Grand Seiko’s latest release, the Evolution 9 Hi-Beat 36000 SLGH027 Limited Edition, is all about the textured dial as is typical of the brand. Inspired by the ridges of Mount Iwate, a volcano that’s near Grand Seiko’s Shizukuishi workshop, the radial dial motif is more deeply textured than earlier iterations of the “Mount Iwate” pattern.

The rest of the watch is typical of the Evolution 9 “SLGH” model – a high-frequency automatic movement inside a Zaratsu-finish case in from Ever-Brilliant steel, a proprietary alloy with superior corrosion resistance and a brighter finish than conventional steel.

Initial thoughts

Of the many Grand Seiko dials, the new Mount Iwate motif stands out. While the latest dial shares the same radial style as the earlier “Mount Iwate” pattern, found on the Tentagraph SLGC001 amongst others, the dial of the SLGH027 has a deeper texture and more pronounced grooves, giving it an elevated aesthetic that is more striking.

With so many variants, Grand Seiko’s textured dials are a little cliche at this point, but there is no denying that the watches are still impressively crafted and offer strong value, rivalling the strongest Swiss competition (except in terms of the bracelet). At US$10,500, the SLGH027 is priced similarly to equivalent prior models. While it is substantially more expensive than the average time-and-date Grand Seiko, the price is justified by the top-of-the-line cal. 9SA5, as well as the excellent case and dial work.

Mount Iwate

The watch’s most striking feature is the sky-blue dial with a radial pattern inspired by Mount Iwate, a 20-minute drive from Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, which is meant to evoke a bird’s eye view of the mountaintop surrounded by water. The dial furniture is identical to the SLGH models, including sword-shaped hands and fluted baton indices.

Powering the SLGH027 is the self-winding cal. 9SA5, a high-frequency movement running at 36,000 vibrations per hour but with a long, 80-hour power reserve thanks to twin barrels.

One of Grand Seiko’s latest generation movements, the cal. 9SA5 features the proprietary Dual Impulse Escapement. And like most newer calibres, it is visible through an open case back.

Key facts and price

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours Limited Edition
Ref. SLGH027

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

Movement: 9SA5
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 beats per hour
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Matching steel bracelet

Limited edition: 1,200 pieces
Availability: At Grand Seiko boutiques and retailers starting May 2025
Price: US$10,500

For more, visit grand-seiko.com