Grand Seiko introduced the SLGA001 in 2020 as a 60th-anniversary limited edition and the first professional 600 m diver powered by its Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5. The watch combined a five-day power reserve with a high-intensity titanium case and bracelet, and was limited to 700 pieces worldwide.
What was the Grand Seiko SLGA001?
The SLGA001 was the Grand Seiko Sport Collection 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Professional Diver’s 600M. Grand Seiko’s anniversary announcement was published on March 5, 2020, marking six decades since the brand’s founding on December 18, 1960. Grand Seiko’s announcement introduced the special page for the model; contemporary specialist coverage supplied the detailed specifications.
The important news was the movement: the SLGA001 debuted Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5 in a professional-grade 600 m diver. It was also a new anniversary model rather than a general, non-limited addition to the range.
SLGA001 specifications
| Specification | SLGA001 |
|---|---|
| Reference | SLGA001 |
| Case diameter and thickness | 46.9 mm × 16 mm, as reported by Fratello and Hodinkee in March 2020 |
| Case and bracelet | High-intensity titanium |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Case back | Screw-in |
| Dial | Black |
| Movement | Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5, self-winding |
| Rated power reserve | 120 hours (five days), as reported in 2020 |
| Water resistance | 600 m, as reported in 2020 |
| Functions | Time, date, power-reserve display, and diving bezel |
| Straps | Titanium bracelet and an additional blue silicone strap, as reported by Fratello in 2020 |
| Limited quantity | 700 pieces worldwide, as reported by Fratello and Hodinkee in 2020 |
Fratello’s March 2020 specification report gives the dimensions, materials, dial, crystal, case back, functions, and included strap. Read Fratello’s SLGA001 report. Hodinkee independently reports the 46.9-by-16.0 mm dimensions, 600 m rating, movement, power reserve, and limited quantity. Read Hodinkee’s 9RA5 introduction.
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Why the 9RA5 mattered
The 9RA5 brought Spring Drive to this professional 600 m diver. Contemporary coverage described its rated reserve as 120 hours, or five days, and reported a maximum precision deviation of ±10 seconds per month. That precision figure is a stated movement specification in Hodinkee’s 2020 coverage, not a result of independent testing of an individual SLGA001.
Reports also highlighted two mainspring barrels, a repositioned Magic Lever winding component, a one-piece center bridge, and a thermal sensor for temperature compensation. These are the technical features described in contemporary reporting; they should not be taken as a substitute for a movement technical manual.
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How it related to earlier Grand Seiko 600 m divers
Fratello noted a visual relationship to the SBGH255 and SBGH257, earlier Grand Seiko 600 m divers. Its central distinction was the movement: the SLGA001 used Spring Drive Caliber 9RA5, while those earlier models used Hi-Beat movements. The available reporting does not establish a complete side-by-side comparison of their features, so similarity in appearance should not be read as evidence that the watches are otherwise identical.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Edition, release timing, and historical launch prices
Contemporary reports said the SLGA001 was limited to 700 examples worldwide and would be available in August 2020. Fratello reported a European launch price of €11,500 including VAT; Hodinkee reported a U.S. launch price of $11,100. Both are historical launch prices from 2020, not current resale values or asking prices.
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Those release details establish how the watch was presented at launch, but do not establish current stock, resale availability, seller authenticity, or present-day service costs.
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- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's dive watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- STAINLESS STEEL: this diving watch for men features a stainless steel watch case and bracelet, a uni-directional rotating elapsed timing bezel, and a bold blue dial evoking signature PADI colors
- 4R36 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R36 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
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- STAINLESS STEEL CASE built to endure with style, making this watch your perfect daily companion
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT for seamless precision in every tick of this watch
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL to maintain a pristine look even with daily wear and tear on your watch
- LUMINESCENT HANDS for effortless readability in low-light conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment with this watch
- WATER RESISTANT DESIGN ensuring your watch is ready for any adventure, rain or shine
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