This Grand Seiko Watch Is More Special Than You Think - Grand Seiko White Birch (SLGH005)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
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In this video, I share my take on the Grand Seiko "White Birch" SLGH005, a modern Hi-Beat watch I had to have for myself. And while this watch certainly gets its kudos, I don't think there's enough of a conversation going on about just how incredible and revolutionary this new movement is. What are your thoughts on the White Birch?
Videos Mentioned:
Presentation On The 9SA5 Movement By Grand Seiko Brand Curator Joe Kirk: • Kodō: The Beating Hear...
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I got this watch for my dad for his 60th birthday. Its name "white birch" is also my mom's name's literal translation.
Knowing my dad having zero knowledge of anything about luxury goods let alone luxury watches, I doubt how much he appreciates the watch in a way Teddy puts it in this video. But I know how much he appreciates it because it's a gift from his son. Gifting him this watch felt better than any expensive purchase I had for myself.
Inevitably, one day, my parents will leave me.
But by then, I'll still have this watch that's worn by my dad and bares my mom's name...
A heart-warming story. You are a credit to your parents.
I love this.
Wauw - I love your comment. You're a fantastic son, no doubt. 😊
What a great comment.
Great Job! Send him this video!
I‘m an owner of this watch, for very much the reasons you are. Number one is the innovative and stunning movement. The story of the 9Sa5 movement continues to fascinate me, although this is less well known and appreciated than the very impressive spring drive movements. I also love the dial and case. I bought this watch to commemorate my retirement and 65th birthday, after having considered getting a more impressive watch with especially a great movement that I could see and that I could use as my daily wear (except during sports, etc.). I‘ve had the watch for exactly one year now and absolutely love it. Mine runs consistently 3 to 5 seconds a day fast. Sometimes I wear it on the bracelet and sometimes on a leather strap. It suits me and my tastes perfectly.
Your macro shots are outstanding. The detail of the second hand’s shadow crossing the indices was beautiful.
I bought this watch for myself as my 50th birthday present. LOVE it!!! It's an amazing blend of art and technology. Brings me joy every time I look at it. The only complain, as Teddy said, is the lack of micro adjustments in the bracelet. I find myself not wearing it as much as I would because of that. I'm seriously considering buying a blue (or orange) alligator strap to replace the bracelet.
You seen Toshi straps?
Two things I would like to mention:
1. This watch is made from a special alloy called “ever brilliant steel” as far as I know. Ever-Brilliant Steel has a brilliant white hue in appearance and a high level of corrosion resistance. The PREN (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number) is 1.7 times higher than the grade of steel commonly used in high-end watches. Higher than 904L steel. This gives the watch that incredible tone.
2. If you are not lucky like me and can’t find the best fit even tough you have played with the adjustment of the bracelet with half links: you can order a 3. “Half” link (that is actually not half, a bit bigger) from any GS or even Seiko boutique and that will give you the best fit. It’s that simple.
Great video, thank you!
This is not ever brilliant steel. Grand seiko will explicitly market it as such
GS is superb and underrated. As long as you have money you can buy a GS not waiting in the waiting list like rolex. Seiko doesnt have that attitude like Rolex, it value's it's customer base. Even the cost is less than a rolex and its japanese. You know the japanese and their skills.
After few years I guess you will change word Rolex to holy trinity or Richard Mille, GS cults thinks they are the best in the universe, yeah 😅
I recently went to Bangkok israel and dubai. In israel she said they were getting 6 watches in the net hour, bkk had exhibition only signs in every window and dubai said he was getting stock in an hour. It’s a pretty disgusting situation and puts me off the brand. I own one and would sell it but I want my $$ back and do not want to take a loss
Still i sadly find grand seiko owners to be more arrogant than the rolex ones
@@TheBrindleBoxer shame on you for being a below average kid
Hahahaha there is nothing special about a seiko, earn some money then get into watches
I have the White Birch in the Spring Drive. It is a great piece
Love this, Teddy. I just got this Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005. I'm by no means financially able to keep purchasing watches like that - I saved for over a year to be able to buy it. But, there were many directions I could have gone with the savings I had for my first "luxury" watch. Now i'm looking at some of their green dial pieces (for next year) like the Bamboo one and the Seasons Summer edition one. I also got a beautiful mesh polished bracelet for it (you're spot on about the bracelet) by Staib. Looks very nice.
GREAT choice for your first "luxury" piece!
I was SO close at grabbing my first GS a little while back, but while looking at various models (mainly spring drive), they had a customer who'd ordered a 41mm Rolex OP (Black-Dial, which is my personal favorite for an "every day watch") decide NOT to go through with the purchase because he didn't like how the 41mm case fit his wrist. I was right there the entire time, and long story short I was offered the OP for List BEFORE Rolex upped the price and just could not say no.
That ended up being my first "luxury" watch (which I got myself for hitting a major '5 Years Sober' milestone, just hit 7 in January!) and while I have purchased other pieces since then, it's still my favorite in the collection. But I was SO READY to walk out of that AD with a GS on my wrist. Possibly the White Birch, I can't remember if ADs had them yet or not at that point, but I know I went to look at GS that day.
I'm not a strap guy at all, so my main gripe (as with many) is with the bracelets/clasps.
The cases, dials, finishing, and what's inside no matter the GS piece are all just insanely well-done. But the bracelet/clasp on the models I've gravitated toward always leave me wanting more for the money. If Tudor/Omega (or even someone like Monta, who makes an INSANELY good bracelet and clasp IMO) can do it, and GS can perfect the other parts of the piece, I believe they can do it too. I need to go check them out again at an AD soon and see if anything has improved. I really want to see the White Birch Hi-Beat AND Spring Drive side by side... But I plan on getting something special again if I hit 8 years Sober, and a White Birch may just be it. I'm one of the few who like the wide bracelet without a taper (on this watch at least), but it NEEDS to fit well for that kind of money. And obviously not having micro-adjustment makes that a bit more difficult. Sometimes an AD will be willing to see if they can size it for me beforehand, but not always. I just don't want to spend that much saved up on something that fits just a bit too tight or loose to be noticeably uncomfortable throughout the day.
/coffee fueled post, enjoy that first step up into the World of "luxury" brotha!
A GS is SUCH a great choice (whether a 9F Quartz, Hi-Beat, Spring Drive in whatever case etc) for anybody's first "big" watch purchase.
4 minutes 40 seconds spree frung instead of free sprung. Hahahhaha.
Still done better than I ever could love the videos thank you
My wife just picked up the SBGA413 and the whole package blows away everything else in its price range. The fact that we could walk into our AD and pick up a GS without a waitlist or being vetted on previous purchases is also a big sell. Now I feel like I've got the GS bug and want a variation of their models and I think one of their high beat models may be next on the list. The other big sell is I'm a low key guy and I don't want some random person on the street to know I have a Rolex on my wrist since they are so recognizable, but a watch person will see the GS and understand what a special piece it is and not just a flex.
In the charming town of Watchville, where time seemed to move at its own pace, a group of watch enthusiasts gathered at the local cafe, sipping on espressos and discussing their beloved timepieces. Among them was Ethan, a jovial watch collector with a penchant for playful banter.
As the conversation veered towards Seiko's move to create a luxury range called "Grand Seiko," Ethan couldn't help but wear a mischievous grin. "Grand Seiko, huh? Is it just me, or does it sound like they're trying a bit too hard?" he chuckled.
His fellow enthusiasts raised their eyebrows, intrigued by Ethan's misgivings. "Come on now, Ethan. Grand Seiko watches are known for their craftsmanship and precision," said Tom, a devoted Grand Seiko fan.
"Oh, I don't doubt their quality," Ethan replied, "but let's be honest here. Slapping 'Grand' in front of 'Seiko' isn't exactly the pinnacle of creativity, is it? It's like calling a basic burger joint 'Grand Burger' and expecting it to become a five-star restaurant."
The table erupted in laughter, but Tom wasn't going to let this slide. "Well, it does convey the idea of elevated elegance and luxury," he retorted.
Ethan leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "Elevated, you say? I'd rather put my money into timepieces with names that sound like they belong in a fairy tale! Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, H. Moser & Cie, A. Lange & Söhne, Vacheron Constantin... now those are names that scream luxury and class!"
The group nodded, acknowledging the allure of the names Ethan mentioned. "Exactly! There's something captivating about those names that evoke dreams of timeless elegance and sophistication," said Grace, a collector of vintage watches.
Ethan continued with a grin, "But 'Grand Seiko'? It's like they ran out of ideas and just went, 'Let's throw in a fancy adjective and call it a day.' I mean, couldn't they have come up with something more enchanting?"
As the discussion playfully unfolded, they all agreed that while Grand Seiko watches were exceptional timepieces, the name left something to be desired in terms of evoking a sense of luxury and allure.
"So, when you see a Patek Philippe or a Vacheron Constantin, it's like stepping into a world of sophistication and heritage," Ethan said. "But 'Grand Seiko'? It's more like a well-dressed cousin who's trying a bit too hard to fit in at the fancy gala."
The conversation continued, filled with light-hearted teasing and shared laughter. In the end, they all cherished their love for watches, recognizing that while the name might raise an eyebrow, what truly mattered was the passion and appreciation they had for the artistry and craftsmanship that adorned their wrists. As they bid farewell to the cafe, their timepieces faithfully ticking, they knew that regardless of the name, the magic of horology would forever enchant their hearts.
A Seiko was the first nice watch my parents gave me. I’ve been a Seiko fan ever since. I bought a Grand Seiko just before the lockdowns started and it is my favorite watch and I wear it a lot more than my Omega’s. Huge fan of the brand and I think GS is knocking it out of the park with their technology and designs.
which Grand Seiko?
@@Bobbo123 spring drive 9r65. Solid Blue face. sbga375
I have this also. Don’t forget the 44GS case!
@@coyroy4339 yep. It’s such a great watch isn’t it?
how much was your gs buddy?
Mine is being delivered tomorrow. My level of anticipation has increased dramatically since watching your video. Thanks.
I have this watch, and it's beautiful. The bracelet is the low point of the watch, I did change it to leather and it is more wearable and lighter on the hand. Thank you for a great review.
Just went and seen that in person and put it on my wrist yesterday. It is an absolutely stunning watch. Walk through the whole store if you were too ask me which watch look the best even if I had no idea about grand Seiko, it would be that white birch
Chose the snowflake over the birch.
1. Liked the titanium - more and more every day - it’s invisible.
2. Snowflake dial is far more legible. And I prefer the relative simplicity of its indices
3. Both watches have spectacular movements, certainly the birch high beat is prettier and more entertaining, but the accuracy and perfect sweep of spring drive are completely unique in automatic watches.
4. The high beat is highly complex and servicing frequency and cost were a consideration as well.
I can really see why you purchased this absolutely terrific piece Teddy. It really does tick all of the right boxes. What a movement with 80 hour power reserve. I could see this watch being on the wrist of a large number of high powered Japanese businessman. Really great video.
Why just Japanese magnates?????
high powered Japanese guys will go for Rolex
@@aspOLmeR high Japanese businessman will have both the Grand Seiko and Rolex, you people are not watch people just clout preferancers
@@aspOLmeR no they won't. they care about heritage more than fake prestinge
I still say the S.D is the better movement, but i prefer automatic movements so im so interested to learn more about it , thanks teddy that was awesome.
I bought this watch for myself as a 40th birthday gift. I have been using it with pleasure for 7 months. The workmanship and quality are really high. It's a real strap monster because of its dial color, and it's especially compatible with gray straps.
Beautiful watch no doubt, even edging perfection! But I'm still satisfied with my wabi-sabi embellished Seiko Sarb 033
I was faced with the dilemma of choosing between the black birch or the lake suwa at dawn. Both watches had handsome dials. It took me 2 months to decide which watch to get. The decision finally came down to the beauty of the 9S movement vs the superior accuracy of the 9R.
The 9SA5 movement looks great but ultimately i favored the accuracy of the 9RA2 and ended up getting the SLGA021. Now, almost a month running, it has only deviated -0.5 seconds so far. I think I am pretty happy and super impressed with this choice.😊
If you would’ve been shopping between Rolexes you wouldn’t have the luxury to wait two months because they’d sell your piece in a heartbeat GS>Rolex any day of the week
@@jlopez1017d agreed 🥰
❤️ my White Birch, it sees more time on wrist than my Rolex's. The feel, look & Marvel of new stunning escarpment makes this my favorite watch. Congratulations on joining list of proud owners of this amazing work of art.
I got my White Birch last year after saving up for a year and looking up plenty of reviews and watch videos, including your earlier ones, as my first luxury watch. Awesome dial and beautiful movement! Besides the bracelet having no micro-adjustments, there's simply nothing that I'm not highly pleased with this watch.
Woah nice! May I know where you purchased?
It also looks amazing on a dark navy strap!
I have the Mistflake (SBGE285) and love it for many of the same reasons... a refined presence, immaculate detail and beautiful movement, it's a beautiful watch with its own distinct character. It's the watch I wear most often in my collection, being versatile enough for most situations.
I have the same watch. It is beautiful and has both a traditional and contemporary look which makes it a fantastic watch to wear casually or formally.
I have my GS Spring Drive and my Zenith El Primero high beat watch. That is the best of both worlds.
Beautiful watch!! Definitely going on my buy list.
Love this watch. Have 2 different colors cause it's such a versatile style.
I have the SLGA009 SD model as I prefer the dial but this movement is incredible. He also failed to mention this was the GPHG winner in 2021 I believe. I love it and will always be in my collection:) nice video Teddy!
Yes, the SLGA009 is my grail.
I too have SLGA009 and it’s my first true watch love
Yeah bought the Spring Drive White Birch as my very first expensive watch last year!
@@garrybeck216 I'm trying to decide between these two. Was Spring drive the main reason why you didn't pick the highbeat version?
@@frankg564 Yes
Grand Seiko is getting more attractive every day. I bought my Heritage SBGA413 "Spring" dial 2 years ago and absolutely love wearing it. Grand Seiko offers affordability, availability, and are hand made. Once GS adds micro-adjustment to its bracelets, the brand will take off in popularity worldwide. I also have the fortune to meet with Grand Seiko executives: Regional Vice President, Northeast Region François Bezault, and Vice President Russell Rowlands, at an event mid-May. I plan to offer my suggestion to improve the bracelet and add a quick change bracelet option too.
The SLGH watches are beautiful. It would be even betten in smaller sizes. For a 36-37 mm version of this watch I would instantly go to the boutique to buy.
im in the same boat if the whole range would be -2mm i would be in series trouble what to buy
Did I hear "spree frung"😂😂 4:43
Yes, you did!
I ended up getting an SLGH295, I couldn’t resist the frost blue dial. But I really liked this movement
The 9SA5 is awesome: 36,000 beat, slim (5.2mm), 80-hour power reserve, good accuracy (+/- 4 sec/day), 5-year warranty...what's not to like? The SLGH005 even won a Grand Prix in 2021! Pricing is rather high at US$9,100 (official price), and the accuracy of early examples (production in 2020 and 2021) was poor (some off by 8 sec/day). But at about 175g, it is simply too heavy for me. So I opted for a SLGH017 (the titanium version) that weighs only 125g. Due to depreciation of yen, I got a Japanese domestic example (with 8-year warranty) at a good discount (about 20%). I am a happy owner of two GS now, the other one I bought 20 years ago (also titanium, still running at about +/- 3 sec/day). Of course I could have bought two Rolex instead, but that's just too crass for me.
I love Grand seiko but I have yet to buy one of their watches. And the reason why I hesitate is because I just haven't found the watch for me. My wrist is on the smaller side, and I need micro adjustments. I almost bought the lake bewah spring drive evo watch but again it didn't fit like I'd hoped. I'm hoping that they start to make smaller watches eventually, especially thinner watches. Interestingly though I think zenith competes pretty well as far as movement finishing goes at the price range. One of my daily wears is my Captain elite dual timer and the finishing on this movement is incredible for a $4,000 watch.
These are fantastic pieces!! If they'd add some nice lume to dial and fix that non-adjustable bracelet clasp and add 2mm of taper... it was be near perfect. One of my favorite offerings from GS!
Beautiful! Without black letters it would hace been Nicer, it's writen inside the movement
An endearing review of a fabulous watch.
You’re always fair and accurate.
I just can’t get over the dam bracelet.
I have a GO seventies panorama date on a bracelet and it’s mind glowingly good.
If GS did a bracelet like IWC or GO they wouldn’t have much of a weakness. And I would buy one in a hi beat. I mean heartbeat 😊
Teddy, love the video and a fan of seiko, especially the traditional automatic over the spring drive. Aside from the beauty of the dial and movement, I struggle with the value proposition when a DateJust yields better accuracy for similar cost.
If only Seiko gives more QC to their normal lines as much as Grand Seiko lines too
Thanks you!!!
Beautiful watch. The strap between the lugs is too similar to my Presage "Sharpedge" GMT, I'd love to see a comparison on finishing etc. Teddy! Thank you for the insightful video as always.
I got the slga009 while I was in Ginza last month. Can't beat that smooth sweep! Spring drive all the way.
Went for an evolution 9, niiiiicccceeee
I have the white birch spring drive SLGA009. Love the look and the spring drive. 5 days power reserve, still accurate within a second after wearing for a fortnight.
Thought I would try the Hi Beat 9SA5 movement so I bought the SLGH013. As soon as I got it it was gaining 11s a day. After owning it for 3 weeks GS said to bring it in for service. 3.5 months later I’m still waiting for it to return from Japan. I have been told to expect to wait another month. Not Ideal!
In summary the white birch spring drive is great. I wouldn’t recommend the hi-beat. My IWC Mark XIIX which has an ETA movement keeps better time.
I too took the plunge with this model in particular for the 9SA5…now, just imagine what this would cost, and what certain watch “journalists” would say if this exact watch (and others) came out of Switzerland…
PREACH! Can't wait until GS is recognized for all its greatness!
This has nothing to do with switzerland but with some specific brands.. you overpay for brands like Rolex but the value of a Longines is just as good as that of a GS.
I've been lucky enough to have this watch on my wrist almost everyday for the past 2 years. Was sold by the movement but now appreciate the dial even more -- it just comes to life in different lighting
Meanwhile, they're not selling... I've seen one at my local AD going for -20% as a sale. I've been considering it, though.
On my list. Thanks
This watch is amazing!
I also own this watch - it is arguably one of my most beautiful pieces, it makes me smile every time I wear it. The fit, finish, dial and proportions are cherry - I have a larger wrist, 7.5", and typically wear 42-43mm watches, but this one has exceptional wrist presence. Is it perfect? No... for me the lack of a quick micro adjust on the bracelet is not ideal - it fits me well "as is", but I think at this price point it needs to become the norm as it will likely force me to add a half-link in the summer. My second issue was mine was running +14s fast per day, so I sent it back after just 90 days to be regulated - they returned it to me and now it runs -2s to +2s per day... I think if GS is going to boast about the accuracy of the High Beat movement, then it needs to be delivered at COSC accuracy levels. All that said, I absolutely love the piece - it truly is eye candy.
My first and only Seiko watch was a Kinetic, gold case, very beautiful and interesting mechanism, but lasted for only some months, to repair they asked as much as a new one. This watch of the video, have 36kHz oscillator, but the second hand moves only at 3Hz or 4Hz! I'm unable to find any Seiko interesting, I still have that lasting impression. The Kinetic could have been an astounding invention, an almost perpetual watch, without the wear of an automatic and without the use of batteries or even the sunlight - but they couldn't get it right, unfortunately.
Man, I must be the only one that isn’t a fan of this watch. Idk why it just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe it looks better in person?
I don't know if I'm being too close minded, but I don't see use for watches that are not antimagnetic anymore. Especially at this price..
The Hi Beat 36000 movement is a legitimate movement unlike the Spring Drive which really can’t be taken seriously because of the quartz factor. The Hi Beat is the only movement that is on par with and should be compared with the Swiss.
You have no clue how the spring drive works or you wouldn’t have typed that. Do your homework
@@robertholmesiii4165 Oh but I do!
You can’t compare apples and bowling balls.
You glossed over the Achilles heel of this new movement, the significant accuracy issues.
Mine is more than +10 seconds/day.
The Watchuseek thread on this watch is filled with stories of owners' frustrations with the accuracy. Many have sent it back to Japan for months for regulation, only for it to return and still be very inaccurate.
I would recommend holding off on buying a watch with this movement until GS is better able to regulate. The purpose of a watch is to tell time after all.
The white birch is beautiful but this on in person is so “silvery” that I struggle to actually read the time. I prefer the spring drive version’s dial. But really I just prefer the night birch! These are heavy watches on steel and the titanium of the night birch, along with the legibility, is killer.
The White Birch is the best production Grand Seiko watch out there. The 9SA5 is a super premium movement. No other movement can claim high beat AND 80 hrs power reserve.
Owner of the green variant here (SLGH011)… my biggest complaint is the complete absence of any lume. I know they want to keep it clean but just a bit of lume on the hands would make this watch useful in the dark.
Although the 9S movement is nice it is no comparison to this mew movement. GS finally upped their movement game!
I listened to this video in high beat 2X video mode. Help me decide this watch is for me. Smooth high beat fast accurate video delivery. 😊 Anyway, the dial is also amazing.
It is a shame for such a well engineered and crafted watch to be let down by its bracelet. If Zelos can develop an effective on-the-fly, micro-adjustment deployant clasp, then Seiko sure can.
Have the “Burch” in both the Hi-Beats and Spring Drive versions and there is a little difference in the two dials. I personally like the Hi-Beats dial better but that’s just me. As for the movements, you’re simply way more knowledgeable than I’ll ever be or frankly need to be and will take your analysis as Gospel.
Thx Teddy…well done.
They should remove the “hi beat 36000 80 hours” writing on the bottom of dial. It looks cheap with all that text.
I recently bought a GS 9f and am blown away with the accuracy and finishing. I don't think I can go back to an auto after this. Will definitely consider a spring drive in the future.
My first GS is a 9F SBGP003. Gained 2 seconds in 5 months. I recently resynced it because of a battery change.
My second GS is a 9RA2 lake suwa at dawn slga021. I have only owned it a little over 3 weeks and it has deviated -0.5 seconds this whole time. If you are thinking about a spring drive, i highly recommend a 9RA2.😊
I tried it on the other day (looking to see if it’s my grail watch), and it IS stunning.
However, it wore really big, the black/brown? birch wears a lot smaller.
The bracelet, sadly, isn’t as refined as some other watches in the same price range though.
Keep coming with the Grand Seiko videos.
thanks to Teddy, i have to make an Excel spreadsheet to hold my watch acquisition list. AND practice my public 'see my watch' poses. yes, poses...
Teddy, when is the contest/giveaway for this one? I would love to win one! 😎
Great video - I completely agree that the ground-breaking innovation in the escapement of this watch has been weirdly ignored by the watch media. The fact that there has been so much attention on the DIAL (FFS..) rather than the movement epitomises everything that is wrong with the watch media and watch enthusiast community right now.
I don’t think a lot of them get it. They get the high beat aspect and get the 80 hours power reserve but most of them don’t get the significance of the two together. Unlike TB most of the watch TH-camrs don’t have original thoughts. They just repeat what everyone else is saying for the all important thumbs ups.
Way better than any non precious metal Rolex….the quality difference isn’t even close
Not a huge Rolex fan but their movements are far more accurate than the GS HI Beat
@@Melontheyoutuber he's talking about fit and finish though, not accuracy. I thought watch collectors didn't care so much about accuracy since they sneer at quartz watches since its so easily achieved. Seems like once you start talking about automatic watches, goes back to that accuracy debate as a sign of quality. Watch enthusiasts are a weird bunch. imo I wouldn't own a GS unless its a spring drive.
Saw this in real life. Feels like they make the watch from a top workshop then buy the huge non tapered bracelet from some random manufacturer. The gap between the bracelet and lug is shameful for this price. Way lower quality than a Rolex bracelet.
Earlier this year I wanted a luxury watch to celebrate my milestone 75th birthday. Looked a Rolex. Just that, looked, as none could be found for purchase. Then learned about GS's Spring Drive. Plus I just walked in off the street at my GS AD and walked out with a SLGA 415. I looked at 3 different Spring Drive models, SLGA 211, 413, and the 415. Had the 413 had a Red second hand, I would of went with it. I liked the heft of the Titanium case. I also liked the power reserve on the dial front. Only minor dislikes is the lack of a micro adjustment bracelet, and the Gold Logo hiding some of the movement on the back. If my name ever comes up for the Roles model I selected, I'll pass. GS won me over.
Spoken like a true connisour. I have the same watch. I wear it on rotation with my Rolex. People who recognize the GS are the ones who I can carry on deep and meaningful conversations with.
4:40
Teddy says "Spree Frung" instead of free sprung 🤣
This is a fabulous movement and watch.
I would own a GS one day if they have same consistency
Thank you Grand Seiko for not adding micro adjustment to the clasps. If they do, they will be taking my money left and right:)
I have one spring drive just to admire and experience the smooth second hand. That's it!
Please review the IWC Pilot Mark XX
Anyone know the model number for the watch on the right at 0:06
Value for money!
With the lousy bracelet, inaccurate movement and busy dial that is hard to read the time, I think this worth max $5k. Don’t buy this one new. One should only get it secondhand for at least 30% off. Don’t quite understand why you’re praising it for $10k.
There is a small typo in your Spring Drive web page: Credo -> Credor.
I have the Snowflake and it is my favorite watch. I would love to get the hi beat, but can’t justify spending another 10 grand on a watch.
beautiful watch. but i would always choose the spring drive.
i'm pretty sure, there is a snowflake coming with that 9R02 calibre - so the power reserve on the back like on that beautiful birch.
The whole thing sounds a lot like a GS commercial. The SLGH005 is really a beautiful watch and the dial and hands are really exceptional in terms of their workmanship, this is offset by an average steel bracelet with no fine adjustment and really soft steel which makes the case and bracelet extremely sensitive. The biggest problem, however, is the overhyped 9SA5 movement. The accuracy of the mechanical movement is a joke for this price range, deviations of 6-10 seconds are the norm for many delivered watches and not the exception for a watch that costs €10,000 including VAT in Europe. But even worse is the fact that many calibers soon deviate massively after regulation and the service from GS is bad. The Japanese should take an example from Omega or Rolex in terms of accuracy.
I got the white birch preowned not knowing about the teething issues with the new 9SA5 movement running fast at 15 to 20 sec fast. It is a beautiful movement no doubt but its claimed accuracy suffers. I wish these youtubers would talk about it more so grand seiko would take notice. Thank god for the 5year warranty.. at least.
The movement is a beauty that doesn’t hold up in terms of performance
Seiko has done lots for horology. So much innovation.
I wonder how much longer until GS gets the respect it deserves, just like japanese cars through the 60s-80s
Thank you Teddy! As usual your reviews are the best and most informative. I like this watch a lot. I wish it was made out of Titanium, like the GS “Snow flake”, which I own and love. The bracelet is another weakness. No on the fly adjustments or at least micro adjustments. GS has to learn from Tudor, IWC and Glashutte Original how to design their bracelets. Other than that I love to look at this movement. Gorgeous finish and immaculate design. GS is the “Lexus” of the watch industry.
Dual Impact Escapement seems to be merely half a Daniel’s Escapement.
Screwdown crown securing 100m water resistance. Come on Teddy. It's the seals not the screwdown.
Very beautiful watch...but like several others who commented, some of these watches are damaged when received--I'm talking about the really deficient accuracy. From what I understand, it's hit or miss--some watches are accurate and others are not. It's a bit of a gamble. My $250 Seiko is far more accurate than the birch I used to own.
Bothers me to see the finish on the back of the case at this price point. Or was it damaged? Anyone notice it?
I'd go with the Lyrique Etude No. 1
If grand seiko would just learn how to make a bracelet they would win
I have used 3 versions of GS
And it's disappointing in a lot of ways
Comfortable wearing is only white Birch
But despite this, I found that
There's a huge lack of precision
My white Burch run + 17 seconds a day
And have different when temperatures change at night and day
In my country GS do not have watchmaker to service this because they need special tools
they should send it back to Japan only and I decide to sell it.
I don't want to say anything for compared with Rolex
But trust me Rolex is much better watch.
Teddy, do you like grand seikos hi beat better than zeniths hi beat? Maybe you can compare GS, Longines, and Zenith Hi Beat movements for us. Im curious
I really like the way the white birch looks, and I've actually been mentally preparing to buy it. But with the accuracy issues that so many people have reported, I can't justify buying one. Many people on online forums report that the hi beat movement runs fast, like 10-20 seconds per day fast even after demagnetization and/or servicing from GS. People love to say that if you're buying mechanical watches, you can't expect accuracy. I agree that you can't expect quartz accuracy, but the reported ranges of deviance are unacceptable to me. A $9000 watch needs to be able to tell time. I am paying not only for the finishing, but for the engineering, otherwise it's no different from a bracelet. I don't own a huge collection of watches and wear a different one every day, so I don't want to have to reset it every 3 days. Once it reaches 1-2 minutes fast then maybe I'll be a minute late for a meeting. Realistically it'll make me check my phone for the time while I wear a $9000 paperweight on my wrist.
Luckily I guess I can buy an SLGA 009. Although the dials are different, the accuracy and engineering are impressive to me, so that's probably what I'm going to end up doing.
People who value accuracy above all else should probably consider the Spring Drive movements. Even so I still love the technology in the 9SA5 movement and it is good to see there is still innovation to be had in classical non-quartz mechanical movements.
Spree Frung
I personaly think tudor and rolex do it pretty well
Amazing graphics demonstrating the movement, well done! Another outstanding effort, thanks Teddy