There's no getting around it… The White Birch is a very, very convincing watch with one of the most impressive dials we have seen recently. It exudes mechanical nobility, a slightly updated design language combined with the brand's traditions, and superb finishing. The White Birch model is also significant because it is the first time the 9SA5 caliber is used in a watch from the regular collection. This watch is essentially a non-limited version of the gold SLGH002 model made in stainless steel, released in March 2020, followed by the limited steel model SLGH003 at the end of 2020.
The White Birch SLGH005 watch has a lot to offer. There is not a single detail forgotten, not a single aspect overlooked. Everything here is special, yet not overloaded. The case, for example, demonstrates the brand's new design language, with slightly updated forms. Of course, it remains ultra-clear and beautifully executed with matte surfaces and polished details without distortion (the famous Zaratsu polishing). The watch truly feels like a genuine luxury watch, and it is a pleasure to look at.
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The proportions are also excellent: a diameter of 40 mm with a slightly reduced height of 11.7 mm. This shape makes the watch comfortable as it hugs the wrist. Sapphire crystals are installed on both sides, and the water resistance is 100 meters.
The main feature of this Grand Seiko model is its dial with stunning texture and color… Named Shirakaba, which translates to "white birch" in English, it once again shows that the brand masters the art of dial-making. The dial has a rich silvery, metallic color that reflects the surrounding light and creates a sense of unity with the metal case and bracelet. The texture itself is impressive, extremely detailed upon close inspection, and fortunately less noticeable when worn on the wrist and viewed from a distance.
The rest of the dial is typical for Grand Seiko. The hands and indices are among the best in the market. Ultra-clear, with almost perfect polished bevels, they are also new to this series of watches and bolder than before. A thin blued second hand breaks the monochromatic look of this watch. And at the "3 o'clock" position, there is a date window with a metallic frame.
What is important in this watch is the new movement, caliber 9SA5, with serious horological merits. It is indeed equipped with the innovative Grand Seiko Dual Impulse Escapement. Not only does it feature a high frequency of 5 Hz, but it also has unprecedented geometry developed by Grand Seiko. Without going into detail in this video, the main concept of the Grand Seiko Dual Impulse Escapement is that the locking and impulse functions are separated. This means less friction, making the escapement more efficient (less friction means lower energy costs) and more wear-resistant. Additionally, the watch features a new free-sprung balance. All this has resulted in a magnificent chronometric movement with an accuracy of +5 to -3 seconds per day.
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The 9SA5 caliber is also thinner than previous movements, equipped with two barrels providing an 80-hour power reserve, and has a transverse bridge for better stability. Finally, the decoration has been updated, making the movement warmer, less technical, and more charming than before.
The Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 watch is worn on a matte stainless steel bracelet, 22 mm wide. Such a wide profile makes the watch undoubtedly comfortable, but for some, it may seem too large… and perhaps these watches would look better on a leather strap.
The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat White Birch SLGH005 is now available for retail at a price of 9,500 euros (including taxes) or 9,100 US dollars (excluding taxes). Enjoy the video and learn more details at www.grand-seiko.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – GRAND SEIKO HI-BEAT SLGH005 “WHITE BIRCH”
Case: 40 mm in diameter x 11.7 mm in height x 47 mm lug-to-lug – stainless steel case, Zaratsu polishing and brushing – sapphire crystal with AR coating, sapphire case back – water resistance 100 meters
Dial: silver-white textured dial inspired by “Shirakaba” or white birch – faceted and beveled hands and applied indices
Movement: in-house caliber 9SA5 – automatic – 47 jewels – dual impulse escapement and free-sprung balance Grand Seiko – 36,000 vibrations per hour – 80-hour power reserve – time, minutes, seconds, and date
Bracelet: 3-link stainless steel bracelet, 22 mm, matte and polished – folding clasp with push-button release
Availability: Now available, part of the permanent collection
Price: 9,500 euros (incl. taxes) USD 9,100 (excluding taxes).
