"Black x gold," commonly known as "kurokin," is a combination of two colors that possesses a special charm that continues to fascinate not only watch enthusiasts but also many other people. When gold is added to the chic appearance of black, it creates a sense of gravitas amidst the splendor, giving the watch an unparalleled and special appeal, and it begins to exude an overwhelming presence. Perhaps it is because it is a classic combination that we are interested in "what kind of world each brand expresses" with these two colors. As an example, we would like to introduce the Grand Seiko "Evolution 9 Spring Drive UFA SLGB006." This time, we will explain the charm of this model and the worldview that the SLGB006 embodies in its dial. Furthermore, we will teach you everything from the message that "kurokin" has to offer, to recommended coordination and how to choose replacement straps that can completely change the impression.
Photographs & Text by Mutsuyo Ito
[Article published on January 19, 2026]
An explanation of the overall colors of the Grand Seiko "SLGB006".
The "Evolution 9 Spring Drive UFA SLGB006," a limited edition model equipped with Spring Drive UFA (Ultra Fine Accuracy), was unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026. The dial and leather strap are black, while the case, buckle, indices, and hands are gold, creating a timeless color combination. The date disc is also black to match, harmonizing with the overall dial.
While the color "gold" often evokes an image of brilliance, the hairline finish reduces the shine, giving it an elegant luster (please note that the model borrowed for this article is a sample, and the actual product may look slightly different). The dial is not simply black. Under dim indoor lighting, a fine pattern resembling diamond dust can be faintly seen near the indices. However, Grand Seiko, with its brand philosophy of "THE NATURE OF TIME," doesn't stop there.
Now, let's take a closer look at that intricately designed dial and explain it in detail.
Let's take a look at the dial, which is not "just plain black."
The dial of the SLBG006 is extremely difficult to photograph because its appearance changes considerably depending on the light source, and it easily reflects the surrounding scenery. Let's go through how the dial looks as the light source changes from weak to strong.
How the dial looks under low light conditions
First, let's look at its appearance under dim lighting. The dial has a smooth, rich black texture, and a subtle, almost imperceptible pattern reminiscent of stardust or diamond dust can be seen near the outer indices. The black parts remain understated and give a calm impression, while the gold parts appear to shine a little more brightly.
How the dial looks under a strong light source
The appearance under a stronger light source than shown above. A fine pattern has spread across the entire dial. This pattern is more numerous from the center to the outer edge. Due to the stronger light, even the black areas appear glossy.
How the dial looks in sunlight
The watch's appearance under strong sunlight is striking. As the black subsides, a pattern inspired by frost-covered trees emerges. Furthermore, the pattern, which shimmered even under weaker light, overlaps like snow falling around frost-covered trees. The resulting depth transforms the dial into an entirely different appearance. Its overwhelming presence is in no way inferior to the golden case that shines in the sunlight.
While the frost-covered tree motif itself uses the same pattern as the SLGB003, an early model equipped with UFA technology, the natural phenomena projected onto the dial are different. The SLGB006 dial depicts not only frost-covered trees sparkling in a forest, but also a natural phenomenon called a "sun pillar." I didn't know this until I wrote this article on the topic. In fact, I probably wouldn't have known if I hadn't written it. So, let's take a look at the fantastical phenomena incorporated into the design of the SLGB006's dial.
What is the "sun pillar" phenomenon projected onto the dial?
A sun pillar is an atmospheric optical phenomenon that appears as a vertical column of light during sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low in the sky. This phenomenon is caused by tiny, hexagonal, plate-shaped ice crystals floating in the atmosphere.
On days when the temperature in the upper atmosphere drops below freezing and the wind is calm, these ice crystals, facing air resistance, fall slowly and uniformly, keeping their flat surfaces almost horizontal to the ground. When sunlight from a low angle near the horizon shines through at this time, the surfaces of the countless horizontally aligned crystals act like mirrors, and the light reflected off these surfaces reaches the eyes of people on the ground. This light then connects, creating the illusion of a column of light.
This fantastical natural phenomenon can only be seen when certain conditions are met: sufficient cold in the upper atmosphere, windless conditions that do not disturb the crystal's orientation, and a low altitude of the sun. This beautiful phenomenon, which can only be seen when the conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors the dial's appearance, which can only be seen under limited light sources.
The message conveyed by "black and gold"
Why are people so strongly drawn to this "black and gold" combination? Perhaps it's because, as seen in traditional Japanese crafts like lacquerware, maki-e (gold lacquerware with gold inlay), and portable shrines, these two colors have long adorned special occasions in Japan. The quiet presence of black elegantly enhances the "light" of gold. It is perhaps because we have cherished this contrasting beauty that we still feel a special connection to it today.
These two colors are diametrically opposed in terms of their properties (black absorbs all light, while gold strongly reflects light), but they have a surprisingly similar influence on people's psychology in terms of conveying a sense of weight, luxury, and exclusivity. That's probably why wearing them evokes such a high level of excitement and satisfaction.
Three recommended outfit combinations
Black and gold watches have an overwhelming presence that sets them apart, which can make them difficult to coordinate. Therefore, the basic approach is to use a color scheme that doesn't rely too heavily on other colors, allowing the watch's own color to shine through. Pairing them with dark-colored suits is a classic choice, so this time we tried photographing them with casual clothing.
The ultimate classic. An all-black outfit paired with a "black and gold" watch. Anyone who loves watches will surely nod in agreement...or so I think, but if you want to make the watch the star of the show, this is the first thing that comes to mind. I resist the urge to add white sneakers as an accent and stick to black shoes and bag as well. Matching the accessories with gold would also be nice, but if you want the watch to be the main focus, it's best not to overdo it with the other accessories.
This is a coordinated outfit that plays with color a bit. The gold pattern on the shirt and the dark brown of the pants pick up on the gold of the watch (dark brown is a darker shade of gold = yellow). Therefore, the only color added is the khaki = green of the shirt. In this case, rather than making the watch the main focus, the watch is incorporated into the overall coordinated look.
Finally, we have the classic combination of a "black and gold" watch and a "white T-shirt and denim" outfit. I was worried that the luxurious feel of the watch might overpower the denim, but the result was unexpectedly lovely. Incidentally, in this combination, white is the brightest possible shade of black, so the only additional color is the blue of the denim. In other words, just like the outfit I suggested earlier, only one additional color is used. This makes it easier to achieve overall balance.
For those who want to express their style through their watch rather than their clothes, this is where the real fun begins!
When it comes to coordinating your watch, changing the leather strap is key. Next, I'll teach you how to choose the right one.
Looking to change your watch strap with a third-party option? Here are 3 recommended colors!
Leather band models offer the added enjoyment of changing the band's color and material. Of course, the strap that comes with the watch at the time of purchase is likely the optimal color chosen by each manufacturer. However, there are times when you might want to change things up and try a different color. But when it comes down to choosing one yourself, it can often be a struggle. So, this time, we'll suggest some recommended colors that will enhance the appeal of your watch. Please note that the images are collages I painstakingly created, so they may look a little strange, but please bear with me.
First, there's a yellowish-brown. It's a color that appears when the dial is exposed to a strong light source, but even brighter. Even if you make the gold parts darker, you'll get close to this color. The overall impression is lighter and more flattering to the skin, as the area of the heavy, black color is reduced. I would recommend this when you want to soften the powerful image of the watch itself.
Next is a light khaki beige. Gold (yellow) and khaki (green) are almost adjacent colors on the color wheel (a diagram that arranges colors in a continuous ring like a rainbow). Therefore, the color contrast is low, and even though the colors themselves change from the case to the strap, they harmonize without clashing. This is recommended when you want to create a sophisticated urban style.
Finally, there's burgundy. Because it's a dark tone, the overall impression is similar to the original black leather strap. To put it simply, burgundy is "a color that combines a purplish red with black." Changing to this color enhances the sexiness. If you think of Burgundy wine, from which the name "burgundy" originates, or the color of rouge, you might get a sense of the source of its sexiness. Needless to say, I recommend it when you want to project a sophisticated and alluring image.
The black and gold model offers twice the enjoyment depending on the light source. The difference is definitely worth seeing!
The SLGB006 dramatically changes its appearance depending on the light source, offering twice the enjoyment. While possessing the classic and timeless appeal of a "black and gold" watch, one of its charms is that it reveals another face depending on the environment. When light shines on it, a fantastical beauty appears on the dial. This captivating transformation is an experience that can only be truly appreciated by seeing the actual watch. We encourage you to see this other face that cannot be conveyed through photographs alone at a store.
Author profile
Mutsuyo Ito
He provides a wide range of consulting services related to "products, places, and people" at sales sites, including color supervision and image consulting for watch manufacturers, personal color diagnosis at event venues, and customer service training. He holds numerous qualifications, including a Grade 2 watch repair technician, a J-color certified instructor, and a GIA AJP. He is the representative director of parakeITO Co., Ltd. Website:https://www.mutsuyo-ito-parakeito.com/
