Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Hi-Beat 'White Birch'

Grand Seiko is the darling of contemporary watch collectors today, and taking even a cursory glance at the design specs — or better yet, an example in the metal — it’s easy to see why.

The artisanal talent that goes into the design and manufacturing process of a GS dial alone is simply stunning. Depending on the angle, the color and composition of a textured Grand Seiko face will look completely different. They’re truly works of art steeped in Japanese tradition.

This particular GS, a Reference SLGH005 ‘White Birch,’ features the excellent, 40mm Evolution 9 stainless steel case with ‘holey’ lugs, a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a polished bezel. Inside, its dial draws inspiration form the white birch trees forests found near the Grand Seiko factory in Shizukuishi.

Powering the SLGH005 is Grand Seiko’s Caliber 9SA5 automatic winding movement with 80 hours of power reserve and comes paired to a stainless steel multi-link bracelet with a signed steel push-button deployant clasp.

There’s a reason why collectors are flocking to Grand Seiko’s designs. Get this piece on your wrist today to see what all the fuss is about!

The Grand Seiko was created by Taro Tanaka, a young designer whom Seiko had hired right out of school. Inspired by the way Swiss watches “sparkled brilliantly,” Tanaka set out to design a watch with sharp edges, brushed surfaces, and a mirror finish that would rival anything created by the Swiss. In 1960, the first Grand Seiko—Reference 3180—debuted.

Other models of Grand Seiko would follow, coupling those elegant “sparkling” cases with high-grade (often hi-beat) manually-wound or automatic movements. When compared to the no-nonsense tool watches like the 6309 line of divers, the Grand Seiko was worlds away—refined, elegant, and cosmopolitan. Seiko intended the watch to be an answer to dress watches crafted by the Swiss, and at that it certainly did succeed.

Well-regarded in its home country, the Grand Seiko reached a global audience in 2010—and has captivated consumers ever since.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.