Grand Seiko has added the new SLGW007 to its Evolution 9 collection. It features the Caliber 9SA4 manual-winding high-beat movement, released in 2024, and a navy blue dial reminiscent of birch trees illuminated by moonlight. The case is made of stainless steel, a first for a dress model in the collection.
Text by Sabine Zwettler
[Article published on January 2, 2025]
A dial depicting birch trees at night
The newly released SLGW007 features a dial depicting the white birch trees of Iwate Prefecture, creating a nighttime scene. White birch trees have long been a source of inspiration for Grand Seiko designers and have become an iconic motif for watches. The dial features the delicate bark patterns in a deep navy blue to represent night.
This model can be considered a variation of the SLGW003, which was released in 2024. First, the dial. The birch bark pattern is the same as the SLGW003, with an emphasis on the horizontal direction, making it irregular and dynamic. However, the dial color is different. While the SLGW003 was silver, the SLGW007 is navy blue.
Stainless steel case
According to the Grand Seiko official website, this navy blue represents "birch bark illuminated by moonlight." Iwate Prefecture, where Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is located, is home to vast virgin birch forests, which have long been a motif for Grand Seiko.
Manual winding (Cal. 9SA4). 47 jewels. 36,000 vph. Power reserve approximately 80 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38.6 mm, thickness 9.95 mm). Water resistant for everyday use. Estimated price: 1,342,000 yen (tax included). Scheduled for release on October 10, 2025.
The SLGW003 uses Seiko's proprietary bright titanium for the case, while the SLGW007, this dress-up Evolution 9 model equipped with the Caliber 9SA4, is the first to use stainless steel for the case material.
The case measures 38.6mm in diameter and 9.95mm thick, so it sits comfortably on the wrist or under a shirt cuff. The slim bezel and delicate indices complement the clean lines of the Evolution 9 aesthetic.
Dial-colored strap
The calf leather strap is the same navy blue as the dial. While the strap is the same color as the dial, its different appearance will surely bring out the dial's appeal.
High-beat movement Cal.9SA4, 36,000 vibrations per hour
The Caliber 9SA4, announced in 2024, is Grand Seiko's first manual-wound high-beat movement in over 50 years. Developed at Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, this movement combines cutting-edge technology with traditional, sophisticated craftsmanship.
The combination of twin barrels, a dual impulse escapement developed in-house, a free-sprung balance, and an in-house hairspring achieves stable accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day and a power reserve of approximately 80 hours.
