Two For Tuesday: Grand Seiko White Birch Vs. Snowflake
We’re back with a look at two Grand Seiko watches. One happens to be brand new, but it’s already gaining loads of attention. Does the new Grand Seiko White Birch have what it takes to dethrone the Snowflake in a battle of textured white dials?
Over the last ten years, Grand Seiko has transformed itself from an eccentric JDM media darling into a legitimate global player. For certain, the brand no longer requires the “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” of journalists and collectors to sell itself to the greater public. With a mix of models that draw upon past designs intermixed with a number of modern pieces, Grand Seiko has a lot to offer. Still, out of the entire lineup, there’s one watch that fans love most. That watch is the SBGA211 Snowflake and people really go wild for them. A couple of weeks ago, though, a new player entered the scene. The SLGH005 White Birch now has people talking. The movements differ and so do the prices. Which will you choose in the end and why?
The Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211
Honestly, I hadn’t realized that the Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211 has been around since 2010! For a brand that alters its lineup on what seems to be a monthly basis, that tells us something. Namely, the Snowflake is, in all senses, a modern classic. Grand Seiko has always been known for its incredible attention to detail on dials, indices, hands, and overall finishing. I can attest to this with the comparatively staid SBGW047 that I own with its classic looks. However, when Grand Seiko decides to add texture to a dial, they bring some sort of magic that so few brands possess. That sounds a bit over the top but grab a loupe, put one to the test, and the hyperbole suddenly sounds tame.
I’ve been fairly outspoken about the fact that I’m not in love with the Snowflake SBGA211. I jokingly picked on it during one of our Sunday Morning Showdowns, but I’ve softened my stance a bit. I’ve come to appreciate the delicate textures that lend this watch its deserved nickname. Will I own one at some point? Perhaps, but as we’ll see in a bit, I’d have to make a very tough choice.
Snowflake specifications
So, what exactly is the Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211? The watch sits within the Heritage line and, therefore, was inspired by a former piece. The 44GS provides the blueprint, but everything changes from there. Grand Seiko equips this watch with a 41mm by 12.5mm thick high-intensity titanium case and bracelet. The material descriptor translates to being corrosion and scratch-resistant.
Inside, things get very interesting because this watch uses the 9R65 Spring Drive movement with date function. Spring Drive is uniquely Seiko and its use is polarizing indeed. One thing that it has proven to be over time is reliable and accurate with +/- 15 seconds per month accuracy. It also provides 72 hours of power reserve which are shown via an indicator on the dial along with an incredibly smooth seconds hand. With 100 meters of water resistance, the Snowflake could very easily stand in as a versatile “only watch.”
At €6,000 in Germany, the Grand Seiko Snowflake is not an inexpensive undertaking. It is, however, less expensive than stalwarts such as the almighty Datejust. I’d also say that it’s far more unique and certainly less prevalent than pieces from the big Swiss brands. What I like about the Snowflake is the fact that it has a dial that feels like it belongs more on a limited model. It’s hardly traditional and yet it has somehow become very widely known and admired. In its 11th year of production, does this standard have what it takes to defeat the newest Grand Seiko on the block in the White Birch?
The Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005
Last year, Grand Seiko celebrated its 60th birthday with a slew of limited-edition models. One such model was the gold SLGH002. This very serious — I’d call it clinical — looking watch brought with it something very special. The brand new 9SA5 Hi-Beat automatic sat inside. This was a highly significant release because the 9SA5 showed us that aside from building loads of nice limited edition watches, Grand Seiko cares very deeply about movement technology. The 9SA5 brings an astounding 80 hours of power reserve by using a dual-barrel system (Rob covered it here) all while keeping +5 to -3 seconds of accuracy per day. And like Spring Drive, a Hi-Beat movement also brings a silky smooth seconds hand. Now, you may ask why I’ve spent so much time talking about a gold watch. The answer is simple because the new Grand Seiko White Birch sees the first regular production application of this special new movement.
White Birch specifications
In addition to the aforementioned gold model, Grand Seiko also released the blue dialed limited edition SLGH003. This was decent looking, but the silvery dial on the White Birch just sings. I mean, this watch just flat-out lords over the two limited models from last year. Just like the Snowflake above, the White Birch lies within the Heritage line and it also uses the 44GS as its template. Somehow, though, it looks far different. Its case is slightly smaller at 40mm and it is thinner at 11.7mm. Plus, it comes in stainless steel with a matching bracelet complete with some gold touches on its clasp. Finally, it’s also utile with 100 meters of water resistance.
The crown is bolder on the White Birch and is not countersunk. The bezel is flat and brings in both matte and polished surfaces. Finally, the hands and indices are thicker and bolder. All of these come together to make for a watch that comes off as just a touch more modern and sporty looking versus the Snowflake. Once again, I hate to pick on the limited edition models that preceded this piece, but this watch has truly benefitted by receiving a textured dial.
There is one fly in the ointment with the White Birch and that’s the cost. We don’t have the final list price for the SLGH005, but it will likely fall between €9,500 and €10,000. That’s more than a 50% increase when compared to the Snowflake, which is substantial. In fact, the five-figure mark puts this watch into seriously expensive territory. I do think that the movement is incredibly impressive, though, and now it sits within a stunning set of clothes.
Which beautiful dial will you choose?
The Grand Seiko White Birch and the Snowflake share a few traits, but they’re also rather different. Titanium or stainless steel? Spring Drive or a Hi-Beat Automatic? Expensive or quite a bit more expensive? As far as similarities go, both are based on the 44GS, have date functions, are semi-casual, and are sure to stand out in a crowd of traditional luxury watches. What’s my choice? Well, I’m guilty of falling for the newest temptation. The White Birch is a beauty and I cannot wait to see it when my local boutique reopens. Let us know which you’d choose and why in the comment section below.
