Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 Platinum SLGH007J
The Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 Platinum SLGH007J is housed in a 40mm case made of the noblest metal and features a ‘Wood Grain’ dial. This latest creation, with its sublime movement, the Calibre 9SA5, perfectly demonstrates the Japanese brand’s remarkable watchmaking expertise.
As a self-confessed Grand Seiko fan, and passionate owner, I find it very difficult to resist sharing my enthusiasm for the brand and the culture it encapsulates. The Japanese marque has never sought to emulate German or Swiss brands, preferring to adopt its own approach to greatness.
When appraising the firm’s paradigm, it has always been innovative. For example, it was one of the first companies to offer a ‘hi-beat’ movement (5Hz). Likewise, after years of research Grand Seiko unveiled its Spring Drive movement, a hybrid of mechanical and quartz technologies, that delivers superb precision. Furthermore, this ingenious calibre bestows the central second hand with a beguiling gait as it sweeps serenely around the dial.
Last year, Grand Seiko unveiled its innovative Calibre 9SA5. With the advent of this new automatic movement, the company signalled its intent to ascend to a higher plane, usually the preserve of traditional Haute Horlogerie Maisons. In my recent feature about the Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat 9SA5 SLGH005 Shirakaba (White Birch), I provided an overview of the movement’s many qualities, a must-read for all horophiles.
Another facet of the brand’s paradigm relates to its fondness for nature. This has been shown with the iconic snowflake, Mount Iwate, and, most recently, Shirakaba dials. The Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 Platinum SLGH007J is a new creation for 2021 and features a ‘Wood Grain’ dial. It is housed in a 40mm platinum case paired with the aforementioned Calibre 9SA5.
Grand Seiko’s expertise in polishing cases is known to many watch aficionados. In this instance, the brand has skilfully juxtaposed polished and brushed surfaces. The bezel is brushed on its upper surface and polished on the adjacent bevelled edge. Likewise, the lugs pair brushed and polished surfaces in close proximity, with each finished edge appearing sharp and defined.
It is 140 years since Kintaro Hattori founded the company which eventually became known as Seiko. Grand Seiko is the ultimate expression of Seiko ownership and is known for the readability of its dials, the precision of its movements and the harmonious beauty of each model. With the advent of the new Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 Platinum SLGH007J, the brand wonderfully perpetuates its esteemed reputation.
The brand’s press release
In 1881, Kintaro Hattori founded the company that would later be known as Seiko and led it until his death at the age of 73 in 1934. His credo was that his company should be “Always one step ahead of the rest” and, as they went about their duties, he promoted to his colleagues his life lesson “Don’t run but always keep going.” His words have always had a powerful resonance and inspire the company still. While it was not created until 1960, nothing better expresses their power than Grand Seiko with its unique design, leading edge manufacturing and exquisite finishing. In honour of the 140th anniversary of the foundation of the company, Grand Seiko announces a remarkable creation that embodies Kintaro Hattori’s spirit and vision. The watch incorporates a dial design that captures the natural beauty of tree rings.
As if stretching back to reveal the very roots of Kintaro’s story, a series of delicate and organic lines echo the intricate rings that denote each year’s growth.
A unique and natural dial fits perfectly in a distinctive overall design
The dial delights the eye and warms the heart with its organic feel and brings to life Grand Seiko’s conception of the Nature of Time. An almost tactile effect is created by the way the light captures the multi-dimensional texture of the dial. The minuscule but visible variations in the dial’s depth reveal the subtlety of the dark and light tones of the wood grain. This high-beat watch incorporates a powerful and distinctive overall design known as Series 9, that is set to be part of the future signature of Grand Seiko. The hour hands are large in volume and are crafted to align exactly with the grooved and prominent hour markers, enhancing the legibility of the time. A distortion-free mirror finish and delicate hairline finish alternate to give the case a quiet and harmonious glow. With its wide lugs and a satisfyingly substantial leather strap, the watch offers perfect comfort and fits solidly and neatly on the wrist.
Hi-Beat 36000 9SA5. A driving force for the future of Grand Seiko
With its highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement, Grand Seiko free-sprung balance and twin-barrel construction, Caliber 9SA5 is a high-beat movement that delivers a precision rate of +5 to –3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 80 hours. The calibre represents the very finest in modern watchmaking, combining unique technologies with craftsmanship of the highest order.
A limited edition in Platinum 950
A special anniversary demands that precious metals are used to celebrate it. The watch’s case
is crafted from Platinum 950 and, as is Grand Seiko’s tradition, the star mark at six o’clock indicates that the indexes are solid gold, as are the GS letters, the calendar frame and the buckle.
The watch will be available as a limited edition of 140 at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected Grand Seiko retailers worldwide in July 2021.
Further reading
https://www.grandseikoboutique.uk/