Grand Seiko launched the 60th anniversary Hi-Beat SLGH003

Stainless steel, powered by 9SA5.

Grand Seiko (Grand Seiko) has gradually launched a series of watches to commemorate its 60th anniversary, from a replica of the 3180 year to the jewel-rich 8 days (TDay) to the T0 Constant Force Tourbillon (T0 Constant Force Tourbillon), and also opened Grand Seiko Studio Shikuukuishi production plant. Now, the brand has finally reached the highest standard of its anniversary watch with the Seiko 60th anniversary movement 9SA5 Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours SLGH003.

Although there are too many watches to commemorate the 60th anniversary, the most important one is the Hi-Beat 80 Hours SLGH002, which is driven by the newly developed 9SA5, which is the first of a new generation of movement that will support the Grand Seiko series. SLGH002 is only available in 18k gold, which is expensive, but now the movement uses all-steel SLGH003.

initial thoughts
From the perspective of being a more affordable version of the gold SLGH002, SLGH003 is very attractive. It is still an expensive watch.

But judging from it being one of multiple anniversary editions, many of them have the same dial color, so they are less attractive. This is especially true considering that the 9SA5 movement will inevitably be offered in conventionally produced models, and the price may be cheaper.

Therefore, if the color and design are attractive, then SLGH003 is a product worth buying. If not, please wait for the next one.

Anniversary uniform
SLGH003 has the same blue and red tones as other more affordable 60th anniversary watches, which means a metallic blue dial and a red second hand. In terms of design, it is almost the same as SLGH002 gold, but the hands and time scales are the same. The steel case is 40mm x 11.7mm high, which is the typical size of Grand Seiko.

Although the case and bracelet are made of steel, the buckle is inlaid with an 18k gold logo, which is a unique detail of the anniversary best watch. Other anniversary watches have a gold medallion on the back cover, but SLGH003 cannot be on it because of its back cover.

And because of the movement of 9SA5, the back display must be performed. 9SA5 represents the future of the Seiko movement for a long time. It is a high-frequency movement that runs at 36,000 beats per hour or 5 Hz and has a power reserve of up to 80 hours.

More importantly, it has two key functions to achieve more stable and precise timing. The first is Grand Seiko’s patented “dual pulse escapement”. This escapement relies on both indirect pulses on the tray lever, direct pulses, and lighter skeleton parts produced by MEMS. This lithography technology can The metal is deposited to form the shape so that the efficiency is much higher than the traditional escapement system.

The balance wheel is a unique free spring design of Grand Seiko, with four recessed, adjustable weights for adjustment and mounted on the over-coil hairspring.

Although the 9SA5 in SLGH003 is mechanically the same as the movement in the all-gold SLGH002, it eliminates the blue steel screws that appear on its gold counterpart.

Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Caliber 9SA5 Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours
Ref. SLGH003

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 11.7 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 9SA5
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet

Year: 2020