Founded in 1960, Grand Seiko was established with the goal of creating the ideal wristwatch. Each timepiece is handcrafted in Japan by master artisans who ensure precision, legibility, durability, and beauty — the defining characteristics of the brand.

Deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, Grand Seiko’s philosophy, “The Nature of Time,” celebrates a distinctly Japanese spirituality of time, inspired by nature and interpreted through the savoir-faire of the takumi artisans, who give shape and soul to every creation.

On Tuesday, May 19, Grand Seiko welcomed guests and watch enthusiasts to the evocative Hi-Res rooftop terrace of Hotel Valadier in Rome for an exclusive evening organized in collaboration with Bedetti Roma 1882, the historic Roman watchmaking house and the brand’s partner in the Italian capital. The event offered the opportunity to discover Grand Seiko’s latest creations, unveiled at the most recent edition of Watches & Wonders Geneva, alongside some of the most emblematic models from its watchmaking universe and a selection from the prestigious Masterpiece Collection, featuring exceptional timepieces that represent the highest expression of the Japanese manufacture’s savoir-faire.

Overlooking the rooftops of the Eternal City, framed by the silhouettes of Rome’s monuments and the greenery of Villa Borghese, the terrace of Hotel Valadier provided the ideal setting to convey the philosophy of “The Nature of Time,” which has always inspired Grand Seiko. A conception of time deeply connected to the rhythms of nature, the perception of the seasons, and the pursuit of harmony through precision. Characterized by a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, the rooftop was reimagined for the occasion as an immersive and elegant space designed to guide guests through the discovery of the Grand Seiko universe.

During the evening, Grand Seiko welcomed Ikukiyo Komatsu, the brand’s historic master watchmaker at the Shinshu Watch Studio, who guided guests through the Spring Drive 9RB2 caliber with a dedicated demonstration of the movement’s assembly phases. Introduced in 2025, the caliber marked the debut of the new U.F.A. – Ultra Fine Accuracy – standard and represents one of the brand’s most significant technological evolutions.

“These moments of connection with Grand Seiko clients and enthusiasts are essential for authentically conveying the philosophy that drives the brand, The Nature of Time. Every Grand Seiko creation is born from the observation of nature and the desire to translate its essence into watchmaking form through technique, aesthetic sensitivity, and precision. Rome, with its layered history and timeless beauty, provides an extraordinary setting to present our collections and share our savoir-faire. In this context, we are delighted to collaborate with Bedetti Roma 1882. Our partner since 2021 and a historic reference point in the Eternal City for fine watchmaking enthusiasts, Bedetti represents a strategic partner in bringing a new generation of collectors closer to the Grand Seiko universe,” stated Frédéric Bondoux, President of Grand Seiko Europe.

“We are proud to have hosted, together with Grand Seiko, this event dedicated to Japanese watchmaking. In recent years, the brand has built an increasingly broad and knowledgeable community of enthusiasts in Italy, capable of recognizing the value of technical research and extraordinary craftsmanship, together with the uniquely Japanese sensibility that distinguishes Grand Seiko. Our collaboration with the watchmaking house is based on a shared vision founded on authenticity, precision, and a culture of craftsmanship,” added Stefano Bedetti, CEO and owner of Bedetti Roma 1882.

Among the evening’s standout timepieces were the new Ushio 300 Divers in High-Intensity Titanium, distinguished by blue and green dials whose shades evoke the depths of the ocean and the movement of marine currents.

Alongside these, the brand also presented another new model inspired by the iconic 62GS from 1967, the first automatic Grand Seiko watch. Its dial draws inspiration from the natural phenomenon of sakura-wakaba — that fleeting moment during the Japanese spring when cherry blossoms bloom while the first leaves begin to sprout. The delicate pink hues of the petals blend with the soft green of the foliage in a chromatic composition of remarkable refinement.

Special attention was also dedicated to the Masterpiece Collection, the ultimate expression of Grand Seiko’s watchmaking artistry. These timepieces are crafted within the prestigious Micro Artist Studio, a center of excellence located inside the Shinshu Watch Studio, where the manufacture’s most experienced watchmakers work. Since 2000, the studio has created limited-edition pieces that combine the highest level of hand-finishing with the exclusive Spring Drive technology.