I’m not going to lie the Grand Seiko White Birch, specifically the Hi-Beat Automatic version launched in 2021, remains one of my favourite watches made by GS. Grand Seiko White Birch Spring Drive SLGA009 (left) and Hi-Beat SLGH005 (right), both with a shimmering silver-toned and strongly textured dial. Grand Seiko has more to offer, specifically with the “Lake Suwa” SLGA007, which is basically the same watch, sharing the same qualities, but with a different expression and dial colour that could even make you turn your back to the silvery-white version. But you don’t have to feel neglected if the White Birch isn’t your thing. Yet, not everyone will be attracted by these light, intensely textured watches.
And the two White Birch models, either the Hi-Beat Automatic SLGH005 or the Spring Drive SLGA009, have been some of the most coveted watches in the recent history of the brand. The many new and superbly executed watches forming the Evolution 9 collection have provoked some discussions and certainly some sales too. During the past year or so, fans of Grand Seiko have been well treated.