Ever wondered why watch connoisseurs are praising Grand Seiko? Always wanted to know what it feels like to be a watch journalist going behind doors that normally stay closed? Or perhaps you are already a Grand Seiko fan and want to learn more about this Japanese manufacture? Read along how to be part of an exclusive Grand Seiko experience.
Together with Grand Seiko, Fratello Watches organises an exclusive reader’s trip to Japan from September 23 to September 29. Having visited the (Grand) Seiko manufacture at the end of 2015, it has not only opened their eyes to the high-end watchmaking in Japan, but they also remember it as one of the best (and they’ve seen many) experiences ever. This led to the idea to organise a very similar reader journey, together with Robert-Jan Broer of Fratello Watches and Grand Seiko.
You will be able to see with your own eyes how precise and committed the watchmakers of Grand Seiko (and Credor) work on the most beautiful watches and movements. You will learn about the specifics of Grand Seiko movements, from their 9F quartz calibers via their 9S mechanical calibers to the innovative 9R Spring Drive calibers. How they accomplish the beautiful and unique finishing on their cases, hands and indexes.
The program for the trip:
Sunday – Arrival in Tokyo Haneda of all participants attending the Exclusive Grand Seiko Experience with Fratello Watches. Joint dinner in the evening with all participants.
Monday – City tour, visiting the Asakusa temple and visit to the Tokyo Skytree (second highest building in the world) followed by a welcome dinner.
Tuesday – Trip to Shiojiri (Nagano), where you will visit the Sinshu watch studios. Here, you’ll witness the development and production of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive, Grand Seiko 9F Quartz, Credor Minute Repeater and Credor Sonnerie timepieces. Afterwards, the trip goes back to Tokyo.
Wednesday – Free time for shopping or exploring Tokyo city.
Thursday – Visit of the Seiko Museum, Visit to the Grand Seiko boutique inside the WAKO department store in Tokyo Ginza. At the end of the day, a trip with the famous Japanese bullet train to Morioka with an overnight in a traditional Japanese hotel (Ryokan). Here, you’ll experience a traditional Japanese diner.
Friday – A visit of the Shizuku-Ishi watch studios in Morioka, where the Grand Seiko mechanical calibers are being developed and produced. You will also practice on the assembly of a Grand Seiko movement. Afterwards, a trip to Tokyo where you will join the farewell dinner.
Saturday – Transfer to the airport.
Make sure to read Robert-Jan Broer’s report on Fratellowatches.com about his Grand Seiko experience in japan.
September update: Registration for this event is closed
- Price :5.500,- euro, excluding flight tickets.
- Participants: Limited to 12 + Fratello Watches team.
- Organisation: German office
- Main language for the entire trip: English
