Grand Seiko: Elevating the Art of Watchmaking through Innovation and Craftsmanship

This #slgh005 Hi-Beat is possibly my favorite mechanical piece from Grand Seiko. The dial's texture, with its silvery shimmer, captivates me. It offers a dynamic appearance that, in my opinion, surpasses the Spring Drive version. #japanesewatches #collecting #wruw #grandseiko

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This timepiece captivates with its stunning design, particularly the blued second hand that adds the perfect pop of color, enhancing its overall crispness and clarity. Its appearance is reminiscent of the sharpness and precision of a 8K TV, symbolizing the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship. The watch not only showcases meticulous attention to detail but also embodies Japan's unwavering dedication to perfection, reflecting a blend of traditional artistry and modern technological excellence in every aspect.

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The new Evo9 collection features several critical upgrades that greatly improve wearability over previous models. The Grand Seiko caliber 9SA5's dual impulse escapement is innovative for its balance of high frequency and long power reserve, typically conflicting traits in watch movements. It achieves this by incorporating a new escapement that delivers impulses directly and indirectly to the balance, making it more shock-resistant and efficient. This design, coupled with other features like twin barrels and a slimmer movement, results in a remarkable 80-hour power reserve, enhancing both performance and wearability.

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Grand Seiko's #zaratsu polishing has gained worldwide acclaim for its meticulous and reflective finish, significantly enhancing the aesthetic of their watches. This superior technique, coupled with the watch's design, ensures it sits comfortably on the wrist, allowing for seamless movement under a shirt cuff.

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The attention to detail extends to the hand-finishing of the case, bezel, and bracelet, showcasing an exquisite level of craftsmanship that captures the essence of Grand Seiko's dedication to perfection in watchmaking.

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Introducing a tapered bracelet could potentially enhance the watch's aesthetic, although preferences in design are highly subjective. However, a universally beneficial feature would be the incorporation of an on-the-fly micro-adjust system in the clasp. Such an innovation would not only provide exceptional convenience and comfort but also position Grand Seiko's offerings on par with, or even surpass, the finest Swiss timepieces in terms of functionality and user experience. This addition could be a significant differentiator, elevating their status in the luxury watch market.

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The Grand Seiko SLGH005 Hi-Beat White Birch is celebrated for its stunning design, featuring a dial with a textured, silvery shimmer and a blued second hand for a subtle yet impactful pop of color. This timepiece epitomizes the excellence of Japanese craftsmanship, showcasing an unparalleled commitment to precision and beauty. Its design and execution reflect a harmonious blend of traditional artistry and contemporary technological advancements, making it a profound symbol of Grand Seiko's innovative spirit and meticulous attention to detail. #gs #stainlesssteel

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Absolute gem of a watch. But you forgot the best part - the movement is one of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen!

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Indeed, I'd argue it ranks within Grand Seiko's top five, potentially even their top three dials ever created. The craftsmanship and design truly set it apart.

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gremlin_or_goblin

Absolute gem of a watch. But you forgot the best part - the movement is one of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen!

This movement ranks highly within its price category, offering notable value and performance. I added a picture of the movement to the post and I've also included a photo from a video I shot.

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Fantastic looking watch for sure. But I can’t get tontempted. I want a Spring Drive.

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You've said all that needs to be said except that it is stunning

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YourIntruder

Fantastic looking watch for sure. But I can’t get tontempted. I want a Spring Drive.

I love the new caliber 9RA2 5-Day Spring Drive. It’s much thinner than other Spring Drive calibers making the wearing experience much better. What models are you looking into?

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TheHoroSexual

I love the new caliber 9RA2 5-Day Spring Drive. It’s much thinner than other Spring Drive calibers making the wearing experience much better. What models are you looking into?

I’m interested in SBGY011 but I haven’t seen or tested it yet. 40mm manual Spring Drive. A bit understated but I imagine it’s to my liking.

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Meglos

You've said all that needs to be said except that it is stunning

Alan, you're right—sometimes the beauty speaks louder than words. But if I may add, 'stunning' might just be the understatement of the year!

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YourIntruder

I’m interested in SBGY011 but I haven’t seen or tested it yet. 40mm manual Spring Drive. A bit understated but I imagine it’s to my liking.

Ahh the “Asaborake”

The SBGY011 sounds like it might be just up your alley! Its 40mm manual Spring Drive and understated design combine the best of Grand Seiko's precision and elegance. It's subtle yet impressive, likely aligning with your taste for refined timepieces. Definitely worth a closer look in person to truly appreciate its charm.

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I love that dial, It is so gorgeous to Look at!

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TheHoroSexual

Ahh the “Asaborake”

The SBGY011 sounds like it might be just up your alley! Its 40mm manual Spring Drive and understated design combine the best of Grand Seiko's precision and elegance. It's subtle yet impressive, likely aligning with your taste for refined timepieces. Definitely worth a closer look in person to truly appreciate its charm.

No date and a classic case shape👍

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YourIntruder

No date and a classic case shape👍

Can’t get much more classic than a 44GS case with Grand Seiko!!

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Beautiful watch in all aspects.

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Such a stunning piece!

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As always exceptional write up. Always a pleasure to read!

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Balanced

That dial is the bomb times two more bombs plus a large helping of excellence!

💥

Talk about a blast of craftsmanship! Grand Seiko's dials are like a beauty bomb with a fallout of excellence. If there were an Oscars for dials, they'd be sweeping the special effects category every time!

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KoreanAllfather

Wow... I'm still waiting for GS boutique to open where I am! As soon as it does will go in and check them out! Great shots and the timepiece suits you 100% 👍🏻

Thanks so much! I can't wait for you to experience the GS boutique too. It's going to be an incredible experience, especially seeing all those beauties in person. Let me know your thoughts once you've had the chance to visit. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find a piece that suits you just as well!

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This is in my GS top 3. I’d take the new hi-beat over the spring drive in a heart beat.

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Chadtx43

This is in my GS top 3. I’d take the new hi-beat over the spring drive in a heart beat.

One word of caution regarding the new 9SA5 movement: it seems there have been some initial teething issues with its regulation. My own watch was running significantly fast straight out of the box, necessitating a service for adjustment. Fortunately, it wasn't as cumbersome as it could have been since the North American service center has recently been equipped to handle repairs for this specific caliber, sparing it a trip back to Japan.

They sure make a great dial🩶

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That dial is stunning! The White Birch is my grail GS. But I’ve heard many mixed opinions about the new movement. Saying it’s only accurate when it’s topped off daily or else it is off by more than 10 seconds a day. Effectively making that 80 hour power reserve only accurate during the first 24 hours or so. What has been your experience?

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Beautiful

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It really is stunning.

I'm getting nervous, I'm going to a GS9 Club event tomorrow at my GS AD. So many dangerous thoughts are being thought....

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PwrNinja

That dial is stunning! The White Birch is my grail GS. But I’ve heard many mixed opinions about the new movement. Saying it’s only accurate when it’s topped off daily or else it is off by more than 10 seconds a day. Effectively making that 80 hour power reserve only accurate during the first 24 hours or so. What has been your experience?

Right out of the box, my watch was running fast, with a daily deviation of +11 to +13 seconds. This accuracy didn't improve over time, so I opted to send it in for a warranty regulation service. After servicing, the watch's performance improved significantly, now varying only between +3 to +6 seconds per day depending on its position. Interestingly, I've noticed that as the power reserve (PR) diminishes, the deviation rate decreases, getting closer to 0 seconds per day. This occurs because the torque on the movement lessens, leading to a reduction in the rate of deviation. It's fascinating to watch the mechanical precision adjust with the winding down of the power reserve. Essentially, mine gets more accurate as the mainspring barrel winds down.

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anonymouswatchcollector

They sure make a great dial🩶

Absolutely! 🥂

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BigIona

It really is stunning.

I'm getting nervous, I'm going to a GS9 Club event tomorrow at my GS AD. So many dangerous thoughts are being thought....

Oh boy! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the event!

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Let’s not forget the GPHG award in 2021

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WabiSabiMaster

Let’s not forget the GPHG award in 2021

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Absolutely, how could that slip my mind? A clear oversight on my part!

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TheHoroSexual

Right out of the box, my watch was running fast, with a daily deviation of +11 to +13 seconds. This accuracy didn't improve over time, so I opted to send it in for a warranty regulation service. After servicing, the watch's performance improved significantly, now varying only between +3 to +6 seconds per day depending on its position. Interestingly, I've noticed that as the power reserve (PR) diminishes, the deviation rate decreases, getting closer to 0 seconds per day. This occurs because the torque on the movement lessens, leading to a reduction in the rate of deviation. It's fascinating to watch the mechanical precision adjust with the winding down of the power reserve. Essentially, mine gets more accurate as the mainspring barrel winds down.

Wow that’s incredible thank you for sharing your experience! Definitely reconfirms this as my grail GS

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I need a 9R in my group!