Great video!! Here are my comparative points. I have owned the Snowflake twice, and had the chance to spend some time with the Shirakaba. To me, the Shirakaba has a much more comfortable, legible, luxurious look and feel. Everything that Derek says about the case dimensions works to give it great ergonomics for the wrist. The Snowflake is much lighter, but it doesn’t sit as easily on the wrist. The Shirakaba is noticeably heavier, but the 22mm lug width and shorter lug length actually make the bracelet and non-titanium weight add to the stability on the wrist. These same lug and case dimensions would probably make the Shirakaba better looking and fitting on a strap. I had problems getting my Snowflake bracelet to fit. I could get it too tight or too loose, it not just right. So I tried to switch to a strap. It looked awkward, with a large gap between the strap-end and the 6 and 12 o’clock sides of the case. The dreaded “strap gap”! This will not happen with the Shirakaba’s shorter lugs. The Shirakaba’s dial and innovative hand-set work together to make time-reading clear and fast. This was definitely not the case with the Snowflake. Admittedly, my eyes are aging, and I found that, conditions of lower light, the dial and narrow, sharply pointed hands would lose contrast with each other, essentially washing out the dial. This the the main reason I ended up selling the Snowflake. With the Shirakaba, the hands are wider and have more area given over to matte and polished surfaces, which gives the eye more to look for. The hour hand is very wide, and has a flat, non-pointed end that matches the indices on the dial as it passes them. It also has the longitudinal matte channel down the center, which provides more visual surface for the eye to find. It also harmonizes with the channels in the indices. I tried looking at the dial in low light at the dealer, and it was much more legible than the Snowflake. Like Derek says, the Shirakaba’s dial can look shimmery, like platinum sparkles. This is how the dial looked to me most of the time, under the dealer’s very white lighting. It gave the watch a luxurious lapidary look I liked very much. In that light, I actually thought more about jewelry and precious gems, and not so much about white birch! For me, the Snowflake’s main attraction was the Spring Drive. Many people report their Snowflake’s accuracy at several seconds per MONTH, so it is amazingly accurate. But for look and feel, I was altogether impressed by the Shirakaba, much more so than the Snowflake.
Great points Greg! When it comes to legibility you are spot on with your assessment of the Shirakaba's dial and you definitely opened my eyes to the wider hour hand being easier and faster to read compared to slim or slender hands. I also would agree that the Shirakaba will fit much better on the wrist due to its lower center of gravity and short lugs hugging the wrist better. Even for my 6.5 wrist, it wears really comfortable and is extremely well built. I'd choose the Shirakaba if I wanted to rely soley on the build and feel of the watch, but I'd choose the Snowflake purely for the titanium and spring drive, a watch that I could wear and kind of forget that I have it on.
Great comparison and review! Kudos for not resorting to clickbait titles and over-sensationalizing the SLGH005 release. SLGH005 and SBGA211 are both lovely watches.
Thanks for checking it out! Yes, I wanted to give a fair review to the SLGH005 and not rush into just saying its better than the Snowflake because its shinier or has a new movement. I think people think this will be the next Snowflake and I honestly don't think that will happen and I don't think GS will replace the Snowflake with the White Birch. They can co-exist and just show what direction GS is heading.
@@АлександрАлександрович-т8ж6й its a quartz regulated mech movement. Its actually a hybrid. And no other brand exceeds the wonder of Science behind it.
For a watch enthusiast a fully mechanical movement beautifully finished and designed with innovative development to provide high beat energy efficient dual impulse 80 hrs power reserve is unbeatable by any quartz or hybrid movement. Look at both movements and I challenge anyone to say the spring drive looks better.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Wanted to give the White Birch the proper explanation & attention it deserves instead of reserving it down to just “it’s better than a snowflake”
Beautifully shot and wonderfully informative video Derek! While the spring drive of the Snowflake is an excellent representation of the precision and innovation of Grand Seiko, I think the 9SA5 may be the brands crown jewel movement. The 9SA5 movement of the White Birch is an incredible technical achievement (not to mention beautifully finished). As far as I know, in the centuries of mechanical watch history, the dual impulse escapement is only the second mass production capable alternative to the classic lever escapment, the first alternative being Omega's coaxial. Surpsingly, there hasn't been as much buzz about this historic innovation as I expected. But in time, I suspect that the dual impulse escapement will receive just as much recognition, if not more, as the coaxial escapement.
Yes!! Great point about Omega’s Co-axial escapement. I believe as GS expands this 9SA5 movement they will put more emphasis on the Dual Impulse escapement and technologies, while the existing 9S85 will continue to be produced. Thanks so much for checking the video out.
Correction: There is , there is the LION EMBLEM somehow like sand blast on the sapphire glass. is only that you need to see it at a certain angle and under the correct lighting. Mind you, there is...
@@MinuteMon But I'm serious. Ever since ,'White Birch' was released, I REALLY wanted to see these two models in comparison. I dont know which to purchase still.... so nothings changed for me.. but still!! Needed this vid. Thanks for doing this. I subscrubed your channel.
There's no wrong answer with these two. It's all personal preference. Personally I'd prefer Snowflake the spring drive and titanium are unique There's nothing else like it. Also I like a power reserve.
I sold all my watches except for a g shock and a spring drive. If your only gonna have a one or two watch collection I think spring drive is the way to go. I you have multiple watches and are constantly changing watches throughout the week then it doesn't matter what movement it has, it doesn't even have to be COSC certified.
How does a short and stubby hour hand helps more with reading the hour time? It's not like the pointed hand on the Snowflake makes reading the hour difficult. The stubby and overly fat hour hand is one aspect that I really dislike on the white birch.
I agree that the Snowflake’s hour hand is not difficult to read, but in general when comparing a slim hour hand vs a thicker hour hand - the thicker hour hand will be easier to read at a glance. It’s all relative though and the reason I say it is because I know collectors who have brought it to my attention when they purchase new watches that legibility is one of the most important factors for them. But to your point, if someone doesn’t like the design of the hour hand, then it doesn’t matter anyways
Beautiful watch. I just do not understand the choice of 22mm lug width which imo is way too wide. The bracelet does not taper enough either. But otherwise this is close to perfection and definitely the most beautiful movement under 10,000
@@MinuteMon excellent review by the way, with nice filming of the very difficult to capture White Birch dial. That dial really does need to be seen in real life to fully appreciate though.
@@AkaliBlade 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.
@@daveboy1247 no one can be sure of course. I think the White Birch won’t lose much (worst case). But it’s not investment grade, like a steel sports Daytona would be. I bought the White Birch because I simply loved it, and have no intention of ever selling mine. It’s one of my few lifetime keepers. But if any series production Grand Seiko has a chance of retaining value, this one would be my choice. What happens to values depends on production numbers now, as demand is only increasing slowly for the brand (unlike the clamour for Rolex, PP and AP steel sports).
I like everything except the chopped end of the hour hand. I much prefer the full point found on other models. My only complaint of an otherwise beautiful watch.
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.
They don’t hold value as well as I would’ve hoped. You can get a thousand dollars off at an AD and even more from grey market dealer. (Both new-unworn) I struck a deal with my AD and secured the White Birch a few days ago. I hope that their value increases in the future. (Not that I’m looking to sell)
To be honest the snowflake looks more balanced in case and bracelet design. The only drawback is its spring drive. Not pure in form from horological point of view. If only they could afford a high beat variation. For me snowflake all the way.
For me the chopped hour hand and new indices are a step back from the previous designs. Its good they didn't change the second hand styling. No text on the counter weight would be better, but the movement is really something very well done.
I would say no for now as the current Beads of Rice bracelets have a 19mm lug width and the White Birch is a 21mm lug width, but that’s not to say there could be another bracelet out there in the future!
One thing I noticed that was also different between the two was the date box. On the Snowflake it appears to be a rectangular box and the number is slightly elongated, while the White Birch appears as a square and the number is not as elongated. Could be the camera angle but that is what it looked like to me.
I have the Shirakaba and simply love it. I'd get a Snowflake as I want a Spring Drive but I'm not a fan of the power reserve subdial being on the front. I think it interrupts the falling snow.. it's not pure enough. If I could take elements of both designs I'd use the Dauphine hands and slimmer markers on the White Birch to give it a more classic simple design reminiscent of the original 44s. Is it possible to commission a Grand Seiko do you think?
GS needs to make a better bracelet, been saying this for years. Yes they made some improvements but they’re still far behind the competition (bracelet).
White Birch wins on case and movement, and draws on dial. I like the snowflake dial but the power reserve just ruins it for me. The White Birch dial is striking and works really well with the case.
White Birch Hi-Beat is BETTER than Snowflake in every way! New beautiful movement, Bigger, better looking indices. Amazing Dial that dwarfs flake, a better size case that is best feeling sport/ dress of any GS . Improved bracelet great comfort
![Which One Should You BUY? Grand Seiko Snowflake vs Rolex Explorer [SBGA211 vs 214270]](/img/1.gif)
Great video!! Here are my comparative points. I have owned the Snowflake twice, and had the chance to spend some time with the Shirakaba.
To me, the Shirakaba has a much more comfortable, legible, luxurious look and feel. Everything that Derek says about the case dimensions works to give it great ergonomics for the wrist. The Snowflake is much lighter, but it doesn’t sit as easily on the wrist. The Shirakaba is noticeably heavier, but the 22mm lug width and shorter lug length actually make the bracelet and non-titanium weight add to the stability on the wrist. These same lug and case dimensions would probably make the Shirakaba better looking and fitting on a strap. I had problems getting my Snowflake bracelet to fit. I could get it too tight or too loose, it not just right. So I tried to switch to a strap. It looked awkward, with a large gap between the strap-end and the 6 and 12 o’clock sides of the case. The dreaded “strap gap”! This will not happen with the Shirakaba’s shorter lugs.
The Shirakaba’s dial and innovative hand-set work together to make time-reading clear and fast. This was definitely not the case with the Snowflake. Admittedly, my eyes are aging, and I found that, conditions of lower light, the dial and narrow, sharply pointed hands would lose contrast with each other, essentially washing out the dial. This the the main reason I ended up selling the Snowflake. With the Shirakaba, the hands are wider and have more area given over to matte and polished surfaces, which gives the eye more to look for. The hour hand is very wide, and has a flat, non-pointed end that matches the indices on the dial as it passes them. It also has the longitudinal matte channel down the center, which provides more visual surface for the eye to find. It also harmonizes with the channels in the indices. I tried looking at the dial in low light at the dealer, and it was much more legible than the Snowflake.
Like Derek says, the Shirakaba’s dial can look shimmery, like platinum sparkles. This is how the dial looked to me most of the time, under the dealer’s very white lighting. It gave the watch a luxurious lapidary look I liked very much. In that light, I actually thought more about jewelry and precious gems, and not so much about white birch!
For me, the Snowflake’s main attraction was the Spring Drive. Many people report their Snowflake’s accuracy at several seconds per MONTH, so it is amazingly accurate.
But for look and feel, I was altogether impressed by the Shirakaba, much more so than the Snowflake.
Great points Greg! When it comes to legibility you are spot on with your assessment of the Shirakaba's dial and you definitely opened my eyes to the wider hour hand being easier and faster to read compared to slim or slender hands. I also would agree that the Shirakaba will fit much better on the wrist due to its lower center of gravity and short lugs hugging the wrist better. Even for my 6.5 wrist, it wears really comfortable and is extremely well built. I'd choose the Shirakaba if I wanted to rely soley on the build and feel of the watch, but I'd choose the Snowflake purely for the titanium and spring drive, a watch that I could wear and kind of forget that I have it on.
Your videos just get better and better bro! Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoy them.
Great comparison and review! Kudos for not resorting to clickbait titles and over-sensationalizing the SLGH005 release. SLGH005 and SBGA211 are both lovely watches.
Thanks for checking it out! Yes, I wanted to give a fair review to the SLGH005 and not rush into just saying its better than the Snowflake because its shinier or has a new movement. I think people think this will be the next Snowflake and I honestly don't think that will happen and I don't think GS will replace the Snowflake with the White Birch. They can co-exist and just show what direction GS is heading.
The new movement is amazing and even amazing under the hood with it's escapement movement but, nothing can replace the superiority of the Springdrive.
100%!
SpringDrive is nothing but fancy Quartz.
@@АлександрАлександрович-т8ж6й its a quartz regulated mech movement. Its actually a hybrid. And no other brand exceeds the wonder of Science behind it.
For a watch enthusiast a fully mechanical movement beautifully finished and designed with innovative development to provide high beat energy efficient dual impulse 80 hrs power reserve is unbeatable by any quartz or hybrid movement. Look at both movements and I challenge anyone to say the spring drive looks better.
Thank you for making this video. It has really helped me on my decision between the two pieces.
Amazing cinematography!
Thanks for checking it out!
Great video, yet again. Keep them coming!
Thanks so much!!!
Wished the white birch came with the spring drive, but totally understand why it didn't happened.
the White Birch is truly a fine watch, on a new level for GS.... and putting them in the same league as the other great makers in Switzerland.
Easily the best White Birch video I've seen so far!
Thanks so much for the kind words! Wanted to give the White Birch the proper explanation & attention it deserves instead of reserving it down to just “it’s better than a snowflake”
11:23 I think snowflake was inspired by the powder snow, that settled on the mountains that are visible from the studio.
Very nice video! I have both the White Birch and the Skyflake. Love them both. I just subscribed to your channel. High quality content.
Glad to hear there’s no rivalry between the Skyflake and White Birch! Thanks for subbing !!
The new caliber rotor and architecture design is very interesting. It lets you thoroughly enjoy the movement without much obscurity.
Yes! Best part you can actually see the movement !
Beautifully shot and wonderfully informative video Derek!
While the spring drive of the Snowflake is an excellent representation of the precision and innovation of Grand Seiko, I think the 9SA5 may be the brands crown jewel movement.
The 9SA5 movement of the White Birch is an incredible technical achievement (not to mention beautifully finished). As far as I know, in the centuries of mechanical watch history, the dual impulse escapement is only the second mass production capable alternative to the classic lever escapment, the first alternative being Omega's coaxial. Surpsingly, there hasn't been as much buzz about this historic innovation as I expected. But in time, I suspect that the dual impulse escapement will receive just as much recognition, if not more, as the coaxial escapement.
Yes!! Great point about Omega’s Co-axial escapement. I believe as GS expands this 9SA5 movement they will put more emphasis on the Dual Impulse escapement and technologies, while the existing 9S85 will continue to be produced. Thanks so much for checking the video out.
Correction: There is
, there is the LION EMBLEM somehow like sand blast on the sapphire glass. is only that you need to see it at a certain angle and under the correct lighting. Mind you, there is...
That’s true! I should have mentioned that just like on the Snowflake caseback. Good point
This is the video I was looking for!!
This is the comment I was looking for! 😆
@@MinuteMon But I'm serious. Ever since ,'White Birch' was released, I REALLY wanted to see these two models in comparison.
I dont know which to purchase still.... so nothings changed for me.. but still!! Needed this vid.
Thanks for doing this. I subscrubed your channel.
Thanks so much for checking out the video, subscribing and most importantly I’m happy you enjoyed it!
Hope GS will not get carried away with pricing in the future and go beyond what makes them a great horological proposition.
I want the Snowflake. Where are you and how much?
This was a really good video. Kudos!
Thanks for checking it out!
Wearing my Snowflake! ICONIC!
There's no wrong answer with these two. It's all personal preference. Personally I'd prefer Snowflake the spring drive and titanium are unique There's nothing else like it. Also I like a power reserve.
I agree! Very hard to compare these 2 and I love them both
Nice review, man!
Thank you!
I sold all my watches except for a g shock and a spring drive. If your only gonna have a one or two watch collection I think spring drive is the way to go. I you have multiple watches and are constantly changing watches throughout the week then it doesn't matter what movement it has, it doesn't even have to be COSC certified.
I like the indices of the snow flake. I wish GS would design more watches with this style.
If they would make a "Black Birch" Spring Drive, I'd die of happiness...
That would be super cool
I'm almost dead, the Night Birch exists! Now we wait for a Spring Drive version :-D
White Birch SLGH005 is TOP
If you have the funds, go for the slgh005. It's sportier and better for everyday wear imho.
I agree, I believe the SLGH005 wears better on the wrist too
How does a short and stubby hour hand helps more with reading the hour time? It's not like the pointed hand on the Snowflake makes reading the hour difficult. The stubby and overly fat hour hand is one aspect that I really dislike on the white birch.
I agree that the Snowflake’s hour hand is not difficult to read, but in general when comparing a slim hour hand vs a thicker hour hand - the thicker hour hand will be easier to read at a glance. It’s all relative though and the reason I say it is because I know collectors who have brought it to my attention when they purchase new watches that legibility is one of the most important factors for them. But to your point, if someone doesn’t like the design of the hour hand, then it doesn’t matter anyways
Beautiful watch. I just do not understand the choice of 22mm lug width which imo is way too wide. The bracelet does not taper enough either. But otherwise this is close to perfection and definitely the most beautiful movement under 10,000
Good points!
I have both & love both.
The White Birch though is one of my top 3 watches overall in my entire collection. Simply stunning!
Congrats! Then you know better than most which is better... Both! XD
@@MinuteMon excellent review by the way, with nice filming of the very difficult to capture White Birch dial.
That dial really does need to be seen in real life to fully appreciate though.
@@AkaliBlade 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.
@@daveboy1247 no one can be sure of course. I think the White Birch won’t lose much (worst case). But it’s not investment grade, like a steel sports Daytona would be. I bought the White Birch because I simply loved it, and have no intention of ever selling mine. It’s one of my few lifetime keepers. But if any series production Grand Seiko has a chance of retaining value, this one would be my choice. What happens to values depends on production numbers now, as demand is only increasing slowly for the brand (unlike the clamour for Rolex, PP and AP steel sports).
@@daveboy1247 it is one of the few gs pieces that has a waiting list, I don’t know if that situation is still ongoing or not
I like everything except the chopped end of the hour hand. I much prefer the full point found on other models. My only complaint of an otherwise beautiful watch.
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.
They don’t hold value as well as I would’ve hoped. You can get a thousand dollars off at an AD and even more from grey market dealer. (Both new-unworn) I struck a deal with my AD and secured the White Birch a few days ago. I hope that their value increases in the future. (Not that I’m looking to sell)
I'm in the market right now, found a 2nd hand for 5500
Great Channel - thank you!
To be honest the snowflake looks more balanced in case and bracelet design. The only drawback is its spring drive. Not pure in form from horological point of view. If only they could afford a high beat variation. For me snowflake all the way.
Two lovely watches (the white birch is a bit more attractive, IMHO). Thank you for the video.
Thanks for checking it out! Between these 2, I love the white birch more
For me the chopped hour hand and new indices are a step back from the previous designs. Its good they didn't change the second hand styling. No text on the counter weight would be better, but the movement is really something very well done.
can you get the "grains of rice" bracelet on the white birch?
I would say no for now as the current Beads of Rice bracelets have a 19mm lug width and the White Birch is a 21mm lug width, but that’s not to say there could be another bracelet out there in the future!
Do you have any SBGM235 in stock?
I love my Snowflake, wouldn’t swap it for the Sliver Birch
One thing I noticed that was also different between the two was the date box. On the Snowflake it appears to be a rectangular box and the number is slightly elongated, while the White Birch appears as a square and the number is not as elongated. Could be the camera angle but that is what it looked like to me.
All Spring Drive models have a wider date window
I want them both. Do you have them in stock now?
Contact sales@caratco.com for availability!
Sad, still no micro adjustment.
I have the snowflake beautiful watch i love it.
Your wrist size?
@@nicolatramontano5899 Why?
I don’t like the hour hand of the white birch. It seems like someone chopped off the tip, making it less elegant
If they taper the bracelet it’s game over for that price range
I don’t object to a tapered bracelet
I have the Shirakaba and simply love it. I'd get a Snowflake as I want a Spring Drive but I'm not a fan of the power reserve subdial being on the front. I think it interrupts the falling snow.. it's not pure enough. If I could take elements of both designs I'd use the Dauphine hands and slimmer markers on the White Birch to give it a more classic simple design reminiscent of the original 44s. Is it possible to commission a Grand Seiko do you think?
Lucky the new 9RA2 movement moves the Power Reserve indicator to the back of the watch!
How much,please!
Snowflake is my personal favorite
As is mine. It is my first love with GS and without it I would have not discovered many of their other pieces
I love your jokes!
Thanks Andrew! Glad you enjoy them
Excellent bro!! ^^v
Thanks Howard!
The hour hand has a look of a broken tip.
GS needs to make a better bracelet, been saying this for years. Yes they made some improvements but they’re still far behind the competition (bracelet).
Tried on a spring drive on Monday. 40mm too big. 38mm will be perfect. This is keeping me from buying my first GS!
the whitebirch with the snowflake dial would be perfect
I’m all for it!
I would not call Snowflake a mechanical watch. It is a hybrid, has a quartz oscillator. It is a quartz in core.
It’s a spring drive, better then both
I don’t think there’s a need to repeat the model numbers so often.. maybe just flake and birch 🤦♂️.
Good suggestion! I got confused myself 😜
I'm afraid the WB is much too blingy for the audience that's likely to afford/buy it.
White Birch wins on case and movement, and draws on dial. I like the snowflake dial but the power reserve just ruins it for me. The White Birch dial is striking and works really well with the case.
White Birch Hi-Beat is BETTER than Snowflake in every way! New beautiful movement, Bigger, better looking indices. Amazing Dial that dwarfs flake, a better size case that is best feeling sport/ dress of any GS . Improved bracelet great comfort
D.I.E. to Swiss watchmakers...too funny! 😂
It must be true 🤔😂
At 41 mm the snow flake is too big for its design. At 38 mm it would have been perfect
We can only dream! That would be a nice size too