Grand Seiko often looks to the environment of its native Japan to inspire its sophisticated timepieces, and its new special-edition model in partnership with luxury retailer Watches of Switzerland continues this deep connection with nature.

With the Grand Seiko Toge Special Edition, the watchmaker evokes the spirit of high-altitude drives around the picturesque Mount Iwate in north Japan (the term Tōgè means mountain pass). The delicately textured dial recalls the ridges of its terrain, here presented in captivating British Racing Green, a nod to the heritage of Watches of Switzerland.

The elegant case, with its distinctive crescent moon-shaped profile, is an original creation by Grand Seiko chief designer Nobuhiro Kosugi, the man behind the brand’s renowned modern 44GS case. Handsome finishing touches include the gold GMT hand and brown leather strap, completed with complementary fine green stitching. The watch comes equipped with the in-house Calibre 9S66, featuring a power reserve of 72 hours and tested to rigorous Grand Seiko Standard of -3 to +5 seconds per day in static conditions.

While the watch will be available in Watches of Switzerland boutiques from July, through the use of augmented reality, customers will be able to try on the timepiece from the comfort of their own home. A first for both Grand Seiko and Watches of Switzerland, the experience will be delivered through Instagram and Facebook filters.

grand-seiko.com; watches-of-switzerland.co.uk