Introducing: The Grand Seiko SLGH027 “Mountainscape” Hi-Beat 65th Anniversary Limited Edition
Today, Grand Seiko introduces the SLGH027 “Mountainscape,” a limited-edition watch celebrating the brand’s 65th anniversary. The piece features the automatic Hi-Beat 9SA5 caliber, which debuted in 2020. As part of the Evolution 9 collection, this watch is not retro at all but a modern reference with stunning details.
Grand Seiko always has a strong start to the year, and the new Mountainscape continues that trend for 2025. The Japanese luxury watchmaker is no stranger to celebrating various anniversaries, but this year is significant. Grand Seiko was founded in 1960, making 2025 its 65th anniversary. Judging from the initial press photos, this latest release appears to be a worthy birthday gift.
The Grand Seiko Mountainscape
Grand Seiko has built a devoted fan base with nicknamed pieces, including the beloved Snowflake and White Birch. Perhaps the Mountainscape will now join the upper echelon of favorites. Reference SLGH027 uses the same design as the White Birch, equating to a 40mm by 47mm case made of the brand’s proprietary Ever-Brilliant Steel. For those who need a reminder, this alloy is highly resistant to corrosion and brighter in color than typical 316L steel.
The watch is 11.7mm thick and is topped by a box-style sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating on the inner surface. This crystal and a screw-in case back with a sapphire display help afford a 10-bar water resistance rating. Grand Seiko equips the SLGH027 Mountainscape with a three-row bracelet made of the same Ever-Brilliant Steel.
A silver-blue dial with a new pattern
The Mountainscape features a new silver-blue dial with a pattern inspired by the surface of Mt. Iwate, the mountain near Grand Seiko’s Shizukuishi studio. We’ve seen multiple tributes to this mountain. However, on the SLGH027, the surface mimics landslides naturally occurring on Iwate’s faces. The pattern radiates from the dial’s center and reaches an angled minute track. Then, applied, diamond-cut indexes pair with an applied logo and date frame. The dark blue text matches a blued sweeping seconds hand.
The Hi-Beat automatic 9SA5
Inside, the Mountainscape uses Grand Seiko’s Hi-Beat automatic 9SA5 movement with a quick-setting date function. It’s fair to call this 47-jewel caliber a masterpiece. First, the movement runs with an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day. Second, the Hi-Beat designation translates to a 36,000vph frequency. Finally, and impressively, the power reserve is 80 hours.
A globally available limited edition
Grand Seiko will produce 1,000 numbered pieces of the SLGH027 Mountainscape. The good news is that the watches will be available globally. At €11,500 / £9,500, the price is in the same ballpark as other Evolution 9 models with the 9SA5 caliber.
Final thoughts on the Grand Seiko Mountainscape
Some folks find Grand Seiko’s insistence on relating watches to nature silly. At times, it can feel farfetched, but the resulting watch is the most important detail. There are plenty of Grand Seiko models with light blue dials, but this piece, with its more modern case design, new mechanical movement, and Ever-Brilliant steel construction, is a flagship-style offering. Plus, the dial color is more subtle and elegant than some of the brand’s brighter blue hues. Honestly, I love it and am excited to see it in person. Grand Seiko may release many new models yearly, but the Mountainscape should endure as a classic.
What do you make of it? Share your thoughts in the comments.
