Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection SLGA009

Japan’s leading Grand Seiko presents the SLGA009 as the first new product in the newly launched Evolution 9 collection. Evolution 9 refers to a line equipped with next-generation movements such as Spring Drive 9RA2 and Hi-Beat Automatic Caliber 9SA5 in a new design introduced in 2020 to commemorate the brand’s 60th anniversary. It is for the same reason that the SLGA008, SLGA007, SLGH007, and SLGH005, which were recently introduced as the Heritage Collection, were incorporated into the collection. The new SLGA009, released at the same time as announcing a new era, at first glance, can be said to be a new product. It is because it closely resembles the so-called ‘White Birch’ SLGH005, which was a hit worldwide, such as winning the Men’s Watch category at the Geneva Grand Prix last year with a dial representing a birch forest. Those with a keen eye would have found a hint on the dial. The lettering below the dial reads ‘SPRING DRIVE 5DAYS’.

That’s right. The secret was in the movement. Unlike its predecessor, which is powered by a mechanical movement (caliber 9SA5), the new SLGA009 is powered by a unique spring drive that combines quartz and mechanical. Among the spring drives that the Seiko family is proud of, it is equipped with the next-generation automatic caliber 9RA2. The most recent caliber 9RA2 can be seen as a face-off version of the next-generation caliber 9RA5, replacing the previous-generation 9R6 series. The biggest difference is that the power reserve indicator marked on the dial has been moved to the movement side. Except for the arrangement of functions, the features of caliber 9RA5 are maintained. It boasts an accuracy of ±10 seconds per month by vacuum packaging a quartz oscillator aged over 3 months in a new type of integrated circuit (IC) package with a built-in temperature sensor. Above all, the two barrels of different sizes maintain high torque and at the same time support a long power reserve of up to 5 days.
The case protecting the caliber 9RA2 is made of stainless steel. The size is 40mm in diameter, 11.8mm thick, and 100m waterproof. The original Heritage SLGH005 (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.7mm) and case specifications are almost identical. The same goes for the surface finish. With a focus on the delicate hairline finish, the face-to-face edges are always finished with the brand’s traditional Zaratsu polishing. A bracelet that fits snugly into the case is no different.fake watches uk
The dial, which caused a little misunderstanding (?) on the first impression, is, as expected, identical to its predecessor. A unique pattern is engraved on the dial with a frosted finish that creates a texture that resembles an ice surface. The motif was also obtained from a birch grove located in the vicinity of Studio Shizukuishi, which leads to the core Manufacture of Grand Seiko. The blue second hand flows smoothly over the white dial, reminiscent of a birch forest. This is thanks to the Glide Motion, which comes from the unique spring drive Glide Wheel (a magnetic rotating wheel meshed with the 4th wheel of the geartrain). It may be subtle, but it is definitely smoother than its predecessor with a mechanical movement.