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<\/a>Aspects of this design may have been seen before, but many people agree that deep blue makes it a statement piece. To answer all of your questions and pique your interest, this Grand Seiko SLGA023 review has exactly what you’re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the Backstory?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.exquisitetimepieces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Untitled-design-16-1024x427.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReleased as a follow-up to the 2022 \u201cBlack Stream\u201d SLGA015 diver\u2019s watch from GS. The SLGA023 hails from the Evolution 9 Collection, which is known for its unique and relatively niche range of watch designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that while the SLGA023 is kind of a new kid on the block, the Evolution 9 collection comes with a legacy. Even if this watch isn\u2019t a perfect choice for you, the collection that it stems from is reputable, to say the least. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The collection may not strike your interest across the board, but the new addition of the SLGA023 is another outstanding addition of unique vibrance. It\u2019s the combination of historical influence from the collection with a very unique watch face that sells it for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With full respect to the collection as a whole, I still prefer Grand Seiko watches that deliver something that feels special. You get the rich history of Grand Seiko quality, including new takes on the classic diver\u2019s favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making a Case for Luxury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to look too far to find a suitable Grand Seiko, but case size is an important factor for most people. There are some conflicts with this case size for me personally, but I can\u2019t deny the clever approach to its design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First and foremost, the case diameter is 43.8mm, which is a bit too big for me. However, they were smart about the overall design, as it looks relatively compact from most angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from the sizable case, it can achieve a slimmer look, partially due to the small Spring Drive movement on the inside. From the side, you\u2019re looking at 13.8mm thickness. Once again, a bit too large for my tastes, but I likely only feel this way due to the bulkier design choices on the dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, the high-intensity titanium on the case adds to its durability and makes it a lightweight material choice. You also might find it interesting that the case design takes inspiration from the 44GS case from 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design aspects common to the Evolution 9 collection include bolder crown guards, arched quarters, and Zaratsu-polished and brushed surfaces. With striking colors and contrasting reflections, the watch carries elegance without being considered flashy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SLGA023 case is also 51.5mm lug to lug, comes with beveled sapphire crystal, and a sturdy screw case back. More notably, I was personally excited by the ceramic bezel insert, a small detail not commonly found in previous collections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also appreciate the small detail of a luminous pip and the matching titanium look. Keep in mind that the bezel insert as a whole isn\u2019t illuminated, which is a slight miss from my perspective. Now, speaking for myself, I\u2019m no diver, but this watch does come with the functionality you\u2019d expect in a GS diver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
200m water resistance<\/a> is ideal for those who are serious about the deep blue, and you can only imagine how it would match beautifully with the surroundings. After a little research, it\u2019s clear that many people aren\u2019t fans of the larger case design, but I think GS makes up for that through the smart engineering surrounding it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Face You Won\u2019t Forget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Even amongst its pros and cons, the SLGA023 features a dial that everyone can fall in love with. This is the catalyst to the draw that people see in the watch, regardless of its larger case size or bolder look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking at the dial from a distance isn\u2019t enough, and I advise anyone to take a close look at a well-lit angle. Its rippled blue design makes it look like you have a slice of the ocean on your wrist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is really what helps me overlook any details about the watch that may not be my favorite. I can\u2019t get over the accuracy of the ocean-like dial, and it\u2019s the perfect tone of blue, not too bright and not so dark you can\u2019t see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focusing on more specific details, the power reserve indicator<\/a> sits at 9 o’clock and an easy-to-read date window at 3 o’clock. The contrasting tones of these areas make them pop against the deep blue background, which adds to their legibility and symmetry with the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne aspect that many see as a downside is the rather large indices and hands. Some feel this blocks out some of the beauty of the dial, while others simply don\u2019t like the bulkier look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d say this is what makes it so unique from other options in the Evolution 9 collection. The same goes for the minute track; I\u2019m a huge fan of the circular design that\u2019s included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I understand the modern preference for a sleeker look, but the design choice here matches the bold nature of the rest of the watch. You can rely on LumiBrite for low-light conditions, and this also extends to the bezel for a more full-fledged viewing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like anyone else, I easily get lost in the surface visual beauty of luxury timepieces. The reality is that the internal components are the glue that seals the deal for me when making a buying decision. You should always consider the watch’s beauty, but understanding what\u2019s happening on the inside will take your perceived value of this watch to new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Movement of the SLGA023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As can be expected by Grand Seiko quality, this watch is crafted with an in-house movement. More specifically, a reliable Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5. What most people love about this movement is the ingenuity of mixing quartz and mechanical engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t overlook the accuracy here either, as it promises \u00b110 seconds monthly and \u00b10.5 seconds daily. In short, you won\u2019t ever have an issue with timing precision. The beauty of this watch extends past the surface, as the Caliber 9RA5 is crafted with 38 jewels itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although I\u2019m a huge fan of the luxury watch<\/a> space, I tend to keep a pretty niche selection. It\u2019s common for me to wear the same watch for long periods of time, so it\u2019s important they\u2019re consistent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s part of what I stick around for in GS watches is the in-house movements. With this level of precision, balance, and consistency, the hands look like they can carve butter with how smooth the movements are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This movement guarantees a 120-hour power reserve and is built for vibration dampening, a nice addition that active divers will appreciate. Another notable aspect of the Spring Drive movement that I prefer over others is the automation. The movement winds with support from wrist motion, making it an easy choice no matter where you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those who are new to watchmaking, the importance of a reliable movement can\u2019t be understated. Regarding the SLGA023, the Spring Drive movement is the powerhouse of the watch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It supports the seconds, minutes, and hours, as well as the power reserve indicator and date display. That\u2019s what makes the engineering and reliability of Grand Seiko in-house movements so valuable for a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Does the Strap Hold Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With the support of a lock and push button 3-fold clasp and case-matching design, the strap is equally stunning to neighboring features. Even better, there\u2019s a built-in, durable strap adjuster to make the watch more fitting for a diving suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly to the surrounding material, the strap is also crafted with high-intensity titanium, providing a bold look yet lightweight feel. While there\u2019s a time and place for obvious contrasting finishes, I\u2019m really appreciative they stuck with a majority brushed look. It shines enough on its own, and I honestly feel taking an overly polished route would distract too much from the dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although you can find comments downplaying the sizeable case, I feel Grand Seiko compensated for this in other areas. For example, the 23mm lug width offers a nice taper to add to a better-looking fit. While this might make it more challenging to source other compatible straps, at least the drilled lugs still help to make the switch pretty easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As many other GS wearers would agree, I\u2019m a fan of the push-pin adjustments without having to mess with any screws. These small details in design efficiency and thinking about the end user will always have me coming back to new Grand Seiko releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReleased as a follow-up to the 2022 \u201cBlack Stream\u201d SLGA015 diver\u2019s watch from GS. The SLGA023 hails from the Evolution 9 Collection, which is known for its unique and relatively niche range of watch designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that while the SLGA023 is kind of a new kid on the block, the Evolution 9 collection comes with a legacy. Even if this watch isn\u2019t a perfect choice for you, the collection that it stems from is reputable, to say the least. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The collection may not strike your interest across the board, but the new addition of the SLGA023 is another outstanding addition of unique vibrance. It\u2019s the combination of historical influence from the collection with a very unique watch face that sells it for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With full respect to the collection as a whole, I still prefer Grand Seiko watches that deliver something that feels special. You get the rich history of Grand Seiko quality, including new takes on the classic diver\u2019s favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making a Case for Luxury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to look too far to find a suitable Grand Seiko, but case size is an important factor for most people. There are some conflicts with this case size for me personally, but I can\u2019t deny the clever approach to its design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First and foremost, the case diameter is 43.8mm, which is a bit too big for me. However, they were smart about the overall design, as it looks relatively compact from most angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from the sizable case, it can achieve a slimmer look, partially due to the small Spring Drive movement on the inside. From the side, you\u2019re looking at 13.8mm thickness. Once again, a bit too large for my tastes, but I likely only feel this way due to the bulkier design choices on the dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, the high-intensity titanium on the case adds to its durability and makes it a lightweight material choice. You also might find it interesting that the case design takes inspiration from the 44GS case from 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design aspects common to the Evolution 9 collection include bolder crown guards, arched quarters, and Zaratsu-polished and brushed surfaces. With striking colors and contrasting reflections, the watch carries elegance without being considered flashy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SLGA023 case is also 51.5mm lug to lug, comes with beveled sapphire crystal, and a sturdy screw case back. More notably, I was personally excited by the ceramic bezel insert, a small detail not commonly found in previous collections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll also appreciate the small detail of a luminous pip and the matching titanium look. Keep in mind that the bezel insert as a whole isn\u2019t illuminated, which is a slight miss from my perspective. Now, speaking for myself, I\u2019m no diver, but this watch does come with the functionality you\u2019d expect in a GS diver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
200m water resistance<\/a> is ideal for those who are serious about the deep blue, and you can only imagine how it would match beautifully with the surroundings. After a little research, it\u2019s clear that many people aren\u2019t fans of the larger case design, but I think GS makes up for that through the smart engineering surrounding it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even amongst its pros and cons, the SLGA023 features a dial that everyone can fall in love with. This is the catalyst to the draw that people see in the watch, regardless of its larger case size or bolder look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking at the dial from a distance isn\u2019t enough, and I advise anyone to take a close look at a well-lit angle. Its rippled blue design makes it look like you have a slice of the ocean on your wrist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is really what helps me overlook any details about the watch that may not be my favorite. I can\u2019t get over the accuracy of the ocean-like dial, and it\u2019s the perfect tone of blue, not too bright and not so dark you can\u2019t see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Focusing on more specific details, the power reserve indicator<\/a> sits at 9 o’clock and an easy-to-read date window at 3 o’clock. The contrasting tones of these areas make them pop against the deep blue background, which adds to their legibility and symmetry with the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One aspect that many see as a downside is the rather large indices and hands. Some feel this blocks out some of the beauty of the dial, while others simply don\u2019t like the bulkier look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019d say this is what makes it so unique from other options in the Evolution 9 collection. The same goes for the minute track; I\u2019m a huge fan of the circular design that\u2019s included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I understand the modern preference for a sleeker look, but the design choice here matches the bold nature of the rest of the watch. You can rely on LumiBrite for low-light conditions, and this also extends to the bezel for a more full-fledged viewing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like anyone else, I easily get lost in the surface visual beauty of luxury timepieces. The reality is that the internal components are the glue that seals the deal for me when making a buying decision. You should always consider the watch’s beauty, but understanding what\u2019s happening on the inside will take your perceived value of this watch to new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As can be expected by Grand Seiko quality, this watch is crafted with an in-house movement. More specifically, a reliable Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5. What most people love about this movement is the ingenuity of mixing quartz and mechanical engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t overlook the accuracy here either, as it promises \u00b110 seconds monthly and \u00b10.5 seconds daily. In short, you won\u2019t ever have an issue with timing precision. The beauty of this watch extends past the surface, as the Caliber 9RA5 is crafted with 38 jewels itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although I\u2019m a huge fan of the luxury watch<\/a> space, I tend to keep a pretty niche selection. It\u2019s common for me to wear the same watch for long periods of time, so it\u2019s important they\u2019re consistent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s part of what I stick around for in GS watches is the in-house movements. With this level of precision, balance, and consistency, the hands look like they can carve butter with how smooth the movements are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This movement guarantees a 120-hour power reserve and is built for vibration dampening, a nice addition that active divers will appreciate. Another notable aspect of the Spring Drive movement that I prefer over others is the automation. The movement winds with support from wrist motion, making it an easy choice no matter where you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those who are new to watchmaking, the importance of a reliable movement can\u2019t be understated. Regarding the SLGA023, the Spring Drive movement is the powerhouse of the watch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It supports the seconds, minutes, and hours, as well as the power reserve indicator and date display. That\u2019s what makes the engineering and reliability of Grand Seiko in-house movements so valuable for a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the support of a lock and push button 3-fold clasp and case-matching design, the strap is equally stunning to neighboring features. Even better, there\u2019s a built-in, durable strap adjuster to make the watch more fitting for a diving suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly to the surrounding material, the strap is also crafted with high-intensity titanium, providing a bold look yet lightweight feel. While there\u2019s a time and place for obvious contrasting finishes, I\u2019m really appreciative they stuck with a majority brushed look. It shines enough on its own, and I honestly feel taking an overly polished route would distract too much from the dial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although you can find comments downplaying the sizeable case, I feel Grand Seiko compensated for this in other areas. For example, the 23mm lug width offers a nice taper to add to a better-looking fit. While this might make it more challenging to source other compatible straps, at least the drilled lugs still help to make the switch pretty easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As many other GS wearers would agree, I\u2019m a fan of the push-pin adjustments without having to mess with any screws. These small details in design efficiency and thinking about the end user will always have me coming back to new Grand Seiko releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Face You Won\u2019t Forget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Movement of the SLGA023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Does the Strap Hold Up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n