This Watch Dial is INCREDIBLE (but disappointing)!
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
- Learn about the 12 most important features of this Grand Seiko White Birch in this video!
Soo ... this one was a surprise! The husband bought his first Grand Seiko. Being the considerate wife that I am I ripped it out of his hands to film this video :-D
More Grand Seiko on my channel ➡️ • It's Grand Seiko - you...
It's a fantastic watch and I didn't expect to discover the things I did about it (watch until the end to know what I mean).
What are your thoughts on this watch? I know that a lot of people still seem to prefer the Snowflake and but I'd go out and say here, that these two are way too different to compare anyways. Someone who would want to buy / wears a snowflake probably wouldn't want to get the white birch and vice versa but heyho, who knows?! :-D
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Thank you for watching!
Jenni ❤️
0:00 Intro
0:28 1/12 case finishing
1:03 2/12 case dimensions
1:31 3/12 the bezel
2:00 4/12 the dial
2:38 5/12 the hands
3:02 6/12 the indices
3:30 7/12 date frame
3:45 8/12 the bracelet
4:30 9/12 the clasp
4:46 10/12 taper hehe
5:18 11/12 movement finishing
5:37 12/12 the caliber
6:22 Picking that bone
Is there a word for „Handschmeichler“ in your language 😅??
No. We have a word for handsome though, and that word is...
...ME. 😎 🤣
hand flatterer 👍
Worry stone?
Hand-feel works, Although I think it traditionally applies to fabrics, it is now applied to video games as well.
Not a literal translation, but your explanation might probably indicate 'organic'
Love your channel but have to say that the last “gripe” was a bit of a head scratcher. From a manufacturing standpoint how would one expect any watch maker to make each dial unique in it’s dial pattern? These are manufactured products. Uniformity is essential for quality control. I understand that it would be “nice” but quite unreasonable. Each watch would be a piece unique if each dial were unique. At $9,700 I’m not sure that that is a reasonable expectation. Rolex doesn’t do that with its Datejust (or any non-meteorite dial), Patek doesn’t do that with their Calatrava line (lowest price point), heck who does that at sub $10k? Everyone seems to always ask Grand Seiko for “a little more” when what they offer is already above and beyond what their peers offer. Let’s compare the birch side-by-side to any other watch in their price point.
Yep, you got the point here. There are unique dials, not at 9k.
The rational part of my brain totally agrees with you, but at the same time I absolutely see Jenni's point here. The dial is supposed to emulate an organic structure and seeing two watches being exactly identical destroys that illusion somewhat, especially since the irregular pattern is quite prominent. And that kind of takes away some of the emotional quality of the watch. Similar to seeing the repeating pattern in fake wooden paneling for the first time. Again, the reasons you stated for the watch being the way it is are completely valid.
Seiko already does it with some of their enamel dials and their hand painted dials. It's not unheard of but might not be possible with this dial design.
Great response and spot on!
She's been bought out by the swiss watch cartel, lol. The bias against GS is real.
Remember that problem you have with your Cartier? Well, that’s exactly why this bracelet is pure perfection in engineering. It’s designed to balance the weight of the watch perfectly and lower the centre of gravity of the watch. Also sits perfectly flat on the arm without rolling from side to side.
It’s part of the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Style principles.
I’d say that the thickness of the bracelet is just a surprise to some because it’s different to many other manufactures, but most important is how it looks and wears on the wrist? Ask your husband for a practical view.
I think it looks exceptionally good, we’ll integrated with the watch and also something that’s extremely bold styling, not your standard boring classic dress watch.
I just got my black birch yesterday and I have a 6inch wrist, it really looks perfectly fine and I don’t see why people complaining about 22mm size bracelet. I called it nitpicking.
What are the evolution 9 style principles?
Most people are just talking about the dial but for me the movement is the true star of this watch! 36k VPH, 80hrs power reserve, dual impulse escapement and THAT finish work - it's just stunning! I hope this calibre will come soon to other GS models as this is not my favorite GS design.
In terms of watch technology, you left out the dual impulse escapement. That’s no minor detail, as it sets the watch on par with Omega co-axial escapement. Major innovations substantially reducing attrition and granting way longer intervals between maintenance sessions.
@Whiteboy14 racist much or…….
@Whiteboy14 I’m sorry, think you should pause and read bit better my comment. I’m not arguing accuracy. I’m saying that the video omits an important information about the watch technology. The dual impulse sets Grand Seiko against Omega. That’s a fact. Rolex is out of the game, they don’t have anything coming even close.
@Whiteboy14 are you really buying a mechanical watch to tell time ? Really ? Plus Rolex watches are not METAS certified, whereas omegas are. Also it's reported by countless sources that Grand Seiko underreport their accuracy. Didn't you see the craftsmanship and the attention to detail put into grand Seiko watches, everyone in the watch world know that their quality is on par with the likes of Patek Philippe. These grand Seiko watches are limited and a lot of effort is put into making every piece. On the other hand Rolex pumps out a million watches every year. Rolex also don't decorate or show their movement for the price they charge.
Well said .
Been ignoring the hobby for a couple month's to spare my wallet, and let me say the improvement in your macro-photography since then is SO noticeable! :D Whatever you're doing, keep doing it!
36000 beats her pour and a 80 hour power reserve. Impressive. Plus the dial and overall finishing make this a very appealing watch.
From the snowflake, through the white birch and the recent Omiwatari Grand Seiko is endeavoring to produce a very calming watch - the subtle play of light on the dial, invokes the calming of the Japanese countryside, and the silent, smooth glide of the blued steel seconds hand, gives a feeling of time flowing unhurriedly, promoting meditation. I'm not sure if its just the power of suggestion, but it really does have that effect on me. Excellent macro shots Jenni! ❤️
Maybe the greatest watch ever made for the money. If people can take off their Rolex colored glasses this blows away the OP. They listen to their clientele and it’s so much cooler to wear than a Rolex. And the Seiko GS story is cool as hell.
Late to the party in this , but you are 100% correct , own both but prefer my GS tbh 👍
Missing out to mention the dual escapement, Jenni, reading up beforehand is sometimes advisable.
Your expectation of individual dial patterns makes no sense, they didn’t cut them from the trees lol.
The GS Grand Seiko logo grows on you. I think it is, in large part, because of the effort that GS has put in marketing the brand, it does give the high end feel, especially with the immaculate GS finishing.
Looks like the Gc from Guess Collection LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Whilst I appreciate the watch making excellence, I find them as boring as batshit. There is a GS diver that I quite like, but by and large am not a fan
I own a boutique exclusive spring drive. The whole GS experience is flawless IMO. The innovation and accuracy of the movements, the finish and as important the customer service of the boutiques is a joy to behold. I love how understated and elegant they are. I will buy another without hesitation.
Exquisite craftsmanship. Gorgeous timepiece for a fraction of what others would charge.
I actually thought that the last thing that bothered you was pretty funny 😂 but after you mentioned it- it got me thinking that that would actually be a really cool thing for Grand Seiko to do moving forward!!
(The individualized bespoke birch dial patterns)
Grand Seiko is so under rated. The white birch is a gorgeous watch. 😍
Have you seen the price tag? I don't think it's underrated 😉
Alright
Hey Jenni…thanks for creating such great content. Commentary is spot-on, visuals are great and you are beyond lovely. Could listen to you all day. Not quite ready to move away from Swiss watches yet but you make a compelling argument. All the best.
One of the best if not the best reviews for the white birch . I think that this watch and GS in general make some of the best looking dials in the industry and provide an amazing value for money. Very nice close up shots as I think that watch like this can only be appreciated properly with ultra closeup shots. Another nice thing about the video is your uber attention to detail in terns of comparing the dial textures two WB watches .ALL IN ALL great video that makes me want to buy this watch even more
Great video but I must argue with the commentary on the date not being centered. Graphically, you should measure all the way to the left side of the main body of the "one" and not the little part sticking out on the left. Had they equaled the distance with the little part sticking out, visually the numbers would have appeared to be off center to the right side of the date window. That date in the window looked perfectly placed and i can't imagine to the naked eye it was even discernable.
I came to the comment section only to find this someone explaining because I just couldn’t comprehend the makers of GS overlook this detail, they are all about the detail, they are DETAIL themselves. 😬
@@markonagy5015 I have no earthly idea what you are trying to say.
@@MikeSmith-er1qs that you are probably right, and there has to be a good reason as to why they have postioned those numbers in the date window the way they did. Sorry, english is not my native language. 👌🏻
The bracelet tapers from 22 to 20mm... Atleast mine does, lol. Was the bracelet measured in the video?
Apparently not
My God this is a gorgeous watch.
I somewhat agree about the non-tapered bracelet however, I feel it gives it character, more presence.
Congratulations to your “hubby” for acquiring such a fantastic timepiece 🙂👍🏻
Thanks for sharing.
Yep. Agree with the no taper. People complained about Snowflake being too light so GS answered. :D
The 22mm bracelet cements Grand Seiko as an eternal joke. They can not make a single watch without massive flaws that they went out of their way to create.
I love that your husband bought a GS! I figured you all were a Rolex only home 🤣. I also love this watch. Waiting for my AD to get a new batch in, they sold out almost immediately when they got their first allotment.
May have been a translation error, the watch is supposed to represent a white birch forest, not bark, the vertical lines represent the trees near their watch studio in Japan.
Forget the watch- yes, it's beautiful- you have gorgeous hands.
Great review. I never really thought of it but each style being a little different would be super fine.
That thing is stunning. I would need to see the dial to determine if I would like it, but this watch is simply incredible.
I tried one on this week. Next to a Snowflake and the SBGE271 "Kanro". Oh, my days - the level of finish is absolutely mind-blowing. I mean that. The detail is staggering, that second hand is so fine, hand-painted, and yet still very polished. It's perfect.
I would be happy with any of the three but the White Birch dial is off-planet. The Kanro is spectacular in the flesh too, with real depth to the dial. I went in looking for a Snowflake, I probably need all three now for my life to be complete 🙂
Sometimes I forgot that GS also makes automatic watches and not only Spring Drive movement.
This is really a great piece. This caliber is amazing. I like the cutout on the rotor. 👍
But this dial is a bit too much for my taste. A bit too busy. I like the Snowflake dial or a clean dial.
And it would definitely look more dressy if the bracelet would taper. No-taper is ok for sports watches.
At this price range you can be picky.
“Pleasant to the touch” is the only translation that comes to mind.
Great video Jenni. Loved some of those shots. Congrats to your partner on the White Birch too, brilliant choice 🫡
This watch looks amazing and the movement is the best part. 10k is beyond my level to spend on a watch but if I had, I would buy.
The bracelet actually does taper 2mm: 22mm at the lug to 20mm at the clasp. Though it's admittedly very little and would benefit from more as you say. Also, the die they use to initially stamp dials before layering the finish is used on other models. This die is also used on the SBGJ249 "Shosho" but rotated 90 degrees. The SLGA007 "Minamo" and SBGY007 "Omiwatari" have the same contours with only color/finish differing. And the cherry blossom appearance of SBGA413 "Shunbun/Spring" uses the same die as same 2019 season collection's SBGA415 "Taisetsu/Winter", as well as several Asia-exclusive limited editions in other colors.
Wow. Thanks for the comment. Was not aware
This bracelet is actually really comfortable on the wrist. There’s a lot of hate for GS bracelets and I think the company have looked to rectify this. Personally, the watch wears great and the bracelet offers comfort and overall balance to the wearing experience.
Both the SLGA007 and SBGY007 are as correctly noted, the same dial design. This is because both watches offer heritage inspiration taken from Lake Suwa. A third watch, SBGX346 (ladies limited to 140 pieces) also compliments the Lake Suwa story. A lovey collection to own.
SLGH005 and SBGJ249 do not use the same dial pattern btw.
The way the indices are applied probably makes unique dials near impossible (within the price)
thx for this content !
i’m looking forward to see grand seiko in Paris next!
I love handschmeichler.
This one has quickly become my grail
I love GS also keeps drilled lugs on al their sports models. I saw this watch in person and found my self just staring at it endlessly.
Love the watch, but I'd put it on alligator strap. I agree with an earlier comment about not mentioning the dual impulse escapement which puts this watch on another level. I know the earlier watches ran fast so I guess they had to work out the kinks on the new movement. I'd love to get one eventually but not sure I can ever afford one. Great watch the best bang for the buck at that price point.
Technology and craftsmanship wise, Japanese perfection wins over Swiss or German brands as always... Design and proportions wise, there is always sth wrong with Seiko or GS...
Japanese level of detail and perfection are god like... that is why I watch only porn from Japan
you sold me on this one! I will wait for similar model with the same thinness and old indices design.
stunning. i'm in awe. much respect.
I just had my hand on one, the watch is great the dial is mesmerizing. Compare to the snowflakes the dial is in your face type. Totally agree on the option of strap since the beautiful bracelet kind of heavy.
Great review, Jenni, thank you. Watch is gorgeous, just to me would have to be part of an already awesome collection much better than mine, not a one and done.
I tried this watch on recently at a watch boutique in Chicago and it’s amazing! I own a Rolex, Cartier, etc. But I instantly wanted this watch and placed an order to receive it next week. I look forward to this watch being my daily wear.
Great eye with the dial. I assumed each would be unique as well. Feel like the Snowflake is just as beautiful and a better deal as well.
YES! YES! YES! Exactly this. Every dial is identical. Sure, you won't notice unless you have two of them side by side, but once you know it's going to bother you. Like being in a bathroom with marble printed tiling. Every tile has the exact same pattern. Sure, some may be oriented differently, but once you notice, you'll never unsee it.
I got mine when it first came out and one of the first things I noted was also that all the dials look exactly the same. Although it didn’t bother me too much, I agree that you can feel a tinge disappointed you are not holding on to your personal unique white birch. Another issue was that those first batches were crazy fast. As much as by 17 seconds a day!
Mine was 9 seconds a day. They gave me a new one today.
Really nice job on your videography for this watch
I can relate to your resentment towards identical dials, the way it was marketed as "White Birch" has an undertone of being "Natural", and we as consumers then expect some degree of naturalness from it, which means randomness, organic, no two pieces are the same. Then you learn about all dials are made equally, which tells us after all it's machine made with a repetitive process, the warmth of naturalness fades away, less naturalness, just another cold, hard machine tiking and toking
For handmade dials the price point goes up a bit for sure. RGM may be one of the best values for handmade Rose Engine turned dials.
I kissed my wife for the first time in a birch grove at berliner „Mauerstreifen“. It was a beautiful winter day and the sunset was reflected in the white snow. She gave me the watch for our anniversary 🥰
I’d love it if you could compare the different dials of the nomos ludwig, I’m torn apart wether i should go for the enemal dial or the other
Beautiful watch. Thanks for a great review. And the German lesson.
Very impressive review… elegant looking timepiece! 👍
Great Video !! Another bone to pick for me is the lack of contrast between the polished indices and the dial. Will make the watch near difficult to read in lower light.
That’s such a beautiful watch, Jenni! Excellent review!
Great watch. Nice review and spot on recommendations.
I ve seen it in person - stunning
I totally understand that you are disapponited about the fact, that not every dial is unique. But cool that you mentioned it, because I asked myself the same question. Schöne Grüße
aus Frankfurt
Just got one and its a lovely watch ⌚
I have this timepiece and it is amazing.
I actually prefer a non tapering bracelet Jen, this is very subjective and like you righteously said this watch punches way above its weight. Great video! Keep it up and take care!
The bracelet on the white birch tapers from 22mm to 20mm. I don’t know how Jeni got that wrong, especially considering that was her main gripe
I love almost everything about this watch; the dial and dimensions are perfect. And the fact it's stainless over the titanium does make it feel more substantial in my opinion. My biggest complaints are: also the lack of tapering on the bracelet, and the lack of lume on the hour markers and hands. I previously wished it had a spring drive variant to lower the price, while maintaining the high-beat movement and accuracy because I loved this watches' design combined with the innovation of the spring drive. Now, I think having a full mechanical movement with still high accuracy, high-beat, and power reserve would be worth waiting to afford.
Pls you have to handle a GS without lume in low lights… even when it‘s near complete darkness the super high polishing will reflect each little light which hits it. Yes not as bright as lume, but you can still somehow read the time which is incredible if you experience it. I almost couldn‘t believe what I saw!!
The date being off center would drive me insane. I also wish they had done this without the unnecessary text. Would be great to see more manufacturers leaving the extra text off the dial in favor of a cleaner look.
Nice Watch with a wonderful Dial. My fav GS is the SBGJ201 "Mount Iwate", Hope you review It One day Jenni! 😉
Great review. Thanks for the video and the German lesson
Beautiful watch.
The only real gripe I have with this watch and many recent Grand Seiko releases are the hour hands. I really like Grand Seiko dauphine hands but these newer ones with the tip of the hour hand cut off just look a bit off to me.
Beautiful watch. Dial and finishing is amazing. But this is probably not the watch for the IBWC as you pointed out the bracelet measurements. Great vid!
Nice and sharp 2 cents👍🏻👍🏻
Does your spring bar tool fit in the hole? Mine does no on a sbga415.
My uncle owned this GS,datejust & submariner but seem like he always wear this watch.He told me that he need both GS & Rolex.All is important pieces for him but each has different value.He wear GS to enjoy the finishing & feel special because not too many people owned it.He kept Rolex in mint condition as a investment in case he can roll it for some cash.
My 2 cents is that it's one of the best fitting watches I've seen in your wrist, in spite of the non tapering bracelet.
So just wear it on a beautiful leather strap and you'll have a winner 👍
The bracelet on the white birch tapers from 22mm to 20mm
I don't see how the birch could vary between dials and still have such crisp printing.
Top notch! The brand is impeccable.
The brand is a dog. Chock ripe of tiring limited edition release that only dilute. The work put into the watches is to be praised but their case proportions and design language leaves a lot to be desired.
@@mr.personal-ity People who like Grand Seiko have fierce loyalty.
Gah! I love it! But something about GS bracelets just don't do it for me... Gorgeous review AS ALWAYS!
Lack of quick adjustment surprised me, Gringy. Maybe to keep clasp thickness down.
Such great macro footage. Can’t fake the finishing that close up.
Haha I asked AD about the dial, they basically made these mold to print all these dials otherwise each GS would cost like twice the price.
Also really curious about the bracelet tapering rate as well. Maybe it’s just more balance because how the width starts at 22
If each dial was completely unique that would probably make the cost way way way more. If you want to fix WB put a blue strap on it. I have blue ostrich. It makes the blue second hand pyrotechnic. It oozes blue as it sweeps the seconds. Wear it to a concert and you get a laser light show on your wrist for free. Get one and and put a strap in it. You'll love it more
At least they put in an instant change date into this
I enjoyed your video. It is a lovely watch and excellent bang for the buck. Quite pleased with mine. Cheers 😊
Looks like the husband has great taste!
I picked mine up mid December. Wore it today for the first time..it is stunning on the wrist. Extremely comfortable and easy to read the time at a glance. The dial is incredible and changes colour depending on the light. A fabulous watch and the equal of much more expensive watches. I may put a blue crocodile band on it to pick up the secondhand..what do you think? Love your reviews..
Further to my review, I found that my watch ran +9 a day. Which is way out of specification. I took it back for adjustment, but they wanted to send it back to the factory. This would have taken 2 months. I suggested a replacement would be better. To their credit, Seiko did offer a new one, which I collected today. Hopefully, this one will be accurate.
Wow, some real nitpicking here! Strange that the word "disappointment" would creep in, although we all have certain preferences. This watch is a great work of art and pretty damned close to perfection.
jenni, sorry but you are wrong - the bracelet does taper.
Great review! I've been waiting for an in depth look at this. Your photography and videography is top notch! Dare I say Watchfinder and Bruce Williams level!
Teddy level!
If we're trying to compare quality of macro amongst watch-youtubers, how on earth can you mention Bruce and Teddy and leave out Hafiz?
@@Chris_BQ will check him out!
@@Chris_BQ Hafiz J Mehmood has some great macros indeed 😀
@@TheRobinCox never heard of him but he must be good if he's at that level.
I think GS choosing to have the exact same dial on the birch is the right move. When you buy it you want it to be exactly how you see it. Anytime there are any changes it is a gamble that consumers may not like all the dial variations.
Great review thank you, I agreed with you the bracelet should have been tapered to make the watch even more elegant one of reason I am wearing mine on a leather strap.
But the bracelet on the white birch does taper. From 22mm to 20mm. Why is everyone getting this wrong 😑
Nice Oris on your wrist ! Big fan of the Aquis !
Nice video Jenni. I honestly still prefer the Snowflake. It's got the spring drive movement, it's titanium and to me it's better looking. Add that to the fact it's over 3K cheaper, it's a slam dunk win for the Snowflake.
A small note, while it's not a big taper, the White Birch does have a slight taper. 22mm at the lugs, 20mm at the clasp. The Snowflake starts at 20mm lug width and tapers to, I believe, 18mm at the clasp. Another win for the Snowflake, though overall Grand Seikos weak link is it's bracelets.
Snowflake is beautiful. Just wish they would remove the charge hand from the dial
It seems almost shameful to describe a wristwatch that costs almost five figures as a bargain, but it's great value for what you're getting. The Grand Seiko is up there with the best watches in the world.
I want this with spring drive
As always I like your review. Beautiful photography, and it makes me wish we could see more close ups of the movements in all watches, because to me, to look at the machine work on the metal, and the placement of the components is "mechanical pornography"! I love to see the guts of a Rolex, GS, etc. Keep up the good work!
Great review
I agree with you 100%, and micro adjustment on the bracelet.
Just saw this in person and the fact that Grand Seiko can fool you into thinking that its actually an organic material leaving you disappointed that it's not "unique" is actually a testament to what an superb job GS does with a simple brass plate and a hand etched mould. They do this on all their masterpiece dials from the cherry blossom Sunbun to the dark blue Lake Suwa. Rolex should take notes this is how you make art and not generic, sterile meh dials.
If you want a unique dial on a Japanese piece that any lady can wear, I suggest you have a look at the The Citizen Chronomaster with the Washi paper dial in 37mm. It is wonderful and light, and every dial is unique. That said, I got rid of mine in favour of a King Seiko Limited.
Why do people think tapered bracelets are better?... I prefer NON-taper on my bracelets as they are more comfortable and hold the watch more stable on the wrist.
This bracelet tapers from 22mm to 20mm, contrary to what Jeni would have you believe
I bought this watch as soon as it came out and traded in my Snowflake. The bracelet is a marked upgrade from prior GS bracelets with its solid links and improved clasp - no longer feels like junk! They did miss an opportunity you didn’t mention: it would be nice to have a microadjustment on the clasp, like a Glashutte Original SeaQ. I would take that over a taper any day! Otherwise, this is an unbelievable watch, especially for the price and the dual impulse movement is incredible! Thanks fo the great videos!
Agree with this. I also have loved owning this piece, and the only "issue" is the lack of micro adjustment. Fix this PLEASE! :)
It really frustrates me that GS and Seiko don't prioritize thinness and bracelets to the same degree as their swiss counterparts. I love those dials!
Great review. My biggest issue with this watch? The "white birch" ought to be...WHITE!
I don't like the silver dial /steel case and bracelet look. Too uniform in color.
I realize a white dial might be too similar to the Snowflake, but come on....it would look so much better in white.