Lot #5267
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SLGA007 140th Anniversary Lake Suwa Limited Edition
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Introduction
Released in 2021 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Seiko's founding, the Grand Seiko SLGA007 represents an important early expression of the Evolution 9 design philosophy. Its most recognisable feature is its deeply textured blue dial, inspired by the gentle movement of the waters of Lake Suwa, visible from the Shinshu Watch Studio where Grand Seiko's Spring Drive watches are produced. Limited to 2,021 pieces, the SLGA007 established a visual theme that Grand Seiko would subsequently revisit, making this anniversary edition an important starting point for the Lake Suwa family.
The significance of the SLGA007 extends well beyond its dial. Inside is the Spring Drive calibre 9RA2, part of a new generation of movements that substantially advanced the technology with a five-day power reserve, improved precision and a slimmer architecture. Its power-reserve indicator was also moved to the movement side, leaving the dial uninterrupted. The 40mm stainless steel case combines broad brushed surfaces with sharply defined Zaratsu-polished facets, while the wider bracelet and altered proportions of Evolution 9 give the watch a noticeably different character from earlier Grand Seiko designs. Together, the anniversary production, Lake Suwa dial and calibre 9RA2 make the SLGA007 a particularly significant piece from Grand Seiko's modern era.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty card, booklets, hangtags and cloth
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Grand Seiko
Dimensions
40mm x 11.8mm
Model
Evolution 9 140th Anniversary Lake Suwa Limited Edition
Movement
Spring Drive calibre 9RA2
Reference
SLGA007
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
2021
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Box, warranty card, booklets, hangtags and cloth
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
The intensely textured blue dial takes its inspiration from the rippling surface of Lake Suwa and changes considerably according to the available light. Evolution 9's substantial applied markers and hands provide strong legibility against the complex surface, while moving the power-reserve display to the movement side allows the Lake Suwa pattern to remain largely uninterrupted.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 40mm stainless steel case is an expression of Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 design language, combining broad hairline-brushed surfaces with sharply defined Zaratsu-polished facets. At 11.8mm thick, its proportions benefit from the slimmer 9RA2 movement, while the wider integrated visual relationship between case and bracelet gives the watch a lower, more stable presence on the wrist.
THE MOVEMENT
The Spring Drive calibre 9RA2 offers approximately 120 hours, or five days, of power reserve and a stated precision of ±10 seconds per month. Its Dual-Size Barrels provide the extended running time, while the movement's reduced height contributes to the relatively slim case. The power-reserve indicator is positioned on the movement and can be viewed through the sapphire case back.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case is very well defined, with a few surface marks and some scratches and light scuffs on the non-crown side of the case. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. The stainless steel bracelet shows some surface scuffs to the clasp. The bracelet is fitted with 16 links, 4 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7” wrist. There are 3 spare links included. Comes with inner and outer boxes, warranty card, booklets, three hangtags and cloth.
Our Perspective
The SLGA007 matters because it brings together several important developments in Grand Seiko's recent history. It was an early Evolution 9 model, showcased the new-generation 9RA2 Spring Drive calibre and introduced the Lake Suwa aesthetic in a numbered anniversary edition of 2,021 pieces. Later Lake Suwa references may have made the concept more familiar, but the SLGA007 is where this particular chapter began.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
