Grand Seiko Evolution 9 "Mountainscape" Hi-Beat automatic ice-blue dial steel bracelet 40 mm

Mount Iwate, an eternal source of inspiration

In northern Japan, in the Iwate region, the landscape is shaped by wild nature, deep forests and, above all, the majestic volcano that gives its name to this exceptional watch: Mount Iwate. It is in this environment that the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi crafts its mechanical creations with almost spiritual meticulousness.

Since 2006, the “Mount Iwate” motif has become an aesthetic signature of the brand. For 2025, this SLGH027 offers a unique and ethereal interpretation of this theme: the dial features a textured light blue color, recalling the volcanic reliefs seen from the sky, in an atmosphere imbued with purity, serenity, and modernity. This exceptionally deep design is created by stamping, then colored using a complex process that enhances the play of light with every movement of the wrist.

Evolution 9 design: aesthetic precision and absolute comfort

The SLGH027 is part of the Evolution 9 collection, which represents the synthesis between the historical codes of the Grand Seiko style (notably the famous 44GS from 1967) and contemporary requirements for legibility, comfort, and elegance.

The case and bracelet are made entirely from Ever-Brilliant Steel, a proprietary stainless steel developed by Grand Seiko that is 30% more resistant to corrosion than standard alloys used in the watchmaking industry. Its shine is also whiter and purer, accentuating the visual sophistication of the whole, particularly when it comes into contact with the luminous dial.

The finishes alternate between distortion-free Zaratsu polishing – the Maison's signature – and silky brushing, for a sober, subtle and extremely impressive result. The large faceted hour markers capture the light and ensure perfect readability, as do the angular hands. The case's low center of gravity, combined with a perfectly proportioned bracelet, ensures flawless ergonomic wearability in all conditions.

Caliber 9SA5: one of the most advanced movements on the market

Behind this soothing face lies a high-flying mechanism: the caliber 9SA5, a new-generation Hi-Beat movement introduced by Grand Seiko in 2020.

This automatic caliber beats at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), or 10 vibrations per second, allowing it to track the passage of time more accurately. But its prowess does not end there: thanks to a Dual Impulse Escapement and two parallel barrels, it offers an impressive power reserve of 80 hours, while maintaining exceptional accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day (static) and -1/+8 seconds in normal use.

This movement, entirely designed and assembled by hand at the Shizukuishi Studio, is revealed through a screw-down sapphire case back engraved with “LIMITED EDITION” and individually numbered. Its decoration is inspired by the waves of the Shizukuishi River, adding a poetic aquatic dimension to the whole.