More than a boutique opening, Grand Seiko’s Pacific Place event combined the Indonesian debut of its 2026 releases with an editorial-style experience that continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike
Some watch events stay with you long after the last guest has left. Grand Seiko’s June 19 opening of its newest salon at Pacific Place was one of them. Held in partnership with PT Asia Jaya Ikon and Prestige Indonesia, DAMAN’s sister publication, the evening combined the Indonesian debut of the brand’s 2026 releases with an immersive editorial experience that quickly became one of the season’s most talked-about gatherings among collectors and enthusiasts.
Fresh from their debut at Watches and Wonders Geneva, Grand Seiko’s latest models were introduced in an environment that reflected the brand’s philosophy as much as the watches themselves. Japanese craftsmanship, technical innovation and thoughtful hospitality came together under one roof, creating an experience that extended well beyond a conventional boutique launch.
The new salon embodies Grand Seiko’s understated aesthetic with warm cream and gray tones accented by the brand’s signature blue. Rather than encouraging visitors to browse quickly, the space invites them to slow down, examine the finer details and spend time with each timepiece, mirroring the philosophy behind the watches themselves.
While the new releases naturally drew much of the attention, one activation in particular continued generating conversation well after the event concluded. Rather than simply viewing the watches behind display cases, select guests were invited to experience them through the lens of a luxury editorial.
Presented in collaboration with Prestige Indonesia, the editorial-style photo and video experience transformed participants from attendees into the subjects of a professionally directed fashion feature. Wearing their favorite Grand Seiko timepieces, guests were guided by Prestige Indonesia’s former Editor-at-Large, who also spent years creating fashion editorials and directing photo shoots for DAMAN. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience producing magazine covers, watch editorials and luxury fashion campaigns, he approached each session with the same creative process typically reserved for the pages of the publications.
The dedicated studio space further elevated the experience. Professional lighting and custom-designed backdrops recreated the movement and texture of ocean waves, visually echoing the showcase’s hero timepieces, the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver models. The result blurred the boundaries between brand presentation, editorial storytelling and personal expression, giving guests a rare opportunity to see themselves as the protagonists of a luxury watch editorial while celebrating their appreciation for fine watchmaking.
According to Kevin Lie, Director of PT Asia Jaya Ikon, that sense of comfort and immersion was equally important in shaping the salon itself.
“The concept of this salon is to make customers feel genuinely welcome, almost as if they are at home. They can browse our timepieces and discover every fine detail of the products comfortably, without feeling rushed,” he said.
Among the evening’s highlights were the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver references SLGB023 and SLGB025. Named after the Japanese word ushio, meaning “tide,” the pair draws inspiration from the waters surrounding the Japanese archipelago. The SLGB023 features a deep blue gradient dial that captures the effect of light descending into the ocean’s depths, while the SLGB025 introduces a vivid green dial inspired by the calmer waters closer to shore.
Part of the Evolution 9 Collection, both models showcase Grand Seiko’s latest technical achievements. Powered by the Spring Drive U.F.A. Caliber 9RB1, they combine exceptional precision with a more compact construction. Measuring 40.8 mm across, they are the smallest diving watches in Grand Seiko’s current lineup, delivering improved wearability without compromising performance.
Each model is crafted from High-Intensity Titanium, making the case and bracelet approximately 30-percent lighter than conventional stainless steel while maintaining Grand Seiko’s signature polished finish. A newly developed extendable clasp with micro-adjustment allows for a more precise fit whether worn directly on the wrist or over a diving suit.
Guests also had the opportunity to explore Grand Seiko’s heritage through a curated display of milestone references, including the First Grand Seiko, the 44GS, the 61GS V.F.A. and the 62GS. Together, they traced the evolution of the manufacture’s design language and technical philosophy, reinforcing the connection between decades of innovation and the watches now defining Grand Seiko’s next chapter.
More than a month later, the event still stands as a reminder that the strongest watch launches are about more than unveiling new references. Grand Seiko’s latest salon opening wasn’t simply an opportunity to introduce its newest timepieces to Indonesia. It offered collectors an immersive expression of the brand’s world, one where craftsmanship, design and editorial storytelling came together to create an experience that continues to resonate well beyond the evening itself.