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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Your macro shots are outstanding. The detail of the second hand’s shadow crossing the indices was beautiful.

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.

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.

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.

❤️ 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.

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!

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.

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 White Birch in the Spring Drive. It is a great piece

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.

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

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.😊

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...

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.

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!

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.

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 bought this watch a few months ago. Whenever I wear it, I find myself staring at the dial, turning it this way and that in the light. It is an amazing watch. Endlessly fascinating.

4 minutes 40 seconds spree frung instead of free sprung. Hahahhaha. Still done better than I ever could love the videos thank you

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 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…

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.

I got the slga009 while I was in Ginza last month. Can't beat that smooth sweep! Spring drive all the way.

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

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.

Mine is being delivered tomorrow. My level of anticipation has increased dramatically since watching your video. Thanks.

I bought this watch a few days ago for my son - born in 2021, the year this watch was released. I have no idea whether he'll be as fascinated with watches as I am (I got my passion from my dad, so maybe there's a shot) - but I've always felt it would be meaningful to give my kids a watch from their birth year as a way of capturing the aesthetic and technical accomplishments of their day, and something that will age with them. The movement is innovative (80 hours of hi-beat is a major flex), and the design language pushes the brand forward on many levels - recognized at the GPHG, no less - but what blew me away was seeing the dial in the metal. If you have the opportunity to do so, check out how the dial catches light from different directions. It's a shame that the watch will remain boxed up for the next few years - but it'll just make the anticipation greater, and I'm excited just imagining my son wearing this watch for years and years to come.

Amazing graphics demonstrating the movement, well done! Another outstanding effort, thanks Teddy

Did I hear "spree frung"😂😂 4:43

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 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.

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!

Proud owner of a white birch - spring drive version, I agree with all your comments. I hesitated when I purchased the watch between SD and high beat, but I'm an accuracy nerd and went for the SD... Both dials (SD vs. high-beat) are indeed quite different, and I highly recommend to hold them side by side to fully appreciate. The movement and the innovation on the high beat, are spectacular. The SD is quite good as well with its 5 days power reserve, also an innovation for SD movements. What amazes me with this watch every time I wear it is the very high level of finishing, the quality you get for the price is simply outstanding and makes Grand Seiko a brand that punches way above its weight...

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.

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.

This is on my list, I LOVE the white birch. I have a spring drive already, but this is the one I really want. Great video, just made me want it more lol.

Photos and stock video of this watch can never do it justice. You have to see it "in the wild" to appreciate how stunning it is.

Seiko has done lots for horology. So much innovation.

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.

Spot on. The movement is stellar and what sets this watch apart.

Great Video Teddy. I have the same watch and will now appreciate it even more! Given how much you love to see how things work can I recommend that you do a video on the Seiko Grand Quartz watches from the 1970's which are still running well today 50 years on! Now that is truly remarkable watch making!

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.

Although the 9S movement is nice it is no comparison to this mew movement. GS finally upped their movement game!

Please review the IWC Pilot Mark XX

The white birch is my dream watch. I really hope I can own one some day

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.

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.

i swear i love absolutely GS and think in this specific situation everything but the dial is so fire a rare occasion where i dont like the dial alot but still appreciate it as previously mentioned Grand Seiko is pure swag.

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.

Beautiful watch no doubt, even edging perfection! But I'm still satisfied with my wabi-sabi embellished Seiko Sarb 033

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.

Purchased the white birch august 2022 great watch only let down is the lack of micro adjustments, liking to put this on a blue leather with silver stitching and deployment clasp.

Nice watch, Teddy! I had heard about the dual-impulse escapement but I have learned a lot from watching this video. Thanks.

I would like to see more watches on a smaller wrist, especially watches at 40 mm up, and/or long lugs, it’s why i started following this channel a long time ago :) Love the videos and Ted

Having own a few GS, my only “complain” is that i wish they line up the “GS” logo on the crown once it’s screwed in. But that’s nitpicking. GS is fantastic and this is my grail watch! Nice video 🔥🔥

Amazing watch. I bought my first luxury watch in November and had to go for one of my grail watches the GS snowflake been wearing it everyday since. I will be buying a hi beat GS very soon. Then I need to find a quartz model so I can have one of each movement at least.

Love the video, have one of the first ones to arrive in the UK Keepp it up Teddy

Great job on this video - was looking to one day purchase a spring drive GS but will now consider some other options like this.....

Nice, always impressive to sort the screws, but, all the bling is in the inside, and birch, we'll, maybe, but could also be alder. The matted titanium finish gives it a slightly off complement to the bling, and to the suit, but looks rare enough to not be fake. But, here is my best suggestion for Mr. Wagtail, cut a small laser pocket for a right eyeball, and press in a Golden Eye for the pleasure of any 3rd party service.

Congrats on the purchase!

I love my SLGH003 with this movement. GS is really making great stuff.

Thanks Teddy! Another great video!

This is actually my favourite Grand Seiko ❤

I have the SLGH013, same movement, love it!

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.

Today I stopped by the Kyoto GS branch and got a chance to try on both the hi-beat and spring drive versions. Good lord, they're incredible. The hi-beat is flashier, but looks muted at an angle. The spring drive more subtle all around. Bracelet feels super solid, but a pity on the lack of micro adjustment. If I were to justify spending a million yen + on a watch, this would be the one.

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.

Grand Seiko is KING !!!

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.

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.

Great video Teddy. I actually should be taking delivery of SLGH017 (Night Birch) tomorrow. I am a bit of a GS fan and I'm very excited about this one!

These master pieces amazes me much much more than any Rolex..

Beautiful piece.

Thanks you!!!

I was researching watches to get to mark my 50th. I was planing on the SBGM221 I loved everything about it. Then as my birthday approached I started seeing this 9SA5 movement coming out. I was still stuck on my first choice but as the day kept getting closer and closer I was going deeper and deeper into this new movement. I ended getting the White Birch mainly because of the movement because no one had it in 2021. I waited almost one year for delivery and I have to say my love for the dial came later I still find myself looking at the movement a lot. Great job on your videos this one spoke to me because of your expressed fascination on the movement. My deviation is similar 3-4 sec per day but now that its tied to the Tentagraph this is awesome.

I have my GS Spring Drive and my Zenith El Primero high beat watch. That is the best of both worlds.

Love this watch. Have 2 different colors cause it's such a versatile style.

Wow this watch is gorgeous

I ended up getting an SLGH295, I couldn’t resist the frost blue dial. But I really liked this movement

beautiful movement

Nice Teddy, I first saw this watch with the hands guy, from watchfinder, talking about the differences between it and the Snow Flake. Then it just was stuck in my head. I did a whole bunch of research on the watch and pulled the trigger in July of last year. What a great watch. Gets loads of wrist time and is definitely one of my favorites in my collection. It's a great watch and I'm glad you own one as I'm sure you can appreciate all that it is.

Beautiful! Without black letters it would hace been Nicer, it's writen inside the movement

Great choice Teddy! I love my Birch.

Having a soft spot for GMTs, dark colors and the spring drive, my current pick from GS must be the SBGE 271 (Kanro). And even from the birches, I’d pick the night birch. However: I still can’t deny that this is just a beautiful watch.

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.

deciding on my next watch in this price range, and I can't get past the GS!! Their the best for the money in my view.

Was that a “spree frung” at 4:42 😂❤️

Content quality to match Grand Seiko's.

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.

Love my SBGH295. It's hands-down my favorite watch. GS just speaks to me in a way Rolex can't.

Just pulled the trigger I really need to stop watching your content Teddy. Keep up the exceptional content

lol Teddy said 'spree fung' instead of free sprung at 4:40

Dream list watch for sure

Thanks for a beautiful review.