Grand Seiko SLGH013 Review – The Snowflake in Spring

Many people purchase luxury watches that are recognizable, iconic, and flashy, often to impress others. However, it is said that you buy a Grand Seiko not to impress others but rather to impress yourself. 

There is something both tangible and intangible about the beauty of a Grand Seiko. The sharp lines and Zaratsu polished edges certainly leave an impression. 

On the SLGH013, the Ever-Brilliant Steel case, a proprietary corrosion-resistant steel, has a nice heft to it—a reminder that you are wearing something special and exceptionally durable. Beyond the tactile pleasures of wearing a luxury timepiece, the SLGH013’s dial is both poetic and romantic. But more on that later…

History

The Grand Seiko SLGH013 is part of its esteemed Heritage Collection, paying homage to the 1967 introduction of the 44GS, a watch that established modern, angular, and masculine Grand Seiko styling. 

Released in 2023, the SLGH013 is a perfect blend of past and present, utilizing new case materials, movement technology, and a more compact and wearable size; overall, the SLGH013 makes a strong case for being a near-perfect Grand Seiko.

Case

I think it would be silly to discuss this case without first bringing up the new and improved dimensions. The new generation movement (9SA5) allows for a much more appropriate form factor that can be dressed up or down. This watch seemed right at 40mm, with a lug-to-lug of 47mm and a case thickness of 11.7mm. 

I don’t have the largest wrist, at 6.75 inches. Trying on a variety of different Grand Seiko models had always left me pursing my lips and wondering: “Can I pull this off, or is it just a smidge too big?” 

And then, one day, I saw the SLGH013 for the first time…

The proprietary Ever-Brilliant steel paired amazingly well with the case, offering an ethereal sheen, further accentuated by what I knew was Zaratsu polishing on the edges of the case. 

I’d read that the new case material was more corrosion and scratch-resistant than Oystersteel, and a bit of research later confirmed that the material is not gimmicky but rather offers greater durability to the wearer. Hats off to Grand Seiko for their continued exploration of movement and material technology.

…And there it was—three feet away from me—winking at me, beckoning me to slip it over my wrist. I felt my heart quicken. I had to try this watch on. I had to see how it fit on my wrist. 

Dial

Grand Seiko is the master of dials this side of fifty thousand dollars. Their three-dimensionality, color-changing attributes, and connections to nature all make for a viewing experience that is leaps and bounds above the competition. 

The SLGH013 has a light blue, textured dial that evokes spring’s melting snow on Mt. Iwate, the 2,000-meter mountain visible from the Grand Seiko Shizukuishi workshop where all their mechanical watches are crafted. 

If you look closely enough, you’ll see individual strands of ice arranged this way and that. Your eyes can get lost in the visual maze, settling on darker spots or finding new shapes in the lighter crevices. For me, gazing upon the SLGH013’s dial was like sitting in a zen garden. 

I could meditate and just enjoy getting lost in the dial intricacies. Try doing that with a regular old black or blue dial…

And Grand Seiko being Grand Seiko means they don’t cut corners. The dial has Zaratsu polished hands and hour markers, offering superb legibility and light play even in low-light environments. Sure, you don’t get lume, but this watch is still super legible in most situations! 

Movement

The 9SA5 automatic movement is beautiful to look at with its high-level detailed finishing. Where it truly shines, though, is in its power reserve, boasting a whopping 80 hours (up from the 55 hours of the previous generation 9S). While this might not seem that high, it’s impressive, considering it’s a Hi-Beat movement that runs at 36,000 vph and has excellent tolerances. 

The new 9SA5 caliber features a very energy-efficient escapement and a new free-sprung balance specially designed for this movement. This design retains its precision for longer and is more resistant to shock and friction. 

Additionally, Grand Seiko kept it very thin, making it 15% slimmer than other 9S Hi-Beat calibers. The Grand Seiko SLGH013 has a sapphire case back with a large aperture, allowing you to enjoy observing the beautifully finished 9SA5 caliber. 

I was mesmerized by the movement of the second hand, which seemed to effortlessly glide around the dial almost as smoothly as a spring drive.

Straps

Yes, yes—we’ve all heard how Grand Seiko bracelets are a step behind the competition. The rumor mill hints at a possible micro-adjustment clasp being released in the future, but as of now, you get a standard butterfly clasp without fine adjustment. 

The SLGH013’s bracelet is a step above the standard stainless steel Grand Seiko bracelet, as it is crafted from Ever-Brilliant Steel. It felt “good enough” on my wrist, and that’s not to say that it is a bad bracelet, but I think I would probably prefer this on a blue, gray, or even a brown leather strap. However, the 19mm lug width may pose a challenge when seeking alternative straps. 

Fortunately, the inclusion of drilled lugs facilitates easier strap changes, offering some versatility despite the size constraint. So, the bracelet is not the SLGH013’s strongest feature, but it functions well enough for a luxury wristwatch.

On-Wrist Experience

“Is that the SLGH013?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer. 

“It sure is,” the salesman said, a smile on his face as he put on white gloves to present the timepiece to me. 

I swallowed. This was my moment. I felt like King Arthur, preparing to pull the sword from the stone. I’d tried on many Grand Seiko watches in the past, and though they visually tickled my fancy, they never checked that final and most important box: wearability. 

He handed the watch over to me and I gently placed my hand through the bracelet. The dial was unreal in person—no pictures could possibly do it justice. And it wore perfectly on my 6.75-inch wrist. 

It had no lug overhang, and it was slim enough to fit under my shirt’s collar. Beyond that, it offered a muted, sporty styling. I have no doubts that this watch will go perfectly with jeans and a T-shirt, or even a suit. I’d confidently say that this watch would do well on wrists ranging from 6 inches all the way up into the 8-inch territory, too.

Price & Availability

The SLGH013 is available at all authorized dealers of Grand Seiko and has an MSRP of $9,500. If you are seeking a Grand Seiko SLGH013, there is no better place to purchase one than Exquisite Timepieces. 

We’re renowned for our expertise in luxury timepieces and our enduring partnerships with esteemed brands like Grand Seiko. As an authorized dealer of Grand Seiko, we have the expertise and experience to answer any questions you may have. 

We also have an extensive collection of Grand Seiko models. Feel free to explore our curated collection online or experience the exclusive range available at our boutique in Naples, Florida. Every order from Grand Seiko includes complimentary delivery and comprehensive insurance, ensuring your luxury watch arrives securely. 

Of course, there are other places to purchase a Grand Seiko timepiece, such as an online marketplace or various watch forums. Still, with millions upon millions of inauthentic watches in circulation, the safest place to purchase any high-end timepiece is always a reputable dealer such as Exquisite Timepieces. 

Purchasing from an authorized dealer such as Exquisite Timepieces also ensures that you receive Grand Seiko’s full factory warranty: a phenomenal five years from the date of purchase.

Put your mind at ease, and let us do the legwork for you!

Conclusion

To see a Grand Seiko in person is to witness the perfect amalgamation of art, design, and engineering. In recent years, Grand Seiko has pushed hard to gain ground in the United States, and they are doing so with great success. 

The SLGH013 is, in my opinion, as close to perfect as one can get with a Grand Seiko. It offers superb wearability, finishing, and movement technology, all while being a direct descendant of the legendary 44GS. 

You don’t have to take my word on it, but I guarantee when you strap the SLGH013 for the first time, when your eyes widen in disbelief at the Zaratsu polished edges, when they get lost within the snowy Mt. Iwate, then and only then will you fully understand why Grand Seiko is the pride of Japan.