Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Diver SLGA023

Featuring the Evolution 9 Style, 200 meters of water resistance, and a blue variation on the “ushio” dial initially seen in 2022 in black, the new Reference SLGA023 is the latest diver’s watch from Grand Seiko. Below its distinctive, patterned dial is the Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5, a next-generation movement with automatic winding, ±10 seconds per month accuracy, and a power reserve of 120, or about five days, when fully wound.

The Evolution 9 Style is a set of original design techniques intended to further pursue usability and beauty in wristwatches and is a development upon the Grand Seiko Style. This sports watch combines these design elements with compliance with ISO standards to satisfy the requirements for a diver’s watch, with increased readability, operability, and robustness.

The coastal waters of Japan are influenced by the flow of the Kuroshio Current, one of the world’s major ocean currents, as well as by the nutrient-rich waters of the Oyashio Current, creating one of the world’s most diverse ocean regions. The dynamic undulation of the waves of these ocean currents is expressed in the powerful dial pattern of this watch, which also uses a unidirectionally rotating bezel with an insert made of ceramic. However, unlike last year’s Spring Drive diver’s watch, which was black, this year the dial and bezel are in Grand Seiko blue.

Reference: SLGA023

MSRP: $12,600

Dated: 2024

Bracelet: Titanium

Case Size: 43.8mm x 13.8mm x 51.5mm Lug to Lug

Lug Width: 23mm

Case Metal: Titanium

Movement: 9RA5 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has light wear under a loupe. Bracelet has minimal micro wear in the right light. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

Grand Seiko emerged in 1960 as a high-end watch line from Seiko, aiming to challenge Swiss dominance in luxury watchmaking. The brand quickly established itself with Japan's first chronometer-grade watch and later gained renown for its innovative Spring Drive technology, which combines the best of automatic and quartz movements. In 2017, Grand Seiko became an independent entity, solidifying its position in the luxury watch market.

The brand's design philosophy, known as the "Grammar of Design," was established in 1967 with the Grand Seiko 44GS. This aesthetic approach emphasizes legibility, refined appearances, and distinctive features like multi-faceted markers and hands, a half-recessed crown, and the meticulous Zaratsu polishing technique. Grand Seiko continues to push boundaries in watchmaking, as evidenced by recent innovations like the "Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon," while maintaining its commitment to precision engineering and unique design language.