Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches

Grand Seiko has been at the forefront of combining technologically impressive timepieces with break-taking design since the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS in 1967. When looking at the new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Series, it is easy to see the kindred to the original 44GS, embodying the same precision, legibility, and aesthetic qualities.

About Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches

Since the announcement from Seiko CEO Shinji Hattori that Grand Seiko would be positioning itself as a separate brand in the future, we all expected to see some astounding new pieces. So, what makes the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 collection so special?
The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Series is the next generation of Grand Seikos, and when looking at the measures that they take to produce these breathtaking pieces, it's easy to believe them. Zaratsu-polishing, textured dials, and a brilliantly finished movement visible through the case back all make for something rather special.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 History

The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Series draws direct inspiration from the 44GS launched in 1967. The 44GS set into motion the 9 fundamental properties that are represented in all of the Grand Seiko models, including the Grand Seko Evolution 9 Series. The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Series was launched in 2020 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the very first Grand Seiko and encompasses 4 different model lines to date: a three-hander, diver, chronograph, and a GMT.
Despite drawing great influence from the 44GS, the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 does provide some innovation as well, including a thinner case offering better wearing ergonomics. Also, the movement has been improved, as you might imagine, which is partly to explain the decrease in thickness.

How Much Do Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches Cost?

To date, there are thirteen different Grand Seiko Evolution 9 watches, all with unique attributes, complications, and prices. It is also widely considered that Grand Seiko offers exceptional value for the finishing provided.

What's Unique About Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches?

Despite drawing great inspiration from the 60s, what sets the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches apart from those of old is the elevation in technological development as well as the use of newer and stronger materials.
Most of the models are constructed in titanium, a lightweight material that is also more durable than steel. What's more, despite the abilities of the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches, they do not lack in aesthetics, as they draw inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of Japan.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Movements

As you might expect, no expense has been spared when designing and refining the movements used in the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 watches. These include:

• The 9RA2 Spring Drive with an accuracy of +/-10 seconds per month and has an impressive 5-day power reserve. This movement also features dual-size barrels a one-piece center bridge, and displays a power reserve on the dial.
• The 9SA5 Hi-Beat automatic movement with manual winding capabilities, twin barrels, and an instant date change function. The 9SA5 offers 80 hours of power reserve with a reasonable accuracy rating of +8 to -1 seconds per day.
• The 9RA5 Spring Drive movement offers manual winding along with a 5-day power reserve. Equipped with an offset magic lever, a power reserve indicator on the dial, and 38 jewels, this is a respectable movement with an astounding +/-10 seconds per month accuracy rating.
• The 9R86 Spring Drive chronograph movement offers a +/-1 second a day accuracy rating along with 72 hours of power reserve as well as a GMT function.
• The 9SC5 Hi-Beat chronograph movement is coined the 'Tentograph' as well as Grand Seiko's first automatic chronograph movement. 72 hours of power reserve is matched with an accuracy of +8 to -1 seconds per day.
• The 9R66 Spring Drive is a GMT movement allowing for 72 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watch Colors

Looking at the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 collection, there are two separate entities when it comes to color. The functional watches, such as the divers, chronographs, and GMTs, all come in essential colors like black and blue, whereas the time and date-only watches are something rather special.
Most of these take inspiration from images of the Japanese countryside, such as the White Birch models, all drawing inspiration from the forests located close to the Grand Seiko production units. Green, silver, deep blue, there is a color for each of us, all expertly finished and jaw-dropping to behold. If you want to see even more unique dial options, have a look at the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watch Materials

As mentioned, most of the models are constructed in titanium, a metal that is both lighter and more durable than stainless steel. The time and date-only models are constructed in steel, allowing these watches to have particular and unique finishing methods executed on the case and bracelet. All models are equipped with a sapphire crystal.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watch Types

With four different model lines presented, it's quite easy to distinguish which model would be best for every environment.

• The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Time and Date-Only models are the perfect everyday models and perhaps even dress watches as well. With ergonomics that would suit either scenario, this model line is as diverse as they come.
• The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 diver models are, obviously, best for diving with the 200m water resistance rating. Furthermore, for those with larger wrists or those who work in rough and tumble environments, it might be a better daily watch than the time and date-only models.
• Both the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 chronograph and GMT models can be worn daily if the functionality is needed, but both can also be worn on specific occasions when the utility is needed.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watch Complications

There are four main model lines in the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 series, encapsulating the following complications:

• A date function, as seen on the SLGH005, SLGA009, etc
• A power reserve indicator, as seen on the SLGA019, SLGA015, etc
• A chronograph function, as seen on the SBGC251 and SLGC001
• A GMT function, as seen on the SBGE283 and SBGE285

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Sizes

While the industry as a whole has been moving towards larger sizes since the early 2000s, smaller sizes are beginning to make a comeback, and the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Series watches were created accordingly:

• The time and date-only models are presented with a reasonable 40mm diameter matched with a 47.9mm lug-to-lug, allowing it to wear more like a 39mm.
• The divers retain their functionality via a large 43.8mm case diameter and a 13.8mm thickness, which is considerably larger than the other models in the Evolution range.
• The chronograph measures 43.2mm in diameter with a reasonable 51.5mm lug-to-lug reading.
• The GMT models offer a dainty 41mm case with a pretty robust 13.9mm thickness.

Buying Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches

The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 models can be purchased online through authorized Grand Seiko dealers, along with trade dealers. The latter might lead you to inflated prices, so the best place to get these is through a real AD, like Exquisite Timepieces.
Renowned for carrying a wide variety of watches at reasonable prices, Exquisite Timepieces stocks a great many of the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 models.

Caring for Your Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watch

As you may know by now, watches are machines that need care and attention in order to work - and if you care enough, they will last you hundreds of years.
This means that in order for your Grand Seiko Evolution 9 watch to work properly you'll need to service it from time to time, polish it as needed, and avoid any and all intense contact. For the easiest watch repair services, you can contact Exquisite Timepieces, which offers everything from dial refinishing to a timekeeping test and anything in between.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 FAQ

What is Evolution 9?

Evolution 9 is a product line in the Grand Seiko catalog and draws direct inspiration from the 44GS launched in 1967. It also references the 9 fundamental properties that are represented in all of the Grand Seiko models, Several different model types are represented, including divers, chronographs, and GMTs

How big is the Grand Seiko Evolution 9?

The size of the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 ranges depending on the specific model line. The chronograph measures 43.2mm in diameter with a reasonable 51.5mm lug-to-lug. The divers measure 43.8mm case diameter and 13.8mm thickness, while the time-and-date-only measures 40mm diameter, matched with a 47.9mm lug-to-lug.

Find your new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 watch with Exquisite Timepieces

When purchasing a high-end watch like a Grand Seiko Evolution 9, you deserve to purchase it from an authorized retailer with no worries of an unjust product. Exquisite Timepieces offers the Evolution 9 and several other Grand Seiko pieces that'll be delivered safely into your hands. ETP has several specialists to help you with your purchase to make sure you get the perfect watch for your wrist.