Introducing: Grand Seiko Achieves World-Record Mechanical Accuracy In The SLGB001 And SLGB003 – Plus Micro-Adjust Is Now Here
What We Know
This may be the only time in my career I get to lead a story with a photo of a movement and a bracelet, and it might be the biggest news of the biggest trade show of the year. Today at Watches and Wonders, Grand Seiko just announced a major horological achievement in a movement with accuracy measured not in plus/minus seconds per day, week, or month but per year. The new Ultra-Fine Accuracy movement Caliber 9RB2 has a tested accuracy of ±20 seconds per year in a small 30mm by 5.02mm package while maintaining 72 hours of power reserve.
The movement has launched in two models: the SLGB001, an 80-piece limited edition in platinum, but more importantly by far, a new brilliant-hard titanium SLGB003 with a brilliant-hard titanium bracelet that features (for the first time in Grand Seiko) a three-step toolless micro-adjustment allowing 6mm of bracelet adjustment.
The bracelet still lacks the taper many brands use (it measures 20mm to 18mm), but this is something that fans have been begging to get for years, and it’s finally here. While it’s not available on past models retroactively, it should start rolling out more often on future releases from the brand.
Oh yeah, the watches. Right. Well, the SLGB001 and SLGB003 both feature icy-blue dials (slightly darker on the platinum model) with a herringbone-esque texture inspired by frost-covered trees in the Kirigamine Highlands, which is home to Shinshu Watch Studio. Both watches measure 37mm by 11.4mm thick and feature 100m water resistance.
That size might be a bit small for some people, but Grand Seiko is using these models to show the sizing potential of the new 9RB2 movement. Both watches feature Zaratsu polishing and other great finishes that Grand Seiko is known for.
The new platinum SLGB001 is an 80-piece Grand Seiko boutique exclusive, priced at $39,000, while the brilliant-hard titanium release is $10,900 and not a limited edition.
What We Think
What might look like a straightforward release on the surface looks to me to be one of the most important releases from Watches and Wonders. A stated accuracy of ±20 seconds per year is pretty incredible, especially considering that the previous record for the brand was ± 15 sec per month in the 9R96.
Other brands have claimed outstanding accuracy but have consistently failed to deliver in-production models. In an upcoming hands-on, I’ll break down Grand Seiko’s claims (and others). There, I’ll also show you a better look at how the new micro-adjust works and muse about the other reasons the new movement could be a game-changer for some of Grand Seiko’s models. Hint: has anyone seen my wetsuit?
Stay tuned for more over the coming days from Watches and Wonders – you can follow all of the show’s new releases right here.
The Basics
Brand: Grand Seiko
Model: SLGB001 and SLGB003
Diameter: 37mm
Thickness: 11.4mm
Case Material: Platinum (SLGB001); High-Intensity Titanium (SLGB003)
Dial Color: Pale blue ice-textured dial, slightly darker on the platinum version
Indexes: Applied
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp in Platinum 950 (partly 18k white gold) with push button release (SLGB001); High-Intensity Titanium bracelet and three-fold clasp with push button release and micro-adjustment feature (SLGB003)
The Movement
Caliber: Caliber 9RB2
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 5.02mm
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: Spring Drive
Jewels: 34
Chronometer Certified: No, but accuracy measured by Grand Seiko to ±20 seconds per year
Additional Details:
Pricing & Availability
Price: $39,000 (SLGB001), $10,900 (SLGB003)
Availability: Immediately
Limited Edition: SLGB001 (platinum) is a limited edition of 80 exclusive to the Grand Seiko Boutiques; SLGB003 is not limited
For more, click here.
Hodinkee
