Showing posts with label Grand Seiko. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand Seiko. Show all posts

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Grand Seiko – MASTERPIECE Spring Drive 8 Days Days Jewelry Edition

 

SEIKOGrand Seiko MASTERPIECE Spring Drive 8 Days Jewelry White Lion Platinum Exclusive Limited Edition 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The white lion inspires a Grand Seiko jewelry timepiece of rare craftsmanship.

When, in 2020, Grand Seiko introduced a jewelry watch into the Masterpiece Collection for the first time, its design evoked the landscape of the region where it was created. Today sees the introduction of another Spring Drive jewelry timepiece whose craftsmanship is of the same high standard but whose inspiration is very different. Since 1960, the lion has symbolized the strength of Grand Seiko but now it finds a new expression. The white lion has arrived.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The strength and power of the lion are still at the heart of this watch but the white lion has a beauty that is as striking as it is rare. Sparkling diamonds, black spinels, white gold and Platinum 950 combine to create a stunning timepiece of exquisite artistry. 

The lion’s mane flows across the dial

While the strong and angular lugs speak of the power of the lion and the graceful tresses of its mane are reflected in the pattern on the dial, it is the jewels that attract the eye. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

112 diamonds are embedded in the upper surfaces of the case and a further 60 baguette diamonds surround the dial on the bezel. 

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No fewer than 94 diamonds are set in the dial, contrasting with the 26 black spinels to create a stunningly intricate effect. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The seconds hand is tempered to a perfect grey color to match the overall tone and a single brilliant-cut diamond is set into the crown.

Hand craftsmanship of the highest order

On the dial, the carefully selected spinels and baguette diamonds are tapered and serve as minute and hour markers. All these gems are set by hand between a very thin pair of 18k white gold rails by the most skilled of the jewelry craftsmen and women in the Shinshu Watch Studio in Shiojiri

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The diamonds on the bezel are also set by hand with a precision that allows the light on their table surfaces to flow evenly, as if the bezel were a single surface. The same high level of jewelry expertise is to be seen on the lugs where the diamonds are set so exactly that they also seem to create a single, flat surface.

A Spring Drive movement with eight days of power and a view of Mt. Fuji

The watch is powered by the Spring Drive 8-day Caliber 9R01 which was created by the Micro Artist Studio, the elite team of watchmakers who create all the Spring Drive watches in the Masterpiece Collection and whose home is in the same Shiojiri facility as the Shinshu Watch Studio.  

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Caliber 9R01 delivers an accuracy rate of ±10 seconds per month and offers a power reserve of eight days, or 192 hours, when fully wound. 
 
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 
 
It incorporates three barrels arranged in sequence to deliver the extended power reserve which is shown by an indicator visible through the sapphire crystal case back along with the exquisite finishing of the one-piece bridge, designed in the image of Mt. Fuji.

A new jewelry Masterpiece inspired by the strenght and beauty of the White Lion

Grand Seiko’s jewelry masterpieces are produced in Shiojiri, where the skilled craftsmen and women of the Micro Artist Studio have been making Spring Drive masterpieces since 2000, combining the best of horological innovation and traditional hand craftsmanship. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Today at Watches and Wonders, Grand Seiko announces reference SBGD209, the newest entry to the Masterpiece Collection, this time inspired by the majestic white lion.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The lion has long been emblematic of Grand Seiko. The king of the jungle made its debut on the case back of the first-ever Grand Seiko timepiece in 1960, and it has remained the enduring symbol of the brand. The choice of the lion as the brand’s icon reflected the ambition of the Grand Seiko team to make the best timepieces of which they were capable—what they would describe as the “king of watches.”

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

Rendered in Platinum 950, the “Tokyo Lion” case of SBGD209 features a strong, angular design with numerous facets throughout. It measures 44.5mm in diameter and 14.4mm in thickness. Despite the size and angularity of the design, the case features a gentle curve along its underside that allows for a comfortable fit on the wrist. Its sharply defined edges and prominent ridges are made possible by first cold forging the alloy and then implementing a unique adaptation of Zaratsu polishing technique developed specifically for Platinum 950.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

While the mid-case shape speaks to the lion’s power, it is the elegant application of the fine stones that attract the eye. One hundred twelve diamonds are fixed to the outer surfaces of the case, and an additional 60 baguette diamonds are applied to the bezel. 
 
Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The diamonds on the bezel are set by hand with a precision that allows the light on the surface to flow evenly as if the bezel were a single surface. The same high level of craft is applied to the lugs, where the diamonds are set so precisely that they also appear to create a single flat surface. A brilliant-cut diamond is set into the crown.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The dial bears a pattern representing the mane of the lion, and here it is rendered in white. Carefully selected black spinels and baguette diamonds are tapered and serve as minute and hour markers. These gems are meticulously set by hand between a very thin pair of 18k white gold rails by the most skilled craftspeople from the Shinshu Watch Studio’s jewelry studio. Contrasting against the dial base for a highly legible display are bold hands, and the seconds hand is tempered to a perfect grey color to match the overall tone of the dial.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO Powering the watch is caliber 9R01. This Spring Drive movement, produced by a dedicated team at the Micro Artist Studio, offers an accuracy of 10 seconds per month and an eight-day power reserve. 

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The architecture and finishing of the movement are inspired by the scenery as seen from the Takabochi Highlands, near the Micro Artist Studio: the bridge traces the contours of Mt. Fuji, the glide wheel evokes the rising sun, the rubies and tempered blued screws recall the lights of Suwa City at night, and the power reserve indicator marks the shape of Lake Suwa. The caliber features convex beveling along the bridge’s edges, and the top surface has a fine hairline finish—both details executed entirely by hand.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO    SBGD209 will be offered in a limited edition of just five and will be presented at selected Grand Seiko Boutiques in May 2022 for $250,000.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

Model:   MASTERPIECE Spring Drive 8 Days Days Jewelry Edition
 

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Ref.  SBGD209J

Movement Caliber no.: 9R01 Instructions
Accuracy:     ±10 seconds per month (±0.5 second per day)
Water resistance:     10 bar
Magnetic resistance:     4,800
A/m

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Other details / Features:     
    Case with diamond(s)
    LIMITED EDITION on the case back
    Serial number engraved on the case back
    Dial with diamonds and black spinels
    Crown with diamond
    Platinum 950 clasp (partly 18k white gold)
    26 black spinels (0.88 carat)
    267 diamonds (5.97 carat)
    56 jewels
    Power reserve indicator
    Time difference adjustment function
Exterior:     Platinum
Case back:     See-through & Screw case back
Glass Material:     Dual-curved sapphire crystal
Glass Coating:     Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Case size:     Diameter 44.5mm Lug-to-lug 52.0mm Thickness 14.4mm
Band width:     23mm
Band Material:     Crocodile leather
Clasp type:     Three-fold clasp with push button release

 🔰 Limited Edition of ✅5 pieces

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Press releases - 2022
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www.grand-seiko.com
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www.facebook.com - Seiko
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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
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www.SeikoWatches.com

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Grand Seiko – ELEGANCE Spring Drive GS9 Club USA Exclusive Edition

  

SEIKOGrand Seiko ELEGANCE Spring Drive Manual GS9 Club USA Exclusive Limited Edition 2022


 A GS9 Club USA exclusive inspired by Matsumoto Castle at dusk in autumn

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  The GS9 Club USA 2022 Limited Edition draws inspiration from Shinshu, the area of Japan where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are crafted. In Showa 9 (the ninth year of the Showa era, approximately 1934), a woodblock print, done in the style known as ukiyo-e, was created depicting the famed Matsumoto Castle of Shinshu.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The warm grey tone of theGS9 Club USA Limited Edition was chosen to pay tribute to Matsumoto Castle at dusk in Autumn. The kirazuri dial pattern, which adorned the first USA exclusive models in 2018, was selected as a tribute to these first USA exclusives and the ukiyo-e woodblock print depicting Matsumoto Castle. The term kirazuri translates roughly to “sparkling painting” and refers to a technique of sprinkling mica powder on ukiyo-e prints to create an exquisite sparkle. This dial features the sparkling kirazuri pattern at its center, with the minutes track finished to contrast with the centerpiece of the dial.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The dial is curved to follow the shape of the crystal, and the minutes and seconds hands are curved by hand to create high legibility and to follow the contour of the dial and crystal. The seconds hand is individually tempered blue, and the remaining hands and markers are multi-faceted and diamond-cut to enhance beauty and legibility. To create a pure and highly legible dial, the power reserve indicator is visible through the sapphire caseback.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO  

The thin profile Elegance Collection “thin-dress series” design was selected for its 38.5mm diameter and slimness of 10.2mm. A dramatically dual-curved sapphire crystal that follows the curvature of the case lugs and a short case length create wearability and a sense of comfort that is versatile for daily wear.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 


The slim Spring Drive caliber 9R31 was chosen for its precision, robustness, long duration, compact size, and beautiful aesthetic with its tempered blue screws and delicate hairline finish. The innovative movement uses a Dual–Spring barrel with mainsprings set in parallel within a single barrel that winds and unwinds simultaneously, achieving a 72-hour duration in a compact size. 

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The single-piece bridge enhances rigidity, while the hairline finish creates a beautiful contrast of light and shadow when paired with the mirror-polished edges of the openings.

 Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Only 299 pieces will be made of the GS9 Club USA 2022 Limited Edition SBGY023. The watch will be featured on a matching grey crocodile leather strap.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

Model: ELEGANCE Spring Drive Manual GS9 Club USA Exclusive Edition

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

 Ref.  SBGY023

Special : GS9 Club Limited Edition

 
Movement
Caliber : 9R31

Type : Spring Drive
Power Source
: Manual Winding
Jewels : 30
Accuracy : ±1 second per day / ±15 seconds per month (average)
Duration : 72 Hours
Functions
Features : Time
Water Resistance : 30m
Magnetic Resistance : 4,800 A/m
Case
Material : Stainless Steel
Diameter : 38.5mm
Thickness : 10.2mm
Length : 43.7mm
Lug Width : 19mm
Crown : Push Crown
Crystal : Dual Curve Sapphire
Caseback : Stainless Steel with Sapphire Crystal
Strap
Crocodile Leather w. three-fold clasp

🔰 Limited Edition of ✅299 pieces

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Press releases - 2022
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www.grand-seiko.com
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www.facebook.com - Seiko
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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
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www.SeikoWatches.com

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Grand Seiko – KODO Constant-force Tourbillon Unique Piece

  

SEIKOGrand Seiko KODO Constant-force Tourbillon Brilliant Hard Titanium - Unique Piece 2022
 
 A Unique Heartbeat: The Piece-Unique Grand Seiko 
Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT001

Grand Seiko reached a new milestone in its sixty-two-year history with the introduction of the brand’s first mechanical complication watch, the Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon. At its heart is a uniquely innovative movement that delivers a level of stable accuracy unprecedented for Grand Seiko by combining a tourbillon and a constant-force mechanism as one unit on a single axis for the very first time in horological history. 

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The watch is named Kodo, the Japanese word for heartbeat. With its unique appearance when in motion and with its carefully designed sound, this revolutionary watch reveals its vitality both audibly and visually, thanks to the open-work design and the sapphire case back. Most remarkable of all is the way that the constant-force mechanism and the tourbillon have been integrated together to allow the creation of an overall design that is perfectly in harmony with the values of Grand Seiko and whose technical ingenuity is encased in a watch of great elegance and wearability.

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

In 2020, Grand Seiko introduced the T0 Constant-force Tourbillon, a concept movement incorporating a constant-force mechanism and a tourbillon as one unit on a single axis. To bring the concept to life in a finished watch required the complete dedication of a team comprising designers, engineers, and craftsmen and women entrusted with the assembly and finishing of the movement and the case. Each of the 340 components of the caliber was re-examined and, where necessary, re-designed and re-engineered for production. The result is Caliber 9ST1

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Not only is Caliber 9ST1 smaller than its concept movement predecessor, but its high accuracy remains stable for longer thanks to the constant-force mechanism. Furthermore, Caliber 9ST1 sets a new standard of accuracy, verified in a testing procedure during which each movement is tested for a full 48 hours in each of six positions and at three temperatures. This is twice as long as the Grand Seiko Standard.

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Each movement is assessed over 34 days to verify its accuracy. When the tests are completed and this new standard has been met or exceeded, the performance characteristics of each movement are defined in the individual certificate provided with every watch.

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

For the Kodo model unique piece to be sold exclusively by Phillips Auction, SLGT001, the concept was based on musō 無双. Musō roughly translates to “one and only” or “second to none,” a fitting term for the unique piece exclusive to the auction. This unparalleled model is unique in several ways compared to the global model limited to 20 pieces, reference 👉 SLGT003.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

First, the multi-component case structure is made entirely of Grand Seiko’s proprietary alloy, Brilliant Hard Titanium. This material, which is used on only the outer case and outer construction of the bezel of SLGT003, is used for both the inner and exterior case components to thoroughly reduce weight and achieve a comfortable feel unique to this model. Brilliant Hard Titanium is as light as pure titanium but twice as hard as stainless steel and, therefore, highly resistant to scratches. Its color is brighter than the other forms of titanium used for Grand Seiko, allowing the Zaratsu polished surfaces to stand out more prominently.

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The bridges, mainplate, and many of the components of the movement are plated in a silver color to create an entirely new aesthetic for the Kodo. A yellow-gold accent for the power reserve and seconds track of the carriage inherits the aesthetic of the T0 concept movement.

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The design of the screws for the Kodo model has the appearance of the six arms of the carriages, a trait that cleverly enhances the design but also is pleasant for assembly. The special screwdriver and screws used have an even application of torque, which the designer of T0 and Kodo, Mr. Takuma Kawauchiya, enjoys greatly. For the unique piece SLGT001, the screws are tempered blue by hand instead of being mirror polished as they are on reference SLGT003

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The carriages for the constant-force tourbillon mechanism are titanium to help reduce weight and improve efficiency. They are blue as well, which is executed through anodic oxidation. Anodic Oxidation is a surface treatment in which the titanium carriages are subjected to electrolysis to generate an oxide film artificially. Titanium oxide film produces color according to the light refraction index, enabling the production of different colors by varying the thickness of the oxide film. This once again emulates the styling of the original concept T0.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

The GS letters are specially engraved by hand on the Brilliant Hard Titanium clasp by Grand Seiko’s very best engravers. The watch is offered with a calf strap specially treated in the same traditional way as was used to create the high-durability material once used in the armor of the Samurai. The strap’s surface is painted by hand with Urushi lacquer in a multi-coating process that gives the strap a delicate sheen. It is in a brown color specially for this unique piece.  

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

Accompanying the unique piece Kodo SLGT001, will be an exclusive trip to Japan to meet its creators, the Grand Seiko team, a visit to Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in the lovely Iwate prefecture.

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A portion of the sale will be donated to the Children’s Heart Foundation. The Children’s Heart Foundation is the leading organization dedicated to funding congenital heart defect research. 

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

Model:   Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon Unique Piece

  Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

 Ref. SLGT001

Movement
Caliber 9ST1
Driving system: manual-winding
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static for 48 hours)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 44
Constant-force Tourbillon
(Constant-force: 50 Hours)
Diameter: 35.0mm, Thickness: 7.98mm

Functions
    Water resistance :    10 bar
    Magnetic resistance :    4,800 A/m
    Other details / Features :    
        ・Case back with 6 screws
        ・Unique Piece on the case back
        ・Power reserve indicator
        ・See-through case back
        ・Serial number engraved on the case back

 Exterior
    Case Material :  Brilliant Hard Titanium
    Glass Material : Box shaped sapphire crystal
    Glass Coating :  Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
    Case size : Diameter 43.8mm  Lug-to-lug 50.6mm  Thickness 12.9mm
    Clasp type : Platinum 950 three-fold clasp with push button release

Option strap
XGL00122
Band width:22mm
Clasp width:18mm
Color:Brown
Material:Crocodile
It will be available from 2022.11

The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT001 Unique Piece will be auctioned in the upcoming Phillips The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN on December 10-11, 2022 in New York City.

Edition - Unique Piece

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Press releases - 2022
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www.grand-seiko.com
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www.facebook.com - Seiko
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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone +81 3 6739 2150
Telefax +81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
----------------------------------------------------------------
www.SeikoWatches.com

Monday, September 19, 2022

CREDOR – "The Dream of the Butterfly" - Unique piece

CREDORArt Piece "The Dream of the Butterfly" Platinum by engraver Kiyoshi Edition - Unique piece - 2022

 From <Credor>, a butterfly created by the ultimate metal engraving gracefully dances,
One watch in the world appears

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

Seiko Watch Co., Ltd. (President: Akio Naito, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce that from the Credor's "Art Piece Collection", we have created a "Butterfly A limited model that expresses “dream” will be released on Friday, August 19th.

The world of "Dream of Butterfly" expressed by "moving engraving"

Kiyoshi Terui, a metal engraver who received an outstanding craftsmanship (contemporary master craftsman) in 2002 and the Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2007, created a wristwatch equipped with the metal engraving technology "moving engraving." Realization, adding a new page to the history of Credor. Twenty-seven years after starting his metal engraving, Terui has always produced various metal engraving works based on his own belief of “creating something unique and new”.

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Inspired by the tale of the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, "The Dream of a Butterfly," this model was developed as a "butterfly that flutters on a rotating disc," realizing a longtime dream of Terui's moving metal engraving. 

By turning the crown at 4 o'clock, six butterflies made of 18K yellow gold with metal engraving will gracefully flap their wings on the rotating disk. The dial is made of engraved 18K white gold, and the 18K yellow gold arabesque with openwork markings at 12, 4, and 8 o'clock that serve as indexes. The three outer butterflies pass under the arabesque while flapping their wings.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

The movement, which can be seen from the back, is also delicately engraved with wisteria flowers that bloom gracefully. A dream-like world is expressed by inlaying two butterflies, a white lip and a black lip, between wisteria swaying in the wind.

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO

In this work, the butterfly drive part was assembled by Terui himself, and the assembly, including the movement, was handled by contemporary master craftsman Satoshi Hiraga. There are more than 70 parts to move the engraving, and each part requires fine adjustment to drive the butterfly smoothly. Without Terui and Hiraga's excellent technique, this work could not have been realized. Two master craftsmen have created a single elegant watch in a world of exquisite craftsmanship and exquisite beauty.

<Credor> was born in 1974 as a brand of luxury dress watches with rich individuality, created by Japanese sensibility and sophisticated technology. The name, which means "Golden Top (CRÊTE D'OR)" in French, is appropriate for the movement, and every single component, from the movement to the fine parts, is made with carefully selected materials and master craftsmanship to protect its beauty and quality.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection: Art Piece

Model: "The Dream of the Butterfly"


Reference: GBBY983 

Case
38.8mm diameter x 11mm height - 45.4mm lug-to-lug
950 platinum case
Glass: Dual curve sapphire glass (internal non-reflective coating)
Sapphire caseback
Water-resistant case
Weight: 135.0g
Dial
18k white gold dial, engraved by hand
18k yellow gold rotating automaton with moving butterflies
Blued hands
Movement:
Hand-wound - fully engraved by hand
Calibre 6890 - in-house
22 jewels
21,600 vibrations/hour
37h power reserve
Hours, minutes, automaton
Strap
Crocodile Strap (Black Musou Tailoring)
Platinum 950 one-push three-fold clasp

Edition  - Unique piece available today

🔴 Price: JPY 49,500,000   (approx. EUR 360,000) 💰

 

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Press Release - 2022
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