Seiko Spring Drive Watches Review: Chronograph, GMT, Moon phase

Seiko Spring Drive emerges as the most technologically advanced Seiko collection made for both men and women. The technology is quite complex – it has to be, having been under development for decades, and containing hundreds of parts.

Spring Drive watches abandon the escapement (a part previously indispensable in a watch with mechanical parts), and feature the Tri-Synchro Regulator instead – a more efficient way to manage energy inside the mechanism. As a result, the watches store 72 hours of power reserve; the hands move in a continuous motion, gliding without a single brake, effectively replicating time itself. Seiko take pride in this achievement, technological, as well as aesthetic one.

Movement

Spring Drive is a stylistically diverse collection. Based on technology rather than particular design concept, it encompasses a broad stylistic range, from casual to dressy to futuristic. A quality that's common to all Seiko Spring Drive watches, is, undoubtedly, the impressive self-confidence. The timepieces present a well structured and balanced face that oozes harmony – which transcends into unpretentious visual appearance that betrays high reliability.

Spring Drive includes the following main models: Chronograph, Moon phase, GMT, and less complicated small and center seconds hand variations. Basic design premise: simplicity, clarity and dignity.

Straight lines combine well with the perfect circle of the case, and complement the linear indices on the dials. The majority of the watches incorporate Roman numerals, some Arabic ciphers used for auxiliary functions.

It's difficult to categorize Spring Drive watches as casual or dressy; neither line belongs strictly to either category (perhaps with one exception). It seems that Seiko insist on making universal watches that will blend well in any social setting.

Spring Drive are available in both strap (crocodile) and bracelet versions. I think that bracelet models are more in line with Seiko vision. The straps add a touch of luxury and refinement that reduce the element of raw energy, making the watches more compatible for parties and dressy evening events.

The chronographs come in titanium – another step towards luxurious function – and power reserve indicators in all pieces.

Seiko Spring Drive proves that watches can encase the most advanced technology, and still look stylish. Seiko defies luxury watchmakers; it's not bound by purism and is not afraid to incorporate latest materials and developments inside the mechanism.