Released in 2021 to mark a new era of Evolution 9’s new design, the Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 was an instant phenomenon - winning the Best Men’s Watch category at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and recently grabbing the Best of the Best prize at the Red Dot Awards 2022.
Grand Seiko SLGH005 is inspired by the beauty of white birch “Shirakaba” forests near the studio in Shizukuishi, where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are crafted. And today, the Japanese watchmaker brings forth an exciting contrast to the celebrated Evolution 9 model - the Grand Seiko Night Birch SLGH017.
Incorporating Grand Seiko’s The Nature of Time philosophy, the Night Birch SLGH017 takes on the hugely popular SLGH005 birch texture dial and gives it a subtle black tone, bringing a new dimension to the intricate surface of this highly dynamic dial. Similar to the White Birch model, the base metal of the SLGH017 dial is skillfully pressed seven times instead of just once to ensure depth without compromising the integrity of the dial’s structure. Multiple coating layers are then required to achieve the eye-catching black tone. While the White Birch SLGH005 represents the birch forests during the day, the Night Birch SLGH017 now illustrates the birch forests at night - casting an alluring moonlit effect as light dances across the black and gray dial and onto the surfaces of the case which is nothing but stunning.
Instead of stainless steel, the 40mm case and bracelet of the Grand Seiko Night Birch SLGH017 are now made of High-Intensity Titanium, an alloy that is 30% lighter and has greater corrosion resistance. Introduced into the Evolution 9 Collection in early 2022 with five new Sport models as covered in our blog “Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Collection Gets Sporty”, this Grand Seiko’s proprietary High-Intensity Titanium in the SLGH017 marks the first titanium Birch model since the collection’s launch - the result is a timepiece with lighter weight, higher durability, and elevated shine.
Similar to the White Birch SLGH005, the Grand Seiko Night Birch SLGH017 employs the confident look of the Evolution 9 Style with bold hands and grooved prominent markers to ensure perfect legibility. Evolution 9’s signature Zaratsu polish, distortion-free mirror finish and delicate hairline finish take turns to project a harmonious glow on the case. Wider lugs of 47mm can also be seen and the case has a lower center of gravity to ensure day-to-day comfort. All in all, the Night Birch SLGH017 has everything that makes Grand Seiko watches what they are - precise, legible, durable, and beautiful.
The new Night Birch SLGH017 is powered by the revolutionary Hi-Beat 36000 9SA5 caliber, introduced in 2020 and produced by the skilled watchmakers of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Offering a power reserve of 80 hours, the Caliber 9SA5 features numerous technical advancements, including the novel Dual Impulse Escapement, Twin Barrels, and a Free-Spring Balance with a distinct overcoil. A newly designed horizontal gear train also enables a slimmer build which enhances the watch’s overall comfort.
Exterior
Exterior: High-intensity titanium
Case back: See-through & Screw case back
Glass Coating: Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Case size: Diameter 40.0mm Lug-to-lug 47.0mm Thickness 11.7mm
Band width: 22mm
The perimeter of Band: 192mm
Movement
Caliber no.: 9SA5 Instructions
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding
Mean daily rate: +5 to -3 seconds per day
Mean daily rate is a mean value of daily rates in a condition where the movement before assembly in a case is measured in six positions in a fixed manner under artificially controlled environment for 12 days.
Functions
Water resistance: 10 bar
Other details / Features:
Screw-down crown
Allergy-safe metal
The new Grand Seiko Night Birch SLGH017 is available for pre-order at Watch Outz starting now. In addition to the introduction of the Night Birch SLGH017, a few other iterations of the birch dial that are also being released include the Spring Drive White Birch SLGA009 and the Hi-Beat Green Birch SLGH011 models - and Watch Outz has got them all covered. Come and drop us a line at cs@watchoutz.com.