Grand Seiko 'White Birch' Review - Worth the cost?
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- Опубликовано: 18 мар 2021
- #grandseiko #slgh005
Shout out to my father. Love you Dad
Thank you Royal Jewelers in Andover MA! Contact them here, super great to work with-
Bill@RoyalJewelers.com
Gilead@RoyalJewelers.com
(978) 475-3330
royaljewelers.com/watches/ 
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![Grand Seiko White Birch, Fantastic Watch With A Few Concerns - Owner's Review [SLGH005]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yM-M0EOd1ng/mqdefault.jpg)
GS really seem to be on a roll these days, gorgeous watch & a lot more interesting than a traditional seen it all before Swiss equivalent..
@@williamstalvey6920 not
@@williamstalvey6920 please explain how omega is better than GS ?
@@thegraciefighter102 heritage is better but GS finishing and quality of watch is much better
@@Alexander-xv5lf fair comment
@@thegraciefighter102 thanks Mike! I am young collector of South Korea. I loved watches since i was teenager. It is really fascinating
Seamaster 300 black and White birch is indeed a killer combo, congrats, a refined watch enthusiast collection Mr Williams!
About 49+yrs ago I purchased a Grand Seiko 5645-8000 linen dial, hi-beat movement when I was in Japan . It came on braclet and was one of the most beautiful watches I had seen . If memory serves, I bought that watch in 1972 . It's still in immaculate condition and I recently sent it to Japan for service. It's back and just as beautiful and accurate as ever . In my opinion, one of the most beautiful watches GS has made . Great video Bruce . Thanx
That's amazing sir, I have a similar goal when I visit Japan. A timepiece with that level of craftsmanship and longevity is a monument to human achievement.
So cool thanks for sharing Tim!
Bought this beauty just yesterday.. still on a buyers' high..
It is 'dressed' like the Swiss movements, with the polished screws, beveling and striping on the bridges. Just gorgeous, the dail, blued secondshand, markers and the finish on the bracelet.
The full package is just stunning.
I just picked one up for $6250 Love it so beautiful
Sadly no micro adjustement on the bracelet
@@ShepProudfootthat’s ok, they look amazing on leather bands from what I can see. Switch to leather for summer and back to bracelet during winter. The detail on this watch is insane.
Your dad has great taste. I have a Grand Seiko in my future! Really like it. As for the text on the dial, I do like it. It actually adds some balance to the look to have something down there rather than an expanse of white birches!! Excellent review..
Totally agree re balance. Sometimes I feel like some dials (like Lange Saxonia thin for example) have maybe too much negative blank space
The dial “Advertising” verbiage does not in any way bother me. Green Hulk has SIX lines (7 lines if you include “Swiss Made”) so to me it is a non-issue. Also, BW SR, I am jealous of your truly stunning GS! Well done sir, well done.
Disagree, I think if it was a clean look outside of the "Grand Seiko GS" it would be a little more perfect
It certainly would be a cleaner dial, but I still don’t mind the text either way. That’s the nice thing about watches, they’re all different.
@@brikhausgaming9474 Do you think that the Grand Seiko SLGH005 White Birch is a good investment, do you think that it will keep its value or even increase in value if you decide to sell it in years to come.
No, that stuff belongs on a 70's Rolex. That's why Credor is my go-to Seiko brand
I think this White Birch has the potential to be like iconic pieces from Grand Seiko like the Snowflake
100
@@BruceWilliams Let's be honest, it's a far higher quality watch than the snowflake...two years ago I would have said GS releasing a steel watch at this price point was a mistake. But if people are going to fork out $10k for a no date sub, then they've priced this exactly right. It has something a little extra that will attract people, both dial and movement, and justifies the price.
@@BruceWilliams Do you think that the Grand Seiko SLGH005 White Birch is a good investment, do you think that it will keep its value or even increase in value if you decide to sell it in years to come.
For sure.
@@daveboy1247 for sure it will hold its value but i don't think it's a watch that will give u 2k profit
I think your dad is way ahead of the curve in regards to picking the 'best' watches. What a pair of watches. Should be a lot of pride in that family of yours, both you and your Father are exemplary in my opinion. Great video. Going to cost me lots of money. Wasn't long after the black Omega SMP that I bought mine. Oh well, GS AD here I come!
Pure class. I was lucky enough to see/hold one in the metal at my local AD a few weeks ago. It is absolutely stunning in person, and in my humble opinion, worth every single penny. A grail watch for your’s truly. Good on you, Bruce Sr. Wear it in good health.
Great piece and a very thorough review. One of the reasons for the 80 hour power reserve is the development by Grand Seiko of a brand new escapement. Not only is the new movement thinner and much more well laid out than previous GS high beat models, but this movement utilizes a dual impulse escapement that debuted in the SLGH003. This escapement is more efficient than a swiss lever, which I imagine helps the watch toward its longer power reserve. I didn't hear you mention the new escapement when you were discussing the movement, so I thought I would throw this comment up. Cheers!
he actually mentioned it off the top
I own four Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches - 015, 025, 275, and 285 - and I appreciate greatly their accuracy and beauty. I do not believe I will ever go back to fully mechanical watches.
I hate you! Not really. I’m just jealous! Nice collection! One day.
@@vleeflo1 I'm jealous too! That sounds like a banger collection.
so just get the 009 😆
Purchased this watch yesterday. I have never been so excited about handing someone my atm who had the intention of charging it for 9k
Great Watch perhaps the most beautiful non limited. More iconic, however, is the slgh003 because it is quite limited and was the first SS with 9sA. It also commemorates 60 years of GS. This movement ticks all the boxes for me
I agree, I purchased the 003 Quick, it's has a few things over the birch. It has diamond cut faceted indexes, 18K sold GS logo on the dial and bracelet, better deep engraved Annivesary rotor, the watch itself and movement are separately individually numbered. The birch is nice as well.
This is my new grail watch - it is simply stunning. Big congrats to Bruce senior, I think you made an excellent choice indeed!
My new grail too - with some bracelet changes it would be close to perfection.
One comment from a Graphic Designers perspective regarding text or no text on the dial. In Graphic Design we talk about the Design Grid. E.g if something is placed top left, something should be placed bottom right in a layout etc to achieve a balance. If you remove the bottom text , it becomes an inbalance of the layout and less harmonious. So its not only a matter of wheather or not the words are obsolete, its the fact that some text needs to be placed there to get a balance with the top text.
That is the definition of text for the sake of text. Time for a revolution!
@@BruceWilliams yea, its a tough one. I'd like to see what it would look like moving the date to just above the 6 o clock marker and one achieves much more dial 'balance' that way. I think Im going to do a mock up of this in Photoshop and post here as a link if I got the time haha
A very considered and professional review. I own this watch and adore the dial, and like the hour markers and hands. I appreciate the clever movement. I like this watch so much that I sold a few months old Datejust 41 silver dial with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet retrospectively to cover the purchase price. Which was about the same as that Rolex was new. Because this GS is a more beautiful watch. As another point of respect, the movement is more sophisticated than that in the Rolex. I do wish that the White Birch had a more tapered bracelet. I am happy with the text on the dial. Like GS, I’m proud of the achievements in the movement. A superlative timepiece.
Bruce, your father has taste, class and style to buy this beauty! I wish him all the enjoyment he get out of it! Best wishes, Bart
I think I have to agree on that beautiful dial " Hi beat 36000 and 80 Hours" text is a little draw back, but I could live with it 😊
For sure haha
@@BruceWilliams completely agree (i would have picked up a snowflake ages ago but for the goofy oil gauge ruining the dial - stick all such on the back if you need it)
Just bought my first Grand Seiko. I know your dad will love his watch!
It's a pretty big deal 36000 at 80 hrs that's why it's on the dial pride of place.
Ruins the dial
@@my2l not for me.
You're right. That's pretty freaking impressive
Yeah, he whiffs on the High Beat label.
I saw this watch in person in NC last week. It in no way takes away from this watches provenance. In fact it sets it apart from the spring drive and gives the owner a chance to educate admirers.
I tried it on today in Kyoto and it was absolutely stunning. I had always thought I'd buy the Snowflake but now this is has overtaken it on my wishlist!
Most watches, and those beautiful Grand Seikos especially should get rid of the date window asap. The dial is the main selling point and they're ruining it with this hideous window that honestly no one needs anymore.
It's nice to share the same hobby with your dad 👍 btw, great choice sir!
It's time to replace my speedmaster. I had my mind set on the spring drive, titanium snowflake but now leaning towards the white birch. The Zaratsu polished finish is simply stunning. The down side, there's a 3 month wait for the GS white birch!! ARGG!
Why couldn’t they have given that bracelet a taper to say 16-17mm this would be perfect! With that said, one hell of a watch!
I completely agree with you.
It's terrible as is. Literally the antithesis to the watch is the bracelet....
@@zachscheel3784 I would say it’s terrible, it’s very well made. If just needs those things in my opinion to be 10/10 right now it’s a 7/10
Incredible. They removed the stamp on the back. Beautiful.
I own this watch and there is a stamp on the back but it is hardly visible, like a watermark
@@SketeStevens 2:57min - stealth indeed
Thanks Bruce. Gorgeous watch, worth the price, agree with your enhancements.
such an eye candy. Not many watches could be justified at this price, this one could I would say. The movement alone is stunning.. The dial, all those polishing edges and all.. So much work went into this watch. Lovely. Also, completely agree about the text on the face. I also think there is too much text on the movement as well.
I purchased my Snowflake recently. Wish I would have known that this baby was coming!
completely different watches. congrats on the snowflake!
Have to agree congrats, I would still take the snowflake if you consider the price
I think they will improve the snowflake at some point, slim it down a bit. When that happens and the current models crash in prices (like what happened when they changed the logo), I might swoop in and pick one up.
I like the spring drive movement better. The Snowflake easily holds it's own against this model
I got the snowflake recently but no regrets. Snowflake will forever be GS's icon. It's almost synonymous with Spring Drive and although GS is making big moves with high beats, spring drive is undoubtedly still one of their largest selling points...if anything, this watch is more a 2nd GS piece..you alrdy got their spring drive tech, time to play with other GS movements
Listen, I love the dial and it’s nice that the movement is thinner, but 22mm lugs is too wide for my SKX let alone a smaller 40mm dress watch.
Congratulations Bruce Senior. Good buy and wear in good health. With this type of movement, it makes one wonder how much it will costs if it’s on AP, Patek or VC.
Micro adjusts would increase the size of the clasp and rigidity. Omega constellation is fine and elegant without micro adjust, although there are half links. Within GS the 3/4 links means there is 1/4 adjustment if you replace a full link with a 3/4 link. Sounds fine by me...two 3/4 links when replacing two full links is 1/2 link! This GS is obviously worth the price hike!
It may be superfluous, but they literally only put the details which you were praising in the first half of the video. Maintaining that beat rate for that amount of time is impressive and they deserve to put it on the dial
Congratulations Mr. Bruce Williams Sr. on your new Grand Seiko, it is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy in good health.
Bruce, your review is fantastic. Awesome channel, thank you for your wonderful work.
I agree the price really concerned me because it’s as expensive as a Rolex but doesn’t have world wide following and probably won’t keep its value as well . BUT having seen it the dial and watch are amazing and more impressive than any Rolex , so I guess it is worth it if any watch can be for the price.
About to purchase myself too and also have a daily Omega SM300.
Nice review thank you. That white birch is quite mesmerising.
I love that watch, the dial, the movement...everything about it! Congratulations to your Dad.
Well having now tried one on I’ve completely changed my mind about this watch. It is stunning, just stunning. A bit pricey for me, but that dial, a new movement, the hype, got to be worth the price.
This is not only a technologic marvel but also a work of art.
Hi Bruce, in German we would say: this is a hammer 😃 This watch is just amazing, the dial is beautiful and I also guess that the thinner case is an improvement. And still GS flies under the radar what is an advantage from my perspective. What do I think overall? Would like to have this timepiece. BR Uwe
I agree. I too do not like seeing the Hi Beat/80 Hours text on the dial. However, the Spring Drive label is always nice to see and I appreciate that placement
I agree with the superfluous text. I don't mind it being there but it does remind me of vintage GS, King Seiko and Lord Marvel. For example, my Lord Marvel 5740-8000 has an applied 'Seiko' logo below the 12 applied marker and a printed 'Lord Marvel' followed by '36000' below that. It was much more important to advertise the technological innovation back in 1967 when Seiko introduced the in-house movement. I think removing the text on the 'White Birch' would change the dial aesthetic in a positive way and give the watch a more understated elegance. The case geometry is very nice, the dial is wonderful and the movement is a technical marvel. Your father has been very blessed.
I think this is the most iconic grand Seiko ever made and it is already a legend to me.
IF GS were about 15% cheaper across the board, I believe they could sideline the entire Swiss watch industry.
You choose wise sir ,enjoy it,I hope some day to own this buety
Congratulations to your father's choice. It's a great piece that adds to GS line up of icons across the watch technology spectrum from pure quartz, spring drive, and mechanical. The innovations in this piece's movement and the execution are a wonder to behold. I'm with you on the text above the six o'clock - it's superfluous, and I might add that the GS logo alone should be enough.
6:51 To add; case height I am finding is a HUGE deal in making or breaking, perhaps one of the most under-scored features / concerns!
Completely agree with your views. Text on the dial is superfluous, especially given where Grand Seiko is as a brand.
Totally agree with you about using the dial as a vehicle for promotional literature. Rolex seems like the worst but the practice is rampant.
For me its a total keeper. As a person with a smaller wrist the 1 mm smaller dial, compared to the snowflake, makes a big difference.
I love the lack of a power reserve and I agree with you on the not-needed text on the dial and the lack of micro-adjustment but this would be perfect imo if the bracelet was also visibly tapered.
that movement reminds me of patek. its unbelievable for a grand seiko to have a movement just as beautiful as a patek.
Very nice watch, not overly done, just perfect.
Congrats 👏 to your Dad. Thanks for sharing.
Wow that’s an amazing looking watch!! Congrats Mr Bruce Williams SR
That movement is visually and technically stunning! Hope the watch has been treating your father well Bruce.
The attention to detail does not disappoint, such a beautiful model.
Best looking and finished GS movement to date.
I agree with you that the appearance of the watch face is diminished due to the superfluous advertising verbiage. I have a Winter, which I LOVE!
This timepiece is about 175g! It’s a nice piece, but weighs more than a submariner, yet thinner than a Submariner.
Density is nice
Some of us like heavier watches, that said having tried it on it doesn’t feel heavy.
Glad to see a new bracelet from GS.
Cracking two watch collection, agree about the text, a slight exaggeration but it's like wearing the tags on the outside of your clothes. This watch on is £8500 in the UK, is it worth it......... would have to see it in the real but would probably say yes.
This dial is mesmerizing! Love it.
I've held this watch in Bern and it's stunning, but I share your view on the superfluous dial litterature. I'd love to see this movement in an integrated bracelet type case. Cheers from Switzerland for the nice channel !
Congrats Bruce, your dad has bought a watch that would be handed to you, and you to your son. 😊
Great reiew! I have to tell you, it is worth the money, amazing craftsmanship, artistry and technology incorporated in this piece. It doesnt bother me at all that announces the 80 h PR and the 5 herts info, for you could be irrelevant because of your knoweledge in watches, but for new enthusiasts it is a good piece of information that allows them to see the watch in a new dimension. The dial is just stunning and the fact that its idea came from the trees around the lab makes it more interesting. the polishing is bold and works so well. honestly I am just discovering Grand Seiko. I am impressed.
Thanks for your reviews, you are great
MR Williams sr obviously has impeccable taste! What a one two. The omega being the jab and the GS is the knock out. Congrats on your purchase.
I think it would be better off without the "80 HOURS" on the dial. However, the "HI - BEAT" is of historical significance for both the GS and KS lines.
True, but also reinforcing the tradition of it. I wish watch designers would look more to the future
@@BruceWilliams don't you think mechanical watchmaking is about holding onto the traditions while staying contemporary with a foot on the future?
@@MDVH92 some traditions yes, but not all 👍
Wow! Your dad has great taste Bruce. This is such a beautiful watch 😊👍
Great review, and some good points. Disagree about removing the text on the bottom part of the dial. For my eye, it needs that text for balance. That's a lot of blank real estate down there. I also owned the VC Overseas, and felt it also needed some text there for visual balance.
Unfortunately the 9SA5 movement seems to have loads of problems with accuracy (from forum feedback). The SLGA009 spring driver version (with the 9RA2 movement) seems to be a better, more bullet proof alternative to the original white birch.
Lovely watch. Congratulations to you dad! Great choice! 👏👏👏🤜🤛
Yes i agree a micro adjustment system on the strap would be great,i have a snow flake and that could do with an adjuster.
The first time I saw this piece I had to have it! The dial and movement make it amazing!
I agree with the suggestion that the dial would be more attractive, more elegant, without the writing on the dial.
Great review - very even handed and fair. I think you're spot on about superfluous text on watch faces - text jumps you out of the composition and degrades it. However it shows how beautiful this watch is that that effect is minimal.
Kudos for GS to be able to keep pushing with true innovation in what is becoming a crowded market sector.
That's an awesome watch. The text doesn't bother me at all. The movement is just wow. I'd take this over a rolex any day, every day. Your dad has great taste.
I own this watch and honestly did not even notice the text until it was pointed out, I quickly fell back into a trance starring at the dial
Um this is outstanding. The decoration on that movement is lovely.
Hi. I think it's still necessary to have the Hi Beat 36000 on the special dial that differentiates other grand seiko watches. It looks more high class and higher value piece of luxury watch. To me, this watch is so beautiful and eye catching, and even more prestigious than most Swiss made watches. Looking at the second hand movement so smooth and the dial so details,no other watches can challenge grand Seiko for this segment.
This watch is beautiful and delicate. Why in the f*ck would they include a mega chunky bracelet that's 22MM?! It's like they see a work of art and every time ask themselves, "How can we bring this down a peg". So exhausting...
Excellent timepieces, BW Sr. You're a man of style and substance!
Fantastic watch. But as a daily I still prefer the snowflake. White birch is a little too flashy. And as you mention the writing at the bottom doesn’t help. Spring drive is much cleaner and the understated beauty of the snowflake with the textured dial that shows in different light during the day but becomes almost untextured and very legible at night kills. But would be great to have both!
Well done Mr.B.W. Senior.Two lovely watches.Enjoy.Another excellent review from 'junior' !
Mr. Williams senior has an amazing taste. I wish him a lot of fun with his new beautiful watch.
I totally agree with you on the text dial. It is in some cases too much. Love your review on this watch. 👍👍😊
Way to go Dad! One of the honest watches on the market!
Thumbs up for a good review and congratulations to your dad. Agree that the text at bottom of the dial is unnecessary and calls attention that isn't necessary. The "Hi-beat and 80-hour power reserve" don't need to be mentioned because at the price of this watch customers are likely to already be knowledgeable and informed. Especially as pointed out by some of the other commenters here that this timepiece has a special escapement that puts GS in rarified watchmaking company. IMHO take out the bottom text and let that be the Grand Seiko statement, they don't need to explain or feel that more needs to be said...we'll happily vote with our dollars.
Congratulations on your new GS Mr. Williams Sr. you have great taste
The size of this watch is perfect. 39-40MM and 11-12mm thickness is perfect. I am going to buy the Tutor Black Bay 58 and this for this reason. Which one should I get first?
I've always admired the snowflake but the power reserve i found a little off putting, now I must admit the white birch has a more striking dial, I could definitely live with the text.
Your father's two piece collection is second to none, hats off to Mr Bruce Williams Sr.
Congrats to your father, Bruce! That's a perfect match with his Seamaster! I agree with most of your points, Bruce Jr. But I really think that the movement is absolutely STUNNING and deserves so much more attention! It's technically on the highest level and the finishing is on a whole other level compared to previous GS'! Just love it.
For me personally the dial would be too dominant to have a timeless appearance in my own collection. But if you're brave enough to wear it you get a real stunner on your wrist! Big congrats again to you, Mr. Williams Sr.! All the best from Germany
Hey Dad, totally jealous of this purchase. It's more than just gorgeous. Watchfinder put it like this, watches aren't always talked about and most people, when they wear a watch of this caliber, want to talk about them. When you wear a rolex or an omega, most people who will recognize it will only do so from the popular recognition. Real watch nerds will more likely talk to you about how what they have is better than yours. But when you wear a Grand Seiko, what you end up having is a real watch lover's conversation, one of movement and dials and finishing and all the joy that a watch brings to a watch lover. I think it's a great choice
Not gonna lie, this looks much better than any Rolex datejust
The hour hand is too short and should end in a point similar to the minutes hand. The bracelet should be tapered. I agree the print at the bottom of the dial is unnecessary. Also different colored hands might help with the legibility.
Have you ever seen a watch having similar length of hour and minute hands? I only know one and honestly it looks awkward for me.
@@leyay7540 Hi, What I mean it should be longer. Not the same size as the minutes hand but just a bit longer to reach/touch the hour markers. Also the end of the hour hand seems to be cut off. I wish it had a point similar to the minutes hand.
@@StevenHancz We don't need to read the hour hand as precise as the minute hand. Even the hour hand is shorter or blunted, it's still easy to know which hour, isn't it?
@@leyay7540 I agree. But I find it odd. It is missing symmetry. Seems that the hour hand has an arbitrary size. As it it also chopped off. Also the case should not have holes for the bracelet springs.
Bruce, excellent watch review! Though I have to disagree with your opinion about the Dial Literature (Hi Beat... 80 hours).
1.) It has been a GS tradition to spell out the watch’s function exactly on that spot just above the 6 o’clock.
2.) GS has several movement. Regular beat, Hi Beat, Spring Drive, Quartz.. It makes sense to Spell it out.
3.) Spelling out details like that has always been a Japanese tradition which i’m glad GS is sticking to.
4.) It creates a balance with the GS Marquee at 12 o’clock.
5.) I think the added contrast against the dial further brings out the texture of the dial.
Finally a "wooden" watch worth purchasing. ;-)
Yes, I think "High Beat" alone would be perfect.
Congrats to your Dad on the purchase
Wow, what a two watch collection. Superb.
Is there any discount from AD? I thought usually we can get 10% or so, but many people say GS doesnt do that anymore.
I agree... I wish more watchmakers would place the specs of the watch on the back and leave the dial with a cleaner look. Real estate on dials is precious so I'd rather see more of it especially with a dial this stunning.
I have a similar collection to your dad, white dial smp 300 and a GS skyflake, very happy with both watches
I thought Lange was (mostly) using swan neck regulation?
Most Lange watches are regulated by screws on the balance wheel; their swan neck regulator is used to adjust beat error.
@@leyay7540 Ahh, cool. Thanks.