Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive "Atera Valley" titanium blue dial steel bracelet 40 mm

The Evolution 9 Style

In 2020, Grand Seiko introduced a new design philosophy called Evolution 9 Style. While it preserves the fundamental principles of Grand Seiko Style, the design philosophy that has guided Grand Seiko since 1967, it adapts them for the new generation by setting new standards in legibility, aesthetics and comfort, while pushing its already impressive designs and technology to new levels. The refinement of the Evolution 9 series includes the deployment of new materials to achieve more sophisticated and comfortable watches.

Unique design

The design of this watch, is faithful to the Grand Seiko style defined in 1967 with the famous 44GS, imbued with a contemporary touch perfectly illustrating the serenity of its imprint but also the strength of its character. Marked hands and grooved, protruding hour-markers guarantee perfect legibility. Alternating between Zaratsu polishing, for a mirror finish without the slightest distortion, and brushed finishing, gives the case a discreet, harmonious shine. Achieving this level of finish on such a complex design requires an exceptional level of skill, which can only be executed by hand. Finally, we love the dimensions: 40 mm in diameter, 48 mm horn to horn, and a thickness of just 11.8 mm!

The bracelet features a five-link design, beautifully integrated with the 22 mm lugs. This wider bracelet - which tapers at the clasp - contributes to stability on the wrist and the contemporary look of the case.

A dial inspired by the magnificent Atera Valley

Grand Seiko enthusiasts know the special relationship between the Japanese Manufacture and Japanese landscapes. The brand proves it once again, with this SLGA025, inspired by the magnificent Atera Valley, close to the Shinshu Watch Studio, where Grand Seiko manufactures all Spring Drive watches.

In fact, Nagano Prefecture, where Spring Drive and Quartz watches are made, is home to a number of mountains rising to over 3,000 meters. The countless rivers that flow from these mountains have, over the years, created a lush natural environment. The Atera River cuts a deep ravine called the Atera Valley, known for its singular beauty. Using the clear, emerald-green waters of the Atera River as a motif, the dial evokes the image of a stream so clear you can see the bottom of it, as well as the rich natural harmony of summer. As the natural environment changes expression through the four seasons, the clear waters form a singular beauty called “Atera blue”. Thanks to a combination of highly transparent blue-green color gradations, this watch expresses the eternal flow of time manifested in the formation of the valley.

A poetic caliber

This watch is powered by the Spring Drive 5-day caliber, which inherits all the performance of the caliber 9RA5 launched to celebrate Grand Seiko's 60th anniversary. The height of the switch and the location of the power reserve indicator on the back of the movement reinforce the watch's finesse and elegance, while highlighting the handcrafted dial workmanship, a true Grand Seiko signature.

The subtlety of the movement reflects the Japanese aesthetic tradition for which Grand Seiko is renowned. The delicate texture of its finish recalls the frost covering the trees in winter near Shinshu, where all Spring Drive watches are made. The edges of the bridges and the piercings of the rubies have been cut to reflect the light from all angles, while the blued power reserve hand catches the eye.

From a technical point of view, it offers a comfortable 5-day power reserve, and gives you a perfect flow of time, thanks to its jerk-free second hand. A simply exceptional caliber, with a precision close to 10 seconds per month!