Grand Seiko has unveiled its latest timepiece, the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGH005 watch. This stunning watch is powered by the high-pulsing Caliber 9SA5 and draws inspiration from the white Shirakaba birch trees that grow near the studio in Shizukuishi.
The name “birch” is derived from an Indo-European term that means glistening or shining, which perfectly describes the white bark of this unique deciduous tree. The Grand Seiko SLGH005 watch captures the essence of these birch trees with its shimmering glow, designed exclusively for this timepiece.
One of the standout features of the watch is its dial, which does not glitter but still produces a captivating effect. The prominent applied markers on the dial catch the light from any angle, and even the slightest movement of the wrist reflects it onto the polished surfaces of the watch.
Despite the reflections, the legibility of the dial remains excellent. The markers and hands are deeply grooved and very smooth, making them large and distinct enough to contrast against the matte dial background. The smooth texture of the dial further enhances the birch-inspired design, revealing grooves, raised ridges, and thin strips peeling off the stem, reminiscent of birch bark.
The Grand Seiko SLGH005 watch is powered by the Hi-Beat Automatic Caliber 9SA5, a movement developed entirely in-house by Grand Seiko over a nine-year period. This movement represents a new generation of Grand Seiko mechanical watches and showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGH005 is part of a limited edition series. The gold SLGH002, limited to 100 pieces and priced at $43,000 (Rp646,947,900), was the first to feature this movement. Following that, the stainless steel Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH003, limited to 1,000 pieces and priced at $9,700, was introduced.
Grand Seiko continues to impress watch enthusiasts with its dedication to creating exceptional timepieces that combine beauty, craftsmanship, and innovation. The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGH005 watch is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and its ability to draw inspiration from nature to create truly remarkable watches.
In other news, Seiko is celebrating 55 years of its iconic Seiko 5 Sports watch collection by presenting limited SKX Sports Style and Field Sports Style models. Alpina is also marking its 140th anniversary by unveiling a special edition watch, with only 14 pieces available worldwide. The IWO PRO DT8 Ultra Plus Smart Watch, which bears a resemblance to the Apple Watch, offers NFC capabilities and GPS tracking. Additionally, BYD has introduced a watch with alcohol intake detection function, featuring an Apple Watch-like design. Lastly, Richard Mille has launched the RM 72-01 Special Model for Le Mans Classic, a prestigious racing event in the world.
How does the use of Zaratsu-polished surfaces in the Tted black dial watch enhance its legibility?
Tted black dial. The dauphine hands, along with the faceted minute and hour markers, ensure easy reading of the time. The use of Zaratsu-polished surfaces further enhances the legibility by reducing unwanted distortions and reflections.
The watch case is crafted from stainless steel and has a diameter of 40mm, providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. It features a screw-down crown for added protection against water intrusion, giving the watch a water resistance of up to 100 meters.
The heart of the watch is the Caliber 9SA5 movement, developed and manufactured entirely in-house by Grand Seiko. This high-pulsing movement operates at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing for a smoother sweep of the seconds hand and ensuring exceptional accuracy.
The 9SA5 movement incorporates several advanced technological innovations, including a new Dual Impulse Escapement. This escapement, along with the use of a free-sprung balance wheel, delivers enhanced precision and stability, resulting in a remarkable accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day.
To further emphasize the connection to the birch trees, the watch is paired with a bracelet that mimics the texture of the tree’s bark. This unique bracelet design adds a touch of natural beauty to the overall aesthetic of the watch.
Grand Seiko’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGH005 watch. From its shimmering dial to its precise movement and unique bracelet, this timepiece is a true representation of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
This watch is a stunning tribute to nature’s elegance. The shimmering design and inspiration from white birches make the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGH005 truly exceptional.
“The Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGH005 beautifully captures the essence of elegance and inspiration from white birches. Its shimmering design highlights the brand’s commitment to perfection and innovation. Truly a timepiece that stands out in both style and craftsmanship.”