Grand Seiko introduces two new limited edition timepieces, the SLGW004 and SLGW005, which pay homage to the iconic 45GS model first introduced in 1968. These watches reintroduces the iconic Seiko – Grand Seiko dial on a 45GS case and with the new hand-wound movement.
Press release with commentary in italics.
Grand Seiko 45GS limited edition
The pricing for the Grand Seiko 45 GS steel model SLGW005 is at USD 9,700 and in yellow gold SLGW004 is USD 30,000. Limited edition of 1200 pieces in steel, 200 pieces in yellow gold.
Commentary
The SLGW004 is a masterpiece encased in solid yellow gold, limited to 200 pieces, and available exclusively at Grand Seiko boutiques. On the other hand, the SLGW005 is crafted in stainless steel and limited to 1,200 pieces, offering a more accessible yet equally refined option for watch enthusiasts. This is a follow-on to the successful SLGW003 and SLGW002 steel and gold pair which was launched in Watches & Wonders Geneva this year.
Both models are powered by the Calibre 9SA4, a manual-winding high-beat movement introduced earlier this year. This movement has an 80-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 5Hz. The movement also boasts of Grand Seiko’s Free-sprung balance and the Dual-Impulse escapement. The meticulous finishing extends from the case to the dial, evident in the polished baton markers and razor-sharp sword hands, set against a dial that is classic Grand Seiko—complete with the return of the double logo, ‘GS’ at 6 o’clock and ‘Seiko’ at 12 o’clock, a nod to the brand’s heritage prior to its rebranding in 2017. The movement is gorgeous!
The design of these watches stays true to the original 45GS, with a slight increase in size to meet contemporary standards, while maintaining the slimness and refinement that set the original apart. The case measures just under 39mm in diameter and a touch over 10mm in thickness, ideal for a modern dress watch. This two models are possibly the most exciting releases from the brand since the SBGW047 in 2014.
For those interested in acquiring a piece of this timeless elegance, the SLGW004 and SLGW005 will be available from November 2024. The yellow gold SLGW004 will be exclusive to Grand Seiko boutiques, while the stainless steel SLGW005 can also be found at select retail partners worldwide. For the connoisseur, our recommendation is for the steel model, for the more understated look. The savings from the price will come in handy for other watches.
Press Release
In 1968, Grand Seiko introduced the 45GS. This watch came just one year after the 44GS, the legendary creation that established the brand’s design code, the Grand Seiko Style. Although the two watches were nearly identical in styling, the 45GS featured a dramatic upgrade in terms of stability and performance with the brand’s first manual-winding high-beat movement, the Caliber 4520. Today, two re-creations of this milestone are born, one in stainless steel and the other in 18k yellow gold, to pay respect to two variations introduced in 1968.
The new creations closely follow the original case and dial designs. The original angular case design, which featured flat, mirror-polished surfaces and curved case sides, has been re-created using Grand Seiko’s latest watchmaking technology. The design creates a remarkable brilliance based on the interplay of light and shadow, which has been at the core of Grand Seiko’s design grammar since it was established in 1967 with the 44GS.
The dial colors and lettering are virtually identical to the originals. At the 12 o’clock position appear the Seiko letters, which have been made to reimagine the vintage character of the original lettering. At the six o’clock position, one will notice the GS and Hi-Beat letters; the number 36000, which signifies the high frequency of the movement; and even the Daini Seikosha factory logo, indicating the birthplace of the original 45GS.
The watches are powered by Grand Seiko’s latest hand-wound, high-frequency mechanical movement, the Caliber 9SA4. Just like the Caliber 4520, the new 9SA4 was made in pursuit of high rate stability and precision, beating 10 times per second; however, it achieves a power reserve of 80 hours when fully wound thanks to Grand Seiko’s highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement and two barrels. Not only was Caliber 9SA4 made to achieve the height of performance in high-beat watchmaking, but the movement was also designed with particular attention to the tactile, aural, and visual sensations encountered during hand-winding to create an ideal experience for the watch’s owner. The click and the click spring have been tailored to perfect their feel and sound. Although the original 45GS featured a closed case back, the case backs on the re-creations are see-through, allowing the click’s bird-like pecking motion and the beauty of the movement’s finishing to be enjoyed during the hand-winding process.
Both watches will be available as limited editions in November 2024. The yellow gold creation will be limited to Grand Seiko boutiques, and the stainless steel version will be available at Grand Seiko boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.
