Grand Seiko kicked off 2022 with a torrent of new releases before taking a breather over the last two months. Clearly, they were saving their breath for the sprint that is their Watches & Wonders 2022 releases. We aren?t looking at just some new dials and LEs, rather whole new watches with new cases. To kick things off, we?re going to look at a trio of sports watches based on the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection.
Introduced with the 9SA5 caliber in 2020, but rebranded in 2022, the Evolution 9 Series is Grand Seiko?s new flagship line of luxury watches, with prices currently averaging around $9k. Unlike their ?Heritage? and ?Elegance? collections, which feature varying case designs, the Evolution 9s are based around a single DNA that draws from the grammar of design and historical models but focused into a new modern concept that shows of the best of their aesthetic. As I said in my review of the SLGH005 ?White Birch? – it?s Grand Seiko turned up to 11.
 

Now, we get to see the next evolution of the Evolution 9 Collection, if you will, with three Spring Drive models (but five watches in total) that are clearly based on this same DNA, but look a bit like they all went to the gym for a few months. Common across all is the use of Grand Seiko?s excellent high-intensity titanium, which is bright like steel, hardened for durability, and 30% lighter than steel. The new cases vary in size depending on the model, but in a very sporty, and somewhat surprisin...