Grand Seiko SLGW004 & SLGW005 Hi-Beat 45GS

quattro · 2025-02-09T17:08:20Z

Discover Grand Seiko SLGW004 (yellow gold) and SLGW005 (stainless steel), modern recreations of the Hi-Beat 45GS. Features new Caliber 9SA4 with wagtail click.

quattro

WPS member · Seiko forum

15 replies3562 views20 photos

Quattro introduces the Grand Seiko references SLGW004 and SLGW005, which reimagine the iconic Hi-Beat 45GS design. The author draws a compelling parallel between the watches' austere, angular aesthetics and the cinematic style of Yasujirô Ozu, offering a unique cultural lens through which to appreciate these timepieces. A particular highlight is the intricate wagtail bird-shaped click of the new Caliber 9SA4, a detail that captivated the author.

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I know very little about Grand Seiko, but couldn't help but being impressed last year when discovering the release of the two models recreating the Hi-Beat 45GS, to which KMII has dedicated a fantastic thread.

This old school austere and angular design reminded me so strongly the movies of Yasujirô Ozu from the 1950s, which I love so much.

And the click of calibre 9SA4, located at 6 o’clock on the movement side and shaped like a wagtail bird (a tribute to the bird native to the area where the GS Studio Shizukuishi manufacture is located): my heart melted, when I saw this lovely detail (to see the click in action, watch the videos below and note that this caliber also powers ref. SLGW002 & SLGW003).

Ref. SLGW004 is made of yellow gold and limited to 200 pcs; ref. SLGW005 is made of stainless steel and limited to 1,200 pcs: instead of separating the two metals, I decided to mix them in the presentation. The case is 38.8 x 10.4mm.

credit: @arata_tsuda

credit: monochrome

credit: hodinkee

credit: monochrome

credit: fratello

credit: les rhabilleurs

credit: fratello

credit: @arata_matsuda

credit: monochrome

credit: time & tide

credit: fratello

credit: monochrome

credit: fratello

credit: hodinkee

Caliber 9SA4 explained by Grand Seiko

Caliber 9SA4 in action

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

Musto27 initially disliked the 44GS case shape but changed his mind after handling one, now owning a 45GS and appreciating how Grand Seiko retained design elements from the 1968 movement.
Quattro reiterates that the case design instantly evokes 1950s and 60s Japan, as seen in Ozu's movies, reinforcing the cultural connection.
KMII expresses strong admiration for the watch, stating he would have acquired it immediately if he were in the market.

The Discussion

hora12reborn

Feb 9, 2025

Reminds me of woody woodpecker😄 Interesting offering from GS.

quattro

Feb 9, 2025

I agree with woody woodpecker, but in a very poetic way 😇

Musto27

Feb 9, 2025

Beautiful pictures thread

At first, when i discovered the 44GS case shape i really didn't like it. It was in my mind too "heavy", too raw. But when i had the opportunity to get one in my hands i totally changed my mind. Today i own this 45GS. I am happy that they kept some design elements from the 1968 movement

quattro

Feb 9, 2025

Nice pic of your caliber, which shows indeed that they've bee faithful to the general aesthetic.

For me the design of this case instantly evokes the Japan from the 50s and 60s as I discovered it in Ozu's movies.

AndCavanaugh

Feb 9, 2025

Best watch of 2024, everything is perfect

quattro

Feb 10, 2025

I’m glad you like it too.