Grand Seiko SLGA009 White Birch Spring Drive Evolution 9 Watch Review
The Grand Seiko SLGA009 White Birch Spring Drive Evolution 9, on the face of it, the model looks identical to the GPHG prize-winning watch, the Heritage Hi-Beat SLGH005 Shirakaba (White Birch). However, in this instance, this latest model sets aside the impressive Calibre 9SA5 in favour of the new Spring Drive 5 Days Calibre 9RA2. Both movements deliver greatness, but their respective journeys take a very different route. Angus Davies, a self-confessed ‘GS geek’, shares his thoughts.
My first Grand Seiko
My romance with Grand Seiko began a number of years ago. I coveted various GS models from afar before I ultimately acquired a highly desirable ‘Snowflake’. No sooner had I consummated our marriage, I succumbed to temptation again and bought another GS, this time a steel divers’ model. Since then other watches have come and gone, but my two Grand Seiko models have never left my side. Despite having form for ‘flipping’, my GS models are for keeps.
When I acquired my first Grand Seiko, some friends acknowledged the wisdom of GS ownership. However, some watch snobs were dismissive, scoffing at my choice, espousing the merits of entering into a relationship with the ubiquitous Swiss crown.
Grand Seiko – a popular brand among aficionados
Nowadays, Grand Seiko is widely known among watch aficionados. The nature-inspired dials, the silky-smooth Zaratsu polished cases and, finally, the array of precise movements are now familiar to many horophiles. In recent years, the Japanese firm has amassed various silverware, most recently at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
T0 Constant-Force Tourbillon
Beyond the widespread plaudits, Grand Seiko has repeatedly shown its incredible technical prowess. In 2020, the Japanese marque unveiled a ‘concept movement’, the T0 Constant-Force Tourbillon. With the advent of this movement, GS was knocking on the door of Haute Horlogerie.
Calibre 9SA5
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition SLGH002, a timepiece you could actually buy, demonstrated the technical ambition of the Japanese firm. Powered by the Calibre 9SA5, the self-winding movement is a tour de force. Indeed, the inventory of mouthwatering details is likely to stir the loins of any self-respecting watch obsessive. A dual-impulse escapement, free-sprung balance, overcoil, horizontal gear train, superior finishing, twin barrels and a frequency of 36,000 Vph (5Hz) collectively distinguish this movement as very special.
Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Bear SLGH005 Shirakaba (White Birch)
Last year, Grand Seiko unveiled the Heritage Hi-Beat SLGH005 Shirakaba (White Birch). This watch features a gorgeous dial, resembling the appearance of a white birch tree, a 40mm stainless steel case, enriched with Zaratsu polishing and, lastly, the aforementioned Calibre 9SA5. It came as no surprise when I heard this model had won the Men’s Watch prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection
Now, Grand Seiko has released a seemingly identical watch, the Grand Seiko SLGA009 White Birch Spring Drive Evolution 9. The dial looks near identical and the 40mm steel case also looks very similar. However, this latest model eschews the Calibre 9SA5 in favour of the new Spring Drive 5 Days Calibre 9RA2. This latter movement is billed as the ‘latest and finest Spring Drive’. It has a power-reserve of 120 hours and proffers an accuracy of ±0.5 seconds per day, two areas that surpass even the Calibre 9SA5.
Having already soared to new heights, I cannot help wondering when will Grand Seiko’s ascent level off?
Further reading