Grand Seiko White Birch Hi-Beat Evolution 9 Watch SLGH005G

The Grand Seiko White Birch Hi-Beat Evolution 9 represents the perfect synthesis of Japanese craftsmanship, natural inspiration, and horological innovation. This exceptional timepiece features a mesmerising textured dial that captures the essence of white birch trees surrounding the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Japan, creating a living connection between natural beauty and precision watchmaking.

Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition
Includes: Complete box set
Original Purchase: May 2021
Shipping: Free UK delivery 

White Birch Hi-Beat Key Features

Nature-Inspired Design

• Striking textured white dial evoking the bark of birch trees near the Grand Seiko studio
• Light-capturing surface creating a dynamic appearance that changes throughout the day
• Evolution 9 design language balancing heritage with contemporary aesthetics
• Substantial hands and markers ensuring exceptional legibility
• Perfectly proportioned 40mm case with distinctive faceted geometry

Exceptional Craftsmanship

• Renowned Zaratsu polishing technique creating distortion-free mirror surfaces
• Hand-finished case with alternating brushed and polished elements
• Meticulously crafted indices and hands with diamond-cut edges
• Ergonomic case design with wider lugs and low centre of gravity for perfect wrist comfort
• Integrated high-intensity titanium bracelet with secure three-fold clasp

Revolutionary Movement

• Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 automatic movement developed after 9 years of research
• Groundbreaking Dual Impulse Escapement improving efficiency and power delivery
• Free-sprung balance with overcoil for superior chronometric performance
• Horizontal gear train layout reducing overall thickness
• Nature-inspired movement architecture reflecting Mount Iwate and Shizukuishi River
• Impressive 80-hour power reserve (over three days of continuous operation)
• Hi-Beat 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz) frequency for exceptional accuracy

The Grand Seiko Advantage

The White Birch represents Grand Seiko’s philosophy of harmonising nature, craftsmanship and technology. While Swiss luxury brands focus on tradition, Grand Seiko offers a distinctly Japanese approach to fine watchmaking—celebrating natural beauty, embracing innovative technology, and executing finishing at a level that must be seen to be believed.

Perfect For

• Watch connoisseurs appreciating exceptional finishing and technical innovation
• Those seeking a distinctive luxury timepiece beyond traditional Swiss offerings
• Nature enthusiasts drawn to the organic inspiration behind the design
• Collectors valuing both aesthetic beauty and mechanical sophistication
• Anyone seeking a versatile timepiece that transitions effortlessly between settings

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired the “White Birch” dial pattern?

The distinctive dial texture draws inspiration from the white birch trees (shirakaba) that grow near Grand Seiko’s Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. The craftsmen who create these timepieces see these trees daily, and their unique bark pattern—with its silvery texture and natural irregularity—has been meticulously translated into the dial’s three-dimensional surface.

What makes Zaratsu polishing special?

Zaratsu polishing is an exacting technique originating from Japanese sword making, requiring years to master. Unlike conventional polishing, it creates perfectly flat surfaces with mirror-like reflection and razor-sharp transitions between facets. Each case undergoes hours of hand polishing by specialised craftsmen, resulting in distortion-free surfaces that are instantly recognisable as Grand Seiko.

What is the Evolution 9 design language?

Evolution 9 represents Grand Seiko’s contemporary design philosophy, building upon their classic 1967 Grammar of Design while incorporating modern ergonomics and aesthetics. Key elements include wider lugs for stability, larger hands and markers for enhanced legibility, a lower centre of gravity for comfort, and case designs that play with light through contrasting surfaces.

What makes the Calibre 9SA5 movement innovative?

The 9SA5 represents a complete rethinking of mechanical watchmaking. Its Dual Impulse Escapement delivers power directly to the balance on one direction and indirectly in the other, improving efficiency. The free-sprung balance eliminates the regulator pins for better shock resistance, while the horizontal gear layout reduces thickness. Together, these innovations deliver exceptional accuracy, reliability, and power reserve in a slimmer package.

How does the White Birch Hi-Beat compare to Swiss luxury watches?

While Swiss luxury timepieces often emphasise traditional decoration and heritage, the Grand Seiko White Birch offers a different approach to luxury watchmaking. Its distinctly Japanese aesthetic draws from nature rather than classical European motifs, while its movement technology represents forward-thinking innovation rather than conventional solutions. The finishing quality meets or exceeds that of Swiss watches at significantly higher price points.

Is this watch suitable for everyday wear?

Yes, despite its refined aesthetics, the White Birch Hi-Beat is engineered for daily wear. The case features a robust 100m water resistance, while the movement’s free-sprung balance provides excellent shock resistance. The 80-hour power reserve means the watch can be set aside for a weekend and will still be running accurately on Monday morning. The bracelet’s micro-adjustment system ensures comfort throughout the day.