Grand Seiko releases new "Shirakaba" model equipped with next-generation Spring Drive movement

Grand Seiko has announced the Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive 5 Days SLGA009, its first regular model equipped with the latest Spring Drive movement, the 9RA2. Featuring a dial depicting the birch forests of Shinshu, this model is scheduled to go on sale from Friday, February 11, 2022.

The second "Birch" model attracts attention

　Grand Seiko has unveiled the new "Evolution 9 Collection Spring Drive 5 Days" SLGA009, the first regular model equipped with the latest Spring Drive caliber 9RA2. The distinctive dial was inspired by the vast birch forest located close to the "Shinshu Toki no Takumi Kobo" where this model is manufactured.

　The white dial, which depicts a snow-covered birch forest with a delicate embossed pattern, is in perfect harmony with the silently gliding tempered blue seconds hand, evoking a sense of the steady passage of time even in the silence. The hands and dial embody the unique worldview of Spring Drive.

　Many people will be familiar with the appearance of this "Birch" model. The regular model SLGH005, equipped with the new caliber 9SA5, released in 2021, also features a dial depicting a birch forest. However, it is not exactly the same, with the pattern and color of the dial surface being slightly different.

　The SLGH005 features an innovative movement with a high beat of 36,000 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of approximately 80 hours, as well as an evolved design based on Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, which has earned it high praise from watch enthusiasts around the world. It also won the Men's Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2021.

Adopting a new design grammar

　The design of this new Spring Drive model inherits the design grammar established with the 44GS in 1967, while incorporating the Japanese sensibility that finds beauty "between light and shadow," and is guided by a new design grammar that aims to further evolve essential visibility and wearability.

　The distortion-free case, achieved through Zaratsu polishing, emits a harmonious shine, and the deeply grooved indexes and three-dimensional hour and minute hands, which enhance their distinctiveness through a strong contrast, achieve unparalleled visibility.The case is designed to fit comfortably on the wrist while maintaining a low center of gravity, improving wearability.

　This design series, which debuted in 2020, has taken a new step with the introduction of this model as the "Evolution 9 Collection," which will lead the next generation of Grand Seiko. The name refers to the nine design rules, "Evolution 9 Style," which Grand Seiko has devised to further evolve the aesthetics and dignity that underpin its constant evolution, and represents the brand's aesthetic sense that will be passed down into the future.

　The Evolution 9 collection will be a new addition to Grand Seiko's four current collections: Masterpiece, Heritage, Sport, and Elegance, and will mark the start of an attractive lineup.

The power of the latest Spring Drive movement, Caliber 9RA2

　This model was designed exclusively for Grand Seiko and is equipped with the next-generation Spring Drive movement, Caliber 9RA2. By adopting a "dual-size barrel" with two different sized barrels, one large and one small, it boasts a power reserve of approximately 120 hours and achieves an average accuracy of ±10 seconds per month, which is astonishing for a spring-driven movement. In addition, the automatic winding mechanism, the "Magic Lever," has been offset from its center position, resulting in a slimmer watch.