The New Spring Drive White Birch - Is it Worth it?
My first infographic entry for 2022 and I have a doozy of a 3-part series for you this #GSWednesday eve covering the just announced 9RA2-powered powered White Birch that would surely light up the interest of all Grand Seiko fans.
My POV:
vs SBGA211: The Snowflake is starting to really look like excellent value, don't you think?
vs SBGY007: This one really made me think hard when it was launched but I think the new launch appeals more!
vs SLGH005: I'm partial to the Spring Drive - so no brainer will be the new launch
So what do you all think?
Q1) Is it worth it over the Snowflake SBGA211?
Q2) Is it worth it over the Omiwatari SBGY007?
Q3) Is it worth it over the Hi-Beat Mechanical White Birch SLGH005?
PS: I'm running these 3 comparisons as a poll on my IG Stories (@watchaddictwt), so feel free to drop by there to vote too!
A watch addict who also happens to be a photography enthusiast. I also enjoy crafting simple watch-related infographics from time to time. You can find all my content on my IG page.
I don't know yet but I love your infographics!
I don't know yet but I love your infographics!
Thanks for the kind words. Makes it worth the effort!
I have my Snowflake for 2 years now. It's symbolizes a lot for me. Other's comments on its flaws, such as the bracelet feel, the power reserve in the front, etc. make it a revolutionary and historical piece. Any fixes/upgrades in response to customer feedback are gladly accepted and will appeal to the next generation of GS collectors.
Even with the upgrades, I think 8.9k on an unlimited piece is too much right now and to me the SLGA009 is GS' attempt to make another iconic piece so its not just about the "Snowflake". I like this a lot but also feel some similarity to my snowflake so I wouldn't get it. I may buy it if its Limited like the SLGA007 Lake Suwa. I tried to buy that one from my dealer but apparently i didnt make the cut because i don't have enough quota i guess...
I have my Snowflake for 2 years now. It's symbolizes a lot for me. Other's comments on its flaws, such as the bracelet feel, the power reserve in the front, etc. make it a revolutionary and historical piece. Any fixes/upgrades in response to customer feedback are gladly accepted and will appeal to the next generation of GS collectors.
Even with the upgrades, I think 8.9k on an unlimited piece is too much right now and to me the SLGA009 is GS' attempt to make another iconic piece so its not just about the "Snowflake". I like this a lot but also feel some similarity to my snowflake so I wouldn't get it. I may buy it if its Limited like the SLGA007 Lake Suwa. I tried to buy that one from my dealer but apparently i didnt make the cut because i don't have enough quota i guess...
I have to agree that the price increase really puts the brakes on any plans to acquire on a whim.
I am actually a huge proponent of the ideology that the Snowflake is best represented in titanium given the similarity in lightness. In fact I also feel the dial’s discreet nature works really well for its character too.
I do however feel for your disappointment of being unable to get the lake suwa. For me ultimately I’d be keen to see how well this wears as a small wrist person.
Based strictly on photos, I find the new SLGA009 more appealing than the SBGA211, however I think that when they've both been discontinued, the Snowflake will probably be the more desirable and collectible of the two.
I'd love to be able to add a GS Spring Drive to my collection, but even at the price point for the SBGA211 I was having trouble justifying it. Part of that was based on the power reserve indication, which I feel reduces the appeal. If the new White Birch had the same price point as the Snowflake, I'd definitely be interested.
Based strictly on photos, I find the new SLGA009 more appealing than the SBGA211, however I think that when they've both been discontinued, the Snowflake will probably be the more desirable and collectible of the two.
I'd love to be able to add a GS Spring Drive to my collection, but even at the price point for the SBGA211 I was having trouble justifying it. Part of that was based on the power reserve indication, which I feel reduces the appeal. If the new White Birch had the same price point as the Snowflake, I'd definitely be interested.
I think they've done well to create the White Birch and I am looking forward to seeing the more refined texture in person.
The SBGA211 and to an extent even its predecessor the SBGA011 will always be emblematic of Spring Drive.
If I were to draw parallels, it is like comparing Silver Snoopy Speedmasters, Speedmaster Racings, Speedmaster Ultraman etc. with the Moonwatch. At the end of the day, the one that has taken the mantle of representing the brand is the Moonwatch. Doesn't make the other Speedmasters lesser watches in any way whatsoever, but it's just the way we associate the brand and the specific model it is best known for.