Introducing the Grand Seiko SLGA009
About a year ago I was delighted with the launch of the beautiful Grand Seiko SLGH005 “White Birch”, I was not a big fan of white dials, but I was truly delighted with the dial that recreates the white birch trees of Hiraniwa Plateau, hardly any watch lover can resist of beautiful Grand Seiko textured dials.
Today the Japanese brand presents its younger brother, if not a “twin”, the SLGA009, which on the outside and at first glance, look the same, it is in its heart (movement) that we find the main innovation, now receiving a Spring Drive movement instead of the SLGH005’s Hi-Beat.
Thus, the new SLGA009 presents the same configuration as the SLGH005 on the outside, with the historic 44GS case-style in 40mm stainless steel, with Zaratsu polished finish, smooth fixed bezel, front and rear sapphire crystal and crown that now appears smaller in diameter and thicker.
The textured dial inspired by the White birch but now from Forest of Shinshu is very similar to the SLGH005, but a little lighter and less underlined, also the date window looks larger as well as the date font, everything else the same, inner silver ring with black minutes marks, applied hour indexes and hands with sharp-edges and Zaratsu polishing, and tempered blue seconds hand.
As already mentioned, the SLGA009 is powered by the Spring Drive movement Caliber 9RA2, which, in addition to presenting an accuracy of ±10 seconds per month, offers up to 120 hours of power reserve (40 hours more than the Hi-beat movement of the SLGH005). Another of the novelties brought by the SLGA009 is now to incorporate a power reserve indicator that can be observed through the rear open case.
Finally, the watch is offered with a stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push-button release, in the same configuration as the 3-link SLGH005, now the outer and central links are slightly longer.
The watches will be available from February 2022 at the brand’s official stores at the recommended price of €9,500.
Our Opinion
If at first glance there is not much to say about the new SLGA009, we can say it’s the details that make the difference. The new wider date window fits better with the hour indexes giving it a better balance, as well as the now thicker crown and elongated strap links, give the watch a more contemporary look. Also, the power reserve indicator cleverly arranged on the 5-day power reserve movement it’s the cherry on top of the cake of this incredible watch.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: White Birch
Reference: SBGA009
Dial: White birch texture pattern
Lume: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 40 mm diameter, 11.8 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push-button release
Caliber: 9RA2
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator
Winding: Automatic
Jewels: 38
Power Reserve: 120
Availability: February 2022
Price: € 9,500
Limited Edition: No
