[2022 Latest Edition] Mechanical Watches "Top 10 Recommended Grand Seiko Models"

Hello everyone.

Summer is well underway, and the humid weather continues. The Obon holidays are approaching, and I'm sure many of you have plans to go out. Please be sure to take care of your health when you go home or travel.

Well, this time, I would like to focus on Grand Seiko, a leading domestic watch brand, under the title of "10 Recommended Grand Seiko Models" Mechanical Wristwatches [Latest Edition 2022] . The last time I wrote the 2021 edition was in January 2021. I haven't been slacking off, but it's been a while since I've written a "recommended XX selection," so I'm very excited. It's difficult to select and the responsibility of introducing them as recommended watches is great, but it's also fun to write about them.

The recommended models for the latest 2022 edition do not include the models selected last time. If you have not watched the previous YouTube video, we hope you will take this opportunity to watch it as well.

This is a long introduction, but in recent years, Grand Seiko's sincere manufacturing has been praised both domestically and internationally. In Chrono24, which opened its Japanese branch on July 28, 2022, the brand has become so popular that it ranked third in the world (in terms of number of searches and requests) in the 2021 popular brand rankings. I believe this is the result of the success of the independent branding strategy in 2017 and the tireless efforts of the engineers and staff involved.

So, I will introduce a selection of models that I really recommend, including new models for 2022, previously released models, and overseas limited models. Please enjoy until the end.

*For overseas limited edition products, the suggested retail price is listed in the currency of the relevant region.

① "Evolution 9 Water Surface" "Ref.SLGA007"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slga007

[Seiko] The "Evolution 9 Water Surface" Ref. SLGA007 was announced as a model commemorating the 140th anniversary of the company's founding.

This model is equipped with the latest Spring Drive "Cal.9RA2" in the "Series 9" design, a modern interpretation of the "44GS" released in 1967. Seiko Epson Corporation's Shiojiri business office "Shinshu Toki no Takumi Kobo". The "Minamo Blue" dial, created with the surface of Lake Suwa, located nearby, as its motif, has a very beautiful expression with deep shading and shadows. In addition, the gold-colored second hand and brand logo, reminiscent of the light shining on the surface of Lake Suwa, are wonderful accents. It was released in 2021 as a limited edition of 2021 pieces (only 500 in Japan), just like the Gregorian calendar, but it quickly disappeared from authorized dealers. It has a strong impression that it is sold out immediately after it arrives at our store, and it is one of the most popular models among the many models of [Grand Seiko]. This model is recommended for those looking for a blue dial with a matte texture.

Reference price (initially on sale): 990,000 yen (tax included)

② "Evolution 9 Birch" "Ref. SLGH005"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slgh005

When you hear the word "birch," some may recall the "Ref. SLGA009," which is equipped with the latest Spring Drive movement "Cal. 9RA2," newly announced in 2022.

However, the model we would like to recommend this time is the brand's masterpiece, the "Evolution 9 Shirakaba" "Ref. SLGH005," which won the men's watch category at the Geneva Watch Grand Prix (GPHG), known as the Academy Awards of the watch world.

This watch has been popular since its launch in 2021, and as you may know, is affectionately known as "Shirakaba". One of Japan's largest birch forests grows near Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. The official website also boasts that "the dial expresses the majestic birch forest full of vitality," and the dial's greatest feature is the strength of birch trees that are firmly rooted in nature. The contrast of the blue steel hands, which are hand-finished by skilled craftsmen, against the silver dial is also very beautiful.

But why do I recommend the "Ref.SLGH005" instead of the "Ref.SLGA009"? It's because I personally prefer the texture of the dial of the original "Birch". Of course, both dials are appealing, but the former has a delicate birch coloring that leans toward white. The latter has a strong silver color and a crunchy texture that gives the impression of a sturdy birch that lives in nature. The movements (Mechanical Hi-Beat and Spring Drive) are also different, so I think you won't regret whichever one you choose. Recently, parallel prices have settled down, probably due to an increase in supply from manufacturers and market distribution, so I recommend it in that respect as well.

When you think of Grand Seiko, you think of "white birch." Along with the snow-white dial of the "SBGA211," I think this design could become an iconic watch, and I'm sure many people already think so.

List price: 1,045,000 yen (tax included)

3. "Evolution 9 Birch" "Ref. SLGH017"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/slgh017

Next up is the "Ref. SLGH017" from "Evolution 9 Shirakaba", scheduled to be released in August 2022.

When it comes to luxury watches, many models, regardless of brand, use black dials. This model is advertised as having a dial inspired by birch forests that emerge from the darkness of night. The texture of the birch is similar to that of the powerful Ref.SLGH005, and the silver shadows on the dial surface give it a different look than just black. The movement used is the mechanical high-beat movement Cal.9SA5, just like the Ref.SLGH005, but the biggest difference is the material used. The case and bracelet of the Evolution 9 are made of bright titanium, which is hypoallergenic and lightweight. In addition, the stainless steel Ref.SLGH005 weighs 178 grams, while the Ref.SLGH017 weighs 114 grams. Many people find Grand Seiko watches to be heavy, but this model is also recommended for those people. This is a recommended watch, including the look of the dial.

List price: 1,210,000 yen (tax included)

④ "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 60th Anniversary Model" "Ref. SLGH003"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja

[Grand Seiko] To commemorate its 60th anniversary, the "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 60th Anniversary Model" "Ref. SLGH003" was released in 2020 in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.

Equipped with the movement "Cal.9SA5" developed in 2020, this watch has a "balance" part that is related to the accuracy of automatic watches, which vibrates 36,000 times per hour (10 times per second), making it less susceptible to external influences and achieving stable and high accuracy (average daily difference of +5 to -3 seconds). Most automatic watches vibrate 28,800 times per hour (8 times per second) or 21,600 times per hour (6 times per second), so you can understand how fast this movement runs. Even among Swiss luxury watch manufacturers, only a limited number of manufacturers can produce calibers with 36,000 vibrations. This shows the high level of technology of [Grand Seiko].

Another thing to note is the beautiful color scheme and texture. The contrast between the red second hand, which is used as an accent color, the gold brand logo, and the "Grand Seiko Blue" dial, which changes its appearance depending on the amount of light and the angle, can only be described as beautiful. This model is highly recommended for those looking for a sunburst blue dial that is different from the "water surface blue."

Reference price (initially on sale): 1,100,000 yen (tax included)

⑤ "Elegance Collection Transparent Lacquer" "Ref.SBGK002"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/news/20190205

The "Elegance Collection Transparent Lacquer" "Ref. SBGK002" was released in 2019 as part of the Elegance Collection, limited to 150 pieces.

The biggest feature is that it is the first Grand Seiko to use the traditional craft of lacquer art on the dial. The lacquer material used is purely domestic lacquer, which is rare and has limited production. There is a big difference in texture and luster between domestic and foreign lacquer, so the price difference is about 10 times. The production site, Shizukuishi High-End Watch Studio, one of Japan's leading high-end mechanical watch specialists, is adjacent to Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture, which accounts for the majority of lacquer production in Japan, and it is very romantic to imagine that the idea of ​​creating a lacquer dial came from this studio. Tamura Isshu, a lacquer artist from Kanazawa, applied Kaga lacquer art's Takamaki-e (a technique in which a pattern is drawn with lacquer, raised, and then gold powder is sprinkled on top to create a three-dimensional finish), and I think this is a watch that embodies the best of Grand Seiko.

[Grand Seiko] It is equipped with the Cal.9S63, a hand-wound mechanical movement with a small second hand, and has a power reserve indicator at the 3 o'clock position. We have only had this watch in stock once before, and we were very impressed with the dial, so we decided to introduce it to you.

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/news/20190205

In addition to the beautiful vermilion transparent lacquer "Ref. SBGK002," the "Ref. SBGK004" with a black lacquer dial was also released in 2019.

Reference price (initially on sale): 3,520,000 yen (tax included)

⑥ "Heritage Collection Vernal Equinox Flower Raft" "Ref.SBGA443"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbga443

The "Heritage Collection Vernal Equinox Flower Raft" (Ref. SBGA443) is one of the collection lines whose dials embody the fleeting beauty brought about by the changing of the seasons, a phenomenon unique to Japan, and the 24 solar terms.

This watch was originally released as a "Japan Seasons Special Edition" limited to the US, but will be released in Japan as a reverse import model from 2022. It features a pale pink dial color that evokes the image of cherry blossom petals dancing on the water. The impression is different between the photo and the actual watch, and the silver dial has an elegant color with a slight pink tint, making it suitable for business situations. It is also recommended as a dual-use watch for couples.

The flower rafts are famous in the outer moat of Hirosaki Park, and the image on the official website seems to be a snapshot of that scene. The cherry blossom petals scattered on the water's surface are also called a cherry blossom carpet, and the beauty of the fleeting cherry blossoms is expressed on the dial, making this a watch that embodies the Japanese beauty that is typical of Grand Seiko.

List price: 759,000 yen (tax included)

⑦ "Heritage Collection Winning Color" "Ref.SBGA469"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbga469

The Grand Seiko Online Exclusive Heritage Collection Kachiiro "Ref. SBGA469" features a striking, deep, beautiful indigo dial.

The deep, beautiful indigo color of the dial is called "katsuiro" (victory color), and is said to be derived from one of the deepest colors among indigo dyeing techniques. It is said to have spread among samurai as a good luck color for competitions, and was also used for armor and vestments, signifying courage.

The dial, which features a pattern reminiscent of rock walls (iwa-katachi embossing), is inspired by the grandeur of natural rock walls and the passion and wisdom of the people who have used the power of nature through quarrying, and expresses a unique pattern created by skilled craftsmen using their carving techniques. The iwa-katachi embossing pattern and the indigo color familiar to Japanese people are indescribably beautiful. Unfortunately, it is only available online, so you cannot see the actual product in a boutique, but as of November 2021, it was on display at the Osaka Shinsaibashi boutique, so if you are interested, why not inquire? Equipped with Spring Drive, with a beautiful indigo dial, and reasonably priced, this is a recommended watch for daily use.

List price: 572,000 yen (tax included)

8. Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 Shimofuri "Ref.SBGH295"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgh295g

The "Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 Shimofuri" (Ref. SBGH295) was created with the motif of "Shimofuri," the season when the first frost falls.

This is a US-only model released in 2022. It was created with the image of a clear blue sky around the time of the first frost, and the beautiful ice blue dial uses a technique of ukiyo-e woodblock prints called "kirazuri". " Kirazuri", which uses powdered mica and shells, a type of mineral, to paint the background, is characterized by a warm and elegant luster. The movement is equipped with the "Cal.9S85", which has a high-speed vibration of 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 vibrations per second), making it resistant to external influences, suppressing accuracy differences due to posture differences and daily rate variations, and achieving more stable high accuracy. Since it is a North American-only model, it is rarely available in Japan, but it is a highly recommended model for both the texture and color of the dial.

List price: USD 6,900

9. "Elegance Collection" "Ref.SBGK009"

*Source: https://www.grand-seiko.com/jp-ja/collections/sbgk009

The "Elegance Collection" Ref. SBGK009 was released in 2019 and is a dress watch with a smooth, rounded overall appearance that gives off a soft impression.

The dual curved sapphire glass is thoroughly polished from both sides to achieve a dome shape without distortion like the old plastic windshields. The supple nine-link bracelet, which follows the classic Grand Seiko bracelet design of the 1970s, has a different appeal from the three-link bracelets that are often used today. It's honestly surprising how fresh the combination of a classic bracelet with a case that incorporates modern essence can look. The dark gray dial shows various expressions, such as black and charcoal, depending on the sunlight and lighting. Equipped with the thin hand-wound mechanical movement "Cal.9S63", which was newly developed for the first time in eight years as a hand-wound mechanical movement, it is not in the limelight much, but it is a hidden masterpiece of Grand Seiko that feels sporty while being a dress watch.

List price: 935,000 yen (tax included)

*Source: https://grandseikogs9club.com/chronicle-9/sbgk015-ryusendo-sbgk017/

In 2022, a US-only model, "Ref. SBGK017," was released with a similar design and based on the motif of "Nambu Ironware."

List price: USD 8,900

10. "Elegance Collection Ryusendo" "Ref.SBGK015"

*Source: https://grandseikogs9club.com/chronicle-9/sbgk015-ryusendo-sbgk017/

Finally, we would like to introduce the "Elegance Collection Ryusendo" Ref. SBGK015, a new model for 2022, created with the Ryusendo Cave as its motif.

This watch, which is scheduled to be released in the US only with 300 pieces, features a dial that is inspired by the clear blue underground lake (Ryusendo Cave), and is decorated with beautiful guilloche engraving. Ryusendo Cave is one of Japan's three largest limestone caves, located in Iwate Prefecture, and the underground lake, which is 120 meters deep inside the cave, boasts one of the world's highest levels of transparency. The straps are available in a dark blue crocodile strap and a stainless steel bracelet, which can be changed to suit the occasion. The blue color is popular, so we hope to see it re-imported.

List price: USD 7,500

summary

What did you think.

Grand Seiko incorporates Japanese beauty into its dials and has released many limited edition models for overseas markets. Reflecting its unique philosophy, the brand continues to make careful craftsmanship, and its popularity is likely to continue to grow as its overseas fans increase. In addition, the market price of limited edition Grand Seiko models is relatively stable and they tend to become premium. If there is a limited edition model you want, we recommend that you secure it early.

Grand Seiko is a domestic brand that combines Japanese technology with traditional culture. We look forward to seeing the brand continue to grow and promote Japanese culture.

see you!