Ayear after the highly technical and aesthetically striking SLGA015 “Black Stream” diver, Grand Seiko has launched a follow-up at Watches & Wonders 2023 by way of the new SLGA023 “Ushio” diver. Sporting a handsome new blue bezel insert and a gorgeous blue dial that could only come replica orologi from Grand Seiko, the Ushio — which is the Japanese word for tide — is the latest diver from the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 collection.
And by just about any measure, the SLGA023 is a complete beast. Both the case and the bracelet are made from Grand Seiko’s High-Intensity Titanium and measures 43.8 mm wide, 13.8mm thick, and 51.5mm lug to lug. At its core, the SLGA023 is a new colorway for Grand Seiko’s peak titanium dive watch, and though the new color comes with its own unique execution, the specs continue to speak for themselves — especially when it comes to the movement.
Nestled safely inside that lightweight replica orologi rolex but beautifully finished titanium case, we find Grand Seiko’s 9RA5 Spring Drive caliber, which was first used (for a non-limited dive watch) in the SLGA015. With five days of power reserve and a monthly accuracy rating of +/- 10 seconds, the 9RA5 represents the cutting edge of the Spring Drive movement for sports watches and was recently made thinner and stronger by Grand Seiko.
And now for the main event, the hallmark of the SLGA023, the blue tide “Ushio” dial. The effect of the dial, which appears brighter than the textures of the “Black Stream” dial of the SLGA015, is that of the surface of water. Set with luminous markings, a date at three, and encircled by a navy-blue ceramic bezel, the Ushio orologi replica omega will hit retail in August of this year with a price tag of $11,600 (the same as that of the SLGA015).
If you like your dive watches to blend modern construction and technology with just a dash of whimsy, you’re going to dig this new and very blue SLGA023. The water pattern on the dial looks incredible and the whole package feels like something only Grand Seiko would make.
While I would argue that the dimensions are on the larger replica uhren side of what I prefer for a dive watch, the titanium construction will certainly help balance some of the mass and for those who want to dig deeper into the ergonomics of this packaging, Logan wrote a Second Opinions all bout how well the SLGA015 wears despite its sizing.
As a premium titanium dive watch at a price point higher than the Rolex Submariner, the SLGA023 leans into the qualified niche appeal of not only the use of titanium but also that of the dial execution and the super-accurate Spring Drive caliber.