The story of the cheap Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon unfolds with the depiction of the other side of light and shadow.
In 2022, Grand Seiko launched its first mechanical complication, the KODO Constant-Force Tourbillon, a revolutionary watch that, for the first time in the history of horology, combined a tourbillon and constant-force mechanism as a single unit, on a single axis. As such, it represented a major milestone in Grand Seiko’s history and was recognized by the international watchmaking community when it was awarded the Chronometer Prize at that year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Today, the story of KODO unfolds with the launch of a limited edition watch inspired by dawn; its design perfectly complements that of the first watch.
While the first KODO watch represented dusk with a subtle interweaving of light and shadow, which is at the heart of the Grand Seiko aesthetic, the new watch uses light and shadow to evoke the feeling of dawn. The entire design emphasizes the subtle moment when the morning light begins to cover the sky. This watch completes a creation begun two years ago to depict light and shadow.
The movement components are finished in silver tones, giving the new Kodo a subtle and luminous look that highlights the intricate, layered parts of the structure. The beauty of the meticulously hand-polished components is even more evident in the new best replica watches. For the first time, blue sapphires are used as gemstones in a Grand Seiko watch movement, adding an unexpected detail that is in perfect harmony with the design. Carefully inspected and selected, the light blue sapphires are reminiscent of a beautiful dawn.
The skeleton design not only showcases the beauty of the hand-crafted movement, but the skeletonized spaces themselves are carefully designed to reflect an important Japanese cultural and aesthetic value, which is the respect for the use of empty space. The use of skeletonized space is also reflected in the lugs, which complement the case and add a sense of lightness to the design.
Subtle gradations of light are expressed through the use of different materials and various types of finishes. 950 platinum makes up the inner case of the watch, while hard titanium (twice as hard as stainless steel) makes up the outer case, making the exterior highly scratch-resistant. The combination of the two materials creates a natural gradation and a lasting beauty. Parts of the case made of two metals are Zaratsu polished to a distortion-free mirror effect, while other parts have a hairline effect. Each process is done by hand by highly skilled craftsmen to ensure elegant visual harmony from all angles.
Innovative 9ST1 Movement
The men cheap watch is equipped with the original 9ST1 movement, in which the constant force device and tourbillon are integrated into a single unit, located on the same axis. Since there are no gears or other parts between the two devices, there is no loss or change in the torque transmitted to the balance wheel by the constant force device, the life of the constant force device is approximately 50 hours, and the amplitude of the balance wheel is highly stable. These characteristics combine to create a highly stable precision of the movement.
In addition, Grand Seiko has set a constant force standard for Caliber 9ST1, in which each movement is tested for a full 48 hours in six positions and three temperatures, a duration twice that of Grand Seiko’s main standard and industry standards. Each movement is evaluated for 34 days to verify its accuracy.
The movement consists of approximately 340 parts, but more than 100 of them are housed in the “heart” of the movement, the integrated constant-force cage and tourbillon cage, which is approximately 10 mm in diameter. On the constant-force cage, a ruby is placed on one of the arms that indicate the seconds.
This new watch shares the same hallmarks of the first KODO watch, namely the fusion of two mechanisms to create a dazzling visual and auditory effect. The inner tourbillon cage rotates while the balance wheel oscillates steadily at a frequency of eight times per second, and the outer constant-force cage follows its rotation at precise one-second intervals. The sound of the escapement and the pulse of the constant-force mechanism once per second harmonize with this visual rhythm, creating a deeply satisfying and reassuring heartbeat for the eyes and ears. This sound has a powerful yet soft appeal, set to sixteenth notes or sixteenths.
Exclusive white strap
The best cheap watch is paired with a leather strap made from an extremely durable material that has been specially treated in the same way as traditionally used in samurai armor. But this time, a new white strap has been developed specifically for the new Kodo. The white strap is tanned from natural materials and then carefully hand-painted with several layers of white lacquer to create a deep shine and unique texture. The watch also comes with a charcoal grey alligator strap.
