The Grand Seiko Night Birch is a PROBLEM

Remember the Grand Seiko White Birch? Well, now it’s back with a black dial for the SLGH017 Night Birch, and it’s causing a bit of a stir in the watch enthusiast community!
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Grand Seiko Night Birch SLGH017
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[@doolderaaz]

Grand Seiko Night Birch and Lexus LFA was such a perfect comparison. Grand Seiko reminds me of Lexus when you are tired of usual options. BMW M4 or Mercedes C63 are great but a Lexus RCF is something you go for when you want something out of ordinary. A Rolex is very well-known but a Grand Seiko is something that only true enthusiasts can appreciate.

[@byteme9718]

The Lexus is not just different, it's better. The same applies to the Grand Seiko.

[@dvipal]

You're right! LFA/RCF is a good comparison for Grand Seiko. Which means Credor is a Toyota Century 👀

[@automobilistic]

agreed! I'd add that Lexus (perhaps like the Grand Seiko) is also the better product, and people are unfairly turned off by the badge

[@ahojnazdar3656]

@@automobilistic Lexus neither Grand Seiko is a product. It's a brand. I think that what you've just written is an example how the effect of ignorance you tried to describe is being built by people's mind. Those little factual errors here and there make differences in individual opinions - like your feeling of "unfairness" here.

[@automobilistic]

@@ahojnazdar3656 both companies make products. The LFA, and the Night Birch we're talking about are both products. I don't understand where you're finding the issue with my comment, I was saying the comparison of the 2 products was apt, and expressing my opinion that both are perhaps unfairly overlooked because of the brand

[@raycollington4310]

The Rolex marketing strategy and supply issues have turned me off the brand. I no longer wear mine and have no desire to be associated with them. Grand Seiko on the other hand are a breath of fresh air and where I will be spending my money. Good video thank you.

[@jamied931]

Sell it for what you paid for it 😂

[@raycollington4310]

@@jamied931 I paid £1,050 for a 16800 Sub in 1990. I guess these watches are a currency now. Head of R & D at Rolex must be an easy number 😂

[@jamied931]

@@raycollington4310 man that is crazy to hear lol well if you truly never wear it you could make someones day by selling it for 5k 😜

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

I’m embarrassed to wear a rolex

[@jamied931]

@@KZbinuser1aa i love your name 😂

[@tods.9947]

GS is leaving Rolex in the pits and frankly isn’t really concerned about them. The comparison to JLC is much more apt. I further suggest that they have their sights beyond even that. And Credor is directly competing with Moser and Patek.

[@Kinshasa9200]

Friendly disagreement incoming. I don't see the appeal behind Credor. Their cheaper watches are quartz, and at that price range, i'd just get a better-looking Cartier. Higher-end side, the finishing is fantastic, but their design is ugly? Would rather spend money elsewhere. For Some of the most interesting watches Seiko makes are on the cheaper side. SARB017, SARX029, SRPD79, etc. are all fantastic-looking watches that would be elevated to GOAT status with better materials and finishing. Even the SLA055 is better than some GS divers.

[@Sabundy]

Agreed 100%

[@SuicideVan]

A little over a year ago I sold my Datejust, then bought a Snowflake later that afternoon and it's hard not to be extremely happy with the deal. I ended up with thousands in my pocket and a better watch on my wrist. I still like Rolex though, but those secondary market prices got crazy and my Datejust really didn't stand out compared to my other watches in the $3-5k range, the GS does.

[@SuicideVan]

@@Kinshasa9200 what I love about Seiko is that at just about every price segment they seem to punch above their weight class so to speak. A lot of the hate they got there for a minute was really just the prices getting closer to reflecting the value they bring in the $500-1k range. My first Seiko was a "5" dress watch I got for $50. Easily as nice as something in the $150-200 range. Then I scored on a PADI Turtle for $250 I'd say up there with with watches double or triple the cost. I bought the most recent green/gold Aplinist and at $700 I'd say that's a fair price, but not the bargain of the others. My GS on the other hand is finished on another level to anything I've seen under $10k.

[@valebliz]

I love GS but most Credor designs don't appeal to me tbh.

[@vktravellog1242]

Grand Seiko is really upping their game with this new movement. The 9S85 is a great movement but from a horological perspective its no comparison to the 9SA5 which is excellent. I know people will balk at the price, but when you compare apples to apples the value you get from a Grand Seiko is still unmatched.

[@clintonshiells3095]

I commemorated my retirement and 65th birthday with the GS SLGH005. My sense is that the 9SA5 is under-appreciated. It‘s a technologically innovative movement that is beautifully designed and finished. The SLGH005 is very dynamic and interesting. I don‘t feel the same about the other Birches. I can‘t take my eyes off the watch in daily wear.

[@Aztec1050]

9SA5 is way worse than a top tier eta 2824 or 2892, Swiss designs that’s been proven for decades. I returned my GS with the new movement and bought the 9RA5 which is quartz regulated for better accuracy. My 9SA5 was running -12 seconds slow AFTER warranty repair

[@silvestrocrino3256]

@@Aztec1050 ... I don't believe you.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Had exactly the same 'problem'! I own a Snowflake for years and definitely wanted to have the White Birch due to it's brand new and stunning (especially at this pricepoint) 9SA5 movement. But hey were just too similar... after discovering the Black Birch I was instantly sold and bought one. Couldn't be happier with it!

[@carazable]

Watching Andrew talk about Grand Seiko is like watching Robert De Niro play in Martin Scorcese movie. They go together so well, hard to tell which one is made for the other !

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Well said. But Mr. Hands is neither waiting nor "talking" Italian. (Very old British pop reference. My apologies...)

[@yarly3180]

They're both way over the hill and De Niro is an über Rolex fanboy soooo... 😋

[@andoletube]

@@mitchmitchell9588 I thought you were making a Bananarama reference...

[@mitchmitchell9588]

I was! Horrible tune, but stuck in my head due to constant play on MTV in my wasted youth.

[@andoletube]

@@mitchmitchell9588 Yes, for such a lame and insignificant song, it has surprising endurance for sticking around in our memories.

[@bullnose01]

Andrew, I'm glad that you've expanded your work to include your videos with Tom and AMW, both of which are really good and enjoyable, but WF still is your sweet spot. Looking forward to another year of outstanding content.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

I enjoy all three. But this style of video is what originally brought most of us here. Kinda like that Dino...

[@chubbylegend]

The quiet part that Andrew didn't say out loud is that GS are only going to get better and better with their finishing, more adept with their movements, and become much more of a threat to VC, AP & PP.

[@stormyb3739]

And with that my dream of owning a GS in the future will also be going away as they up their standing in the industry. 😅

[@user-qs4kb4jf1d]

Kodo is already an example of their prowess.

[@bluelabel222]

I have to give credit to you guys and the watch community on KZbin for creating such a wonderful channel/ atmosphere educating new and old collectors alike. I had the opportunity to acquire a 'limited edition' Grand Seiko at the end of last year with a 9R16 movement. It has a +/- 0.5sec per day accuracy and an amazing level of detail finish on the dial, bezel and the case back. It is such a wonderful piece of art to enjoy and I would've missed-out had i not been introduced to this amazing brand. much Thanks!

[@andynorton4854]

Grand Seiko and Jaeger LeCoutre spoken about in the same breath - i think this watch has already achieved what is set out to do

[@kpkost]

My first watch was a White Birch and I adore the white dial, but this is stunning too

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

Wow. You really stepped into the watch world with a big plunge. I wanted a white birch but have a snowflake and wanted a different color dial.

[@molarrr]

Nice congratulations! I just got my first luxury watch. The GS snowflake. Almost got the white birch but wanted to go classic snowflake.

[@jcarrera30]

Funny my first nice watch was the white birch (mechanical) also

[@freddyt55555]

My first watch was a $20 Timex quartz. LOL.

[@Rhal63]

How do you keep coming up with these brilliantly worded masterpieces. Keep up the fair work. Thanks Andrew

[@NJP1234567890]

I typically don’t like black dials but… I absolutely love this dial! This watch is near perfect to me. If it had a spring drive it would be perfect and I hope they make a spring drive version! Power reserve indicator would be nice too cuz I just love how grand seiko does them.

[@fraybentos9854]

This time last year I was a Grand Seiko hater. Today I’m a huge fan, truly an acquired taste

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

Well the proof is in the pudding. You can't look at those watches and not fall in love.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Wow, that’s a turn around! Once a hater, always a hater. Sorry but your comment sounds odd. Why did you hate on them? If you were that wrong, why should anyone take your opinion now seriously? Saying they are an acquired taste sounds elitist BS to me.

[@fraybentos9854]

@@alfieakaronaldog I thought Grand Seiko was a pompous bastardization of the Seiko name; I loved (and still do) Seiko watches. I thought GS was overpriced nonsense for fools. This was before I knew too much about watches. I’ve learned much since, and the Spring Drives without the power reserves on the dial are just marvelous.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

@@fraybentos9854 So glad it’s not just me that thinks those power reserves need to be on the rear!

[@alfieakaronaldog]

@@fraybentos9854 I found the brand intriguing when I first stumbled across it. I would say it’s my favourite brand, which is odd as I struggle to like a single piece in the way I like a number of Rolex or Omega models.

[@rashakor]

All the birches have the same problem compared to the Snowflake, those stubby hour hands and that truly heinous 12 hours triple marker. They would be perfect otherwise. Well except for those cheapo clasps but that common to all the Seikos. I agree on the comparison with Rolex but fully disagree with the JLC comparison. Seiko has a long history and legacy to not have to feel embarrassed in front of any Swiss maker. They single-handedly almost caused the Quartz crisis and have been in business longer than Rolex (a British company may I add). My daily wear rotation are actually a SLGA211 snowflake and a JLC Geophysics.

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

Grand Seiko cases are also a bit too thick. I'm not a fan of that "chopped-off" hour hand either.

[@sylinmino]

@@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather This one is not too thick--11.7mm for an 80hr hi-beat movement with 100m WR is really good.

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

@@sylinmino True, and this is also an automatic movement, so Grand Seiko did a pretty good job in keeping it under 12mm. I'd like to see Grand Seiko manufacture a micro-rotor movement to make the cases even more slim.

[@rashakor]

@@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather I do agree that most GS designs would benefit from a slimmer/smaller design. Microrotors don’t necessarily make the movement slimmer as you need to push all the other gears to the side to accommodate them all between base plates. A nicer design for an automatic is the peripheral rotor (like on some Vacheron Overseas).

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

@@rashakor I'd take either a micro-rotor or peripheral rotor in a GS. Both would allow more of the wonderful movement finishing to be seen.

[@jeffostrander2082]

This watch is more stunning in person than one would think. Understated elegance and austerity is what comes to mind and the titanium does not feel too lightweight. It still feels substantial. I will own this watch and certainly prefer it over any Rolex I've ever seen.

[@mosytube]

Why doesn’t GS make a watch in 38.5 or 39 mm? 40mm is too big for so many of us, and the 22mm lug width is the closing argument for a pass. What a shame.

[@machtschnell7452]

The blunt cut hands diminish the look of this model.

[@ericparton1232]

Beautiful and 100 percent better than any Rolex.

[@Schleberger]

Grand Seiko fanboys are the only thing more pathetic than Rolex fanboys.

[@tarlancharkasov1048]

exactly

[@sarfaraz185]

Obsessed with Rolex 😂

[@allan2098]

Both high quality brands. What makes it 100% better?

[@tarlancharkasov1048]

@@allan2098 Price/quality

[@AbysswalkerASMR]

The Problem is, that there is still no Spring Drive version of this beauty! Also, if GS could up their bracelet game to the same level as the rest of the watch... it's one of my only gripes with the brand.

[@Sabundy]

Grand Seiko is quickly becoming the Lexus of watches.

[@captainkaiii]

And not your average soccer mom's boring RX350 SUV either. These things are all LS500's, GSF's and LFA's.

[@seanpark9448]

I can't find any better value watches in this price range. I think the fantastic movement and great finishing has already covered the value. In additional perfect sitting on the wrest, beautiful 3D feeling dial, great cutting index etc...

[@neilmartin7776]

I remember when the lake suwa model came out - I was in a jewellers, comparing it to the white birch, and my opinion was split. If I could have had the lake suwa dial with the white birch movement, I'd have been sold. This, however... In black, the dial seems a step up, while that gorgeous movement remains. If my wallet could afford it, this is the GS I'd buy.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

This is my main problem with GS (apart from the bracelet), they have all the right ingredients, but usually in different dishes 😢

[@arkachatterjee5179]

Well now you have the SLGH019 if you want a blue-dial piece with the 9SA5 movement and Evolution9 case design (in titanium no less). I myself went with the SLGA007 and am glad I did. It’s gorgeous and accurate enough to sub for my cell phone as a reference time-setter for all my other pieces.

[@grandtourfanatic5017]

I think lake suwa dial much more interesting than the birch. I dont know if it just my personal preference or it is what it is.

[@neilmartin7776]

@@grandtourfanatic5017 so did I, but I think it's because the white birch (being white) didn't let things like the hands and markers pop as much as the Suwa did. The black birch changes that, while keeping the better looking movement.

[@extrememike]

I own the white birch spring drive. However this version with the dark dial, though beautiful and elegant, I think it will look better with a bracelet made of smaller links. Something along the lines of the Jubilee but perhaps with a design similar to the GS markers.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

For me, the Hi-Beat movement is key. Not just for the reasons Mr. Hands enumerates, but also because it links Grand Seiko back to 1968. For more than 50 years, Seiko has been kicking Swiss butts. But Mr. Hands is right. This is a very pricey watch and, for many normal folks, it is a question of Grand Seiko or Rolex (although some would like to pretend Rolex doesn't exist). It is not an easy call. The Night Birch checks all the boxes with the movement, the titanium and the dial, which is arguably more interesting than the White Birch's monochromatic aesthetic. But being a man of a certain age, the crown has that feel and appeal...just like a Dino. (Mr. Hands: Are you familiar with the Isuzu 117 Coupe? Check out the vintage models 1973 and before. I'll dare you to pronounce the designer's name on a video again.)

[@melody3741]

Why the fuck did you have to tell me about the isuzu coupe? I will never be able to get one and now i’m really sad.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

@@melody3741 I'm really sorry. I have a very bad reputation for ruining people's day, and you are the most recent victim. The 117 Coupe is a really cool car. In that era, Japanese were hand-making small batches of really beautiful cars to gear up their technical abilities. A lot of the designs were from Europe. I like the Mazda Cosmos from the same era. Also, Toyota Sport 800.

[@SuicideVan]

When I was buying my Snowflake I was surprised to hear from the sales associate that when any if the Japanese execs from GS visited they most wore Hi-Beat models. Personally I went with the spring drive as I felt it fit well with such an iconic watch and it's something nobody else does.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

@@SuicideVan Yeah Van Man. The Hi-Beat is it. Respect for the Spring Drive (you enjoying it?). But nothing like the Hi-Beat. I have one in a reissue of the Seiko 1968 Diver.

[@sdiver68]

The answer is not 2. It's 1. Omega purchased the co-axial patent. Grand Seiko is all in-house. And many GS aficionados have elevated Shunbun above Snowflake as the standard bearer for best overall GS.

[@seanmarietta9059]

I love the night Burch. I also love the snowflake. I recently went and looked at the white birch and was pretty turned off, making it black makes all the difference. I would definitely buy the grand Seiko over a Rolex. In fact, I already have, and I would do it again.

[@Veradun66]

A welcome return to form. Love the Night Birch. Watch prices are ever increasing and a watches "value" is subjective in terms of affordability. Knowing the level of craftsmanship, I'd say it's priced accurately and as Andrew says, on par with JLC . Whether or not I'd fork out 9 grand for one, is another thing ...

[@LeeePowers]

Nice video. I think the Lexus analogy you seek,is more akin to the "Original Gangster" LS400. That showed the world they weren't mucking about. Even had a TV advert claiming all the other luxury manufacturers were given notice that their easy time at the top,was over. They were right. "The Relentless Pursuit" is a book about the beginning of lexus and a brief Toyota history lesson. Its on Google audio books as well.

[@notenoughtime7274]

I own Shunbun (sbga413), and Godzilla (SBGA405), and a few months back tried on the night, white birch, and snowflake. I’d put the night birch in the top 3 best GS. Beautiful watch. Prefer it and the contrast on the dial to both the snowflake and the white birch, and the overall watch finish is nicer than the Shunbun I own. My top 3 GS in no particular order remain SBGK005 (limited edition discontinued), Godzilla (limited edition discontinued), and this the night birch. Great video and good to see this featured.

[@TexasBulldog74]

I love my Grand Seiko for the same reason others dislike them. I can wear my grand seiko and only a watch fan will know what it really is and not hear "Seiko" and think its some $200 watch from the Mall. I owned a Rolex and will never again buy another. Its all name, it does nothing better or even as good as Grand Seiko. Some flock to that name needing validation and some don't.

[@Koishishibaman]

Traded in my sbga413 to buy the black birch. Very happy with the watch. If you want a flashy one, this is not it. It is very underrated, but handsome.

[@TemplarLove]

Enjoy and wear it in good health!

[@johnmasters-w5l]

ive gone to Grand Seiko sbgh245 lovely watch , rolex don't want to sell me a watch but brand seiko sold me 3 lol

[@alexlilano1931]

Classic WatchFinder. I actually feel nostalgic watching this and this video also makes me want to buy a GS.

[@Monami262]

Even the macro shot shows no flaws on the perfectly polished hands and indices. Insane value for money at this price point. However, the movement wasn't finished/decorated as perfectly. Well for this price point, I wouldn't complain

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

GS will be the luxury brand of this decade. What a beautiful watch and movement.

[@bytex666]

It's an amazing looking watch, but I have one issue with it. The hour hand, looks like it's broken at the tip. I know it isn't, but comparing with the razor sharp sword look of the other GS, it leaves me a bit dry..that texture dial though, holy moly. I don't even care about the Quartz engine. This beats any rolex that you'd have to wait in line for 2 years to be able to buy, after buying 3 other rolexes you don't want first (or pay triple price on a website)

[@andreaiacolina]

Another beautiful piece from GS. Their dial are simply unbelievable. Amazing piece.

[@brett233]

The movement finishing is insane here. Just make these new releases in 38mm and I’d buy one in a second!

[@alexspink4325]

Anyone else catch ‘night birth’ at 8.59? I’d love to think it was an on-purpose little Easter egg but the more I entertain that, the weirder it gets 😂

[@LotoroE]

The Night Birch is a beautiful watch no doubt and it's definitely on my wishlist. But I have the money saved and my name down for an Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy so that will get my attention first. If it were a standard Speedy then no question I'd go for the GS as I love what they do and how they do it. The SBGA469 Katsuiro plugs the gap beautifully until the coffers are suitably full to add this to the collection.

[@tobyntoby]

My only gripe with Grand Seiko is its aftersales experience, at least here in Hong Kong. If you ever need to get your GS serviced, you'd go to this only service centre in town, which is situated in a dull commercial building at an industrial district. This is also where all of Seiko's watches are serviced. The centre's setup is, shall we say, very industrial. And the experience is like taking your laptop to a repair centre. I'm in the market for a GMT watch in titanium, and the SBGE285 has caught my eye. Whilst the tech and craftsmanship of the GS lineup are undoubtedly impeccable, their aftersales service in my opinion does not live up to its luxury image. This is the only thing that hinders me from pulling the trigger.

[@crewtc1987]

How is that a gripe to have with buying a watch? How embarrassingly pretentious.

[@andoletube]

@@crewtc1987 How is it not related to owning a GS watch?

[@Harpreet06]

I like this but like the lake suwa more. Is this the best black dial/steel combo watch? Better than Rolex Explorer/Sub no date/Speedy?

[@cosmodoc]

funny, at 8:58 you actually said “night birth”😂

[@charlottejet4338]

I adore Grand Seiko. If I was a Swiss watchmaker, I'd be watching this space!

[@Doggo-frencton]

The Soko Shadow Edition is still my favorite design from GS. Love this watch though

[@Koishishibaman]

Strapco has a very green alligator strap that looks great on that watch. Never used, or sized my bracelet on this watch

[@cgtactical6619]

I love pretty much everything about the watch, the dial is great and my favorite is the innovation in the movement. But I just cant justify 9k, it would be lovely for 6-7k.

[@nomaralonso1880]

Why do i always have to turn this channel volume up 200%

[@supersharpblades5673]

The biggest downfall for Grand Seiko is the name. No way will I spend over 8 grand on a watch what says Seiko on the dial. Would Lexus be a such prestigious brand if it was called Grand Toyota??? I think not!

[@moneymikz]

While unexpected the LFA was a huge commercial failure for Lexus. It was great for people who bought one at retail and sold it for twice the price but a huge flop for Lexus itself

[@stereodark]

I purchased a White Birch 10 months ago and it’s impressive. I wear it almost daily and it lost 1s in 10 months. It’s as precise as the best quartz and fully automatic, it works with any outfit. It’s my best watch by far and it is the watch which makes my Explorer and my Batman stay in their box almost every morning.

[@Noypi54494]

I just got a Black Birch yesterday in Maui at Ben Bridge while on vacation. That's incredible yours keeps such excellent time! Do you manually wind it daily like the manual says or just wear it?

[@stereodark]

@@Noypi54494 I manually wind it occasionally but mostly wear it.

[@Noypi54494]

@@stereodark Thanks

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

FYI, Yamaha developed the engine in the Lexus LFA, not Toyota/Lexus. Still Japanese developed though.

[@sterlingarcher74]

Honestly Grand Seiko has some of the best dials in the game.

[@gazz501]

An issue that gives me pause to enter the GS world is the Zaratsu finish, which is to such a high level that the slightest scratch seems to immediately reduce the entire watch to looking a little shabby. A bit like a bird dropping on a brand new Rolls Royce, it's disproportionately noticeable. Maybe titanium overcomes this? And yes, there are other watches with incredible finishing but somehow there's a different panache wearing a battered constellation or even a reverso compared to wearing a battered snowflake. I'm over the dismay of 'Seiko' on the dial because I empathise with Seiko's pride. Hey, everybody knows a Lexus is a Toyota! I'm kind of over the bracelet issues, kind of. Not sure about the clipped hour hand on this watch, it disconcerts me. I would however buy the night birch for the superb movement and the strapifying potential of this beauty. Plus, I suspect that in a decade we will be looking at paying a lot more for GS and even the potential for Seiko to go the high end route of limited total production.

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

I really like the cherry blossom spring drive. The one I've seen was accurate to a second a week, and looks great under different lighting.

[@pushslice]

I too was one of those people that thought a pink men’s watch sounded silly . until I actually held it in the flesh. It’s …stunning. Would love to own one .

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

@@pushslice I think if you put it beside a snowflake, it really shines.

[@Koishishibaman]

The shunbun is a beautiful watch, but I had a hard time reading it. Not enough contrast for my old eyes. Ended up trading it in on the black birch.

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

I have that issue with it as well. The hands need a redesign.@@Koishishibaman

[@omarkabbani4002]

I couldn't agree more with you. Your review is precisely aligned with my thoughts. I have tried this on several times. It's a stunning time piece. The look, the weight, the movement...all juicy stuff. But the price tag is just too hefty for me. I tried to make justification for it to myself several times but failed. Even the titanium is grade 2 (like the Pelagos 39) and not grade 5. GS perhaps missed a trick there. You are 100% spot on about past vs future. It's a quest of brand power and right now GS isnt exchanging punches with the elite. Not yet anyway. On a final note, depending on where you are in the world, these can be picked up in promotions. In the UAE, this was offered for 8000 pounds in December. Still a hefty sum but every little helps. Keep up the brilliant work Andrew. Loving your vids.

[@jcd9327]

Please, how do you know it’s a grade 2 titanium and not a grade 5 ?

[@omarkabbani4002]

Was mentioned in a review online. Please do correct me if I am wrong.

[@big_boy_chris]

If only Grand Seiko can make some high quality and pretty integrated metal bracelets and clasps to go with those amazing dials, then I would put them up there nipping at the heels of Patek.

[@duynguyen2408]

The only missing features are lume on the dial and micro adjustable then it will become perfect alternative. I have not own one of these new ones yet purely because of those TWO things.

[@jackprichard6780]

Your first automatic, Seiko 5. You next, Prospex or Presage. When you finally get your Grail Watch; you buy GS because it honors the journey.

[@off-roadingcars]

I have enough Swiss watches and looking to diversify into GS. I love this watch and may buy it. I will say the bracelet is disappointing for this price range. Tudor has better bracelets than GS.

[@landonmeier3018]

My first luxury watch was/is the Grand Seiko SBGA375 featuring a stunning midnight blue dial, exquisite sword-style hands, and indices that only get better under magnification, a 44GS case that I find to be captivating from every angle, especially the side profile, a display case back and very subtle GS lion logo watermark in the sapphire crystal, and of course the 9R65 Spring Drive movement which achieves a smooth sweeping seconds hand and an accuracy of +/- 1 second per day. All for $4,500 NEW. It is truly superior to my Rolex Datejust ref. 126200 in every way with one exception...the clasp. Also, really think about lume...how often is it necessary? I have grown to prefer the dazzling, sparkling indices/hands of my GS over the Rolex which lacks the same eye-popping quality. Will I buy another GS? I doubt it. Don't feel it's needed in my collection. I am more likely to acquire a JLC or Omega. As for the price of this Night Birch...I do not think I can stomach it. Ask $7k and just maybe. Thanks, Andrew.

[@jchong416]

I don't know about this night birch. It looks too much like a seiko 5. A refined one but the dial color doesn't do it for me.

[@terryjones3755]

I just love this watch. im waiting on the latest movement to be used then that will be the one for me.

[@RobBrook]

Awesome video guys! Absolutely love the Night Birch 🤩

[@mannycalavera2335]

I love it. But when it comes to black dial 40mm Grand Seiko's my personal favorite remains the underrated SBGE271G.

[@oneeyeman6258]

Love this watch, everything about it. But I'm not sure I'd choose it over a similarly priced JLC.

[@robertsilvestri3254]

Had my name down for a Rolex Explorer for 3 years….no joy!!! Bought a Grand Seiko instead. Best decision I’ve ever made, it’s fantastic!!

[@MERKAMGCLK]

I am sooo happy that I own both GS and JLC. These are by far my 2 favorite watch makers. In fact you really don't need anything else besides these 2.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

Mine are grand Seiko, Sinn and a ALS. I work with my hands so a tool watch is required and in my opinion Sinn can’t be beat.

[@machtschnell7452]

Sohne Lange.

[@MERKAMGCLK]

@Heywood truth be told I have 2 Sinns as well. Lol. A 104 and a U1.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

@@MERKAMGCLK nice. I have a U1 with the blue dial. It’s my everyday watch and it still looks brand new after 4 years or hard work. Very tuff watch. The on,y theme I take it off is when I wear a different watch.

[@calvinchann1996]

For me, GS, JLC and Breguet.

[@cs51207]

That might be my favorite watch ever. Gorgeous!

[@JohnnyADi]

This is the grand seiko I want along side my SLGA009 but what I really want is the SLGH011 which is this watch but with a sexy green dial.

[@jamescgarrett6356]

I’d far rather own this black dial version over the white/silver version, or even the original Snowflake. If they could chuck a Spring Drive movement in it, I’d happily join a waiting list to buy one. Oh, hang on, this is Grand Seiko. Do they even do waiting lists? Keep up the great videos and keep well :-)

[@randalljames1]

I became a die hard Seiko fan in the 70s.. was also my first watch ever approaching triple digit value... Today, I appreciate the mechanical wonders that they are.. I do not need a watch, I need to feel the awe of such machines.. Well now.. do i blow 10G on a watch today..

[@RedwoodAggie]

I've tried this watch on, and it's so good. However, the price is a bit hard to swallow vs. Rolex, no matter the technical details. The bracelet issues mentioned and lack of lume bother me. I know there's a lot of reflection off those markers, but it's not the same. This is a sports watch and should have that feature. If I'm going to spend that money, the watch shouldn't be missing obvious features. There's plenty of room for it in the middle of those markers. See the SBGE285 for a good example of a similar Evo 9 watch with proper lume. I do think it's still a very nice watch, just too expensive for imperfection. I wish they had put a texture like that on the SBGE283, which is rather dull with the flat black dial. Grand Seiko is right on the precipice of greatness, but not quite there yet. In the mean time, I'll be waiting for my Explorer II call.

[@AamirTime]

I'd get both JLC and GS.

[@SagnikDasgupta]

Jeez these 5Hz balance wheels are mesmerizing.

[@amrsalem7143]

Tx for the review I enjoyed every moment of it

[@balesjo]

The dial of the Night Birch is beautiful, the color giving more impact than the White Birch. Beautiful dial, beautiful movement, outstanding finishing. And the price is excellent for what you get, in comparison to other watch brands.

[@seidshot]

Thanks for introducing me to the HI-BEAT movement. I purchased and love my SBGJ239.

[@danthunderbolton4350]

Although is an expensive GS, I would choose this Night Birch over an equivalent JLC. You say it, looking to the future, I think is the better choice, the modern choice.

[@GearheadDaily]

GS's are really all starting to look the same...

[@profhorology4507]

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez... this is a beautiful work of art.

[@yerrie1908]

I love my GS SBGA231 but the clasp is a big joke latterly, so big it’t doesn’t stick in the auto winder case, big miss

[@underadesk]

Cries into my snkl32j1 "no, you are good enough for me" 😭

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Generally love GS. But imho, on this piece, the marker at 12 is too wide & the blunt ‘cut’ of the hour hand is a bit harsh.

[@jimmuisenga5025]

My problem with grand seiko is their rapidly escalating prices. That and while I appreciate them, I just don’t get the “I gotta have that one” yet.

[@Nick-lm5lz]

I'm lucky enough to own an affordable Credor. I've worn it twice but it is so beautiful. I hope to get a diver gs one day ....but I don't know if I'll afford it.

[@gabrielarch5242]

The more I look … the more …. I want! Arguably, underpriced. 👍🏻

[@MastinoNapoletano420]

I wish you would have flipped it all the way over and shown the latch on the bracelet. It looks different than my Shunbun bracelet but I wanted to see the latch. I can't find a picture of it anywhere. Thanks for sharing Andrew! Hope all is well!

[@enricosace]

You mention Jaeger~Le Coultre as a potential rival to the Night Birch several times. What model do they have at this price that is comparable?

[@alanmcgeagh3475]

I am a dyed in the wool JLC fan but with the huge price increases in the last 12 months, from JLC (>24%), it isn't so straight forward. A Master Ultra thin date model is now £8,500 and if it was a choice between it and the White/Night Birch, it isn't a close call at all. The GS, every time. But a Master Ultra Thin moon with the petroleum blue dial would make me really pause, except that it is now £10,800, £2,300 more than this time last year and now, to me, is poor value for money. So, although I think Grand Seiko is sticking it to us on the prices of every new model introduced in recent times, they are still far better value than their Swiss or German competitors. I think, Andrew, Grand Seiko's "tussle" with JLC is already won, at least at the lower cost watches in their range.

[@ShawnKitchen]

It's interesting that you refer to the Snowflake as the one that "first turned your head". I feel exactly that way about it as well. Grand Seiko makes some truly beautiful timepieces (and there are many I'd like to have), but the Snowflake - even at its more modest price point - is still the GS I'd look at first before any others. For its relative "shortcomings" (i.e. lower weight and more nuanced dial), its still the one that made me fall for Grand Seiko. That's a hard allure to pass over. For me, the Night Birch would be a lovely watch to have, but it'd be a hard ask for me to purchase it over a Snowflake as my first Grand Seiko.

[@acousticlion]

Rika SBGH271 was my 1st. A Snowflake was my 2nd. This Night Birch might be the 3rd.

[@deanvanlaarhoven1413]

My Second Suwa 019 is worth every penny. Keeps perfect time, unlike my slightly slow Rolex Explorer 124270

[@raroonchandranadv5]

That was an honest opinion sir....The marketing strategy of Rolex and people or the public going crazy after it based on such manipulative strategy... reminded me , as to why Plato hated Democracy .... No wonder most people still beleive the first watch that climbed Mt Everest was a Rolex and not Smiths and Now Rolex chooses who shouldf wear their brand...Thats another stratgy....Hope they never die in their own stratgic fame....

[@richarddavis7548]

I think you are making these videos just for me……I traded in my Snowflake for a Hi Beat White Birch mostly for the movement, then the dial, then the (GS) svelte proportions. I also traded in a Mercedes SL55 for a Lexus LC-F in 2016……..what a ride! What an engine!

[@SaranKRS]

Please make a video on the GS green birch

[@peterfebbraio250]

GS has to make a bracelet that's competitive in the price range they want to play in ... if not the future you speak of may not be that bright like you think! But case, movement, overall design excluding bracelet is spot on.

[@GSXRTino1]

Still think it looks like its been done with Artex, what ever the colour.

[@Thankyou_3]

Bravo Grand Seiko, finally you nailed it. You focused on robust movement instead of spring drive toys. I would buy this timepiece!

[@MetalsForBrunch]

The hour hand is too thick and the double branding at the 12 needs work. Movement is impressive along with the dial face and bracelet.