Between their captivating dials and seductive Zaratsu polishing, Grand Seiko is no stranger to beautifying their products. And while their latest release – the Grand Seiko SLGH005 ‘White Birch’ – is nothing short of Miss Universe Japan 2021, it’s what’s inside that truly counts.
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2021/02/SLGH005-White-Birch-3.jpeg/w=1200,h=1080)
Firstly and most importantly, the Grand Seiko SLGH005 ‘White Birch’ is the brand’s first non-limited edition model, in steel, that features the groundbreaking new 9SA5 Hi-Beat movement with 80 hours power reserve, which I explained in more detail here.
![9SA5 Movement](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2021/02/SLGH005-White-Birch-6.jpeg/w=1200,h=900)
Secondly, it solidifies a contemporary new design direction for the brand – specifically the case, hands, and indices – now known as ‘Series 9 Design’. Like the SLGH003 which I lusted over last year, the thinner 9SA5 movement allows for a slimmer case (sitting at 11.7mm high) and thus a lower centre of gravity, sliding under a cuff with ease and sitting more securely on the wrist.
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2021/02/SLGH005-White-Birch-Feature-1.jpeg/w=1200,h=801)
Thirdly, the next best thing to being able to travel to Japan… is rolling your wrist to observe its natural beauty every day, with a striking textured dial inspired by the beautiful white birch trees that thrive in northern Japan. Powerful hands and prominent indices ensure perfect legibility, while a dark blue seconds hand evokes icy evenings in the frozen forests that surround Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where the watch is made.
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2021/02/SLGH005-White-Birch-5.jpeg/w=1200,h=900)
The SLGH005 ‘White Birch’ is an exciting indication of what’s to come from Grand Seiko in 2021 and a harmonious synergy of aesthetics and innovation.
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2021/02/SLGH005-White-Birch-4.jpeg/w=1200,h=900)
This Grand Seiko SLGH005 ‘White Birch’ retails for $13,600 and is available for pre-order now.