The Best Grand Seiko 2021 White Birch - move over Snowflake!
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Hands-on with the new Grand Seiko SLGH005 White Birch 2021
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Correction. Lug width / bracelet are 22mm wide.
Yes same as the SLGH003 the limited blue version and tapers to 20mm.
No incremental sizing on the go in the bracelet is a no go. Sorry GS. next time.
And it tapers to 20mm.
39mm Case and 22m Lugs? Thats a surprise
@@eingram141 It's a 20mm case with 22mm lugs that taper to 20mm.
I’m just glad to see they don’t have the lion logo on a case back obscuring the view of the movement. Never understood why they did that.
They have, but its just visible under a certain angle
It's very faint but it's there, I have three GS and all three it's barely noticeable.
It has a Lion logo, it’s called a ghost Lion
looks way cooler than those limited edition colored logo
I think its fine. Only wish they would center the damn thing if they were going to put it on. Same thing with the crown...
Zenith, Tag, Chopard, Girard Perregaux all have movements somewhere in their lineup that beat at 36,000 or even higher (chopard's at 57,000, also COSC). Even Zodiac and LOngines had 36,000 hi beats back in the day. 36,000 is nice but isn't unique to GS, but Spring Drive is, so yea, I too would prefer Spring Drive.
And lmao @ anyone daft enough to think Spring Drive is a quartz watch
THIS IS TOO REAL! I'm so excited about GS right now and everything they are serving us. White Birch dial is shit hot.
Right branding move for the channel to bring back “drinking coffee, talking watches”, not sure why you walked away from it for a while 👍🏻
Thanks mate. I just like the change things up. 👍🏻
@@BarkandJack change? How can change be part of life. Not acceptable 😁
The snowflake is much more subtle, and if I go for GS, I would take a Spring Drive as its unique to GS. You can get a hi-beat movement from other brands.
Most people don’t have any idea what an amazing invention the Springdrive is. If everyone in the US and Europe had a Springdrive it wouldn’t light a lightbulb.
Does Rolex have a hi beat movement? 36000 beats?
That 80 hour power reserve on a hi-beat movement is quite something, though.
@@remycris2108 I don't think so, but other brands do. Zenith for example.
@@malikknows3510 No doubt about it. I just meant that for me the uniqueness of the spring drive technology would be the reason to buy a GS.
Grand Seiko addressing the thickness of their mechanical movements is definitely a good thing. More important to me than the extended power reserve.
Still need to work on their bracelets, though.
That’s really the deal breaker for me with the brand. The bracelets. They are subpar.
100% the bracelets need to look better and these would be no brainers
According to Tim Musso, this new bracelet is as good as Rolex.
@@dirkdiggs according to Tim Musso, this new one is very good
ive never worn a GS but this comment just made me think about how there isnt a single brand i havent seen at least one person knock their bracelets. Definitely just need to try them on
Definitely prefer this over the snowflake! I’m not the biggest titanium fan!
Whats wrong with titanium?
@@GneX4Ktb nothing i actually love titanium knives but I like my watches to have a little weight and also I prefer the finishing of steel over titanium on watches. So to answer ur question, nothing wrong with titanium just preference
@@just-inedc2381 thanks👍
Not all snowflakes come in titanium.
I'll take spring drive over hi beat any day
same. true smoothness. also for 36k vph I'd get a Zenith honestly
@@pizza.doctor I have a Zenith chronomaster. It’s awesome accurate. I like the GS high beat too. Quartz does nothing for me in a luxury watch.
The hi-beat is an incredible movement. It outperforms almost any Swiss watch in terms of accuracy.
But the spring drive is on a another level.
I have an SBGA285 and spring drive movement kicks ass.
I agree!
The finishing on that high beat movement is spectacular
Great video. One correction. The spring drive is far more accurate then your average quartz watch. The highest end ones can be orders of magnitude more accurate then a G-Shock. Obviously they lose on power reserve, but as long as they are worn, they are extremely accurate.
I edited out a large section about comparing spring drive to the 9f quartz which is far more accurate. But you’re right.
@@BarkandJack yea, GS quartz are insane. Both using the highest quality crystals Seiko grows, with the 9f having the advantage of temperature compensation. That, along with a lot more power on board from the battery then the power generator in the spring drive. However if you truly care about that level of accuracy, get a smart watch, or a solar powered GPS watch. For me, the reason I own a GS Spring Drive is two fold. One is the dial side finishing is Patek level, and the second is no other watch in the world has a sweeping hand, and I love knowing the technology in my watch that creates that effect, is one of a kind to Seiko.
The only down side, is I have the dress watch variant, as I really don't like the case shape on the snowflake (this new one is a bit better), and I don't dress up much. I need to find a way to dress it down.
@@TheRealMafoo I wear my snowflake on colorful suede straps. It really gives the watch a whole new look. you should give them a go.
@@vgcamara Yea, I really should do that.
I've had my Snowflake for 14 months. I reset the time on the 1st of each month and it has been consistently 1 second fast each month.
White Birch: dial is shit hot. Movement is beautiful. Not a fan of the chunky hour hand.
I Love the dials and the Finishing of the GS Models. What I just don‘t like are the bracelets and Clasps Grand Seiko is using...
the non-taper does annoy... the clasp though is fine imo because it is relatively thin and comfortable and is still rigid enough
Why is a tapered bracelet such an issue?
@@mitchellsumpter4807 Not a huge problem for me but a tapered bracelet does look less chunky and therefore more elegant imo
Everyone knows Grand Seiko is a pathetic brand for worthless dogs / soyboys.
Lots of UA-cam channels jumping on the bandwagon. It's hilarious
views
Which bandwagon?
Are you seriously suggesting GS is not worth talking about, by a watch journalist, or anyone?!
@@mr_watchaddict3146 Ow yes Grand Seiko sure is worth. I know. I own one
Traded in my Snowflake for the White Birch after seeing it in person. Loved my snowflake, but always felt it was too thick. Also love the Springdrive technology, but this new escapement.......brilliant! Now I wait for it to arrive!
I still love my snowflake, but nice review.
I have the SBGA413 Shunbun and I love it too. But I saw this White Birch in person and trust me, it's on another level. The good news is it doesn't suddenly make your Snowflake obsolete though.
With regards to case finishing and dial design, I think the White Birch is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! Definitely my favorite designed Grand Seiko! The 80 hr. power reserve is definitely a plus as well.
I might get flak for this, but the "old" hands are so much nicer than the new hands on all the new hi-beat models.
This movement is spectacular. I have the slgh003 anniversary. The very first SS GS with this movement
I think the price is merited. People need to get it in their heads that Japan can match a lot of European brands. Cheers!
I agree, Credor has been punching their watches right up with Patek and A. Lange. It’s just incredible that a country with little horological heritage can rival and MATCH against a country that has a rich rich heritage.
Spring Drive is not a mechanical quarz movement, it is a mechanical movement with a quartz control feedback loop
An absolutely beautiful watch! While I am attracted to the uniqueness of the Spring Drive, the mechanical drive on the 'White Birch' is very attractive aesthetically and mechanically. The design of the dial is incredible and lives up to its name. I have to agree that the White Birch will give the Snowflake real competition, at least for those that can afford it.
I got to see this watch in person recently. Absolutely stunning, and multiple leagues above anything I've seen under 10kUSD. Including other Grand Seikos in that range.
yet 99% of the high end watch market is made up of status snobs so they aren't going to buy a seiko for USD10,000.
@@zatarawood3588 you'd be surprised. Super high end Nissans, Chevys, etc. sell quite well to car snobs. Grand Seiko's growth in the last three years alone has been huge, word of mouth travels fast.
@@zatarawood3588 that being said, yeah no one is going to take Rolex's crown anytime soon. Not for at least a decade or two. Whoever is in charge of marketing Rolex did a damn good job of indefinitely ingraining it into everyone in the world's mind that Rolex equals success and "you've made it"
@@sylinmino true and we are social animals, we care what the herd thinks of us. Which is why wearing an £8k sub will carry more kudos than a far far higher quality £8k GS...but in reality the only person who knows if you made it is you. And let’s be honest if you love quality watches The GS is a far better watch than a mass produced sub. If someone judges you for wearing a Seiko, I think it says more about them than you.
@@AttilatheMike don't get me wrong btw, I'm not slighting Rolex or the submariner either (hell, the submariner is leagues ahead any diver Grand Seiko is currently making). Was more just pointing out to the popularity discrepancy and pop culture significance that can't be changed without possibly decades backing you up.
Still think the Snowflake will remain GS's most iconic timepiece. Its design is more balanced overall. The white birch's dial is cool but the texture lacks subtlety; to me, the dial distracts from the hands and indices. Also, the Snowflake's Spring Drive movement is unique to Seiko, while many other brands offer hi-beat automatic movements.
I'd rather have a spring drive or a quartz from GS rather than an automatic, thats definitely their USP to me. Just need an overhaul for their clasp and I'm sold!
I checked out the White Birch at the dealer today and even the best video on YT fails to capture the beauty of the dial. I've never been a fan of GS but this watch is fantastic.
This watch is certainly amazing. Fair price I think. The finishing, the amazing dial (I wonder how much work goes into that), awesome new movement that has made technical innovations. I actually think this watch will look great on a black leather strap. I believe it will hold its value too. Crazy to me that people will pay more for an 2005 Pepsi Rolex GMT or a 2021 datejust when you can get this.
I hope it isn't too hard to get hold of. The last thing we need is another Rolex in the market.
My thoughts exactly. Brands should be jumping on those who are fed up with the Rolex situation.
Would rather get an IWC omega JLC.... Rolex staffs are pretty stuck up too in my country. (obviously an Asian country haha)
@@BarkandJack Honestly as much as I would love to get a sub, if I cant just walk into a dealer and pay retail to purchase one I'm not interest. Totally understandable for halo products of a brand to be on a preferred client list etc. but for a steel sports sorry they've just lost my business.
If your UK I'm GS AD happy to help, insta @clockonawrist
Texted my AD immediately after watching this, might overlap a bit with my OP39 white but I don’t care. This is too good
Stop showing these Grand Seiko, I have 2 and I want to be able to buy more in the future!
I was thinking the same thing. I have one and it’s probably my favorite watch. I have been thinking about getting a high beat. The 72 hour ones, should be able to be bought at a discount. Of course I want the 80 hour.
@@rickjason215 The hi-beat is almost as smooth as the spring drive, I have the SBGH269, it’s just 55 hours power reserve, crazy accurate and the sweeping seconds it’s beautiful to look at.
Of course , I know very well, because I had a spring drive.
@@Sef211 My Rolex AD said he would get me a Sub and to call him if I want it. I have divers and I don’t flip my watches and too be totally honest, the GS is a better watch. What’s the warranty on the Hibeat?
@@rickjason215 I’m not sure but I think 2 years.
@@Sef211 I was thinking 3 at most. This is what worries me. At that price, they should give 5 years.
I like the Snowflake much more. I find the dial cleaner, even with the power reserve. The White Birch dial just seems busy and i hate the "cut off" handles. Also i just love the sweeping second hand on the spring drive,
Adrian deserves a cut on these, he sold me when i wasn't even considering this watch...
Spring Drive crisis coming for the Swiss watch industry. All this innovation we can see that the Japanise are much better in watch making when they put themselves to it, and Grand Seiko has not been long in the Game and look what they have created already.
I'm getting tired of hearing limited edition! A while ago I was considering a Snowflake but I couldn't find one. I bought a new fireplace instead. Enjoy your show.
Haha. The fireplace sounds more useful. 👍🏻
The Snowflake and White Birch are both not limited edition! They'll be staying in production for a while!
Not limited edition and quite easy to find one.
now put the snowflake in that case
Yeah that would be the perfect combo.
I'm with you on the lack of taper on the bracelet, but other than that, bloody hell that's a brilliant watch.😍
It really is awesome.
Not that I’m even close to being able to afford any Grand Seiko luxury watch but I think I might prefer the lightweight of the titanium Snowflake. I do love the heft of my steel Orient Kamasu but whenever I put on my other, lighter watches it feels very freeing from a wearability standpoint.
I'm sure you'll buy it
This watch is soooo under rated.. were it a Rolex, it would be selling for $20K plus in the gray market.. I own several high end Rolex and Patek, as well as AP... and this watch .. what does that tell you?
I'm so glad that I found this channel. Love it, love it, love it!
Thank you for amazing content.
Thanks so much for watching. 🙌🏻
rolex charges 9000£
*silence*
GS charges 9000£
*thats a lot of money*
But to get a Rolex you have to pay the AD another £10,000 for something you probably don’t want to get the watch . So in fact Rolex costs a lot more . It’s not as good as the GS although they are all fantastic watches, but that dial has no rival. In truth it’s about marketing and Rolex is the best at that.
This is almost perfect. The dial, the movement, the case design and size. The toned down polishing so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a mirror on your wrist. That bracelet though, it’s a shame it doesn’t taper, and the clasp still doesn’t have any sort of micro adjustment.
Honestly though, I still think I’ll head over to Glasgow to check it out when the lockdown is over. I think it’s one of the prettiest watches (front and back) I have ever seen, especially for that price point.
Great video as always!
the bracelet tapers from 22mm to 20mm. i don't like this one. I'll take spring drive over it any day. also, it is too small. the sbgc223 kills it.
This watch is objectively superb. But I still cannot stomach the cost of $9100. I would buy it for 15% off, but maybe I'm wrong? Idk. Seems steep. Very steep
Always always let down by GS’s bracelets.
Truth.
100% agree. It's odd, as a watch which prides itself on finish and attention to detail has a bracelet that looks like it belongs on a £600 watch.
@@andyp2343 That's a massive exaggeration, the bracelet quality is just fine on these watches. It's the lack of features that is a letdown, but might I mention, there are watches from other well known Swiss brands with bracelets that don't have these features either. The bar is just higher for GS, because there's more for them to prove.
That's sort of my point. Their unique selling point is their attention to detail.
But you're correct it was an exaggeration. 😄
Just believe! It was also always a major let down with the case height.... now they addressing this and I bet they will work on the bracelets!
Hi I enjoy very much watching bark and jack i need to ask your advice. I’ve purchased a Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue I’m considering over a period. Of time and occasion changing the straps now I’m seriously looking at your Mocca strap? Also can you supply quick release lug pins and what’s your thoughts opinions on them? Many thanks Peter
This watch essentially has Moser finishing with George Daniels type of watchmaking. Worth $10K in my opinion. Though, the yellow gold and platinum versions are very overpriced.
I also thought the escapement was very much inspired of the omega co-axial...I'm sure this will not leave omega very happy
@@artblend4278 Especially because the George Daniel escapement cannot go higher than 25,200 vph because it wears off fast, whereas this is a 5Hz movement.
I believe you mean special escapement. GD's watchmaking is wholly handmade, not something GS achieved.
@@leyay7540 Yeah, I mean it in a technological regard.
Great concept, but just doesn’t do it for me..not a fan of matching silvered dial and silvered hands..looks like a great movement, but good luck with getting it serviced with 47 jewels..I wouldn’t balk at the cost necessary..I bet it’s comfortable on the wrist but it does look diminutive somehow..great presentation..👍
Great video and a great watch. I love that movement so much. I own the Snowflake and I'm a fan of the more subtle dial, but I agree, would love it in Steel or a little thinner.
Spring Drive is a mechanical movement. If you put in a drawer for a week it will stop running. Not sure where its written that you can't use specialized technology and insane levels of quality control unmatched in any mass produced Swiss brand to produce accuracy, which is the whole point of a movement.
Gorgeous watch, but I don’t like the cut off hour hand.
Hi Adrian, Do you know of any reason why no one is reviewing Tag Heuer?..... are they that bad or are they just boring and no one is interested, wondered what your thoughts on the matter. Seems like a forgotten watch brand, something people remember from the 90s. Are they relevant today?.... i'm a seiko and Omega fanboy.
The Hi-Beat technology is impressive. You don't get this kind of innovation from the Swiss, besides Patek but your paying 3x the price at least.
Yeah you do.
He’s right about the snowflake. If it was in steel I would buy it. Titanium looks good and seiko have done an amazing job. But I like my watches to have a bit of weight
Incredible! When GS get their bracelets and clasps on point and launch a competitive and well proportioned 40mm diver, they're gonna be unstoppable!
why would you want a 40mm diver? i love the sbgc223 chronograph, it ia a spring drive with diver looks and 46mm.
Well, somebody posted their opinion about your video- in the part that your talking about spring drive, in a GS watch group. In my unprofessional opinion, Spring drive isn't a mechanically powerd quartz movement (well it is lmao). Neither is it purely quartz or purely mechanical, its a movement in it of itself. Its the innovation of the previous eras of movements, i.e. Mechanical-Quartz. I do believe that we will have more movements like these in the future, just like GS and Zeniths 36000 bph movements. Its only a matter of time before we no longer consider Spring Drive a "hybrid", but a movement on its own. An independent movement that's a product of watch innovation. Maybe Im wrong, Id love to hear other peoples thoughts 👇
Kinda agree with you
It’s certainly a great topic for debate. And it’s not the first movement that doesn’t completely fit in the mechanical and quartz category. I do think the spring drive can be summed up as a mechanically powered quartz movement, as the main aspect of a quartz movement is the quartz oscillator. In a typical quartz movement this is powered by a battery. In a spring drive, the quartz oscillator is powered by mechanical component, a spring. Although saying it’s a mechanically powered quartz movement is hugely simplistic, and given the negative feelings towards quartz it’s also potentially controversial, I do think it’s an accurate description.
And please share my further thoughts with the GS group if it would add to the discussion.
@@BarkandJack Great sentiment., will do
I prob still lean towards the snow flake. The level of finish on GS is amazing.
The only thing I hate about the snowflake is that it doesn't have a 36mm case size model which is what is perfect for my small asian wrist.
Fantastic face, although I wish it were a white dial to reflect the essence of birch. I also agree that if this band would have been tapered it would move GS to the next level. Stunning movement, and can't wait to see this collection in person, but I know that I'll have to be patient since these are rare at the moment. Great video.
Why any watch brand would make a watch with a bracelet that doesn’t taper is completely beyond me...
Having tried one on at the GS boutique in NYC, the dial texture is stark with a lot of metallic contrast. In certain situations it could be a bit much. I also found the brushed bezel to be both fascinating to catch the light, but also distracting. Amazing piece, of which GS is getting more and more of.
I love GS and everything they’ve done over the years. Great seeing watch channels give the brand the attention it deserves.
Everyone always talks about the Daniel’s coaxial in the same breath as Omega (and rightly so) GS and all of their innovations (spring drive not withstanding) never seems to get the same love - perhaps because a corporation does not have the same narrative value as a sole watchmaker on an island working away on his opus.
I completely agree. And that’s why I think GS has a lot of work to do when it comes to branding. The product is great and but the image is not so.
shinji would disagree
Not really. If you look closely, you'll see that the Grand Seiko escapement is a half-assed hybrid of a Co-axial and a Lever escapement.
@Just watch the animations on how each of the 3 escapements deliver the impulse and you'll see what I am talking about. If you had known better, you'd also know that Roger Smith has invented a single wheel 'co-axial' escapement. If this doesn't convince you that the way the impulse is delivered is more important than the wheel arrangement, I don't know what will.
I tried it on in Kyoto today. Was absolutely stunning and is certainly my dream watch!
It's a shame you won't give the seamaster bracelet a chance. It's wonderful.
Branding his own straps
So close in joining team GS 🥲, call when me the bracelet tapers 😆
I’m loosing track on the amount of times you change your side parting Adrian lol . That new dial does look insane . I really liked the black version too - keep up the great vids
The Seamaster non tapering bracelet is fine and because it’s a chunky tool watch it look like it should be that way. I have one and it’s mega comfortable and somehow it makes the watch sit really well on the wrist. I know Rolex fan boys can’t accept it doesn’t tapper but it’s a fair enough criticism. This Grand Seiko needs a tapper bracelet all day long. It’s dimensions and design definitely require a elegant tapering bracelet. Grand Seiko are definitely nearly their and some models are already their. This new movement will allow them to fix a few poorly proportioned models.
This!!!!! I have no issues with the non tapering at all.. but for this model it would be way more elegant and fitting for the looks if the bracelet has taper to it.... 22 to 18 would be nice... 20 to 16 would be best....
Dude, you gotta wait for the new four seasons collection in September; the fall watch is just magnificent!
which one is that watch ( the fall) ?
@@RickyRicon2023 it's the sbge271. The one in black with yellow highlights
Grand Seiko is unbelievable... It blows my mind people will bypass this for a Rolex or Omega, lol crazy!!!!
A really great review, I own the Snowflake which is an amazing watch I get mesmerized every time I check the time the second hand sweep just draws you in. I've considered the White Birch but just prefer the hands of the Snowflake. You never know I might get tempted to invest in the White Birch later.
The thing about GS is that I'm least interested in their mechanical movements. The Spring Drive is the way to go IMHO, probably the best achievement in modern horology. Also, 9F quartz movements are simply awesome, comparable only to legendary Rolex Oysterquartz. For me, Snowflake is all-around better looking watch, more subtle in design department and powered by superior movement, and though I like White Birch for what it is, I find its dial pattern too busy and borderline illegible. Great watch, nonetheless.
@ the whole Spring Drive concept is vastly superior in my book, mostly for its quartz-like precision with 100% feel of a mechanical watch...and that smooth, smooth seconds hand. I like hi-beat movements very much, but they tend to be quite fragile (remember how Rolex actually "slowed down" El Primero for usage in their flagship model Daytona). Will GS Hi-beat will be as tough and durable as regular automatics and Spring Drive, only time will tell, but I'm still enamored with Spring Drive as maybe the last great technological advance in horology that is actually affordable for the masses.
@ Lower grade or higher grade, Spring Drive or Hi-beaT...frankly, I wouldn't mind any of them, on the contrary... :)
Grand Seiko is doing phenomenal work with those dials. I think it’s like art on the wrist.
Amazing watch but i’m with you, the negative point is the bracelet
Love this watch. Feel myself being drawn to it despite the fact I would normally consider 40mm too big, despite the fact, like you I'd prefer a better tapering bracelet and despite the price. OK, that last one possibly rules it out unfortunately, but it's close to making it onto the grail list.
Interesting piece - very good mechanical movement. However in this territory I would still prefer Glashütte Original (another watch maker that doesn't get the respect it deserves here in the UK.)
I feel like that’s gonna be the snowflake replacement. But that movement alone will make it worth its price
The Birch is so beautiful, I really could see myself wearing one 24/7. It oozes class and style.
Keep the videos and tutorials coming, good Sir. As I truly enjoy your channel over most of the others I watch. No disrespect to other channels of course.
Kind regards Rikki
Grand Seiko just came out with a whole new movement, put it in a watch under $20k, slimmed down there case profile, and upgraded the movement finishing and oh yea created a new dial. But the bracelet is the sticking point. The watch world is funny. These guys continue to impress. Hats off.
Great video Adrian!! Smart to pop in a GS expert to talk about the movement. Nice touch. I agree with your assessment on GS’s trajectory. Rolex had a terrible bracelet for decades also.
Grand seiko need to up their game not to use a tricky accuracy claim: +5/-3 is for static after casing is -1/+10 that meant if the watch is run 10 seconds more or -3 still within the spec. This is the main reason I still refuse to buy grand seiko
After white birch and so many other beautiful limited editions, the snowflake is still the icon of GS, just perfect
LOVE this watch! I am getting a Grand Seiko this year and you just helped me to make up my mind as to which one I want to get. Love the size, love the fact the case is stainless steel, love the fact it's NOT a Spring Drive but has a new GS movement. Love the 80 hour power reserve but let's be real here... LOVE THE DIAL!!!!! The white birch tree this dial is emulating actually grows all around the GS facility it was designed in. Also, the bracelet. I asked a GS rep about the bracelet and the lack of micro adjustments. He said GS believes the watch needs to be perfectly balanced and in harmony with the bracelet and so they have created the bracelet with "half-links" so you can size it perfectly to fit your wrist. Thank you for a wonderful and informative video. The ONLY thing I thought you could have improved on this one, you said this show is about watches and coffee (two of my loves) and that was the last mention of coffee in the entire show. TY again Adrian for a GREAT ten minutes and fourteen seconds!
Oh my lord that dial. I love how you talked about the hour hand continuing the design with the markers. I need to save up for this one.
I love this Grand Seiko White Birch, finally GS have improve the thickness of their watch. What i like the most is the dial, its just so beautiful.
Yeah the dial really is cool. This one wears so well.
This White Birch is incredible as was your review of it @BarkandJack!
This thing is so close to perfect and I am stunned by the engineering work they've put into that High Beat movement. I love it.
I'm a big fan of Omega but I piece like this, if I could buy one with clear conscience would be in the Grail category for me.
There's the snag, I suppose? 8,000 pounds is a monster price tag and this is probably worth it given the price other watches sell at, but I feel the watch market has run relentlessly in the upward direction for too long - past the point of reason.
I agree the heft of steel is just perfect for a watch. Remember the night vision goggles in Jurassic Park - “Are they heavy?” “Yeah.” “Then they’re expensive, put ‘em back.”
It’s a bargain and no, I’m not joking.
This is another level above rolex and omega. Extremely beautiful. Wish the price is more accessible.
It could be if it had a better bracelet and clasp
Bearing in mind that you dont like baby-ing watches, i have scratched my steel bezel on my airking. I think i makes it mine and doesnt bother me. But as its a daily for me it will have to be serviced and i imagine rolex will replace it. Would you leave it the scratch or have it returned from the service as a new watch?
I just hope all the money invested by GS in marketing and sending watches to the influencers pays off. It will help to correct the market and incentive Rolex to increase supply again. I believe these watches are worth it the $. They are gorgeous, but I prefer to spend my 10K in a GMT Master II for the simple reason that I like the looks better. Brand, value retention, and image do not have to do anything with it. Of course fanboys cannot understand that.
OMG, This is the most beautiful watch that I have ever seen in my life, I can only see the value of this watch go up in years to come, maybe double in price, breathless.
I was lucky enough to try it on last week it’s incredible.
Indeed this "white birch" watch has reached a milestone in creating something that is as desirable as a Rolex, both movement and dial are stunning. I never liked the snowflake, the titanium case made it look dull and feel cheap, the snowflake dial looked like filter paper from a chemistry class, and I like a watch that ticks.
I once owned a GS SBGJ203, but i sold it because i'm sacred of wearing it. This is my biggest problem with GS: if perfect fit and finish is their main charm (or one of the important at least), it won't age well. As a matter of fact, it's so difficult to find pictures of a scuffed up modern GS on the internet when I try to get some inspiration of how it will age. There are plenty of pictures of dinged up submariners or speedmasters, and they still looks good even in well used conditions, as their charm comes from the overall design and proportions. Well used GS? I'm not sure whether they still looks good.
Love the dial, movement looks better finished than what’s gone before... but I hate everything else. And I’m usually fan of the brand! I dislike the hour markers, the hour hand. Not such a fan of the case, which looks oddly dated. I especially dislike the massively wide bracelet which overwhelms the watch. Price is a bit rough too.
That new GS is amazing but I still get the snowflake any day because of it's superior movement.
That is a lot of money for a watch with a bracelet and clasp like this. The preservation of value is not going to be good either
Fair point. But that is not a lot of money for a watch with a 36,000 bph movement and 80 hours of power reserve and a dial finished to this degree 🤷🏻♂️
@@KLucero22 exactly.. but hell yeah.. there are always those „investment“ guys in... WATCHES.... 🤦🏻♂️
It doesn't necessarily have to be an investment. However, it is good to know to have a value retention, especially in that price range. A 36k bph movement is not a really an argument for a higher price, for example vs an 18k bph movement.
@@Sebastian85 value retention is a matter of market perception and is a moving target. Take the early Rolex Daytona watches for example. Those watches languished in dealer showrooms in the 1960s and 1970s. Omega was king. Technically and horologically, the Speedmaster was the better watch. But that didn’t stop Rolex from resurrecting the watch and turning it into the Veblen good giant that the Daytona is today. From an objective standpoint, 36k bph is absolutely an argument for a higher price vs 18k bph. Then there is the quality of the finishing. Look at the movement of any grand Seiko through a loupe and the movement finishing is up there with Patek and the big 3. Grand Seiko is making waves right now and anyone paying attention can see it is punching far far above its price range. Whether or not the public can understand that however is a different conversation entirely. What a watchmaker is willing to pay, and what a layman is willing to pay are often two very different prices.
Why can't the whole Seiko Group get the bracelets right? It's baffling. Too bad as this watch is absolutely stunning especially in person. That bracelet is a deal breaker, the price as well.(I can buy a nice Rolex for this price).
I just picked this watch up yesterday. I absolutely love it. I came to my dealer to put my eyes on the ivory GMT, I was all but sold on it. I was heart broken upon seeing it in person, although the detail of the finish appeared to be present as it is in the zoom videos I watch on UA-cam. Only problem was that it was all too small for me to appreciate. I have had been drawn to GS for awhile but was usually disappointed in the bracelets as well as the weight of most models being titanium. Superior metal or not, I can’t spend thousands on a watch that has the weight of a digital Casio. I was torn between Birch and green and white sub dial gmt on leather strap. Once I was handed this watch I had no hesitation spending an additional 4K usd. I even went as far to have them size my white date just Roman to fit my wife’s wrist. I told her that this will be the only watch of this style I will be needing
Congrats. It’s such a great watch and the details on it are amazing.
What's the lug to lug measurement? Considering selling my platinum yachtmaster for this...
This is awesome! My only question would be if Grand Seiko woul ever include this new movement in a sub-8000 watch when the technology gets older
I think if GS had there way, they would no longer make a sub-8000 watch, so I would not hold your breath on that one. Your best bet will be second hand in a few years.
@@TheRealMafoo That's simply not true. Dozens of GS models fall under $8k. It's a significant market and if you're going to be only producing $8,000+ models you start competing with some heavy hitters.
GS will continue to make sub-8k watches, the question is whether this new movement will ever be included in that collection - which is yet to be seen.
Its gorgeous but then it kin should be for that kind of wedge!
Just an amazing movement, dial and finish. Astounding that it runs at 10 beats per sec and has such a high power reserve.
you dont get spring drive, it is not quartz and its accuracy is as good as pure quartz. You need to get yourself more knowledgeable regarding grand seiko spring drive.
It is a quartz movement, just not a traditional quartz. Traditional quartz movements are powered by a battery and get their accuracy by from a quartz oscillator, a spring drive movement gets its power from a spring and it’s accuracy from a quartz oscillator. Similar to how mechanical movements vary in how they operate, quartz movements are the same.
@@BarkandJack I go with hybrid since quartz has discrete ticks while spring drive has continuous smooth sweep, I think each watch collector that values horology should own one of those which I recently did. Thanks for your response mate.