The story behind this Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Lake Suwa
This Grand Seiko Lake Suwa draws inspiration for its dial from the landscape surrounding the Spring Drive watch manufacturing site. Lake Suwa is situated in Nagano Prefecture, near the Shinshu Watch Studio in Shiojiri where the brand assembles these movements, and the midnight-blue dial captures the surface rippled by the breeze just before dawn, hence the name ‘Before Dawn’ often associated with the model. Unveiled in January 2023 under the reference SLGA021G, it belongs to the Evolution 9 collection, which builds on the Grand Seiko Style established in 1967 by designer Taro Tanaka with the 44GS. This design language is based on flat surfaces, sharp edges and crisp reflections. The movement, too, has its own history. Conceived in 1977 by engineer Yoshikazu Akahane and launched in 1999, it took over 20 years of development to combine a mainspring and quartz regulation in a battery-free movement.
Case, calibre and strap of this Evolution 9 Lake Suwa
The steel case measures 40 mm in diameter, 11.8 mm thick and 47.9 mm from lug to lug. It features alternating brushed and polished surfaces, beneath a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. The screw-down crown, stamped with the GS monogram, ensures water resistance to 10 bar. The deep blue dial features an embossed texture reminiscent of the lake’s waves. The applied hour markers are facetted, doubled at 12 o’clock, and complement the bevelled hands and the framed date window at 3 o’clock. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the 9RA2 calibre, a self-winding Spring Drive movement featuring 38 jewels and a power reserve of 120 hours – or 5 days – the indicator for which is visible through the case back. It measures the temperature 540 times per hour to compensate for variations in its oscillator, and maintains an accuracy of ±0.5 seconds per day. The seconds hand glides smoothly. The three-row steel bracelet, with a brushed and polished finish, fastens with a GS-branded push-button folding clasp.
Why this Grand Seiko watch
The Grand Seiko Lake Suwa houses a 5-day Spring Drive movement within a 40 mm case. This movement offers accuracy close to that of quartz without relying on a battery, and its power reserve means you can leave it aside for a long weekend without having to reset the time. The design remains understated enough for a suit and water-resistant enough for summer. The textured dial – a signature feature of Grand Seiko – is far more striking on the wrist than in photographs, as the relief of the waves only becomes visible in low-angle light. This pre-owned piece comes with its full set of accessories and a case that has just been repolished.
Contents and condition
The watch comes with its Grand Seiko case and outer box, the card holder pouch, the warranty card dated September 2023, the calibre instruction manual and the original label. The case and bracelet have just been repolished and have regained the sharp definition of their brushed and polished surfaces. No signs of wear are visible to the naked eye; the dial and hands are intact.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Like new – a new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No defects visible to the naked eye.
