Grand Seiko SLGW005 Review: 45GS Re-creation

quattro · 2025-11-15T09:01:32Z

Quattro reviews the Grand Seiko SLGW005, a modern re-creation of the 45GS. Explore its angular case, hi-beat movement, and subtle sophistication.

quattro

WPS member · Seiko forum

21 replies1256 views37 photos

Quattro's review of the Grand Seiko SLGW005 offers a detailed exploration of a modern re-creation inspired by the vintage 45GS. This post meticulously breaks down the design philosophy, case architecture, and wrist presence, providing valuable insights for collectors interested in Grand Seiko's blend of heritage and contemporary craftsmanship.

A few weeks ago, thanks to a friend whom I thank wholeheartedly, this little marvel, the Grand Seiko ref. SLGW005, found its unexpected way into my collection.

THE 45GS

Our dear KMII made a terrific post concerning the source of inspiration for this watch, the 45GS from 1968 and, more specifically, the no-date reference 4520-8000 with its calibre 4520A and iconic solid case back: Grammar of Design meets Hi-Beat - a review of the Grand Seiko 4520-8000.

credit: Special Dial

THE CASE

The first thing I love about the 45GS and its faithful modern re-creation, the SLGW005, is the very subtly angular case designed by Taro Tanaka.

credit: Wadokei

I would call this design "simple, understated sophistication" as it comprises many details and refinements that only the attentive eye notices, blending into a harmonious and discreet whole.

The Zaratsu-polished faceted lugs feature multiple angles and are both separated and linked by a brushed section.

The polished reverse slanted bezel stands out from the mid-case while blending in harmoniously.

The case is made of three separate parts: bezel, mid-case and case back.

The faceted lugs are one of the most distinctive and successful elements of this design.

The subtle contrast between the flat boxed sapphire crystal and bezel and the very slightly arched case is also very appealing.

And the signed crowned with its relief polished logo against the grained surface is another delightful element.

As well as the semi-recessed crown.

THE FIT ON THE WRIST

The 38.8 mm diameter case with a 43.7 mm lug-to-lug fits perfectly on my 16 cm wrist.

The 10.4 mm thickness is slim enough and I like the 19-16 mm size of the strap.

In real life, the lower part of the case isn’t visible and, contrarily to what this photo could let one think, the case always feels very well integrated to the wrist.

THE BUCKLE

Though not as understated as the rest of the watch and not my favorite part of it, the buckle, with the polished Seiko logo embossed in relief over a stamped, dimpled surface, is quite nice.

THE MOVEMENT

The high-beat (36,000 beats per hour, 5Hz) calibre 9SA4 is another great feature of this watch.

I know that it’s a debatable point, but I personally like that, unlike previous Grand Seiko calibres, it’s aesthetically styled as a Swiss movement. Why? Simply because I love this traditional Swiss aesthetic.

The click shaped like a wagtail, a bird which is symbolic of Morioka city near the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi factory, is a delightful touch.

And the winding experience is one of the most pleasing I know, whether from a tactile, visual or auditive perspective.

The blued hand of the 80h power reserve indicator is also a very nice feature.

The laser-etched Grand Seiko lion emblem is almost invisible on the back sapphire crystal, but can be seen from certain angles.

THE DIAL

The silvery-white or white eggshell double signed dial is the last element which deserves to be mentioned. It features a slightly metallic, almost pearlescent, fine-grained texture.

The Seiko logo is applied and, at 12 o’clock, sits the distinctive double index.

The applied baton indices are cleanly diamond-cut with facets that easily reflects light for great legibility.

The hands are also nicely faceted.

And, at 6 o’clock, are the applied GS logo, the Daini Seikosha factory lightning bolt logo and in-between, the “Hi-Beat” and “36000” designations.

All these elements make for a perfect "simple" time-only watch.

THREE RE-CREATION TIMEPIECES

As a conclusion, I would like to mention that, together with the Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo (5098P) and the Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vache (5000H/000R-B059), this Grand Seiko (SLGW005) is my third modern watch which is a direct recreation of a model from the past.

The main element differentiating them from their source of inspiration being the fact that they feature a see-through case back and a very refined and gorgeous looking movement.

And, whereas the 5098P is a 2007 recreation of a 1925 watch and the Cornes de Vache a 2015 recreation of a 1955 watch, the SLGW005 is a 2024 recreation of a 1968 watch.

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Ref. SLGW005

The Grand Seiko SLGW005 is a limited-edition model within the Heritage Collection, designed as a recreation of the 45GS. This reference is notable for its distinct case design and the integration of a modern high-beat manual-wind movement, distinguishing it from other contemporary Grand Seiko offerings. It represents a specific aesthetic and technical direction within the brand's historical reinterpretations, focusing on a more traditional, dress-oriented profile.

This timepiece features a stainless steel case, measuring 38mm in diameter and 10.3mm in thickness, with a box-shaped sapphire crystal. It houses the manual-wind Caliber 9SA4, which operates at a high frequency and provides a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. The movement is visible through a sapphire exhibition case back, allowing appreciation of its finishing and construction. The water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

Appealing to collectors who value historical fidelity combined with advanced horological mechanics, the SLGW005 offers a refined alternative to Grand Seiko's more sport-oriented or larger-cased models. Its limited production and use of stainless steel position it as a significant piece for enthusiasts of the brand's heritage and high-end craftsmanship. The dial color is a subtle silver, complementing the stainless steel case.

Specifications

Caliber: Caliber 9SA4

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 38mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

A contributor congratulates the author on the acquisition, acknowledging the watch's sublime nature and the historical inspiration from a previous article.
The author highlights the "elaborate simplicity" and discreet sophistication of the angular, wrist-friendly case, as well as the unique wagtail-shaped click in the winding system.
The author appreciates modern re-editions for combining vintage design with reliable, finely finished contemporary movements.
A contributor notes that Grand Seiko still maintains a subtle charm, often unrecognized by the general public, appealing to those "in the know."
A contributor praises the case's intricate details, the beautiful movement, and the practical power reserve indicator.

The Discussion

KMII

Nov 15, 2025

Congratulations on your latest incoming - it is a sublime watch and one I have considered several times. Maybe next year 😊🤞🏻 Glad if you enjoyed my old article on the historical inspiration for it 🙏🏻 Wear it in good health and enjoy your NWA 🎉🎊🎈

quattro

Nov 15, 2025

It's a wonderful watch indeed, which is all about elaborate simplicity. The case design is stunning and the new movement is a joy to wind daily. Thanks again. Best, Emmanuel

KMII

Nov 15, 2025

GS has a subtle charm very different from your other watches. Quite possibly not your last or only one 😉😁

quattro

Nov 15, 2025

But it’s undoubtedly there! 😊

KMII

Nov 15, 2025

While perhaps not as stealthy as 10 years ago, by and large many people still have no idea about them and many cannot imagine the appeal 😊🤷🏻‍♂️

quattro

Nov 15, 2025

As is often said, “if you know you know”, and I find this feeling quite satisfying, whatever the watch. 🚶🏻‍♂️‍➡️🍃

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Grand Seiko SLGW005 Review: 45GS Re-creation

About the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Ref. SLGW005

Specifications

About the Seiko Ref. 4520-8000

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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