Unboxing THE BEST Grand Seiko So Far!? 2021 Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 Full Review

This is my favorite Grand Seiko so far! The White Birch SLGH005 model!
Do you want to see more Grand Seiko watches on the channel? Leave a comment.
▶Watch Details:
Grand Seiko "White Birch" Heritage Collection
Reference: SLGH005
▶Dial:
- mimicing the white birch tree forests near the studio in Shizukuishi, Japan
- applied zaratsu polished indexes
- zaratsu polished hands
- heat-blued seconds hand
▶Case:
- stainless steel
- dimensions: 40mm x 11,7mm (width x height)
- lug width: 22mm
- lug to lug: 47mm
- sapphire crystal glass
- see-through sapphire glass caseback
- water resistant to 100m/10bar
▶Movement:
- in-house caliber
- automatic winding movement
- +5 to -3 seconds per day (when static) / +8 to -1 seconds per day (normal usage accuracy)
- 5Hz, 36'000 vibrations per hour
- Power reserve: 80 hours
Price of exact model in the video (July 2021): CHF 9'900.-
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🎥Video produced by: effektagency.com/
#grandseiko #whitebirch #SLGH005

[@SwissWatchGang]

Which is your favorite Grand Seiko so far?

[@AbdulRWatches]

My favorite Grand Seiko is the SBGY007, this one is a close second and SBGE271 is third.

[@Lavi-Aemilia-Astori]

none，I am not particularly interested in the brand, however they have some nice watches

[@effektagency5144]

This one is so far the nicest one we´ve filmed.

[@HRM.H]

The 44GS

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

The one with the biege dial.

[@robertarevalo5306]

Grand Seiko is a lot of watch for the money. It is extremely well made, beautiful watch. On the streets you’ll see people wearing Rolex and Omegas, but not too many wear Grand Seikos. Great craftsmanship. Well done Marko. Great video, keep them coming.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Agree with you Robert and thank you!

[@Mohamed_Elshekh]

@@SwissWatchGang may i ask what is the brand name of the winder in the background it is so elegant

[@SinnerAndSaint]

The new movement is absolutely amazing! I don't know any movement from the Swiss competition that has such a detailed and well finished movement at that price point. Really looking forward to see this in another GS as the 'White Birch' isn't my favorite in terms of design. Of course that's just a very subjective opinion. They finally got the dimensions of the movement and the case right as well! Thanks for showing, Marko! Keep up the great work. Best regards from Germany!

[@SwissWatchGang]

I also can´t wait to see this movement utilised in other models, I think it´s a great-looking one + good performance so they should do well with it. Greetings back!

[@MortezaAlavizadeh]

That movement is truly insane, love it.

[@SwissWatchGang]

100%

[@jean-pierrejameselsener7049]

Nothing beats a Grand Seiko. In my opinion they‘re worth more than what you pay for. This one‘s a genuine stunner.

[@SwissWatchGang]

This one really is hard to pass on!

[@stevenhernandez2897]

I totally agree with u on this u might pay something like 8 or $9000 for a GS watch and u get an $ 100.000 watch in return. U definitely get the best value for your money when u buy a GS more than any other watch in the world. I personally think that GS is a better and a more reliable watch then most of the Swiss brands that cost multiple times more than the GS.

[@effektagency5144]

Definitely a great combination with the dial and that movement!

[@SwissWatchGang]

yup!

[@balesjo]

Love the White Birch. Very nice to see the dial under a macro lens to see the detail. A beautiful watch at an affordable price.

[@mintruth]

The DIAL is absolutely STUNNING 😍✨❤💖

[@SwissWatchGang]

100%

[@nomanor7987]

I can’t wait when GS comes out with a diver with this move!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yea, would be nice but hope they won´t be that thick.

[@davenamba]

Anything from the masterpiece collection is stunning! I’m a diver so I recently picked up the spring drive SBGC223. I love my Omegas but the GS movements are just mind blowing. There’s no other watch maker in the world that comes close!!

[@tl4238]

Caliber and craftsmanship as a whole are much better than a lot of Swiss counterparts in the same price range.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yes.

[@BeansAndBezels]

This is the best video I've seen of this watch yet. Great job, as usual!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thank you!!

[@theJade]

Beautiful... Agree about dial text though. Also, looks like a Ressence up next. Can't wait!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yes, Ressence finally!

[@allennickles3970]

I been seriously thinking of buying one of these pieces. Just because of the level of detail of craftmanship that went into building these pieces. You got to admit it is a pretty impressive piece. And the high beat smooth second hand is satisfying to watch. And the open caseback is the icing on the cake! The dials are absolutely amazing! And that movement is a accomplishment within itself. Given it's not a swiss made movement. The only thing I really dont like about this piece is the holes case design. Sure it makes it a lot easier to access the spring bars. But it makes the watch look a little cheap given its modern design. It's design not like a vintage Rolex 1680. It's more like a newer date just look. Congratulations if you got this for yourself? This piece isnt easy to find in the states. Thanks for sharing!😎

[@SwissWatchGang]

Well you can't really do much wrong with this GS, personally one of my favorite so far! I didn't get one for myself, I have other plans for this year! :)

[@dkiselja9290]

Perfection in all!

[@brett233]

GS needs to make all these great watches in 38mm so I can wear it on my small wrist 😭

[@itsdavo5810]

my daily wearer! you got some fantastic shots of it!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thanks and congrats!

[@amoschoo6108]

It's very hard to pick a favourite GS, all the dials are equally unique! But my favourite is he SBGH265 and in a close second the Four Seasons GMT Kanro/Shõsho.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Both good choices! I would pick the Kanro/Shõsho.

[@JapanJacques]

Always thought this piece was quite mystical since I saw it in the window of the grand Seiko boutique last year. However, the new piece released this summer with the wave-motif on the dial takes the cake for the best new textured dial from GS, imo

[@skzion2]

The blue GMT?

[@JapanJacques]

@@skzion2 yes! The light blue dial GMT with the blue GMT hand

[@phantomphotography7392]

I purchased the SBGA213 because I wanted a spring drive watch (I like the technology behind the spring drive and the accuracy of the movement) and I like the slight pink cherry blossom dial. After watching this video, I might have a new favorite Grand Seiko.

[@watch202]

Beautiful GS and another great review like always 🤗 looking forward to see the Ressence

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thanks my friend!

[@monacoharry23]

the best and most beautiful watch with a unbelievable movement 👍🏻🔝🔝🔝

[@SwissWatchGang]

Glad you like it!

[@BrittPearceWatches]

GS is so DANG GOOD! ❤️😍 absolutely love this piece.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Ah, this one is spectacular!

[@sashimifr]

4:40 except as a general rule you should NEVER quick-set the date like you did with time being between 9 and 3. It could brake the mecanism.

[@drew4021]

I am just happy they didn't go with that power reserve on the dial. This GS is hard to beat and is as perfect a watch at any price that you will find

[@SwissWatchGang]

Agree.

[@watchclog2979]

Amazing watch. Wish GS would up their boxes !

[@richardn.5854]

why? are you going to wear the box?

[@watchclog2979]

@@richardn.5854 no. But it makes the watch feel like a 20 usd seiko.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Would be good to work on the presentation slightly yes, it´s a almost 10k watch nonetheless.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

My goodness, that watch is so beautiful.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Glad you like it!

[@jayebirdjb7143]

The Dial is mesmerizing, love GS.

[@Scaglibones]

I am glad you are going to review a Ressence watch. They're one of my favorite watches.

[@SwissWatchGang]

It´s been way overdue :)

[@AKhan.28]

most beautiful dial I've seen from GS

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yea!

[@brianmsahin]

Absolutely stunning design. GS really excel in dial design and case finishing. Gorgeous. I could sell a number of my watches just to buy this. Great review. 👍 oh...my favourite was SBGA211....up to now.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Glad you like them Brian!

[@RayMelville]

I did just that and it is well worth it

[@TheGridMedia]

White Birch is my new grail watch. I love my current GS, but their beauty is hard to describe until you see a GS in person. The way the polishing creates both light and shadow is incredible.

[@SwissWatchGang]

The white birch takes the cake!

[@scottlauren3145]

What a wonderful looking watch.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Glad you like it too Scott!

[@MathieuVuylsteke]

Contemplating selling my day/night reverso to but the GS SBGY007, definitely my favorite now

[@vegardvang519]

Very good video! Good job 👏🏻

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thank you!

[@expertreviews1112]

Awesome video!!!! I’m addicted to your vids

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thank you!

[@ZachBie]

I got to see this piece in person a few months ago, and I agree that there is a bit of a design clash between the hour and minute hand.

[@chris_4477]

FYI there is a difference between 'instant date change mechanism' and 'quickset date'. You mentioned it had the instant date change, but then illustrated the quickset date feature.

[@wagsbass]

The 60th anniversary with the blue watch face is my favourite

[@SwissWatchGang]

nice!!

[@josephmaj84]

I too didn’t think the text stating 80 hours, etc., was necessary. Otherwise delightful.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Well, we´ll just ignore that :D

[@bigblue7091]

It's very Glacial ,Crisp & Refreshing ". Hope Marco Pull's a Few Roger Dubuis Pieces Out of his Time Portal "..

[@EsperLuxe]

Well presented Marko!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thanks guys!

[@darrenpokorski7756]

Gorgeous!!!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Agree!

[@basa112]

great video, great watch. Kinda curious why GS doesn't squeeze out more from the Snowflake. I would love to see a High Beat caliber in combination withe the Snowflake dial.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Same here, and without power reserve.

[@jeremyestevinho9425]

Hhhooooowwwww i just received my second grand Seiko, the skyflake But this one ….. amazing the deep of the dial

[@SwissWatchGang]

Congratulations!!!

[@nerminsalkic6360]

Nice . . Marko you are the best. .

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thank you Nermin!

[@jeffreywee2895]

Absolutely stunning

[@koenjanf7958]

The chapter ring is aligned!!!

[@nouhn86]

my personal opinion, this watch is just one of the best watch.

[@SwissWatchGang]

I like your opinion.

[@AbdulRWatches]

Very Coo watch Marko, great review. I would have definitely put HB 80 instead of the text, they could have established a nice line. Nice, so next review is Ressence :D

[@SwissWatchGang]

Glad you like it Abdul and yes, Ressence!

[@yondaimehokage2281]

I guess you don't have to look too close on the dial to see the texture on the white birch. I have the sbgh273 and when I take a picture of the dial with my camera, it reveals extra details on the surface. Amazing stuff.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Agreed

[@okihaveaname]

I prefer the blue 💙 dial version of this watch but this is still gorgeous.

[@nymperfumes6209]

That gradient dial is amazing 👍

[@Drazorig2]

Wish they did these dress watches with lumed indices, would really look nice with low light legibility.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Sure but I like them like this too

[@davidhunternyc1]

At the very beginning of this video, look at the GS and Grand Seiko logos on the box. There are two different fonts used, one for the GS and a different font for Grand Seiko. These two fonts are similar but different. They clash. It's like scratching on the chalkboard. No self-respecting type designer would approve. I agree with you. At 3:27 there's no need to say Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours on the dial. It's cheesy and the information is repeated on the back. Unfortunately, issues such as these will keep Grand Seiko from reaching the heights of, for example, A. Lange & Sohne. Every detail matters.

[@johan3276]

i'm allready impressed after such specs on this GS

[@SwissWatchGang]

Go try it on in person, you might like it even more!

[@mentalplane]

I don't like how they used the same dial for the water pattern. I think the white looks much better than the light blue on this dial pattern though. Movement is so stunning.

[@ellmusic769]

My fav as well. Great video to!

[@snackyxchan]

beautiful watch

[@SwissWatchGang]

👍

[@_victorjansson]

Bought mine today 🤩

[@j.t1682]

I love everything about the watch except the hour hand tip being blunt cut.😫

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yea, it´s a bit of an anomaly in the design.

[@spydude38]

Beautiful timepiece.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Indeed!

[@svrds10]

Such a beautiful timepiece. With the recent announcement of the White Birch SLGA009 w/ Spring Drive I am torn on which to pick. I planned to pull the trigger on the SLGH005 next week. The new white birch spring drive should arrive soon. Thoughts?

[@explorerjlc1743]

Go SD… 9sa5 is a dud

[@chia-mingyang5804]

It's quite nice, but I still prefer the typical sharp GS hands and indices.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yea, same here. The indexes are nice but I agree on the hands with you!

[@vancouvervito]

I think I will but this watch - wonder If it would look good with a rubber strap? Navy or black maybe

[@SamrayGTR]

I remember everyone was crazy about the GS Snowflake SBGA 211, now it's like no one talks about it at all due to it being titanium and Spring Drive. I am crazy about the Hi-beats and this birch dial...

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yup, visually I prefer the hi-beat movements especially this new one!

[@andrewbrown5636]

Great watch but you need a 25% discount. These tank in value unfortunately despite the hype and recent winner at the GPGH awards. Also these mark very easily like AP Royal Oaks so that means a long wait while it goes back to Japan

[@adamnsandler1607]

Hmmm imagine a collaboration between GS and Rolex.

[@antrungvn]

What's name of the watch winder behind you? Tks 😊

[@SwissWatchGang]

It´s this one: bit.ly/3020dbm

[@darrenpokorski7756]

That’s funny, I asked the same question when I first noticed it.

[@rowanraath]

An important part of the Grand Seiko design philosophy is that the hands must immediately be distinguishable from each other for easy legibility. I think the design combination here is fantastic. I initially thought it was strange that they cut off the tip of the hour hand until I understood their intention, if they hadn’t done that the hour hand would look too similar to the minute hand.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Well, makes sense now that you say it. :) Thank you for that!

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

which watch is better, SLGH005 or the upcoming SD SLGA007 ?

[@mikeontherock]

Love it

[@SwissWatchGang]

Glad to hear Michael!

[@Wasabi_Master]

Why is the date font on the hi-beat movement different than on the spring drive?

[@arolex11]

Love my SBGA387

[@seiko9361]

Try credor eichi II

[@SwissWatchGang]

Ah, another level of course and another price point.

[@brickman_]

What's the proper term for hour markers? Hour markers or Indices? Either way, I wish they were thinner.

[@SwissWatchGang]

In the watch space it's indexes, indices or hour markers. You can use all.

[@arashmalekzadeh1]

I have 8 GS in my collection but i wish they did little less models.

[@SwissWatchGang]

They´re pumping quite a lot of models you´re right.

[@arashmalekzadeh1]

@@SwissWatchGang What would be your top 3 GS if you buy now from what is in current models?

[@tracephoto1823]

Very nice, but I still prefer the Skyflake.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Fair point :).

[@cedarcanoe]

Great intro!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thank you!

[@gride5153]

I really love where Seiko are going with this watch. The 100m WR is a MUST, and a watch that can be worn dress or casual. I just hope they start to consider a cheaper version. A cheaper, more everyday utility version doesn't need a high beat movement, or even a date, just something lower in price to help incentivise people to make the leap.

[@SwissWatchGang]

This is Grand Seiko and the price is fine as is. They still have many beautiful choices of dials over at Seiko.

[@joonsukkim7904]

@@SwissWatchGang Just bought this and I agree nobody else is offering this much for under 10k.

[@jonathansacks7894]

It’s a great piece. Bracelet is my biggest frustration on this. The total lack of a taper makes it wear like a cuff.

[@DialsandCrowns]

what is that spinning item on your desk?

[@GK-rw2op]

Still like the Spring drive better but NOT the price !

[@douglascohen2521]

Awesome!!!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yea, one hell of a watch

[@AKhan.28]

love the dial... not a fan of the lugs and bracelet

[@almeladze]

Finally a version that's attractive without the gimmicky spring-drive movement! Is there any lume on this watch?

[@SwissWatchGang]

No lume on this one no.

[@kojiattwood]

Excellent pronunciation--omedetou

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thank you!

[@primecreator]

Superb

[@SwissWatchGang]

🙏

[@rickjason215]

I want to get an 80 hour hi beat GS. I hate setting the time and date all the time. The price is fair, but to stay married I’m not going to get this one. I agree, there is too much text.

[@koncinar]

Wait, an error of up to 8s per day? That sounds like a lot. It's that common with such watches?

[@mcstarling07]

Chronometer spec can be even worse. Tudor tightens up COSC parameters to up to 8 seconds per say (+/-4). A lot of high horology watches are at this level or worse. Rolex's +/-2 (4 second deviation) is about the best in the business (even better than METAS deviation limits).

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yes

[@pouya2000]

Next one is the ressense type 3!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yup!

[@nikhilsai9613]

I have an 8 inch wrist. Could anyone please suggest a GS that can fit me? I currently use a Moser Pioneer Centre Seconds.

[@SwissWatchGang]

You could rock this one too. Go try them on if you have a chance.

[@Penny2105]

I do not like it cutted hour hand, but the movement...amazing!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yea, slight improvements.

[@stevefox8605]

I don't doubt they're exquisitely made, tho they just don't appeal to me... But I've never seen them in the metal so could change my mind! Cheers Marko 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SwissWatchGang]

Go check them out, they might surprise you!

[@clarencebenjaminlim]

Agree , The hi-beat, 80 hrs, should be deleted. Place at the back or something

[@SwissWatchGang]

Yes, agreed.

[@blurryn]

For you Information, there's a serious conflict between second, minute, and hour hands in the Rolex Submariner also, and yet everybody likes it. I hope I'm not watching a biased review 😅

[@SwissWatchGang]

Not biased at all, did u see a submariner or a huge amount of Rolex videos on my channel? Doubt it 😁👍🏻

[@navboi12]

Fuck that absurd price hike. Calibre 9F was already achieving near perfect accuracy. I'd still opt for a snowflake and invest the difference.

[@jjlad5037]

With three GS's currently in the collection, I'm no stranger to Grand Seiko. Recently I tried the subject White Birch at my AD. Sorry, but I find it a little over the top. I'm sure many will like it, but I find it much too blingy.

[@SwissWatchGang]

I see what you mean!

[@nolanketty2859]

Nice watch. Nice review. You want to know my opinion? Ok. I think that the pattern on the dial should be lateral and no vertical, it would remind more the pattern of the birch trees. Also, the second hand should be black, not blue; it would match more the name of this watch too. Finally, the price tag a little bit to high, but there is a lot going on with this watch too.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Thanks Nolan for your input!

[@luispadilla2212]

I see so much of Omega on the Seiko and Grand Seiko especially on the older watches. Pay attention and you will see it.

[@luispadilla2212]

@@simplyvintagewatches5349 Funny you say that because Omega is 50 years older than Rolex and Rolex was founded in 1905. I saw a Seiko interview where the chairman of Seiko said mr. Kintaro Hattori said he was fascinated by Omega watches back in the 1880's and dream of one day to make such great watches. So that puts Omega way before Seiko. I went to the Grand Seiko boutique in Beverly Hills to buy a Grand Seiko and fell in love with the dials just like every one else but the bracelets felt cheap and had push pins. I know one day I will buy one but until they fix that problem they won't see any of my money.

[@skzion2]

@@luispadilla2212 Push pins are only used for titanium bracelets. There is some reason for this. Something about stainless tools and titanium screws.

[@horologywatchmaking13]

@@simplyvintagewatches5349 where did you learn your history? Omega was founded in 1848.

[@horologywatchmaking13]

@@simplyvintagewatches5349 don't blame you, we're not perfect.