The Grand Seiko SLGA025 “Atera Blue” may have one of the best dials the brand has ever made
Zach BlassNot long before its launch, I paid a visit to Grand Seiko’s flagship boutique in NYC, the largest in the world, to get hands-on with a variety of upcoming novelties. There was a lot to like, such as the SLGW004 and SLGW005 that revived the 45GS case geometry and paired it with one of the brand’s most stunning movements: the 9SA4. But, as a limited edition, I knew only so many people would be able to enjoy the pair. It didn’t take being a fully-fledged watch nerd and watch journalist, however, to know immediately, as soon as I had the Grand Seiko SLGA025 “Atera Blue” in my hands, which is not a limited edition, that Grand Seiko had a potential monster hit on its hands. The proof is in the pudding because my notoriously shaky hands filmed the Grand Seikpo SLGA025 for a reel, which has since amassed over 4,700 likes and nearly 100,000 views. Now, however, you get the #watchporn level footage. Prepare to drool. Sorry, objective Zach, stay objective, Zach.
The dial
With an Evolution 9 style high-intensity titanium case and bracelet and the automatic 5-day 9RA2 Spring Drive movement, much of the watch is very familiar to fans of Grand Seiko. So, what is so attention-grabbing about this watch? Well.. you’ve probably already guessed it cause it is often the case with Grand Seiko. It’s the SLGA025’s new dial texture and hue inspired by the Atera Valley. The Atera River within the valley is known for its distinct “Atera Blue” colour, and this new dial’s emerald blue-green hue is evocative of it. The wavy and seemingly shallowly scratched surface of the dial is meant to mimic the fact that as you look through the transparent waters of the Atera River, you can see down to the bottom – the rocks and sediment resting beneath the surface.
Pivoting away from romantic muses and language, in a more mathematical sense, blue and green are both certified colours of the year. Blend the pair, blue plus green, in a distinct way with gradation and texture; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know watch fans would really dig this dial. Complex to craft, easy to appreciate.
The case
I would never assume everyone is as familiar with Grand Seiko as I or fellow GS geeks. In simple, what-you-need-to-know terms, Evolution 9 is a Grand Seiko lineup that debuted in 2020 – a new collection that has become the home for Grand Seiko’s next-gen calibres packaged within its latest case geometry. The Evolution 9 case, while billed as more sporty, has the laurel of being the case design that has the most alternating hairline-brushed and distortion-free mirror-polished surfaces – maximising Grand Seiko’s signature design code of playing with ‘light’ and ‘shadow’. From a wearability perspective, the 100-metre water-resistant hi-intensity titanium case measures 40mm in diameter, a sporty slender 11.8mm thick, and 47.9mm lug-to-lug across the wrist – so most wrists will find its dimensions very agreeable.
The bracelet
I would not have been opposed to a bracelet taper for this 22mm width bracelet, but Grand Seiko stands by its taperless and wide build as it does play a role in keeping the watch more ergonomic on the wrist – maintaining better balance. Also, call me a traditionalist, but I think five-piece link bracelets like this should be mixed-finished, the smaller intermediary links mirror-polished rather than fully brushed. See! I can have some very subjective critiques. Do you agree with me here? Be sure to head to the video and let me know in the comments. One other final bracelet note: Of course, were this bracelet to one day have on-the-fly micro-adjustment, it would elevate the SLGA025 wear experience significantly.
The movement
Exhibited inside is one of Grand Seiko’s strongest Spring Drive automatic movements, packing a whopping 5 days of power reserve – which dial purists will love that it’s indicated on the calibre rather than the dial. As is often the case with Spring Drive calibres, you are not afforded a clear view of the components working beneath the bridges, and the 9RA2 has a seemingly very demure finish. But, look closer, and you will appreciate the finely “Shinshu Frost” finished surface that watchmakers have to be very careful not to scratch as they assemble the calibre, which also features diamond-cut bevels on the edges of the bridges and rotor. And for those not familiar with the marvel that is Spring Drive, the spring-driven calibre with a quartz-driven escapement is super accurate – regulated within half a second per day.
The verdict
Some may feel a bit of sticker shock upon hearing the SLGA025 “Atera Blue” is priced at US$10,500, which, to be clear, is very in line with how the Evolution 9 range has been priced since its inception. This is, short of the Masterpiece collection tier, the most elevated, high-tech range Grand Seiko has to offer. Considering its distinct level of case finishing and geometry, its irrefutably eye-catching dial, and its robust and highly accurate 5-day Spring Drive movement, I feel very comfortable saying that you are getting your money’s worth. It ultimately comes down to taste and whether or not you are looking for a rich blue-green dial for your collection or if you like the Evolution 9 style.
Grand Seiko SLGA025 “Atera Blue” pricing and availability
The Grand Seiko SLGA025 “Atera Blue” is available now for purchase. Price: US$10,500, A$15,500
| Brand | Grand Seiko |
| Model | Evolution 9 Collection Atera Blue |
| Reference | SLGA025 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.8mm (T) x 47.9mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | High-intensity titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Emerald blue-green |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap | High-intensity titanium bracelet, three-fold clasp |
| Movement | 9RA2, in-house, Spring Drive automatic |
| Power Reserve | 120 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator (movement-side) |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$10,500 |