Seiko Watch Corporation, the world's leading watch manufacturer, introduced its exclusive collection of luxury timepieces, Ananta, for the first time in Asia at The Campus, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, last week.
Leading the team to introduce Ananta in Bangkok was Hirohiko Umemoto, director of Seiko Watch Corporation, Japan, with Dara-ratana Mahadumrongkul, president and CEO of Trocadero Group, the exclusive distributor of Seiko elite collections. The event was also graced by HE Kyoji Komachi,the Japanese ambassador to Thailand, and many distinguished guests, celebrities and watch enthusiasts.
Inspired by the ancient art of the Japanese katana swordmaking, Seiko Ananta is a cutting-edge timepiece designed for those who truly appreciate the art of fine watchmaking, and crafted with the Spring Drive and high-grade mechanical movement.
Katana is the Japanese ancient art of swordmaking that has developed over 800 years. A katana sword has a single-sided,curved blade designed to be drawn from its scabbard and used in a single motion. Its legendary sharpness comes from a unique type of steel and a distinctive forging process,combined with superb craftsmanship.
Katana swords are still made today, and prized by their owners for their beauty and precision.
"Precision, artistry, parabolic curves and sharpness are the themes that find expression in the new Ananta collection," said Mr Umemoto."The side of the case has the distinctive katana curve and a three-stage 'blade' polishing process gives the case its remarkable mirror finish, as smooth and flat as a katana sword."
The long, graceful curve of the case is made possible by a unique construction in which the back and lugs are crafted from a single piece of steel. The collection includes three mechanical calibres, two of which are new and all of which deliver superlative levels of precision, long-term reliability and power reserve.
"Ananta is a Sanskrit word meaning 'infinite'," said Mr Umemoto."When the Seiko product development team embarked on this project, they were given infinite scope to build a watch that embodied the Seiko vision of the most technologically advanced craftsmanship in the world. The result is Ananta - a collection that expresses Seiko's dedication to infinite perfection."
Leading the Ananta collection is the Spring Drive Chronograph equipped with its 5R6 caliber,416 components and 50 jewels, the only luxury chronograph to measure elapsing time precisely, and not to the nearest tick.Alongside the chronograph is a Spring Drive GMT in which the extended power reserve of 72 hours is expressed in a katana bladeshaped sub-dial (priced at 223,850 baht).
The Ananta Automatic Chronograph is equipped with the technological movement 8R28, defined as "the most accurate alarm system" with a frequency of 28,800 rounds/hour. Coated in black stainless steel, the sleek case has a classic, luxurious appearance.The semi-skeleton, sapphire back case reveals the high-grade mechanical movement. Straps are available in a selection of black genuine leather or stainless steel with water resistance to a depth of 100 metres (priced at 112,000 baht).
Ms Chitose Masuda, the "god-hand" lady watchmaker who won first prize in Japan's National Skill Competition in 1999, flew in for the event to demonstrate the quality of Seiko hand-assembling. Each Ananta timepiece has more than 400 movements which may only be assembled by hand.
"Not everyone can assemble this complicated timepiece," said Ms Masuda."Only skilled watchmakers with lots of experience and understanding of the function of each part can do this job."
At the launch event, Ms Masuda demonstrated the delicate complexity of assembling the Ananta Spring Drive Chronograph. It needs concentration, precision and skill of a high order to adjust each individual part and movement to achieve the high standard demanded by Seiko, and the demonstration impressed everyone present.
For more information about the new Ananta collection, visit Seiko Boutique on the 1st floor of The Emporium shopping complex, tel 02-677-4500.
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