Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH002 Watch Review
Tuesday - 10 March 2020
To celebrate their 60th birthday, Grand Seiko have unveiled their latest, highly anticipated Hi-Beat movement, the 9SA5. The automatic calibre is presented in the stunning new Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH002 watch, a solid gold timepiece that will be limited to only 100 pieces on its release in August.
By combining all the skills and experience they have developed over the last 60 years, Grand Seiko claim that the 9SA5 is the finest automatic winding calibre they have ever created – and it’s easy to see why. Just like their other Hi-Beat movements, the new calibre beats at an impressive 36,000vph and promises a remarkable accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day. Its improvements come from its power reserve, now increased to 80 hours compared to 55, and its overall commitments to performance and size.
The new standards of performance for the Calibre 9SA5 come from the radical re-design of three key structures. The first is the Dual Impulse Escapement, an entirely new in-house component created using their legendary MEMS technology. This allows the escapement wheel to send power directly to the balance and increase the efficiency of the movement. Second is the Grand Seiko Free-sprung Balance which has been developed especially for this calibre. It is designed to retain its precision for longer and ensures better shock and friction resistance. Lastly, to ensure the new calibre boasts a 15% slimmer design than its predecessors, it features an innovative horizonal layout of the barrel and gear trains.
When you turn the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH002 watch over, you can witness some of these remarkable changes within the new Hi-Beat movement. Its finishing is very artisanal with a cut-out rotor and graceful bridges said to be inspired by the shapes of Mt Iwate and the Shizukuishi river near the Grand Seiko studio in Japan. This breathtaking new automatic winding movement makes a defining statement about where Grand Seiko is heading, which seems to be above and beyond all other luxury watch brands.
The overall aesthetics of the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH002 watch remain very much in line of what we have come to expect in a high-end Grand Seiko timepiece. Nevertheless, you can instantly tell by looking at the 18 carat yellow gold case that something different is going on under the hood. The slimness of the calibre allows the 40mm by 11.7mm case to sit more comfortably against the wrist while the slightly wider lugs ensure that it stays solidly in place. The case is fitted with a luxurious dark brown crocodile leather strap and a matching 18 carat yellow gold three fold clasp with push button release.
The dial remains a centrepiece with its smooth silver finish decorated with well-proportioned yellow gold hands and hour markers. The markers have been slightly increased in size for both better legibility while also nodding back to first Grand Seiko released in 1960. The dial is housed beneath box shaped sapphire crystal glass coated in anti-reflective treatment, just like that of the transparent case back. Finally, the limited edition promises a water resistant rating of 100 metres.
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH002 watch is expected to be released in August 2020, so keep your eyes peeled on the Jura Watches website for instant access to this highly anticipated model. You can also get in touch with our team on 01335 453453 or at help@cwsellors.com to pre-order the limited edition before its release.
Specifications: Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SLGH002)
- Case Size: 40mm x 11.7mm
- Case Material: 18 carat yellow gold
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Caliber 9SA5 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day
- Jewels: 47
- Frequency: 36,000vph
- Dial: Silver with gold hands and markers
- Strap: Dark brown crocodile leather
- Buckle: Three fold with push button release
- RRP: €45,000
- Limited Edition: 100 pieces
- Release Date: August 2020
