Introducing: The Grand Seiko SLGA009 "White Birch" Spring Drive Caliber 9RA2
A 2021 favorite makes its return, with a movement frosted for the winter.
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The 2010 Spring Drive reference with a dial textured like fresh Shinshu snow.
Nine new references, a better bracelet, and the Spring Drive UFA making its way into classic Evo9 cases. Here's what actually changed.
From Nivachron to Besançon, ISO 6425 to the Quartz Crisis. A working glossary built for people who read spec sheets for fun.
41 mm × 12.8 mm, lug 21 mm, Cal. 9R65
A 2021 favorite makes its return, with a movement frosted for the winter.
Hodinkee
Let's get fancy.
Time+Tide
Since I started collecting, every January 1st, after kissing my loved ones and drinking champagne, I give my watches a onceover. It’s something I didn’t realise I did until this year, when I almost dropped my Grand Seiko GMT (side note: a great way to sear an event into your mind). In that moment, I … ContinuedThe post The Collector’s Crossroads: My watch resolutions for 2022 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Long available only to the Japanese domestic market, Citizen’s top-of-the-line quartz watches have been slowly making their way into foreign countries in recent years (although last year’s high-end mechanical Caliber 0200 was launched internationally). The latest high-end quartz model, however, is being launched globally. The Citizen Iconic Nature Collection is a quartet of lightweight titanium watches featuring dials made of traditional, translucent Japanese paper dyed in vivid, natural colours. But the mechanics are cutting edge in contrast – a solar-powered quartz movement accurate to within five seconds a year. Initial thoughts Citizen’s ultra-accurate quartz watches are largely unknown outside of Japan, but that is gradually changing with the global rollout of new models, which are crucially dressed in eye-catching colours instead of the muted dials historically found on these watches. Citizen has used washi for dials on The Citizen before, but usually in a low-key white. The new Iconic Nature quartet calls to mind high-end quartz watches from Citizen’s Japanese rival, though Citizen’s offering edges ahead, at least on paper. The solar-powered A060 inside the Iconic Nature is accurate to +/- 5 seconds per year, while the Grand Seiko 9F movement is rated to +/- 10 seconds per year. And the practicality of the A060 is boosted by a perpetual calendar as well as an “on-demand” power reserve indicator. The price tag of US$3,500 is might seem high for an...
Time+Tide
This week was action-packed, with tons of new novelties for watch fans to explore. LVMH Watch Week debuted new collections across all four brands: Bulgari, Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith. You can check out our novelty overviews by clicking on those aforementioned brand names, or search “LVMH Watch Week” to discover what we have covered … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: LVMH Watch Week, Oris unVAILings, Royal Oak revolution and Grand Seiko strikes again appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Introduced just over a year ago, the King Seiko KSK “44KS” Re-creation SJE083 was the surprise comeback of the King Seiko label that had been dormant for decades. Though it was a limited edition, the SJE083 hinted at the possibility of King Seiko returning as a regular production offering. Perhaps quicker than expected, that has happened with the introduction of the King Seiko. A single model that’s in four variants, the new King Seiko is effectively vintage in both size and style, being modelled on the original KSK of 1965. The original King Seiko KSK of 1965 Initial thoughts Sitting in between Grand Seiko and the Seiko Presage in both price and positioning, King Seiko is the brand’s affordable entry into vintage-inspired design – while incorporating Grand Seiko vibes – with its sharply faceted case and, for the first time, a bracelet. The bracelet gives the new King Seiko something of an integrated-bracelet feel, which puts it in competition with more modern offerings, including the Citizen Series 8. But the new King Seiko stands out for its old-school design that’s faithful to the original. The strict adherence to historical design is the norm for Seiko remakes, although most of the brand’s remakes have been limited editions. Because King Seiko a regular production offering, it is far more accessible, both in terms of price and availability. It does away with the date, unlike the earlier SJE083 The only possible drawback is repositioning of King Seiko,...
Time+Tide
We’re a few weeks into the new year, and while a lot has already happened the watch industry is not showing any signs of slowing down. Game-changing novelties and decisions are already happening, and with LVMH Watch Week starting next week and Watches & Wonders Geneva inching closer and closer you already know the pipeline … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Grand Seiko continues to expand their catalogue while Patek Philippe clears theirs out appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
The watchmaker is out there.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: The Time+Tide team reviewed hundreds of watches in 2021. This month we’ve been counting down the Top 30 reviews of the year that you liked best, on the basis of the online traffic. Heading deep into the top 10 it’s the Grand Seiko SLGH005 at number 5… Whenever I hear a new Grand … ContinuedThe post THE TOP WATCH REVIEWS OF 2021 – The Grand Seiko SLGH005 (#5) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Celebrating the 44GS, which defined the brand's Grammar of Design aesthetic.
SJX Watches
Though it was two years ago as the Grand Seiko’s flagship Spring Drive movement, the 9RA5 still feels new, simply because the latest-generation movement hasn’t found its way into many watches, save for a pair of limited editions. Now it finally makes it into a regular-production model, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive SLGA009 “White Birch”. The latest Spring Drive, like the mechanical SLGH005, is inspired by the tree of the same name that’s native to the area around Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Initial thoughts The SLGH009 “White Birch” clearly becomes the Grand Seiko’s showcase Spring Drive – it resembles the previous generation’s bestseller, the famous “Snowflake”, but is substantially upgraded in terms of features and finish. The combination of familiar styling and improved quality makes it attractive. Part of the appeal lies in the 9RA5 movement, which on the surface seems like a mere upgrade over the predecessor 9R65. But it is more than just the power reserve being increased to five days, and the new calibre boasts an entirely new architecture, including both a new gear train and integrated circuit for the Spring Drive regulator, as well as a better finishing. The other aspect of its appeal lies in the design, which has dubbed “Evolution 9”. As always is the case with Grand Seiko, Evolution 9 is inspired by vintage Grand Seiko models, but brings with it a sense of solidity and refinement, thanks to the flatter case, heftier bracelet, a...
Time+Tide
Well, 2022 is certainly not wasting any time when it comes to new announcements. Already Grand Seiko, Zenith and TAG Heuer have launched fresh timepieces this week, and there is only more to come with LVMH Watch Week rapidly approaching. Grand Seiko dropped the mic, launching a second White Birch inspired watch: the Grand Seiko … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: New watches and a new Time+Tide team member appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: The Time+Tide team reviewed hundreds of watches in 2021. Here we count down the Top 30 reviews of the year that you liked best on the basis of the online traffic. At number 12, it’s the Grand Seiko SBGN007… Your first good watch is an important step in your watch collecting journey. It … ContinuedThe post THE TOP WATCH REVIEWS OF 2021 – The Grand Seiko SBGN007 (#12) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Grand Seiko is wasting no time in 2022, dropping two new icy blue US Special Editions straight out of the gate and now making waves with a second “White Birch” inspired watch: The Grand Seiko SLGA009. This release ushers in a new era for Grand Seiko watchmaking that the brand refers to as Evolution 9 … ContinuedThe post What are the differences between the Grand Seiko SLGA009 and SLGH005 “White Birch” watches? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Is Japan's mack daddy dive watch up to the task?
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: There were a lot of great watches released in 2021 and the Time+Tide team endeavoured to review as many of them as we possibly could. Here we count down the Top 30 reviews of the year by traffic. At number 18, it’s the Grand Seiko SLGA007 140th Anniversary Limited Edition… Recently we covered the … ContinuedThe post THE TOP WATCH REVIEWS OF 2021 – The Grand Seiko SLGA007 140th Anniversary Limited Edition (#18) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Back in 2020, Grand Seiko dropped two US Special Edition watches, marking the birth of the Sōkō Collection that takes its inspiration from the end of Autumn and the first frosts that usher in the Winter season. Both the debuting duo of Sōkō watches had vertically brushed dials that embodied how light passes through the bamboo … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: Grand Seiko kicks off 2022 with icy blue dials, one of which is kira-zuri! appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: There were an awful lot of watches released in 2021 and our team endeavoured to review as many of them as we possibly could. Here we count down the top 30 reviews of the year by traffic on the Time+Tide website. At number 25, it’s the Grand Seiko SBGW264… Grand Seiko never disappoints with … ContinuedThe post THE TOP WATCH REVIEWS OF 2021 – The Grand Seiko SBGW264 (#25) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
We tend to be pretty dismissive and downright snarky over here at Two Broke Watch Snobs – especially when it comes to pseudo-glorified “horological rites of passage.” Everyone needs a Rolex? No, shut up. Breaking $1,000 is something everyone needs to do? Nonsense. There’s a…
Hodinkee
I couldn't bring myself to reset the hands to 10 past 10.
Time+Tide
Seiko (and Grand Seiko) lead the watch world in drawing inspiration from nature, especially for their dials. Seasons, textures, materials and surfaces, drawn together with colours, translucency and reflectivity. Many are not only visually clear in their story, but Seiko also wraps words around each creation taking us on a journey to a location, perhaps … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Limited editions have become a hot-button issue in the watch world, particularly in the past couple years and most people would agree that some of the best new references have come in the form of these unique releases. For this edition, Grand Seiko wanted to celebrate 55 years of their famed (and beloved) 44GS case. … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat GMT SBGJ255 celebrates 55 Years of the 44GS appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
The wintry beauty of a birch forest is captured in an art installation collaboration between Grand Seiko and interdisciplinary design studio BCXSY.
Revolution
The physical environs around which Grand Seiko watches are made is a gift that doesn’t stop giving, now expressed in the SBGH287 “Snow on the Blue Lake”.
Time+Tide
Attention all Grand Seiko fanatics, admirers, or just plain curious creatures! The long anticipated SLGH005 ‘White Birch’ is finally starting to land in Grand Seiko boutiques in Australia. The rate at which these watches sold out from preorders is really quite remarkable, proving that Grand Seiko are no longer an underrated gem of luxury timekeeping. … ContinuedThe post Three Reasons to check out the White Birch in person, which you can now do at the boutique in Sydney (rejoice) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Finding my perfect GS took time. But once I saw it, I knew.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: Quality not quantity? Grand Seiko proves that you can actually do both. The sheer output of the Japanese brand is extraordinary. It feels like they’re constantly releasing new product across a bewildering range of categories from diving watches to GMTs and diamond-studded dress watches to pieces that walk the line between sporty and … ContinuedThe post EDITOR’S PICKS: The best Grand Seiko watches – and movements – according to @mrgrandseiko appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Seiko Sharp Edge GMT has been a sleeper hit of late, further blurring the lines between Seiko and Grand Seiko. Existing in the upper echelons of Seiko’s catalogue, they’ve managed to make a watch that costs over $2000AUD seem like an absolute bargain. The SPB273J1 is a particularly enticing reference that will undoubtedly have … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Seiko Presage Sharp Edge GMT SPB273J1 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
For the third year running Grand Seiko’s distributor in Southeast Asia gets a limited edition exclusively available in the markets it represents, namely Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, and Singapore. Following the large and sporty “Champagne Diamond” of 2020, this year’s edition is just right in terms of size, style and function. The Heritage Collection SBGH287 “Snow on Blue Lake” is classic Grand Seiko – it’s an automatic with time and date – in a compact, 40 mm package that’s quintessential Grand Seiko in style. But its best feature – as is often the case with Grand Seiko limited editions – is the textured dial that’s finely grained and rendered in pale blue, a colour meant to evoke fresh snow as it reflects the colour of the blue sky. Initial thoughts Going by its previous editions, it is clear that Grand Seiko’s representative in the Southeast Asia, Thong Sia Group, has a good eye. With the brand already offering a seemingly endless stream of iterations in familiar colours and textures, it is surely challenging to conceive of something that combines existing elements while still being unusual and tasteful, but Thong Sia and Grand Seiko aced it. With its light blue palette, the dial of the SBGH287 calls to mind past models like the SBGA407 “Blue Snowflake” and SBGY007 “Omiwatari”, but its texture is different from either of the two. The finish is granular and slightly sparkly, living up to its snowy nickname. Dial aside, the ...
Time+Tide
There’s very little mystery left with Grand Seiko’s design strategy, especially with their Heritage collection. Often taking direct inspiration from natural scenes that surround the famous Studio Shizukuishi, the Grand Seiko artisans manifest the beauty of the world around them into dials that breathe life into the watch. For most of us who can’t even … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Grand Seiko SBGJ253 is a GMT with a lustrous black dial appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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