Introducing: The Turquoise-Dial Grand Seiko SLGA025 And Icy-Looking SBGH347
Don’t you love how the designers at Grand Seiko keep using Japanese natural phenomena and settings as inspiration? Of course, I’m not a fan of all Grand Seiko watches, but I enjoy reading through the press releases and looking up the places and things from which the dial colors and textures are derived. It’s like taking a trip through Japan. The new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGA025 and the Hi-Beat SBGH347 both have dials inspired by Japanese waters. In the case of the SLGA025, it’s the turquoise Atera River in Nagano Prefecture. As for the SBGH347, it’s the frozen Nanataki Falls in Iwate Prefecture.
Although both watches have dials inspired by Japanese waters, they’re also very different. Apart from the dimensions and case materials, they also house very different calibers. I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Let’s dive into the details of these two new Grand Seiko watches straight away.
The Grand Seiko SLGA025
I’ll start with the Grand Seiko SLGA025 simply because I don’t feel like talking about frozen waterfalls yet — summer isn’t even over! The new SLGA025 is part of the brand’s Evolution 9 collection. In terms of its case material, shape, dimensions, movement, and dial layout, it’s similar to last year’s SLGA019.
That means it offers a 40mm Evolution 9 case made of Grand Seiko’s proprietary High-Intensity Titanium. This material is 30% lighter than 316L stainless steel. Looks-wise, you won’t notice a big difference as this particular type of titanium has a brighter hue than other titanium alloys. The case is 11.8mm thick and spans 47.5mm from lug to lug. It has a primarily brushed finish, but there’s a broad, polished bevel on both the bezel and the lugs. The typical Grand Seiko bracelet has a push-button deployant clasp and is fully brushed.
The big difference with last year’s dark blue SLGA019 is the color and texture of the dial. The inspiration for the SLGA025’s dial comes from the turquoise color of the flowing water in the Atera River. Grand Seiko has visually represented that flow through subtle strokes on the dial. As it reflects the light, it shows many different turquoise shades. Though I haven’t seen the watch in real life, based on Nacho’s pictures, I think this dial looks absolutely stunning.
Extremely accurate
Powering the Grand Seiko SLGA025 is the extremely accurate 9RA2 Spring Drive movement. It features a five-day power reserve, and the exhibition case back reveals the caliber’s frosted finish. The 9RA2 features 38 jewels and offers an accuracy of ±0.5 seconds per day (±10 seconds per month).
The Grand Seiko SBGH347
The second novelty of the day is the SBGH347, which has an icy blue dial inspired by the frozen Nanataki Falls close to Mount Iwate. It has the same 37mm case as last year’s SBGH311 inspired by the “sea of clouds” in the same area. However, the vertically textured icy blue dial of the SBGH347 looks a little more vibrant. The case measures 13.3mm thick and 44.6mm from lug to lug and is made of Grand Seiko’s Ever-Brilliant Steel. That choice of material means the case has greater corrosion resistance and a slightly brighter hue than regular 316L stainless steel.
The SBGH347 is powered by Grand Seiko’s 9S85 Hi-Beat automatic movement. This caliber runs at a frequency of 36,000vph, and the seconds hand ticks 10 times per second. The movement offers a power reserve of about 55 hours and features 37 jewels. Grand Seiko advertises that it should run between -3 and +5 seconds per day.
Initial impressions
I’d have a hard time choosing between these two watches. Regarding looks, case material, and movement, I think I’d go for the turquoise SLGA025. Then again, I like the 37mm case of the SBGH347, and I’m sure its frozen-waterfall-inspired dial looks just as stunning as the river-inspired one. When it comes to finishing, I think both are just as impressively done as all of Grand Seiko’s other watches. Honestly, I could do without the date windows on their dials. On the other hand, the date is a useful feature to have. Besides, with the five-day power reserve of the SLGA025, I probably wouldn’t have to set the date that often.
The turquoise and titanium Grand Seiko SLGA025 is available now for €11,100. The Grand Seiko SBGH347, with its icy blue dial and Ever-Brilliant Steel case and bracelet, will go on sale in October for €6,900. For more information, visit the official Grand Seiko website.
Let me know in the comments below what you think of these new additions by Grand Seiko. Which one is your favorite?
