Am I the one who's insane?

Do not worry!! Everybody is different!! I do not like many things that the others do!! That is what is beautiful!!

I was exactly the same way with the Omega Speedmaster.

I bought one some years ago and sold it within 6 months.

To me it was dull,insipid, and it  filled me with an overwhelming sense of ennui.

Fully agree with what JaroWinti said before - there's absolutely no reason to force yourself to like something just because others do. Happens way too often, whereas your personal preferences are put in the backseat. Don't do it to yourself :)

If nothing else, you did get a bitchin’ art deco chip clip out of the deal. 

And a tile.

You're not insane. I feel the same way. I actually prefer the SLGA007 but not enough to desire it.

There's something about the White Birch dial that seems too try-hard for me compared to the other textured dials GS has done. I have an SBGA415, which I love because of the subtlety of the dial texture.

Firstly, it wouldn't do if we all liked the same things. Saying that, I completely agree with you. There is a sterile quality about Grand Seiko designs that leave me cold. I totally appreciate the culture and history that they represent. As a brand in general, they don't do much for me. 

GS in general has me in a bit of a state.  They're too perfect, I feel like I shouldn't wear them.  If Rolex on one end of the spectrum makes me feel nothing because of the nature of pure utilitarian design, Grand Seiko makes me feel nothing because I don't feel allowed to feel anything.  In absence of evidence of human hands from the factory, leaving evidence of my own feels like a stain.  Scratching the case for the first time must feel like sneezing on the Mona Lisa... that's not the kind of experience I want owning a watch.

One thing I have learned is that just because a watch is well regarded, expensive or rare does NOT mean it is something for me. Awards don't matter, either. 

I like what I like. The wrist wants what the wrist wants. 

I have not really been a big fan of Grand Seiko, but I do really like the White Birch.  That dial is memorizing in my opinion.  But, everyone is different and maybe the reason that I like it so much is because I do not own one, but only saw one at the AD.  If the honeymoon was over quickly, trade it in as it is not going to get any better.

Felt the same after seeing SLGH005 in person. Too much of an aluminum sheen and too aggressive dial texture for me.

The new SLGA009 might suit you more. Available next month. It's a more subtle, less deeply textured version of the White Birch with the new 9RA2 Spring Drive. Initial photos also look less shiny, more subtle white.

grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/slga009g

The BEST advice ever! 

For me it was a Rolex Explorer II Polar Dial16570.  I really liked it when I was looking to buy my first Rolex several years ago.  I got a really good deal on it and it was in great condition.  I don't know what it was, but it just didn't do it for me.  I wanted to love the watch so much and I held on to it for almost a year.  I think I just bought it because of the hype.  I traded it (made a little money on it) to help pay for my Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe.  Totally different watch, but I am so glad I did it.  It is one of my favorite watches to this day.

There is no shame in not liking a watch just because it of the acclaim it receives.  If you don't like your White Birch, use it to help buy something else!

I think how you feel is perfectly warranted, so no you're not insane! I've had a couple watches that I've lusted for seeing them online, but after actually holding them in my hand just never clicked with me. I say if you're not in love with it, don't hold on to it just because someone else would trade their left arm for it. Personally, I agree with this dial being a bit too "blingy" - something I myself probably wouldn't feel comfortable wearing on my wrist but I could see the appeal. Good luck on the decision!

It's ok. To each their own. I feel the same way about all of Rolex newer watches. I similarly find them cold but also too "blingy."  

I love a lot of Grand Seikos… I could see an Omiwatari, Lake Suwa, Blue Snowflake/Skyflake, or even the Shunbun finding its way into my collection at some point. But not the White Birch (for me). I saw it and thought, “It looks like they picked a photo filter that too contrast-y.”

Three other watches that people love (and I get it) but that just aren’t for me after seeing them in person are the Rolex Sky-Dweller and the Hulk. That’s not a quality complaint, just watches that aesthetically don’t appeal to me no matter how popular they are.

You know, it’s funny how idiosyncratic aesthetic tastes are. I totally get what you’re saying about the Hulk. Like, that is THE Sub that everyone seems to go goo-goo gah-gah over, but just like you, it doesn’t do it for me. Another one is the Porsche 911. Everyone seems to ooh and aah every time they see one. 911s look like ducks to me - they got that weird hump in the back, just like ducks do!

Hey dude, I'm curious to know:  Now that you got the Santos, is the Prospex Happy Feet still your favorite?  Or is it the Santos now?

I have a good friend who got the SPB245, absolutely loves it, and then got the GS SBGV238.  He'd ben obsessing over the GS for months and months and months, and finally pulled the trigger.  And, miraculously, after spending time with both, the SPB245 seems to continue to dominate his wrist time.

Wonder how your collecting experience is going.

Have you had a chance to see the SLGA007 in person?  Or the SBGY007?  To your point about the SBGA415, I feel like the subtly is what makes the Lake Suwa waves so appealing.

I've been meaning to ask you, how did you decide on the Bathyscaphe versus the Fifty Fathoms?  I've always thought the Fifty Fathoms was absolutely gorgeous, and the whole "first dive watch" thing is crazy cool, but never in my consideration set, given the 45mm diameter.  But, recently saw the Bathyscaphe Titanium, and can't get it out of my head now!

"Sneezing on the Mona Lisa"  😂

Hey dude, where have you and coaxial_katie been?  Haven't seen you around lately, and miss your great posts!

Did you ever try out your White Birch on leather strap?  And, if so, what color and material did you go with?  

I've recently tried out different alligator straps, and gonna try a grey goatskin leather strap too.

Dude, given all the amazing hikes you're always doing, there's no way ennui describes anything about you!

Aw shucks, thanks for noticing!  Just back after a hiatus, death in the family.  Really happy to see the platform still growing and to learn from some new people!

Hehehehe, the hikes provide temporary solace, that's for sure.

My condolences, sir.  Though, I am very glad that you're still on here.  Really looking forward to more of your posts!

I used to live up in the Bay Area.  Some of the hiking and rock climbing and road cycling up there is unrivaled.  I'm quite jealous!

I'm not as avid an outdoorsman, but I do love nature.

Everyone's taste is different. You could probably sell it yourself and make a little money and buy something else on your list if that's what you want to do. I think one of the issues, and I'll speak for myself here, is that as enthusiasts we can often be swayed to buy pieces because of the "impressions" we are exposed to via social media. I try really hard not to be swayed but I have some watch influencers that are pretty persuasive. In the end, in most cases, I come to my senses and hold off or wait until I can do some "field" research. In either case the good news is, you have options to give it a new home if you don't like it.