Introducing the SLGW002 & SLGW003: A New Generation of Hand-Wound Movement with 10 Vibrations per Second and 80-Hour Power Reserve

In the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 collection, we are thrilled to present the SLGW002 & SLGW003, an all-new Evolution 9 model featuring a 10-beat hand-wound mechanical movement. These watches are equipped with Caliber 9SA4, a hand-wound mechanical movement that has been produced for the first time in approximately 50 years. The SLGW002 is a limited edition model, while the SLGW003 is a regular model. Both watches are scheduled to be released on Friday, August 9th, with a suggested retail price of 6,050,000 yen (tax included) for the limited edition model, which is limited to 80 pieces worldwide. The SLGW003 is priced at 1,452,000 yen (tax included).

In 2020, we introduced "Caliber 9SA5," featuring 10 vibrations per second and an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Building on this success, we are excited to announce that at Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2023, we will unveil Caliber 9SC5 (Tentagraph), the first mechanical chronograph movement based on Caliber 9SA5. And now, in 2024, we proudly present the Evolution 9 collection of dress watches equipped with the new generation hand-wound mechanical movement, "Caliber 9SA4."

Product Features:

The new Grand Seiko hand-wound movement boasts 10 vibrations per second and an 80-hour power reserve, ensuring a comfortable winding experience. Based on the innovative automatic movement "Caliber 9SA5" introduced in 2020, the "Caliber 9SA4" was created to be the ultimate hand-wound movement that keeps time with you every day. It achieves a high vibration frequency of 10 vibrations per second, leading to stable accuracy, and inherits the impressive 80-hour power reserve from "Caliber 9SA5."

The watch incorporates several features to enhance its performance:

- "Dual impulse escapement" ensures extremely efficient power transmission from the power spring to the speed regulating mechanism.

- The "Grand Seiko fleece sprung" is designed to maintain stable accuracy over a long period of time.

- "Curling whiskers" prevent changes in accuracy even if the swing angle of the balance changes.

- The "Twin barrel" design includes two power springs.

To create a hand-wound movement that not only provides a pleasant feel and sound when winding but also allows you to appreciate the movement of the parts, we have modified the Caliber 9SA5 to create the Caliber 9SA4. Approximately 40% of the component parts have been newly designed. Notably, the shapes of the "Kohaze" and "Kohaze spring" have been significantly revised to achieve a delightful winding experience. The shape of the "Kohaze," inspired by the bird of Morioka City, can be seen at the "Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi," where mechanical watches are crafted. As you wind the crown, the movement resembles a wagtail pecking, creating a unique and engaging experience.

These watches feature a see-through case back, allowing you to admire the characteristic "Kohaze" movement and the striped pattern representing the flow of the beautiful Shizukuishi River in Iwate Prefecture, where they are manufactured.

Caliber 9SA4 offers an impressive power reserve of approximately 80 hours. To reduce the effort required to wind the mainspring to its maximum, the amount of rotation of the square hole wheel when the crown is rotated has been improved compared to Caliber 9SA5. As a result, the Caliber 9SA4 achieves the same winding effect with approximately 15% fewer rotations. Additionally, a power reserve display mechanism has been installed in the space where the automatic winding mechanism has been removed. The power reserve display can be found on the movement bridge.

The SLGW002 & SLGW003 watches embody the sophisticated "Evolution 9 Style" in their design. As dress watches that follow the Evolution 9 Style, the indices, bezel, and lugs have been refined to be narrower and more delicate, creating an elegant and sophisticated timepiece. With a slim thickness of 9.95mm and a low center of gravity, these watches offer exceptional comfort, characteristic of the Evolution 9 collection.

The case material is "Brilliant Hard Titanium," which is light like regular titanium but approximately twice as hard as standard stainless steel, providing excellent scratch resistance. When polished using Zaratsu polishing, a technique executed by skilled polishers, it emits a high-quality shine befitting a Grand Seiko dress watch.

Installed with the hand-wound movement "Caliber 9SA4," which features a high vibration frequency of 10 vibrations per second and an 80-hour power reserve,the SLGW002 & SLGW003 watches offer a unique and exceptional timekeeping experience. With their refined design, impressive features, and limited edition option, these watches are sure to be highly sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.