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Model Name:
Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
SLGW003
Price ($)
$
10700
Country:
Japan
A.I. Rating
8.5
Crowd Rating:
2206
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. Watch Review:
<p class="font_8">**Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics**
### Watch Summary
The Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003 is a stunning example of Japanese craftsmanship, embodying the brand's dedication to precision and artistry. This watch is classified under the Formal/Business style category, featuring an elegant and understated design that is perfect for professional settings and formal occasions. The SLGW003 is powered by the manual-wind Caliber 9SA5, which offers an impressive power reserve of 80 hours, showcasing Grand Seiko's commitment to technical excellence. The watch is intended for discerning collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of traditional watchmaking with modern innovation. Its unique birch bark dial, inspired by the natural beauty of Japan, stands out as a testament to Grand Seiko's ability to merge nature with horological art.
### Overall Watch Rating: 8.5/10.0
- **Dials & Design Metric (9.5/10.0)**
The birch bark dial is a masterpiece of design, featuring intricate textures that mimic the natural patterns of birch trees. The craftsmanship and originality of the dial, combined with the high-quality finishing, elevate this watch to a world-class level.
- **Movement Metric (9.2/10.0)**
The SLGW003 is equipped with the Caliber 9SA5, a manual-wind movement known for its high precision and 80-hour power reserve. This movement exemplifies Grand Seiko's technical prowess and innovation in watchmaking.
- **Material Metric (9.0/10.0)**
The watch features high-end materials, including a stainless steel case with exceptional finishing and a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel.
- **Functions Metric (8.8/10.0)**
The SLGW003 offers practical features such as a high power reserve and excellent legibility, making it suitable for daily wear in various settings.
- **Brand Metric (8.5/10.0)**
Grand Seiko is renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, positioning it as a luxury brand with a strong market presence and a dedicated following among watch enthusiasts.
- **History & Innovation Metric (8.3/10.0)**
While the SLGW003 itself is a modern creation, it draws on Grand Seiko's rich history of innovation and excellence in watchmaking, contributing to its high score in this metric.
- **Versatility Metric (8.0/10.0)**
The watch's elegant design and practical features make it versatile enough for both formal and casual settings, though it is primarily suited for business and formal occasions.
- **Rarity Metric (7.8/10.0)**
The SLGW003 is a limited production model, adding to its exclusivity and appeal among collectors seeking unique timepieces.
- **Complications Metric (7.5/10.0)**
As a time-only watch, the SLGW003 lacks additional complications, which is typical for its style category but limits its score in this metric.
### Celebrity and Historical Figures
While no specific celebrities are known to wear the Grand Seiko Birch Bark SLGW003, Grand Seiko watches are favored by individuals who appreciate fine craftsmanship and understated elegance. The brand has a strong following among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, known for its dedication to precision and artistry.</p>
