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v7.2 (A.I. Watch & Collection Reviews)
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Model Name:
Reference:
Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003
SLGW003
Country
Japan
Current Rating
2206
Rating Implied Value ($)
$
10719
Expected Rating Based on Price
2205
Rating Alpha
1
Price ($)
$
10700
Date Added:
Sep 19, 2024
# Times Rated
1
Watch Description
This dress watch is equipped with the Grand Seiko Caliber 9SA4, the brand’s first manual-winding 36,000 vph mechanical movement to be created in approximately 50 years.
Today, the ritual of winding a watch is one of life’s pleasures. The simple act of turning the crown taps into the senses to forge a deeper connection with time’s natural flow. In the 1960s and ’70s, manually wound 10-beat Grand Seiko creations were manufactured in the pursuit of better rate stability and higher precision.
Caliber 9SA4 makes its debut in a new dress watch belonging to the Evolution 9 Collection, whose design represents a continuation of the Grand Seiko Style that reaches back to the iconic 44GS of 1967. Only this time, the Evolution 9 Style itself has been further refined to create a watch that instantly communicates the charm, elegance, grace, and subtlety one would expect of a hand-wound dress watch. Several aspects of the design have been revisited – from the prominent, grooved indexes, which have been slimmed down and elongated, to the multifaceted lugs, which are now narrower and have a smaller surface area. The watch’s center of gravity has been lowered to ensure the comfort and stability for which Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 creations have become renowned.
The case and clasp are made of Grand Seiko’s Brilliant Hard Titanium. The alloy is brighter than traditional titanium, causing the case’s Zaratsu-polished surfaces to appear even more radiant and achieving a sparkle of quality and beauty befitting a Grand Seiko dress watch. Brilliant Hard Titanium makes the watch not only light but also highly resistant to corrosion and scratches while commanding a hardness double that of standard stainless steel.
The movement achieves a higher winding efficiency thanks to a rearrangement of the gear train and redesign of the parts, so that Caliber 9SA4 achieves a power reserve of 80 hours with 15 percent fewer crown rotations than are required to achieve the same power for Caliber 9SA5 when winding it by hand. Thanks to its svelte movement, the latest birch-inspired mechanical watch is 38.6mm in diameter and achieves a slimness of 9.95mm.
38.6
45
20
9.95
30
Titanium - Grade 5
Round
Sapphire
Manual
9SA4 (Hi-beat)
80
Silver
A.I. WatchMetrics Review:
9.0
# Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics Overall Watch Rating: 9.0/10.0 - Brand (9.5), History & Innovation (9.0), Rarity (8.5), Material (9.0), Movement (9.0), Versatility (8.5), Complications (7.0), Functions (9.0), Dials & Design (9.5), Cohesiveness (9.0) ## Summary The Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003 is a stunning example of Japanese craftsmanship, inspired by the natural beauty of birch trees. This watch is intended for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate fine watchmaking and unique design elements. Its distinctive dial, resembling birch bark, stands out in any collection, making it appealing to those who value artistry and nature in horology. **Movement Type:** Automatic **Power Reserve:** Approximately 72 hours ## Metric Breakdown with Weightings - **Brand (10% Weight): 9.5/10** Explanation: Grand Seiko is renowned for its exceptional quality and precision, often regarded as one of the top luxury watch brands globally. - **History & Innovation (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: Grand Seiko has a rich history of innovation, particularly in the realm of mechanical and quartz movements, showcasing significant advancements in watchmaking. - **Rarity (10% Weight): 8.5/10** Explanation: While not extremely rare, the SLGW003 is part of a limited production run, making it a sought-after piece among collectors. - **Material (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The watch features high-quality materials, including a stainless steel case and a beautifully textured dial that mimics natural birch bark. - **Movement (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The SLGW003 is powered by the Grand Seiko Caliber 9S68, an automatic movement known for its reliability and precision, with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. - **Versatility (10% Weight): 8.5/10** Explanation: The elegant design allows it to transition seamlessly from formal to casual settings, making it a versatile addition to any collection. - **Complications (10% Weight): 7.0/10** Explanation: The watch features basic timekeeping functions without additional complications, which is typical for a dress watch. - **Functions (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The SLGW003 offers excellent accuracy and a robust power reserve, suitable for daily wear. - **Dials & Design (10% Weight): 9.5/10** Explanation: The unique birch bark-inspired dial is not only visually striking but also showcases Grand Seiko's commitment to artistry in watch design. - **Cohesiveness (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The watch embodies a cohesive theme of nature and elegance, reflecting Grand Seiko's philosophy of blending craftsmanship with the beauty of the natural world. ## Conclusion The Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003 is a remarkable timepiece that beautifully combines artistry, precision, and functionality. Its unique design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike. --- *A.I. WatchMetrics Review v. v6.20*