BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
You may remember that at the end of 2022, Grand Seiko introduced a watch with a dial inspired by Omiwatari. Omiwatari is an effect almost exclusive to Lake Suwa in central Japan, where the lake’s surface freezes and then cracks in dramatic fashion. While the lake isn’t likely to have thawed out just yet, Grand Seiko is introducing the new SLGA021G, which has a blue dial inspired by the rippling surface of the lake when it isn’t frozen.
Grand Seiko says the deep blue colouration of the dial is inspired by the colour of the water at dawn before the sun rises. It forms an elegant base for the markers, which are quite chunky, as are the hands. The date window has a frame around it which makes this watch a little more elegant, although Grand Seiko has still refused to colour-match the date window’s background with that of the dial for some reason.
Behind the elegant dial with its mismatched window is the calibre 9RA2, which is a self-winding Spring Drive movement. Spring Drive fuses the accuracy of electronic timing regulation with the appeal of traditional mechanics. The power for the watch is stored in a spring barrel rather than a battery cell. There’s also a power reserve on this one, useful considering that it can run for five days when left off the wrist. The accuracy of this is +/- 10s per month. Given that the COSC chronometers must be within that per day, it’s easy to see why Spring Drive movements are popular with mechanical watch fans. For reference, the watch is accurate to within +/- 0.5s per day.
All of this is wrapped in a classy brushed and polished stainless steel case measuring 40mm x 11.8mm. The case is also water-resistant to 100m, so the SLGA021G would make a great smart/casual sports watch, being able to take a beating, be accurate and go for a swim. It comes on a matching brushed/polished stainless steel bracelet.
This new model isn’t a limited production, and while it’s not as elegant as the SBGY013 ‘Omiwatari’, it isn’t without class or sophistication. It’s available from Grand Seiko boutiques and authorised dealers for a price of $9100.
Visit Grand Seiko here.
