Grand Seiko can only release so many next generation movements in, well, a generation, but there’s an appealing symmetry here with the precious metal tree ring dialed watches representing the pinnacle of luxury for a brand that still has so many options in a range of price points. The SLGA008 carries a retail price of $49,000, which is an exceptionally expensive watch, and puts you in the neighborhood of complicated watches from Holy Trinity brands. Unlike those brands, however, Grand Seiko also makes watches that sell for less than $3,000, which puts them in a truly unique position in the watch industry, and makes these types of comparisons to traditional Swiss luxury watches somewhat pointless. In any case, there are only 140 of these things being made, so it’s likely a given that these will go to well-heeled collectors who are obsessive about the brand and don’t need a sales pitch.
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In terms of specs, the SLGA008 is comparable to the SLGA007 in everything but case material. Both have the same 40mm diameter case shape that measures 11.8mm thick, and of course the Spring Drive movement is still scarily accurate to half a second per day. It’s admittedly tough to see a lot of value in a nearly $50,000 watch that uses a movement that’s finished to same standards as the one found in a watch that’s a fraction of the cost, but once again, this is a collector’s piece, and the idea of value has to be thrown out the window. With so few being made, it’s unlikely most ordinary watch lovers will have the chance to see one unless they’re lucky enough to be near a boutique, but we’d be curious to see what kind of spell this watch can weave when experienced in the metal. More information can be found at Grand Seiko’s website right here.
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