Grand Seiko Launches the New SLGB005 " Ice Forest - Violet Dawn" UFA Limited Edition Steel Watch
The Grand Seiko SLGB005 is the third watch within the " Ice Forest" selection, following the 2025 " Watches & Wonders" collection.
Notably, this is the very first UFA in Ever-Brilliant Steel.
It includes a purple " Violet Dawn" dial with the brand's signature bank " Ice Forest" texture/pattern.
As a original Grand Seiko fan as well as collector, the debut from the Ice Forest collection in Watches & Wonders 2025 was incredibly meaningful in my experience and all Grand Seiko followers worldwide. My only small complaint is that I avoid need another silver-blue switch in my collection. I love the actual 37mm dial size, and also the new UFA Spring Drive movement is the icing within the cake. But the only point missing for me is a much more unique (and dare My answer is, less conventional) dial colour. Silver and blue tend to be two of the most reliable call colors, and I already have numerous in my collection. Therefore , the brand new Grand Seiko SLGB005 " Ice Forest - Daybreak Violet" seemed to satisfy the desire perfectly.
The smoky purple face is the star of this restricted edition, undoubtedly its the majority of visually striking element. Concerning its natural inspiration, Grand Seiko explains: " Eastern of the Shinshu Haute Clocks Studio lies the Kirimine Plateau, where, in the absolute depths of winter, trees is visible covered in frost. Because dawn breaks, the ice catches the first rays associated with sunlight, awakening in an ethereal purple glow. "
For a more comprehensive understanding of this edition's platform, I absolutely encourage you to watch (or read) my hands-on review of the SLGB001 and also SLGB003 Ice Forest duet, which debuted at Timepieces & Wonders 2025-the previous in platinum with a leather-based strap, the latter within GS high-strength titanium having a case-matching bracelet, debuting Grand Seiko's fine-adjustment system.
Notably, these two timepieces mark the first time that Grand Seiko Spring Drive wrist watches are available in a more compact 37mm case size. They also presentación a brand-new movement, the particular three-day power reserve 9RB2, that utilizes Grand Seiko's brand new UFA (Ultra-Fine Precision) regular, meaning the 9RB2 offers an annual accuracy of under 20 seconds (six occasions more accurate than the 9RA2). Finally, the SLGB003's fine-adjustment clasp allows for 6mm regarding dynamic adjustment in 2mm increments.
But this watch marks the very first time that the 37mm Evolution nine case is crafted from typically the brand's Ever-Brilliant Steel materials... Perhaps somewhat frustratingly, but it lacks the micro-adjustment clasp found on the titanium SLGB003-honestly, a bit puzzling, but ideally a steel micro-adjustment hold will be available soon...
I particularly appreciate which Grand Seiko used the purple dial on this view, firstly because purple is not a color they use often , or even for that matter, any brand. It is also worth noting that Grand Seiko doesn't often provide fumé dials. Therefore , this particular watch won't clash to watches in a Grand Seiko collector's collection, or any series encompassing a wide range of brands.
My current Grand Seiko watches include individuals with white (SBGA211), silvery red (SBGA413), gray (SBGK009), along with dark green (SBGH283) knobs. I also own blue calls from other brands. So , I must ask, " How many comparable watches with the same watch dial color can I own? "