Grand Seiko Evolution 9 White Birch Spring Drive SLGA009

Besides in case you’ve been away for the previous yr, it’s best to nicely remember that the watch that created most discussions in 2021 for Grand Seiko was the so-called White Birch or Hello-Beat Computerized SLGH005. Launched in March 2021, this watch launched a brand new design language with a shocking silvery-white textured dial and evolution of the model’s case form, in addition to a motion full of mechanical improvements, together with the model’s new Twin Impulse Escapement. Extraordinarily nicely acquired, it made some noise. For 2022, the model is now presenting the Spring Drive model of this watch, the reference SLGA009, which additionally marks the debut of the Evolution 9 assortment, an evolution of favor, mechanics, legibility and sporting consolation.

First, the model is debuting at present, with this new watch, the Evolution 9 assortment. Underneath this identify, the model gathers all its latest introductions outfitted with the automated calibre 9SA5 and its Twin Impulse Escapement, in addition to this new SLGA009. This thus contains the SLGH005 White Birch, the SLGA007 Minamo, the SLGH002 sixtieth Anniversary and SLGH007 Tree Rings. But it surely goes past simply new mechanics. With Evolution 9, the model launches a brand new design philosophy that mixes nature inspirations for the dials and a brand new design language for the case and dials. Legibility has been bolstered with bolder fingers and indexes. The circumstances have been redefined, with new proportions, slimmer profiles, repositioned centre of gravity and wider bracelet, a flat dial/crystal and a curved profile. The Evolution 9 assortment is defined right here.

Following the success of the automated SLGH005 White Birch, the model is now releasing its Spring Drive sister below the reference SLGA009. And if at first sight it appears to be like like GS has simply modified the motion, there are delicate updates to be seen on a number of points of the watch. The case stays virtually similar, being according to the model outlined first by the SLGH002 and being the bottom for the Evolution 9 assortment. It nonetheless measures 40mm in diameter, with a peak of 11.8mm (11.7mm for the automated SLGH005). The form, in addition to the mix of Zaratsu polished and brushed surfaces, is similar with the brand new bezel design and curved profile. The metal bracelet additionally may be similar regardless that it appears to be like barely completely different within the press pictures you possibly can see on this article – one thing to be confirmed when going hands-on with this new SLGA009.

Probably the most notable evolution might be seen on the dial. If it retains the identical total model and inspiration (timber discovered close to the Hiraniwa Plateau in northern Japan), the White Birch SLGA009 provides a redesigned texture to the silvery-white color. Different components, that means the daring faceted fingers with a number of finishes and the big utilized markers, stay similar too. The watch has a traditional time-and-date show and, an important evolution introduced by the brand new motion inside, the facility reserve has been moved to the again of the watch and doesn’t break the clear look of the dial anymore.

Powering the White Birch Spring Drive SLGA009 is the calibre 9RA2. It’s based mostly on the motion launched in 2020 with the Grand Seiko Skilled Diver 600m SLGA001. Utilizing the model’s hybrid Spring Drive know-how, which capitalizes on the advantages of quartz regulation and the sweetness and “perpetuity” of an computerized watch, it’s a sturdy improve over earlier actions, such because the 9R6x structure. It improves all components – dimension, efficiency, ornament and performance – and set a brand new customary for any spring-powered watch. The motion is slimmer and but packs 5 days of energy reserve (vs. 3 days previously) with twin barrels. It additionally contains a a lot sooner date mechanism and even higher accuracy (±0.5 seconds per day). The Calibre 9RA5 additionally has enhanced rigidity and shock resistance because of the brand new structure of the gear prepare. Lastly, the ornament has been redefined with frosted plates/bridges contrasting with the blued screw and the diamond-cut edges. And the facility reserve is now discreetly seen on the again. Extra particulars concerning the motion on this article.

Availability & Worth

The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 White Birch Spring Drive SLGA009 shall be obtainable at Grand Seiko Boutiques and chosen retail shops worldwide as of February 2022 and is a part of the everlasting assortment (non-limited). It’s priced at EUR 9,500.

For extra particulars, please go to www.grand-seiko.com.