Inside Grand Seiko, Episode Two: The Evolution Of Spring Drive

In the second installment of our three-part series in partnership with Grand Seiko, we go in-depth on the history and development of Spring Drive.
Spring Drive is one of the most widely known of all the innovations created by Seiko in its entire history - but perhaps also the most misunderstood. This is partly because nothing like Spring Drive exists anywhere else in modern watchmaking: a watch regulated by a quartz oscillator, but one which is driven by a mainspring, has a completely conventional gear train, and has no battery.
For the full story, go to www.hodinkee.com/articles/ins...

[@kimchiwasabee]

it's GRAND Seiko for a reason.

[@fragu123]

I have a couple of GSs in my collection and two of them are SD. I love them a lot, based on a truly admirable technology, surrounded by a brand that is different. To find another person wearing it in the „real world“ will create immediate alliance....✅

[@WatchGeek]

Another great video!

[@philorkill]

As a swiss, I came through Swatch, then mechanical, but what I'm craving for now is the timekeeping of a quartz, paired with a mechanical power source. This is what the spring drive provides (hopefully). As soon I've got the money to spare, I'll buy one!

[@seikocitizenwatches]

I purchased one of the very first Spring Drive, the Seiko SNR005 and after 15 years it still runs flawlessly and accurately like day one without having to even open the case back. That’s right! Never needs service even after 15 long years and my gut feeling is that it may run forever with the same accuracy as when it was new. Once go Spring Drive, never go back. I have many Swiss and Japanese but nothing can touch Seiko Spring Drive.

[@widmancalderon7632]

Excellent video! I visited a Seiko boutique for the first time this year and saw the snowflake in action. It really is something I’m considering to add to my collection.

[@jcj2718]

This was such a wonderful series. Thanks so much for the efforts Jack,

[@EMKWANREVIEWS]

Some of the best watch videos by Hodinkee

[@Dan-oo1tm]

I want one of these more and more every day. Seiko has really got it together.

[@sunilthomas2923]

Well done video. I have several Rolex and Swiss mechanical movement watches, which are classic, but with very little technical improvements in the last 50 years. This is really a monumental change in watchmaking. The accuracy of quartz in a hybrid mechanical.

[@hiteshshewakramani2507]

Great video guys! This really explains the technology well. I had no idea how the Spring Drive worked up till now and it's brought forward a new appreciation for Seiko's breakthrough innovation. Seems like they were going for the best of Quartz and Mechanical in a single movement.

[@charlesmiller6281]

In 6 years I've never seen a more beautifully satisfying watch than my Spring Drive. That sweep second hand still gives me a kick every time I see it.

[@calt495]

Watching the spring drive's hand sweep is so relaxing.

[@mohammadziad3556]

I find my self more related to Japanese watch than a Swiss I don't know why

[@sureshobhan]

This is an amazing thing that you guys have started...Seiko you are just out of this world...truly a technological feat - Spring Drive...

[@norra124]

I quite like the SPURING DURIVUH! Very tempting.

[@nishant99999999]

Awesome video / excellent camera work!

[@bjdenil]

Loved this.

[@SriKrishnalaw]

Great video. Keep up the good work, Hodinkee!

[@connerferguson1667]

I’m usually not a fan of any watch that is not solely mechanical, but that is an engineering feat I can appreciate...