Grand Seiko President Akio Naito on Craft, Innovation, and Watches and Wonders 2026

In an interview with Whitewall, Grand Seiko President Akio Naito discusses the brand's philosophy, new releases at Watches and Wonders 2026, and the balance between heritage and innovation. The 2026 collection features dials inspired by cherry blossoms, winter forests, and indigo, alongside a hand-engraved Spring Drive piece and two diver's watches. Naito highlights the Spring Drive U.F.A., introduced in 2025, which achieves ±20 seconds per year accuracy. He emphasizes the 'Nature of Time' philosophy, rooted in Japanese aesthetics and precision. The Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, designed by Kengo Kuma, embodies this connection to nature. Naito notes growing interest from millennials and Gen Z, and the importance of platforms like Watches and Wonders Geneva for global communication. He also mentions the Tokyo Time campaign and the GS Club 9 community. Reflecting on Seiko's 145th anniversary, Naito cites founder Kintaro Hattori's principle of being 'always one step ahead' and his personal favorite, the SBGW260 limited edition from the 140th anniversary.