Grand Seiko SLGW004 & Credor Locomotive GCCR997 Review

quattro · 2025-08-14T07:29:44Z

Hands-on review of Grand Seiko SLGW004 and Credor Locomotive GCCR997. Discover design, movement, fit, and collector insights on these models.

quattro

WPS member · Seiko forum

13 replies2134 views12 photos

quattro's hands-on report from the Grand Seiko boutique in Paris offers a valuable look at two highly anticipated models: the Grand Seiko SLGW004 and the Credor Locomotive. His detailed impressions, despite the challenges of trying on plastic-wrapped watches, provide crucial insights for collectors considering these pieces. This article synthesizes his initial thoughts and the community's reactions, highlighting key design elements and potential areas for improvement.

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The Grand Seiko SLGW004, a modern recreation of the Hi-Beat 45GS, and the Credor Locomotive are both watches that I find very attractive, so much so that I have dedicated a thread to each of them:

Grand Seiko ref. SLGW004 & SLGW005

Overview of the Credor Locomotive

So, while I was in Paris last June, I paid a visit to the Grand Seiko boutique and asked to try them on.

I was welcomed very nicely, but, sadly, the watches were heavily wrapped in plastic - even the buckle of the GS was - and I wasn't allowed to try them on without the plastic protection.

I tried the Grand Seiko SLGW004 first.

It is a gorgeous watch.

I love the angular yellow gold case with restrained proportions (38,8 x 10,4 mm) and a very pure dial design.

And I also love the fairly big crown, which, together with the great hand-wound calibre 9SA4, makes for one of the best winding experiences I've had.

I didn't take any photos of the calibre because it was almost invisible behind the folds of the plastic protection: a truly big negative point of this visit and one I hope Grand Seiko will improve someday.

Here's a photo from Monochrome, so that you can see how gorgeous this movement is:

credit: monochrome

The fit on the wrist is perfect, but, as it was impossible to use the plastic-wrapped buckle, the sales associate had to hold the strap while I was taking photos, which was pretty ridiculous:

Without exterior help, I was only able to lay the watch unstrapped on my wrist:

But the real question is: why, if I really like this watch, don't I consider acquiring it?

This question is still on my mind, so I can't give a definitive answer, but here's what I think I can say:

This watch is a simple three-hander and it's missing a little something to give it more meaning to me.

Seiko is not a brand I know well or feel a strong connection to. Therefore, there are brands and watches that are closer to my heart because they speak to me more.

Then I tried on the new non-limited edition Credor Locomotive ref. GCCR997.

The fit on the wrist of the 38.8 x 8.9 mm titanium case is quite nice, even if it feels a bit small (only 41.7 mm lug-to-lug), which emphasises the vintage look.

The dial's honeycomb pattern is more subtle than what I was expecting, which was a good surprise, and it shimmers nicely with the light.

The green color of the dial is said to be inspired by the green signal light in train systems, which is appropriate for a watch named 'Locomotive'.

The simple folding clasp, unfortunately, is very basic, with no micro-adjustment.

And the date window with a white date disc feels a bit rough, imo.

The watch is 10 bar water-resistant, but doesn't feature a screw-down crown, which is another unfortunate drawback.

So, even if this watch has some indisputable charm, I think it could and should be seriously improved.

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Ref. SLGW005

The Grand Seiko SLGW005 is a limited-edition model within the Heritage Collection, designed as a recreation of the 45GS. This reference is notable for its distinct case design and the integration of a modern high-beat manual-wind movement, distinguishing it from other contemporary Grand Seiko offerings. It represents a specific aesthetic and technical direction within the brand's historical reinterpretations, focusing on a more traditional, dress-oriented profile.

This timepiece features a stainless steel case, measuring 38mm in diameter and 10.3mm in thickness, with a box-shaped sapphire crystal. It houses the manual-wind Caliber 9SA4, which operates at a high frequency and provides a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire exhibition case back, allowing appreciation of its finishing and construction. The water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

Appealing to collectors who value historical fidelity combined with advanced horological mechanics, the SLGW005 offers a refined alternative to Grand Seiko's more sport-oriented or larger-cased models. Its limited production and use of stainless steel position it as a significant piece for enthusiasts of the brand's heritage and high-end craftsmanship. The dial color is a subtle silver, complementing the stainless steel case.

Specifications

Caliber: Caliber 9SA4

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 38mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The SLGW004's yellow gold case and hand-wound Calibre 9SA4 offer a superb winding experience and restrained proportions, making it a gorgeous watch despite the author's lack of a strong personal connection to the brand.
The Credor Locomotive, with its 38.8 x 8.9 mm titanium case, offers a nice fit and vintage look, though the author notes it feels a bit small and could benefit from an adjustable clasp, screw-down crown, and a more integrated date disc.
A fellow collector expressed a strong desire for a black dial version of the SLGW004, provisionally named SLBW006, highlighting a common collector preference for dial variations.
Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the new movement with its dual impulse escapement in the SLGW004, with one user reporting their example ran too fast and had inconsistent rates.
The author acknowledged the accuracy concerns about the new Dual Impulse Escapement, noting it was a pity given the movement's beauty and excellent winding experience.
Another community member agreed with the author's observations regarding the drawbacks of the Credor Locomotive, particularly the basic clasp and date window.

The Discussion

jack johnson

Aug 14, 2025

I like the aesthetics, for sure. I am not hlwever comvinced aboit the new movement with that new escapememt - I have heard complaina re accuracy. Please also check PM, thanks.

quattro

Aug 14, 2025

I didn’t know the new Dual Impulse Escapement had accuracy issues. It’s a pity because it’s beautiful and the winding experience is really wonderful. I’ve answered your PM! Best, Emmanuel

jack johnson

Aug 14, 2025

of its own... My example has been a bit too fast to my liking and the rate varied somewhat between days.

AuHavrePro

Aug 14, 2025

And, yes, I completely agree with your drawback observations.... 🙂 Thank you very much for the excellent pictures, cheers, Filip

Dr No

Aug 14, 2025

. . . like Robin's . . . . . . when GS releases a version with a black dial. (Let's provisionally call it SLBW006.) My ultimate dilemma? GS offers what I want, Omega releases a manual wind Rail, and Zenith puts out a steel cal 135 chronometer. All at the same time. 😰

quattro

Aug 14, 2025

I think the locomotive could be a great watch with three improvements : adjustable clasp, screw-down crown and matching date disc (with a more subtle frame for the date window)… Best, Emmanuel

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Grand Seiko SLGW004 & Credor Locomotive GCCR997 Review

About the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Ref. SLGW005

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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