Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005: re-creations of the 45GS join the Heritage Collection

0 0 Wednesday 11 September 2024 Edit this post

In 1968, Grand Seiko introduced the 45GS, following the 44GS from the previous year—the model that defined the brand’s signature design, known as the Grand Seiko Style (read more about the 44GS here).

Though similar in appearance, the 45GS offered a significant advancement with the introduction of Caliber 4520, Grand Seiko’s first manual-winding high-beat movement, delivering greater precision and stability.

The original 45GS, introduced in 1968

Grand Seiko commemorates this milestone with two re-creations: the SLGW004 in 18k yellow gold and SLGW005 in stainless steel, reflecting the original 1968 variations.

Part of the Heritage Collection, the two models closely follow the original case and dial designs.

Measuring 38.8 mm x 10.4 mm, the angular case features flat, mirror-polished surfaces and curved case sides. Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 3 ATM (30 metres / 100 feet).

Even the dial colours and lettering are virtually identical to the originals.

At the 12 o'clock position, the Seiko letters reimagine the vintage character of the original lettering.

The GS logo and Hi-Beat letters are positioned at 6 o'clock, and below them the number 36000 signifies the high frequency of the movement while the Daini Seikosha factory logo indicates the birthplace of the original 45GS.

A box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface along with large applied indexes and multi-faceted hands ensure excellent readability.

The watches are powered by Grand Seiko's latest hand-wound, high-frequency movement, the Caliber 9SA4. Like Caliber 4520, the brand’s first manual-winding high-beat movement, this advanced Calibre focuses on stability and precision, beating 10 times per second (36,000 vibrations per hour or 5 Hz). However, the 9SA4 offers an 80-hour power reserve thanks to the Dual Impulse Escapement and two barrels.

While it shares many features with the 9SA5 movement released in 2020, nearly 40% of the 9SA4 has been redesigned for better feel and sound.

The bird-like pecking motion of the click is visible to enjoy during the hand-winding process while a power-reserve indicator on the movement bridge displays the wind state.

Unlike the original 45GS with its solid case back, these re-creations feature a transparent back, offering a view of the finely finished movement.

Each watch comes with a crocodile strap, secured by a pin buckle in either 18k yellow gold or stainless steel.

The Grand Seiko SLGW004 in yellow gold is a limited edition of 200 pieces, available exclusively at Grand Seiko boutiques for €32,200 / US$ 30,000. The stainless steel SLGW005, limited to 1,200 units, is priced at €10,400 / US$ 9,700 and available both at boutiques and select retail partners. grand-seiko.com