Frosted Perfection: Introducing Limited-Edition Grand Seiko SLGH027, Inspired by Mt. Iwate

Nature’s splendour has long inspired watchmakers, who translate its beauty into exquisite timepieces; prominent among them is Grand Seiko. The luxury timepiece brand’s designs often reflect the harmony and accuracy found in nature. Continuing to pay homage to Earth's beauties by using innovative materials and striking engravings, the watchmaker has just launched yet another nature-themed watch ― the 1,200-piece limited-edition SLGH027 ― inspired by the ridges of Mt. Iwate.

As watch buffs would know, Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi,  located in the tranquil forest of Iwate Prefecture, is one of the world's leading watch manufacturing facilities. This is where all Grand Seiko 9S mechanical movements and watches are created. Mount Iwate is a stratovolcano in Tohoku, with the town of Morioka at its foot; it is known as Nambu Fuji (literally, "Fuji of the South") because it resembles Japan's most renowned mountain when viewed from the south. It can be climbed throughout the summer months.

The 40 mm Grand Seiko SLGH027 variant has a box-shaped sapphire crystal glass and a crown at 3 o’clock. The dial of this Ever-Brilliant Steel watch draws inspiration from Mt. Iwate, as seen from the sky, with its striking light blue hue evoking the purity of the air and water that surround this landmark; its intricate texture reminds one of the mountain’s ridged slopes. The hour markers, and the hour, minute, and blue second hands are diamond-cut. The second hand of this timepiece seems to touch the minute track on the outer periphery of the dial. There is a date window with a white background and black numeral at 3 o’clock. 

The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 9SA5, which offers a power reserve of 80 hours, courtesy of the highly efficient Dual Impulse Escapement and twin barrels. The movement’s finish is inspired by the rippling waves of the Shizukuishi River flowing near the studio, where the watch is made. Turning the watch over showcases the see-through and screwed caseback, with the engravings of “Limited Edition”, the number of the individual watch out of 1,200, and “Power Reserve 80 Hours” on the oscillating weight. The bracelet is also made of Ever-Brilliant Steel ― a stainless steel alloy that offers impressive corrosion resistance ― and comes with a three-fold clasp with push button release.