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Trying on the SLGW004 & the new Locomotive
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:
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.
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 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.
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
Trying on the SLGW004 & the new Locomotive
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...
SLGW004 and 005 are interesting watches
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.
Iām sad to learn about these complaints.
I didnāt know the new Dual Impulse Escapement had accuracy issues. Itās a pity because itās beautiful and the winding experience is really wonderful. Iāve answered your PM! Best, Emmanuel
SJX wrote an interesting article on this new Grand Seiko escapement and they mentioned that this particular assymetrical design introduces technical challenges
of its own... My example has been a bit too fast to my liking and the rate varied somewhat between days.
I really like the Locomotive!
And, yes, I completely agree with your drawback observations.... š Thank you very much for the excellent pictures, cheers, Filip
Thanks for reading, Filip!
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)ā¦ Best, Emmanuel
I'd be a candidate for an SLGW005 . . .
. . . 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 ...
I completely understand your ultimate dilemma !
It would be a very hard choice to make. But I think I would personally pick the Zenith among this particular trio. The silver dial is very fine with me for the Seiko and the Rail speaks a little less to me. Let's hope that your three dreams will come true...
You might be surprised to learn . . .
. . . that I agree. Should Zenith put out a steel version of this . . . . . . priced < $20K US you'll get a whiff of plastic melting in my wallet all the way over the Atlantic. š³ ...
Iām glad you do too.
The locomotive needs some little improvements though, imo. But the GS is great as it is. Best, Emmanuel