makes adjustments easier than before. Still, because most components have been redesigned from the ground up, lubrication, the key to preventing wear, remains an area where hands-on experience is essential. We often discuss different lubrication techniques among technicians to determine the most appropriate approach.’

Grand Seiko also places great emphasis on transmitting expertise. In Swiss watchmaking, young artisans typically graduate from specialised schools before joining a manufacture. In Shizukuishi, the approach differs: the workshop regularly recruits local youth and trains them entirely in the craft. This demanding process led to the creation of a ‘professional talent development system’, in which each artisan is expected not only to cultivate their own skills but also to identify and train their successor. Progression from bronze to silver, then gold, reflects the responsibility of becoming a custodian of watchmaking culture.

‘We draw up training plans and record every difficulty encountered so we can revisit them later. Sensitivity alone isn’t enough—understanding the structure of the watch is crucial.’

As a master artisan and instructor, Itō is constantly in demand. And even with his experience, carrying out consecutive operations that require such intense focus, all while working with minuscule components, remains a true challenge.

‘When I feel tired, I just look outside. Nature is right here. At this time of year, I can see the greenery through the window—it helps me rest my eyes. There have even been moments when a sound caught my attention, and when I looked up, I saw wild animals walking past the studio.’

He recounts these scenes with a gentle tone. A simple impression emerges: a fine watch is born of a fine person. That, perhaps, is the enduring appeal of Grand Seiko.