Grand Seiko SLGA025 “Aterra Blue”

zach blas

Shortly before the release, I visited the world’s largest Grand Seiko flagship boutique in New York to get my hands on various upcoming novelties. There was a lot to like, including the SLGW004 and SLGW005, which revived the 45GS case shape and paired it with one of the brand’s finest movements, the 9SA4. However, being a limited edition, we knew only a few people would be able to enjoy this pair. However, the moment I got my hands on the Grand Seiko SLGA025 “Aterra Blue”, which is not a limited edition item, I was able to immediately know that Grand Seiko was a real watch geek and a watch journalist. It didn’t need to be. A potential monster will attack your hands. The proof is that I amassed over 4,700 likes and nearly 100,000 views by shooting the Grand Seikpo SLGA025 for reels with my infamous shaky hands. But now we have #watchporn level footage. Prepare to drool. Sorry, objective Zack, stay objective, Zack.

dial

With its Evolution 9-style bright titanium case and bracelet, and 5-day automatic 9RA2 Spring Drive movement, this watch will be familiar to many Grand Seiko fans. So what is it about this watch that is attracting so much attention? Well…it’s a common occurrence with Grand Seiko, so I think you’ve figured it out by now. The texture and color of the new dial of SLGA025 is inspired by the Atera Valley. The Atera River that flows through the valley is known for its unique “Atera Blue” color, and the emerald blue-green hue of this new dial is reminiscent of that. The dial’s undulating, shallow scratch-like surface is intended to imitate the fact that when looking through the clear waters of the Atera River, one can see the ocean floor, or rocks and sediments beneath the water’s surface.

Apart from romantic muses and languages, in a more mathematical sense, blue and green are both the recognized colors of the year. Blue and green pairs blend in a unique way with gradients and textures. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know if a watch fan really likes this dial. Although it is complex to make, it is easy to appreciate.

case

I would never assume that everyone is as familiar with Grand Seiko as me and other GS enthusiasts. In short, what you need to know: Evolution 9 is the Grand Seiko lineup that debuted in 2020, a new collection that became home to Grand Seiko’s next-generation calibers packaged in modern case shapes. Although the Evolution 9 case is touted to be more sporty, it has the honor of being the most alternating case design between a hairline brushed finish and an undistorted mirror-polished surface. It takes full advantage of Grand Seiko’s distinctive design code of playing with “.” shadow’. From a wearability standpoint, the high-strength titanium case is water-resistant to 100 meters, measures 40mm in diameter, has a sporty, slender 11.8mm thickness, and measures 47.9mm lug-to-lug width, making it extremely comfortable on most wrists. You will find it comfortable. .

bracelet

I wasn’t opposed to tapering this 22mm wide bracelet, but Grand Seiko favors a tapered, wider construction. This is because it helps the watch fit on your wrist and maintains a more ergonomic balance. Also, call me a traditionalist, but I think a five-piece link bracelet like this should have a mixed finish, and the small intermediate links should be mirror polished rather than fully brushed. I think there is. look! You can also make very subjective criticisms. Do you agree with me here? Be sure to visit the video and let us know in the comments. One last note about the bracelet: Of course, the experience of wearing the SLGA025 would be greatly improved if this bracelet had on-the-fly fine-tuning capabilities.

movement

Displayed inside is one of Grand Seiko’s most powerful Spring Drive automatic movements, with a whopping five-day power reserve. Dial purists will love that it appears on the caliber rather than the dial. As is often the case with Spring Drive calibers, you can’t clearly see the components working under the bridge, giving the 9RA2 a very understated finish at first glance. However, a closer look reveals that the watchmakers have taken great care to prevent scratches when assembling the caliber, with a “Shinshu Frost” finish, and the edges of the bridges and rotor are decorated with diamonds. You can see that the cut has been chamfered. And for those not familiar with the wonder that is Spring Drive, the spring-driven caliber with a quartz-driven escapement is ultra-precise, adjusting within half a second per day.

judgment

It may come as a bit of a shock to some to hear that the SLGA025 “Atera Blue” costs $10,500 USD, but this is clearly very much in line with the pricing of the Evolution 9 series since its launch. This is the most advanced high-tech series offered by Grand Seiko, short of the Masterpiece Collection tier. Considering the unique level of case finish and shape, the undeniably eye-catching dial, and the robust and highly accurate 5-day Spring Drive movement, we can safely say that you get your money’s worth. In the end, it comes down to taste and whether you’re looking for a rich teal dial for your collection or if you like the Evolution 9’s style.