Sport Collection Spring Drive 5 Days
Seiko's third engine, Spring Drive, symbolizes its originality. It was first commercially available in 1999, but it wasn't until 2004 that it was installed in a Grand Seiko. 16 years later, Seiko Epson's technical team, having refined the Caliber 9R65, completed the next generation of core calibers. There is a clear reason why the first model to feature this caliber is a diver's watch.
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http://www.webchronos.net/features/50751/
This model is limited to 700 pieces worldwide, but has different specifications. Although it is a diver's watch with water resistance to 600m, the exterior, including the crown tube, can be completely disassembled. The case diameter is 46.9mm, but the lugs are shortened and the case tapers toward the case back, making it comfortable to wear. The basic specifications, price, and release date are the same as the model on the right. This model is limited to Grand Seiko Boutiques, Grand Seiko Salons, and Grand Seiko Master Shops.
This model is equipped with the newly designed Cal. 9RA5 movement. It combines a Grand Seiko-like finish with 600m saturation diving capability and excellent legibility. Automatic Spring Drive (Cal. 9RA5). 38 jewels. Approximately 120 hours of power reserve. Bright titanium (46.9mm diameter, 16mm thickness). 600m saturation diving water resistance. Includes an interchangeable silicone strap. Grand Seiko Boutique Exclusive. Limited to 60 pieces in Japan. Price: 115 million yen. Scheduled for release in late November 2020.
Interview and text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Spring Drive combines the high torque of a mechanical watch with the high precision of a quartz watch. There is no doubt that this outstanding movement has been one of the reasons that has supported Grand Seiko's rapid growth. The next generation of this movement is the Caliber 9RA5.
This movement not only extends the power reserve by approximately 1.66 times compared to the existing 9R series. The adoption of a one-piece center bridge improves shock resistance, and the addition of a temperature compensation function makes it more resistant to temperature changes. Like the 9SA5, distributing the components throughout the movement has succeeded in making it thinner. This isn't just a 9R with a long power reserve; it's a movement with solid fundamentals that will support Grand Seiko into the future. It's only natural that the 9RA5 was first adopted for diver's watches, emphasizing these unique features.
Grand Seiko's diver's watches are characterized by their robust exterior and excellent legibility. The "Sports Collection Spring Drive 5 Days" model, featuring the 9RA5 movement, is water resistant to 600m for saturation diving, boasts a highly corrosion-resistant titanium case, and features a buckle with a built-in extension, making it suitable for professional use. Additionally, this model boasts the excellent finish you expect from Grand Seiko.
The Sports Collection Spring Drive 5 Days combines the toughness of a professional watch with the quality of a luxury watch. The new heart of the 9RA5 is set to further expand the possibilities of Grand Seiko.
(Right) The SLGA003 has a striking deep green dial and yellow back cover. The dial surface is finished with a polished lacquer. However, the gloss has been slightly reduced to improve legibility.
(Right) The reason this is a luxury watch is the narrow clearance between the date ring and the dial.
(Right) The bezel has large notches to make it easier to turn, but the edges have been rounded off to prevent scratches on the cuffs.
