Grand Seiko SLGH017 Night Birch Hi-Beat Watch Review
The Grand Seiko SLGH017 Night Birch Hi-Beat is virtually identical to the SLGH005 save for its dial. Based on the success of the SLGH005, the Night Birch Hi-Beat is destined to attract widespread praise and notable sales success.
The Grand Seiko SLGH005
In the watch industry there are few watches that are guaranteed to succeed, however, when I first saw the Grand Seiko SLGH005 – the White Birch Hi-beat, I knew it was destined for great things. Sure enough, it won the ‘Men’s Watch prize’ at the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2021. How did I know the future of the Grand Seiko SLGH005 was destined to be blindingly bright?
Inspired by Shirakaba
Firstly, the dial, consistent with several other GS creations, has a rich texture, inspired by nature. Its fascinating complexion emulates the appearance of a white birch tree or ‘Shirakaba’. Moreover, it is highly legible and encompasses several exquisite details.
Hairline finish and mirror-polished surfaces
Secondly, the case incorporates a brushed, or ‘hairline’ finish, juxtaposed with distortion-free mirror-polished surfaces. Careful consideration has been given to the way the watch sits upon the wrist, culminating in impressive wearer comfort.
Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 – 5Hz frequency
Thirdly, and perhaps most notably, the Grand Seiko SLGH005 is equipped with an exceptional self-winding movement, the Hi-Beat 9SA5. The balance has a frequency of 36,000 vph (5Hz), meaning it is less susceptible to shocks and the movement is less prone to positional errors. Unusually, the movement has a dual-impulse escapement which transfers energy far more efficiently than a regular Swiss lever escapement, evidenced by its 80 hour power reserve.
Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 – free-sprung balance
The Hi-Beat 9SA5 also features a free-sprung balance which, in contrast to the ubiquitous index-adjusted balance, is less susceptible to positional influence and promises greater rate stability. In addition, the hairspring is equipped with an overcoil which makes it breathe more concentrically, improving isochronism. From a technical perspective, the Calibre 9SA5 is a horological tour de force.
The Grand Seiko SLGH017 Night Birch Hi-Beat – closing thoughts
Now, Grand Seiko has just released the new SLGH017 – the ‘Night Birch’ High Beat. The clue is in the name with the silvery-white daytime shades of the SLGH005 being replaced with black, nocturnal tones. The dial of the SLGH017 shares the same woodgrain appearance as the SLGH005 but it is now dressed in brooding hues. The new model proffers the same legibility, the blend of hairline and mirror-polished surfaces and grants the same wearer comfort as its older sibling. And, once again, the new watch is equipped with the Calibre 9SA5. I have no doubt that this new model will attract the same widespread plaudits and prizes as the White Birch Hi-Beat and will go on to enjoy the same sales success.
Price: £9000 (RRP as of 1.7.2022)