Five days and a titanium case
By Kenji Watanabe, Osaka ·
Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 design language arrived in 2020, with wider hands, sharper case lines, and thinner bezels. The SLGA015 applies it to a diver, and with the new 9RA5 Spring Drive movement and its 120 hours of power reserve, it is one of the most sensible luxury dive watches I know.
The 9RA5 is thinner than the old 9R65 and the reserve is a real five days. The case is titanium, 43.8 by 13.9 mm, with sapphire, a solid back, 200 m, and a power reserve indicator. The blue dial has a deep texture that rewards a closer look.
My doubts are size and price. 43.8 mm is large for me, and at 10,000 to 10,500 dollars it competes directly with a Rolex Submariner. And unlike the Rolex, resale will not be strong.
If you would like a luxury diver that is not the obvious Swiss choice, and you value a light titanium case in summer, it makes a great deal of sense.