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Model review / Automatic winding

Grand Seiko SLGH035: a blue river, high frequency and a practical bracelet

Watch passportSelect a specification for a plain-language explanation

The Evolution 9 combines a Genbi Valley-inspired blue dial with the 9SA5 movement: 5 Hz and approximately 80 hours of power reserve. Here is what that means to an owner.

Published 3 November 2026Announced 24 June 20264 min read
Evolution 9 SLGH035
© Seiko Watch Corporation / Grand Seiko · Image source

The essentials first

In one minute

Case40 mm
Calibre9SA5, automatic
Power reserveapproximately 80 hours

Why it is interesting

An expressive dial and serious everyday mechanics, with a practical bracelet adjustment.

Things to consider

Try it on before buying: 165 g on the bracelet and a 47 mm lug-to-lug length may feel different from what the 40 mm diameter suggests.

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Grand Seiko · Evolution 9 SLGH035

The model in detail

Meet the watch

The SLGH035 dial takes inspiration from the water of Genbi Valley in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Its blue colour and pressed texture change in appearance with the light. The Evolution 9 refresh was announced in June 2026, with mechanical models scheduled to go on sale in October.

The automatic 9SA5 runs at 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5 Hz. Twin barrels and the Dual Impulse Escapement provide around 80 hours when fully wound. Take a fully wound watch off on Friday evening and you can expect it still to be running on Monday morning.

The case and bracelet use Ever-Brilliant Steel. The diameter is 40 mm, thickness 11.7 mm, lug-to-lug length 47 mm, and weight 165 g. Try it on: diameter alone cannot tell you how a watch will fit and feel.

Details and limitations

The clasp adjusts without tools in three positions, in 2 mm steps over 6 mm. This is useful when wrist size changes in hot weather or on a journey. A sapphire caseback reveals the movement; water resistance is rated at 10 bar.

The June press release listed a recommended European price of €10,400. This is a reference at the announcement date, not a current Uzbekistan price. Check availability, price and warranty conditions with an authorised retailer.

Sources

Grand Seiko — SLGH035 specificationswww.grand-seiko.comGrand Seiko — Evolution 9 update and European pricewww.grand-seiko.com · 24 June 2026