Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 Collection "Ref. SLGA021" has been announced as scheduled for release in February 2023.
Although it was uploaded to the official website in mid-January, it was deleted soon after, which caused a lot of buzz on social media. It is unclear whether this was intentional or a mistake, but it has surely created a lot of excitement among watch enthusiasts.
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slga021
The current "Ref. SLGA021" has a similar design to the "Evolution 9 Collection" "Ref. SLGA007," a limited edition model commemorating Grand Seiko's 140th anniversary, which was announced in December 2021 and was very popular, so some people may be predicting that it will be very popular.
So, this time we will introduce the new model "Ref.SLGA021" and the limited edition model "Ref.SLGA007" while comparing them.
Product Overview of "Ref.SLGA021"
Let's start by looking at the new model, Ref. SLGA021.
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slga021
The Ref. SLGA021 features a striking dial pattern resembling the surface of Lake Suwa, rippling in the wind blowing across the lake in the silence before dawn. The dark blue dial changes color depending on the angle of the light it receives, creating a beautiful look that resembles the surface of water swaying in a gentle breeze.
The movement is equipped with the Spring Drive movement "Cal.9RA2", which is assembled by skilled craftsmen and can last up to approximately 120 hours (about 5 days). The flowing movement of the second hand, which is unique to Spring Drive, overlaps with the dial, which reflects light depending on the angle, bringing to mind the scenery of a lake emitting a tranquil sparkle. It is scheduled to be released on Friday, February 10th as a new model for 2023. Unlike the "Ref.SLGA007", it is not a limited edition model, but it is expected to be popular, so it may take some time to get your hands on one.
●Domestic suggested retail price: 1,155,000 yen (tax included)
Product Overview of "Ref.SLGA007"
Next, we will introduce the limited edition model "Ref.SLGA007".
*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja
The Ref.SLGA007 features an impressive dial pattern that seems to capture the beautiful scene of Lake Suwa, with ripples caused by the gentle wind blowing across the lake in the silence of early morning. The golden Grand Seiko logo and second hand add an elegant accent to the blue dial, like the morning sun sparkling on the water's surface. The movement is equipped with the latest Spring Drive Cal.9RA2, just like the Ref.SLGA021. The beauty of the movement, with a finish reminiscent of the "frost" seen in the Shinshu region, expresses the brand's unique aesthetic sense. In 2021, to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the company's founding, it was sold in a limited edition of 2021 pieces worldwide (500 of which are in Japan), and became a popular item.
●Domestic suggested retail price (initially on sale): 990,000 (tax included)
Spec comparison between "Ref.SLGA021" and "Ref.SLGA007"
Now let's compare "Ref.SLGA021" and "Ref.SLGA007".
The main specifications are as follows:
| 40mm | Case diameter | 40mm |
| Regular Model | Production volume | 2021 bottles (500 in Japan) |
| blue | Dial | blue |
| none | Luminous | none |
| SS | material | SS |
| SS | bracelet | SS |
| 10 ATM | Waterproof | 10 ATM |
| Spring Drive | Drive system | Spring Drive |
| Cal.9RA2 | Cal | Cal.9RA2 |
| Approx. 120 hours | Power reserve | Approx. 120 hours |
❶【Dial】
Dial Color
| Reference SLGA021 | Indigo blue ( reminiscent of the surface of the water before dawn) |
| Reference SLGA007 | A slightly lighter blue ( reminiscent of the surface of the water illuminated by the early morning sun) |
Logo, needle
| Reference SLGA021 | Silver |
| Reference SLGA007 | Yellow Gold |
❷【Buckle】
Buckle logo
| Reference SLGA021 | Silver |
| Reference SLGA007 | Yellow Gold |
summary
What did you think?
The Ref. SLGA021 is scheduled to be released on Friday, February 10, 2023, and I'm sure there are many people who are looking forward to seeing the actual watch. The Ref. SLGA021 is a regular version of the highly popular Ref. SLGA007, which sold out immediately, with only minor changes to the logo and hand design. As it is now a regular collection rather than a limited edition, this is good news for watch lovers who missed out on the Ref. SLGA007. If you are interested, please contact Grand Seiko.
In addition, the new Spring Drive movement "Cal. 9RA2" that is installed in "Ref. SLGA021" and "Ref. SLGA007" is introduced in detail on our YouTube channel, so if you haven't seen it yet, we hope you will take this opportunity to check it out.
see you!