Grand Seiko Spring Drive ‘White Birch’, Reference SLGA009

Grand Seiko presents reference SLGA009, a new Spring Drive watch with the so-called ‘White Birch’ dial.

Introduced in 2021, the Grand Seiko Heritage Hi-Beat 36000 Automatic reference SLGH005 is one of the most talked-about creations in the recent history of the prestigious Japanese brand. Nicknamed ‘White Birch’, it boasts a captivating textured dial design inspired by the beautiful white birch forests. This extremely popular watch also won the Men’s Watch prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Following this legacy, Grand Seiko now presents a new Spring Drive watch with the same dial design. Powered by the latest and finest Spring Drive Caliber 9RA2, the new model is inspired by the atmosphere of a white birch forest but in a subtly new way. It particularly echoes the feeling of the forests of Shinshu, home to the studio where all Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches are made.

Meticulously crafted by master artisans, the delicately textured dial and the tempered blue seconds hand of the new ‘White Birch’ watch reveal an artistry that is matched by the ‘frost’ finishing of the movement. This exquisite spring drive calibre is clearly visible through the sapphire case back.

The delicate texture of the movement’s finish reflects the frost that winter brings to the trees in Shinshu. The bridge lines and hole edges are diamond-cut to reflect light from all angles and the jewels and the tempered blue power reserve indicator add a quiet sparkle that is a delight to behold. Caliber 9RA2 delivers a power reserve of up to 120 hours and is accurate to ±10 seconds per month.

The watch’s design evokes the Grand Seiko Style defined back in 1967 with the celebrated 44GS. However, it also announces an important step forward in Grand Seiko design. To be known as the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Style, this new grammar of design takes Grand Seiko’s ideals of beauty, legibility and wearing comfort to new levels.

Its Zaratsu polished, distortion-free mirror finish and delicate hairline finish alternate to give the case a quiet and harmonious glow. Its powerful hands and grooved, prominent markers ensure perfect legibility. The case’s center of gravity is lower, and the bracelet has just the right width and depth to ensure that the watch sits easily and securely on the wrist.

Starting from February this year, both High-Beat and Spring Drive ‘White Birch’ timepieces will be the part of the new Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection.

The Spring Drive ‘White Birch’ watch will be available at the Grand Seiko Boutiques and selected retail stores worldwide in February 2022.

Technical details

Model: Grand Seiko Spring Drive ‘White Birch’ Reference SLGA009
Collection: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection

Movement
Spring Drive 5 Days Caliber 9RA2
Driving system: Automatic
Accuracy: ±0.5 seconds per day (±10 seconds per month)
Power reserve: 5 days (120 hours)
Number of jewels: 38

Case and bracelet
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 11.8mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release

Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €9,500