The Lush Green Dial of the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SLGH021 Genbi Valley
Grand Seiko has won over legions of admirers for its wonderful textured dials that recreate elements of Japanese nature. With its sophisticated Hi-Beat movement, elegant case responding to the latest design evolution, and gorgeous green textured dial, the new SLGH021 Genbi Valley is going to fly off the shelves.
In 2020, Grand Seiko introduced the Evolution 9 Style, a series of aesthetic design and technical parameters building on those laid down in 1967 with the brand’s “Grammar of Design”. The new design tenets debuted in the gold limited-edition Grand Seiko Elegance 60th Anniversary SLGH002. Powered by the brand’s upgraded Hi-Beat mechanical calibre 9SA5 with a Dual Impulse Escapement extending the power reserve from 55 to 80 hours, the style and movement emigrated to the permanent collection with models like the much admired SLGH005 with its White Birch textured dial.
Identical in size and technical specifications to the earlier SLGHxxx variants, the new SLGH021 Genbi Valley has a 40mm diameter, a thickness of 11.7mm and a 100m water-resistant case. With its leaner silhouette and gentle camber, the new Evolution 9 Style case design has a lower centre of gravity and sits closer to the wrist. The case and bracelet are, however, made of Ever-Brilliant steel, a proprietary GS metal that is one of the most corrosion-resistant steel alloys and is 1.7 times harder than stainless steel. Ever-Brilliant steel is also brighter, and following the signature Zaratsu polishing applied to the case, the wide hairline finished areas enhance the bright, distortion-free, mirror-polished surfaces.
The dial of the SLGH021 unveiled during the 2024 edition of Watches & Wonders takes its design inspiration from the Genbi Valley, a ravine on the Iwai River that flows through Iwate Prefecture, where Grand Seiko’s Studio Shizukuishi is located. Renowned for its emerald-green waters and lush vegetation, GS transports the freshness of the Iwai River to the dial of the new watch.
With its eye-catching shade of green, the dial reveals a kaleidoscope texture composed of spangles. Inspired by a Japanese painting technique called Kirazuri (sparkling painting using mica powder), the dial glistens with a lovely metallic light.
Since legibility is another core tenet in Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 Style manual, the 3D multi-faceted indices with deep grooves in the centre are now wider with a double index at noon. Like the hour and minute hands, the Zaratsu-polished surfaces of these tiny appliques allow them to radiate light and enhance legibility. The framed date window is at 4 o’clock, and the central seconds hand is blued.
Powered by Grand Seiko’s new Hi-Beat calibre 9SA5, with its Dual Impulse Escapement and slimmer profile (5.18mm), the automatic movement beats at 5Hz and delivers a robust 80-hour power reserve.
The Grand Seiko SLGH021 “Genbi Valley” is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. It will be available from June 1st, 2024, at Grand Seiko Mastershops, Salons, and Boutiques and retails for EUR 11,100. For more information, please consult grandseiko.com.
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