In 2021, Grand Seiko unveiled the SLGA007, a limited-edition release that introduced the Lake Suwa dial pattern and paired it with the design language of Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 collection. Today, at Watches and Wonders Geneva, Grand Seiko announces the SLGA019, an extension of that dynamic design now available as a regular production model.
The dial of the SLGA019 evokes the surface of Lake Suwa and its gentle waves in the early morning hours when a breeze stirs the long, shallow lake. The dial manifests different colours depending on the angle at which it catches the light, reinforcing the connection to wind moving across and changing the surface of the water. Eschewing the warm accents of its predecessor, the SLGA019 instead features a silver-tone handset and logo, giving the dial side of the watch a more subdued appearance. Legibility remains at the forefront, however, with the large hands and grooved, prominent indices allowing for quick reading of the time.
The 40mm case is also now made of high-intensity titanium, an alloy that is 30% lighter than stainless steel with the added benefits of increased resistance against corrosion and hypo-allergenicity. High-intensity titanium has a much brighter finish than most other grades of titanium used in the industry, allowing it to be Zaratsu polished to a mirror finish, and it has a higher hardness than that of pure titanium as well.
With its complex geometry, broad-faceted lugs, and lower centre of gravity, the SLGA019 embodies the Evolution 9 Style design language. At just 11.8mm in thickness with a length of 47.6mm, it has an easy-to-wear lower profile, and the gentle curvature of the mid-case hugs the wrist, ensuring all-day comfort.
The SLGA019 is powered by the Calibre 9RA2. It has an accuracy rating of ±10 seconds per month, and this improved accuracy is possible because the movement is thermo-compensated via a shielded thermal sensor which includes the crystal oscillator within the package IC. The movement also incorporates two barrels to provide up to 120 hours of power reserve. These Dual-size Barrels are two different sizes and arranged to allow for expanded capacity while conserving space. The 9RA2 utilises an Offset Magic Lever to reduce the movement’s thickness by 0.8mm when compared to the 9R6 series, which allows for the watch’s slimmer profile.
The texture of the finish reflects the natural beauty of Shinshu, the region where all Spring Drive watches are crafted. The bridge line and the edges of the screw holes are diamond cut to reflect the light from any angle, and this is all visible through a sapphire case back. Here the wearer can also find the power reserve indicator, which has been moved off the dial entirely and is one of the defining features of the Calibre 9RA2.
The SLGA019 will be available in July of 2023 from Grand Seiko Salons and Boutiques for a price of AUD 15,500.
