Grand Seiko has remained one of the wristwear world’s most valued providers since its inception in 1881. Over the years, the brand has adapted its watches to remain at the top of their respective genres thanks to the employment of innovative mechanical breakthroughs, unique designs, and an unwavering commitment to “class.” Now, the Japanese watchmaker has revealed an entirely new high beat mechanical movement, known as the Calibre 9SA5, to usher in its most recent generation of timekeepers.
The Calibre 9SA5 is the foundation for Seiko’s latest watch, the limited-edition SLGH003. While the watch itself is relatively bland, lackluster, and devoid of uniqueness (especially when placed alongside Grand Seiko’s other models), it’s the 9SA5 that gives it its wings. Developed over a period of nine years, the mechanical calibre will help to usher in a new era of Grand Seiko watches, thanks to its Dual Impulse geometry. In place of a traditional lever escapement, the revolutionary movement is said to be more resistant to things like shock, friction, and temperature, while also making it more efficient, utilizing less energy to keep it precise, and elongating its life. The new movement will be housed in a handsomely-designed, 40mm stainless steel case, and protected by an anti-reflective, box-shaped sapphire crystal. The SLGH003 is limited to 1,000 examples, reinforcing its $11,122 price point.
