Grand Seiko Introduces The “Sunrise” Tentagraph SLGC006 And “Moonlit Birch” SLGW007

Grand Seiko has been steadily expanding its Evolution 9 collection since its introduction in 2020. We have seen a wide variety of releases linked by a combination of modern case designs and technologically advanced new calibers. For its latest introductions, Grand Seiko releases two variations of popular models in the collection. The first is the Grand Seiko “Sunrise” Tentagraph SLGC006, a titanium variation of the first two Tentagraph models. The second is the “Moonlit Birch” SLGW007, a play on the popular manual-winding Hi-Beat models introduced last year during Watches and Wonders. There is enough to unpack with these two watches, so let’s take a closer look.

The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 series has become synonymous with the brand’s most exciting technological developments. We have seen the introduction of a series of brilliant mechanical and Spring Drive calibers. Among them are the manual-winding Hi-Beat 9SA4 introduced last year and the Hi-Beat Tentagraph 9SC5 movement that debuted in 2023. But the calibers only tell half of the story. Both are matched with angular case designs that take Grand Seiko’s famous design style into the future. As a result, the Evolution 9 series is Grand Seiko’s most exciting line.

The Grand Seiko “Sunrise” Tentagraph SLGC006

Let’s kick things off with the Tentagraph SLGC006. At first glance, it looks like a variation of the first two “regular” Tentagraph models, the inaugural dark blue SLGC001 from 2023 and the ice-blue SLGC007 that came out earlier this year. But there is more to the story than just a new dial. This new version combines Grand Seiko’s high-intensity titanium with 18K rose gold. This makes for an interesting new release with an added layer of visual brilliance.

The new “Sunrise” Tentagraph SLGC006 has a high-intensity titanium case with a 43.2mm diameter and a 51.5mm lug-to-lug. Topping it and contributing to the watch’s 15.3mm profile is an 18K rose gold bezel containing a black ceramic insert with a white tachymeter scale.

Additionally, the watch features a rose gold crown and pushers. The rose gold elements create a distinct look that is slightly more playful and extravagant than the Tentragraph SLGC001/009. Adding to the visual story is the new dial. It takes the concept of the SLGH027 introduced earlier this year and gives it a colorful twist.

The new dial is a wonderful display of colors

As you will expect by now, the dial has a nature-inspired backstory. This time, Grand Seiko’s designers found their muse in the morning sunlight gracing the sides of Mt. Iwate. The result is a dial with a copper-pink hue combined with a sunray-textured pattern evoking the mountain’s ridges and rough surface. The soft tone of the dial is complemented by burgundy chronograph counters, a deeply copper-colored sub-seconds register, and rose-gold-plated hands, date frame, and applied indexes. Additionally, the hour and minute hands and hour markers have a luminous filling for legibility in the dark.

The case is paired with a 22mm-wide high-intensity titanium bracelet with a folding clasp containing a rose gold medallion. Upon turning the watch around, you’ll see the wonderful 9SC5 Tentagraph caliber. This automatic chronograph movement operates at 36,000vph and offers 72 hours of power reserve. It contains Grand Seiko’s advanced Dual Impulse Escapement with a free-sprung balance. As a result, the caliber has an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day, achieved over 20 days of testing. These numbers stay within the COSC chronometer standards of +6 to -4 seconds per day.

Final thoughts on the Grand Seiko “Sunrise” Tentagraph SLGC006

Overall, this new “Sunrise” SLGC006 is a playful new version of the modern Tentagraph. While it is not as impactful as the angular Tokyo Lion SLGC009, it is a nice break from the previous models. The rose gold details add a touch of brilliance that will undoubtedly appeal to people.

I found the dial of this new Tentagraph particularly impressive. The texture and soft, beautiful hue make for a spectacular new dial variation. At €23,000, this new 300-piece limited edition has a hefty price tag. However, considering the limited production, I do not doubt that all of the watches will quickly find their way to collectors once Grand Seiko releases them in October.

The Grand Seiko “Moonlit Birch” SLGW007

The second of the two models quickly stole our hearts in the Fratello offices. The new Grand Seiko “Moonlit Birch” SLGW007 is a new variation of the Hi-Beat Evolution 9 watches that came out last year. The SLGW003 and SLGW002 “Birch Bark” models introduced a new manual-winding caliber.

Combined with a new Evolution 9 interpretation of the 44GS aesthetic, it made for a popular duo of watches. For today’s SLGW007, Grand Seiko introduces a stylish dark blue dial with a similar birch-like texture. Additionally, the new model has a stainless steel case, something that many Grand Seiko fans will welcome with open arms.

The SLGW007’s case has a 38.6mm diameter, 9.95mm thickness, and 45mm length. Its brilliantly finished surfaces show a great contrast between the brushed parts and the Zaratsu-polished accents. The smallest move of the wrist will emphasize the visual brilliance of the case finishing.

The case is combined with a dark blue dial featuring the familiar “birch” pattern of the previous models. However, as the watch’s nickname suggests, it has a completely different visual effect than on lighter versions. It genuinely looks like a nighttime version of the birch pattern. I would even add that it also looks like the beautiful rippling surface of a pond or a river. It’s a wonderfully detailed texture that works incredibly well with the grayish-blue dial color.

The wonderfully detailed dial is something else

The toned-down dial features a sharp set of faceted and applied hour markers that, like the case, display beautiful finishing. While we have come to know this from Grand Seiko, it never fails to impress when seeing a watch like this up close. The great attention to detail and immaculate finishing blow the vast majority of brands out of the water. On the upper half of the dial, you will find the Grand Seiko logo and name. The lower half hints at the caliber that powers the new model. Topping it all off in style is the familiar handset used for most Evolution 9 models.

If you turn the watch around, you will get a good look at the 9SA4 caliber. This manual-winding movement is based on the automatic 9SA5. It operates at 36,000vph and features a twin-barrel construction that delivers 80 hours of power reserve.

It also houses a Dual Impulse Escapement and has a power reserve display integrated on the back. As you can see, the caliber is beautifully finished and displays the craftsmanship of Grand Seiko’s watchmakers. Finishing the look is a dark blue leather strap with a folding clasp.

Final thoughts on the Grand Seiko “Moonlit Birch” SLGW007

As mentioned, this new Grand Seiko “Moonlit Birch” SLGW007 is a doozy. It immediately won the hearts of the majority of the Fratello team. The dial is truly something else and offers a fresh take on the watches that came out last year. While the blue leather strap matches the dial nicely, we can envision this new SLGW007 working well on a wide variety of other straps. These could change the presence of the watch drastically, but they won’t take away the visual impact of its gorgeous dial.

This new SLGW007 is a non-limited addition to Grand Seiko’s Evolution 9 collection, and it will be available in October 2025 for €10,200. With this new release, Grand Seiko may just have announced this year’s best. The watch really is that good, and we will probably cover it more extensively in a hands-on review. For now, it has absolutely mesmerized us.

Both models will be available from October 2025 through Grand Seiko boutiques and selected retailers. What do you think of the new Grand Seiko SLGC006 and SLGW007? Let us know in the comments below!