Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Grand Seiko Updates Classic Evo9 Models with a New Bracelet and Clasp
Meet the Night Birch SLGH029, White Birch SLGH031, Green Birch SLGH033 and Genbi Valley SLGH035
It is a big day for Grand Seiko, which is releasing no fewer than nine new references in its Evolution 9 collection. Two of them, the 37mm Spring Drive UFA Lake Suwa SLGB015 and the 40mm Spring Drive UFA Lake Suwa SLGB007, are unprecedented configurations that required their own article. Next to these are three other Spring Drive models, using familiar designs, the SLGB009 White Birch, SLGB011 Atera Valley, and SLGB013 Lake Suwa, but bringing a new movement and an updated bracelet and clasp combination. Last but not least, four of the classic and important Hi-Beat watches, the Night Birch, White Birch, Green Birch and Genbi Valley, are also updated. This time, however, the mechanics remain unchanged.
Just like Grand Seiko brings updates to the Spring Drive models in its Evolution 9 collection, it also refreshes four of its most emblematic modern mechanical watches, namely the Titanium Night Birch SLGH017, White Birch SLGH005, Green Birch SLGH011 and Genbi Valley SLGH021, which are respectively becoming the Titanium Night Birch SLGH029, White Birch SLGH031, Green Birch SLGH033 and Genbi Valley SLGH035.
Design-wise, no evolutions are to be reported. All four models retain the same case measuring 40mm in diameter, 11.7mm in thickness and 47mm lug-to-lug. The sharp, faceted cases are finished with alternating brushed and Zaratsu polished surfaces, feature a box-shaped sapphire crystal, a see-through back and are water-resistant to 100m thanks to a screwed crown and caseback. There are slight evolutions on the material side, as the White Birch (now reference SLGH031) and the Green Birch (now reference SLGH033) now use Ever-Brilliant Steel. The Genbi Valley SLGH035, like its predecessor, retains that same advanced steel alloy. The Night Birch SLGH029, again like its predecessor, retains a case and bracelet made of High-Intensity Titanium.
As for the dials, the beloved Birch texture is also retained, in three different variations: silvery-white, black and dark green. Still one of the most appealing dials in the collection and on the market, Grand Seiko is keeping the rest of the dial intact with the same applied and faceted markers and hands, featuring strong polished bevels. The light water-green Genbi Valley is identical to its predecessor, except for the second hand, which is now silver-toned rather than blued.
Inside the cases of all four references is the in-house automatic calibre 9SA5. A modern and innovative movement, it relies on a 5Hz (36,000vph) high-frequency escapement geometry called Dual Impulse Escapement, working in conjunction with a free-sprung balance. The benefits are more precision, better shock resistance and more efficiency. The overall architecture of the movement is contemporary, with a thinner profile and two barrels for an 80h power reserve. The movement is rated for +5 to -3 seconds per day. Finally, the decoration is refined and warm, with beautifully designed bridges, thin stripes, bevelled edges… More can be read on this movement in this in-depth article.
The main evolution for the Night Birch SLGH029, White Birch SLGH031, Green Birch SLGH033 and Genbi Valley SLGH035 concerns the bracelet, which has been updated, like the rest of the collection. Following comments that the bracelets were too wide or not tapered enough, and that there was no adjustment on the clasp, Grand Seiko introduces new bracelets with a greater degree of tapering than in previous models, making them more comfortable. Second, following its introduction on the Spring Drive UFA SLGB001 & SLGB003, these new models adopt a three-step micro-adjustment clasp, enabling precise, tool-free adjustments in 2mm increments for enhanced wearing comfort.
All released as part of the permanent collection and available in October 2026, the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Hi-Beat 36000 White Birch SLGH031, Green Birch SLGH033 and Genbi Valley SLGH035 are priced at EUR 10,400, while the Night Birch SLGH029 in Titanium is priced at EUR 11,700.
For more details, please visit www.grand-seiko.com.
