In 1881, 21-year-old Kintaro Hattori led the way in modernising the Japanese timepiece industry with the establishment of his company under a philosophy to always be one step ahead of the rest. Today, nothing expresses the power of that vision better than the time-making technologies and unique designs of Grand Seiko.
Since becoming an independent luxury brand in 2017, the watchmaking company has been making moves to cement its reputation as an exquisite dial maker and as an watchmaker deeply inspired by the natural landscape. 2021 marks their founding company’s 140th anniversary and celebrations see numerous new releases dedicated to it. Grand Seiko’s latest additions include two limited edition creations, the SLGA007 and SLGA008, with a brand-new automatic movement.
First up, the high-beat SLGA008 brings to life a new perspective on the nature of time. Based off the SLGH007 first released in February, the SLGA008 incorporates the same woodgrain dial reminiscent of tree rings, with an aesthetic true to the design language first established in 1967. This time round, brown dials and an 18k rose gold case elevate the watch with a more vintage and organic feel; while the indexes, calendar frame and clasp are rendered in solid gold to give a harmonious glow.
The sportier SLGA007 rounds out the two-piece release with a new dial inspired by the serene waters of Lake Suwa, located near the watch’s manufacturing studio. Encased in a stainless steel case that’s paired with its own bracelet, the deep blue dial evokes gentle ripples and shallow waves in a pattern that sparkles in different angles of the light. Sharply edged hands and indexes contrast the softly textured dial alongside gold Grand Seiko letters to echo the morning sunrise illuminating the lake’s surface. On the wrist, the timepiece sits comfortably and securely due to its wide lug-to-lug size and low centre of gravity.
Both timepieces come with a sapphire crystal case back to reveal the new Grand Seiko Spring Drive 5 Days Calibre 9RA2 in a spectacular frost-inspired finish. The new movement inherits all the performance characteristics of the Calibre 9RA5 that was introduced last year to commemorate Grand Seiko’s 60th anniversary, but with a slimmer shape thanks to the re-design and re-positioning of the Magic Lever away from the centre. Despite its reduction in depth, the movement delivers the same high-winding efficiency and a power reserve of up to 120 hours, alongside 38 jewels embedded throughout.
140 pieces of the SLGA008 will be available across Grand Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide in November 2021, while the SLGA007 will be dropping in December as a limited edition of 2,021.
Read more on the latest luxury watch releases here.
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