Almost as soon as Grand Seiko released the SLGW002 and SLGW003 at Watches & Wonders 2024, we started to wonder what this new class of manually wound dress watch from one of our favorite brands might look like in different variants. This seemed like a natural platform for expansion, and we figured it was just a matter of time before we saw some alternative dial options and new metals. In the year and a half or so since Grand Seiko introduced these watches, and the 9SA4 caliber powering them, things have been quiet on the manually wound dress watch front. That is, until this week, when we finally got a peek at the new SLGW007, Grand Seiko’s first new launch with this case and movement since the big debut at Watches & Wonders last year.
While the most obvious update on the surface here is certainly the new dark blue dial, it’s actually the case itself that really has my interest. The SLGW003, you’ll recall, was crafted from Grand Seiko’s Brilliant Hard Titanium. This is a very cool material, for sure, but has a niche appeal in a classically styled dress watch like this thanks to its ultra light weight and the associations we all have with titanium and tool watches. The SLGW007 is in stainless steel, and I’m incredibly curious to see how this might change the character of the watch on the wrist. One would certainly expect it to be a bit heavier, but I imagine the finishing will also have a slightly different, perhaps more traditional look to it, at least in the context of classic dress watches.
The stainless steel case of the SLGW007 measures the same 38.6mm in diameter and 9.95mm in height as its titanium predecessor (and it’s still 45mm from lug to lug). This was quite simply one of the easiest wearing and most impressive watches we saw at Watches & Wonders 2024, largely thanks to the incredible case proportions, so we’re just thrilled Grand Seiko collectors finally have another option. As mentioned, the dial here is a dark “Moonlit Blue” with a prominent “birch” pattern that mirrors the SLGW003 and is a variation on a theme the brand has returned to several times now. According to the brand, the color here is meant to evoke the bark of a white birch tree while bathed in evening moonlight.
The Caliber 9SA4 that powers the SLGW007 is a high frequency movement (10 vibrations per second) with a power reserve of 80 hours. It’s essentially a manually wound version of the 9SA5 and features the same dual impulse escapement at that automatic movement, but for the hand wound version Grand Seiko took the step of completely rebuilding the 9SA5’s gear train and optimizing it for a new platform. They’ve also paid special attention to the winding feel and the sound of the winding mechanism, something you don’t fully appreciate until you’re actually winding the watch. Take our word for it: it’s a very satisfying experience.
In addition to the new SLGW007, Grand Seiko has also introduced a completely new version of the Tentagraph, their high frequency mechanical chronograph. The new SLGC006 is characterized by a copper-pink colorway and Mt. Iwate patterned dial. Grand Seiko says that this execution of the Tentagraph has been designed to evoke morning sunlight on Mt. Iwate, which of course is visible from Studio Shizukuishi, where the brand’s mechanical watches are made.
The SLGC006 has a High Intensity Titanium case and bracelet, with an 18K rose gold bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers, and a ceramic bezel insert. It runs on the 9SC5 Hi-Beat 36000 chronograph caliber, which has 72 hours of power reserve and is accurate to +5/-3 seconds per day. The case is water resistant to 100 meters. The SLGC006 is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
The new SLGW007 will be available beginning in October and has a retail price of $10,000. The SLGC006 will also be available in October at a retail price of $22,600. Grand Seiko
Zach Kazan
2025-09-11 17:00:00