It was only a matter of time. Last year, when Grand Seiko unveiled their next generation high frequency movement, caliber 9SA5, it was only available in a pricey gold watch that was hardly a mass market item. A stainless steel limited edition followed, but again, this was a special watch that was not part of Grand Seiko?s permanent collection. Now, about one year after the 9SA5 made its debut, Grand Seiko has introduced the watch that many fans of the brand have been waiting for, a permanent addition to the collection, in stainless steel, and running on the new caliber. Of course, because it?s Grand Seiko, it?s also got a drop dead gorgeous dial inspired by nature, and a few other tricks up its sleeve. Let?s take a look at the all new SLGH005. 
While the new movement represents a major technical advancement for Grand Seiko, it?s the SLGH005?s dial that steals the show. It?s part of a long tradition of nature inspired dials, and this one uses the white birch trees (?Shirakaba?) that grow near Grand Seiko?s Shizukuishi studio as a jumping off point. The dial has a texture that is reminiscent of twisting tree trunks, with a fine grain texture visible at close inspection. Looking at this dial, it?s hard not to think of it as a spiritual sequel to the now iconic SBGA211, the Snowflake. Both are white dialed watches that feel uniquely Japanese in the way they interpret the natural world, but perhaps more importantly, they both present as strong showcases for impressive...