‘The nature of time’

Seiko recently held its first ever craftsman event in Manila in time for the 60th anniversary of the launch of the first iconic Grand Seiko timepiece. Its current craftsman Takuya Nishinaka was present during the event.

Grand Seiko is a luxury brand that offers timepieces made by skilled craftsmen by hand in two exclusive watchmaking studios, using parts produced in-house. 

The Nature of Time: The Grand Seiko Master Craftsman event, held at the Lexus Manila showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, featured an LED tunnel that introduced Grand Seiko’s product timeline; an elegant display of the Lexus RX 350; and an Ens? calligraphy performance by calligraphist Oj Hofer, who also personalized guests’ names. Also on display were four Grand Seiko anniversary pieces that guests were able to try.

Seiko Watch Corp. director and senior vice president Yoshikatsu Kawada welcomed guests and shared the story of “The Nature of Time.”

Timeplus Corp. president Karl Dy said, “We know how big the watch collector community has grown in the Philippines, with many enthusiasts going for luxury brands that have a long, proud heritage such as that of the Grand Seiko. We are proud to bring in the Grand Seiko concept store to the country, especially with the expertise that has been shared with us by craftsman Nishinaka, to demonstrate the technology that goes inside each timepiece. Aside from the Snowflake, we are planning to bring in more styles in the future for our collections from the proud 60-year history of the brand.”

Craftsman Nishinaka entered the showroom in a blue 2020 Lexus LC 500 and then gave a demonstration on how to assemble the iconic Grand Seiko Snowflake. Sam Valenciano and Aya Cojuangco were given the chance to assemble the Grand Seiko Snowflake on stage with the assistance of Nishinaka. Sam and Aya each took their turn in following a step-by-step guide to build the mechanical watch in five minutes. The night capped off with the awarding of four lucky winners, who each received a round-trip Business Class ticket to Japan.

(Seiko boutiques are located at Glorietta 1, SM Aura Premier and SM Seaside Cebu. For more information, visit www.grand-seiko.com/ph-en, @grandseikophilippines on Instagram and Grand Seiko Philippines on Facebook.)