Enough Birch: The Grand Seiko SLGH019 proves there is far more dial-ground to cover in Evolution 9
Zach BlassEvolution 9 was born to usher in a new era and tier of Grand Seiko watchmaking. It brought forth their most faceted case yet, with the most alternating hairline-brushed and Zaratsu distortion-free, mirror-polished surfaces. There were broader and sportier hands and indices, plus notably next-gen movements like the high-beat 9SA5 calibre. But while we have seen some variation in complications – with divers, GMT’s, and chronographs – the majority, or, in fact, all of the 9SA5-powered watches have all had “Birch” dials. Admittedly it is a winning formula for Grand Seiko and the White Birch even took home a GPHG prize. But the recently revealed Grand Seiko SLGH019 proves it is time to move on from the safety of the Birch dials and branch into more dial-ground for their Evolution 9 watches powered by their pinnacle 9SA5 movement.
We have had two White Birches, the 9SA5-powered SLGH005 and Spring Drive SLGA009. A “Green Birch” SLGH011 with a dynamic green birch-textured dial with a tealish hue. And, lastly, Grand Seiko debuted the “Night Birch” SLGH017 – the first Birch to utilise High-Intensity Titanium for the case and bracelet. You can find a full overview of the Grand Seiko Birch family tree here, and all, in my humble opinion, are stunning watches. But, for a brand known for their imaginative and bold nature-inspired dials, I fear they have played it too safe. Nobody, myself included, would necessarily complain about further Birch entries into the Evolution 9 collection. That being said, the Mt. Iwate dial found on the Grand Seiko SLGH019 is a very welcome change of pace. It is the first non-precious Evolution 9 non-Birch dial powered by the 9SA5 movement since the initial SLGH limited editions. The dial texture first debuted in 2006, and has long been an appreciated aesthetic by Grand Seiko collectors. Here its midnight-blue colour captures Mt. Iwate’s peak at night, a dynamic sunburst gradient given further intrigue by its texture.
The Grand Seiko SLGH019 “Mt. Iwate at midnight” is cased in the brand’s High-Intensity Titanium, following the footsteps of the SLGH017 “Night Birch”. It carries the comfortable dimensions of 40mm in diameter, 11.7mm thickness, and 47mm lug-to-lug span across the wrist. While I understand the mission of the Evolution 9 collection is to skew towards a sportier look, I personally have always wanted to see a mixed-finish bracelet with a greater taper hit the collection. This would be a killer watch to take to the beach or boardroom, as it is 100 metres water-resistant with a screw-down crown. But the full brush of the bracelet makes it more difficult, in my view, to wear with a suit without looking a tad forced by fashionista standards.
The in-house automatic 9SA5 hi-beat calibre is one of Grand Seiko’s best fully mechanical movements in their arsenal, if not the best. The new escapement it holds rivals that of Daniels’ co-axial escapement, with an innovative dual-impulse escapement and free-sprung balance. Its overcool hairspring, a first for Grand Seiko, was refined through over 80,000 simulations to ensure peak performance. Twin barrels aid the hi-beat calibre in offering 80 hours of power reserve on a full wind. But it’s not just a highly technical calibre. The 9SA5 is handsomely decorated as well, with curvaceous diamond-cut bridges meant to evoke the bend of the Shizukuishi river near Studio Shizukuishi where the watch is made.
The Evolution 9 collection has truly evolved Grand Seiko’s offerings. The Grand Seiko SLGH019 shows, however, there is much more room for the Evolution 9 collection itself to evolve. And this is very exciting.
Grand Seiko SLGH019 pricing and availability:
The Grand Seiko SLGH019 is available now, but is exclusive to the Grand Seiko Boutiques online. Price: US$10,400
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | SLGH019 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) x 47mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | High-Intensity Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100m (screw-down secured) |
| Dial | Midnight Blue Mt. Iwate Dial |
| Crystal | Boxed sapphire crystal and sapphire caseback |
| Strap | High-Intensity Titanium bracelet with three-fold clasp |
| Movement | In-house automatic 9SA5 |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$10,400 |