Having introduced a new design language along with the all-new, automatic 9SA5 last year, Grand Seiko is now doing the same for the Spring Drive. The watchmaker has debuted a pair of Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Editions, the “Minamo” SLGA007 in steel and the “Tree Rings” SLGA008 in rose gold.

Both are powered by the 9RA2 that’s part of the family of latest-generation Spring Drive movements first seen last year in the Grand Seiko Diver 600 m SLGA001. Just 5 mm high, the slimness of the 9RA5 means the pair of new models are the thinnest Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches to date.

Initial thoughts

The new models are essentially Spring Drive versions of the self-winding Heritage models launched last year (including an ultra-luxe platinum version and the more recent “White Birch”).

That’s a good thing for two reasons. One is the intrinsic appeal of the design, which is vintage inspired and appealing, packaged in a case that’s a good size and easily wearable.

And the other is the increased consistency in styling between Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive and automatic models, doing away with the confusing distinction between movements and designs.

The “Minamo” SLGA007 in steel

But that’s also the downside for the buyers of the limited-edition models (either these or the automatics), since the design has been replicated as a standard-production watch with the automatic movement, and the same will surely be done for the new 9RA2 Spring Drive movement.

Still, the new models are appealing as Spring Drive watches on two levels. One is the thin case – an achievement made possible by the slim movement and notable given that Spring Drive watches were fairly thick historically. And the other is the design: instead of being on the dial as is tradition with the Spring Drive, the power reserve indicator is on the back, creating a clean, fuss-free look on the front.

Both the new Spring Drive models are priced almost the same as the equivalent automatic models. The mechanical versions do cost a bit more, but only marginally so, with a difference of between a few hundred to US$1,000 for the steel versions. In short, the new models are priced significantly more than Grand Seiko watches historically cost, but they do have better and newer movements.

With similar pricing and almost identical design, that makes the choice between a Spring Drive or automatic almost entirely one of movement preferences – either traditional mechanical or a modern-day hybrid.

A new calibre

In terms of design and dimensions, the new Spring Drive watches are almost identical to the automatic SLGH models. The new pair have cases that are 40 mm in diameter and 11.8 mm high, identical in diameter and only 0.1 mm thicker than the automatics.

And the dials retain the same retro-inspired design characterised by wider hour markers and hands.

The “Tree Rings” SLGA008 in rose gold

The key feature is the 9RA2 inside. It’s a latest-generation movement that’s part of the same family as the 9RA5 launched last year. The difference between the two calibres is the position of the power reserve indicator: on the dial for last year’s 9RA5 and on the back for the new 9RA2.

9RA2

Power reserve aside, the 9RA2 retains all of the same features, most notably double barrels and a five-day power reserve, along with more elaborate decoration.

Inspired by the winter landscapes of Shiojiri, the bridges and rotor are frosted, while the jewels and screws sit in polished countersinks.

“Minamo”

Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are produced at the Shinshu Watch Studio inside Seiko-Epson’s factory in Shiojiri, a 30-minute drive from Lake Suwa.

That body of water provides inspiration for the “Minamo” SLGA007, which has a dial textured to resemble the gentle waves on the lake’s surface, hence the nickname “Minamo” (水面), which translates as “water’s surface”.

Dark blue with a stamped pattern, the dial has gold accents in the form of the logo and seconds hand

Limited to 2,021 watches, the SLGA007 has a 40 mm steel case featuring a display back that reveals the new 9RA2

The case is matched with a steel bracelet that has a solid-gold medallion inset on the clasp, as is typical for Grand Seiko limited editions

“Tree Rings”

The SLGA008 is similar to last year’s SLGH007, the flagship Grand Seiko automatic in platinum. In fact, the new SLGA008 has an identically-patterned, wood grain dial. While the automatic version was executed in black, the SLGA008 dial is an earthy brown.

As with most Grand Seiko limited editions cased in precious metal, the SLGA008 has its hour markers, date window frame, and “GS” logo in solid gold, signified by the tiny star emblem above six o’clock that indicates “SD”, or “special dial”.

The SLGA008 is limited to 140 watches

Key facts and price

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition “Minamo”
Ref. SLGA007

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 11.8 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: 9RA2
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: Spring Drive
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: Five days (120 hours)

Strap: Steel bracelet

Limited edition: 2,021 pieces
Availability: At Grand Seiko boutiques and retailers starting December 2021
Price: US$8,700; or 990,000 Japanese yen

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Edition “Tree Rings”
Ref. SLGA008

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 11.8 mm
Material: 18k rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: 9RA2
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: Spring Drive
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: Five days (120 hours)

Strap: Crocodile with folding clasp

Limited edition: 140 pieces
Availability: At Grand Seiko boutiques and retailers starting November 2021
Price: US$49,000; or 5.5 million Japanese yen

For more, visit Grand-seiko.com.