Description
About Grand Seiko SLGH021
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours Limited Edition Evolution 9 Collection
A mechanical watch depicting the mysterious scenery of the Genbi Valley on its dial
The Genbi Valley in Japan has been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. It exists mid-stream on the Iwai River in Iwate Prefecture, where Grand Seiko’s mechanical watches are manufactured. The grand and mysterious scenery of the Genbi Valley is expressed in this watch’s dial via a new molded pattern and light-green coloration. The case and bracelet incorporate Ever-Brilliant Steel, a material that boasts the highest level of corrosion resistance for stainless steel in the world, and this model is the first in the Evolution 9 Collection to feature it. The material’s tendency to exhibit a white shine pairs well with the vivid green color of the dial. The Caliber 9SA5 is a ten-beat movement that is capable of 80 hours of continuous operation when the watch is fully wound.
Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces.
Grand Seiko SLGH021 Features
A dial that expresses the magnificent scenery of the Genbi Valley
The Iwai River, which flows from its source on the northern slope of Mt. Kurikoma that lies within Iwate Prefecture, eroded massive stones to create at times potholes, waterfalls, and ravines along a stretch of 2 km. This resulted in the natural beauty of the gorge that is called the Genbi Valley. Its impressive scenery is celebrated through its designation as a Place of Scenic Beauty for Japan, and this beauty is replicated by the molded pattern and light-green color of the watch’s dial. Its expressions are ever-changing depending on the angle of the light, leaving a vivid and delightful impression.
Ever-Brilliant Steel with superior corrosion resistance
Ever-Brilliant Steel is a stainless-steel material that boasts higher corrosion resistance than the stainless steel used in regular high-end watches (indeed, it has the highest level of corrosion resistance in the world), one that shines with a brilliant white. Ever-Brilliant Steel has a PREN (pitting resistance equivalent number) that is 1.7 times that of the steel typically seen in luxury watches.
Caliber 9SA5
Through the use of the highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement and twin barrels, Caliber 9SA5 achieves approximately 80 hours of operation when the watch is fully wound even with its a high-beat rate of 36,000 vph. The movement also allows the watches it powers to be more lightweight through a unique horizontal ring construction.
- 47 jewels
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Date display
- See-through case back
- Screw-down crown
Grand Seiko SLGH021 History
Prior to 1960, to challenge the status of Swiss watches and change the perception of Japanese watches, Daini Seikosha and Suwa began the discussion of a product line that can match the quality of Swiss watches under the suggestion of the parent company. At the time, Suwa Seikosha Co. was in charge of manufacturing men’s watches, so it was decided that Suwa would be producing the first Grand Seiko (GS).
The first Grand Seiko was released in 1960, it was based on Seiko’s previous high-end watch, CROWN. This Grand Seiko has a 25-jewel, manual-winding, 3180 caliber, and only 36,000 units were produced. This was also the first chronometer-grade watch manufactured in Japan, and it was based on Seiko’s own chronometer standard.
Design style
The design language of the Grand Seiko was set in 1967, with the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS. The 44GS set the ground for all future Grand Seiko with nine elements. These elements help improve the legibility of the watch under different situations, and create a sharp, crisp visual impression:
- Double width index at 12 o’clock
- Multi-faceted rectangular markers
- Highly polished bezel
- Highly polished planes and two-dimensional surface
- Half recessed crown
- Flat dial
- Multi-faceted hour and minute hands
- Curved side line
- Reverse slanted bezel wall and case side
- Dress style with simple but beautiful design
- Zaratsu polishing
source : wikipedia
