What is the difference between the Grand Seiko SLGA009 and SLGH005 "White Birch" watches?
In 2022, Grand Seiko is jumping right in with two new ice blue American special editions, and now a second "Birch tree"-inspired watch: the Grand Seiko SLGA009. This launch ushered in a new era for Grand Seiko watchmaking, which the brand calls the Evolution 9 – a rebranding of what we formerly called the Series 9 design.replica Grand Seiko Spring Drive
Combing through the feedback and reactions on social media, it's clear that the vast majority of enthusiasts and buyers are impressed with the watch. But there was also an air of confusion, with some wondering what the actual new features of this version were and the strategy for delivering what looked like another version (Grand Seiko SLGH005) of the exact same watch. However, when you dig deeper, there are many subtle differences beyond the main differences in their calibers, which I'll cover in more detail below.
Case Thickness and Strap
Admittedly, most of the exterior design and finishing of the SLGA009 is identical to the original SLGH005. The only minor differences in this regard are that the SLGA009 is 0.1mm thicker than the SLGH005 at 11.8mm and has a larger polished finish where the bracelet sits flush with the case. For a more in-depth explanation of the Evolution 9 case form inspired by its 44GS geometry, you can check out our introduction to the SLGH005 here. Now to discuss some more differences...Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon
A studio for making new watches
Grand Seiko timepieces are made in multiple workshops, each with their own character in their own location. As pictured above, Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi handles 9SA5 Hi-Beat powered references like the original SLGH005 "White Birch". On the other hand, Grand Seiko Studio Shinshu is the studio that manufactures all Spring Drive-driven watches, and therefore the new Grand Seiko SLGA009 “White Birch”. While they are both in-house studios working under the name Grand Seiko, nuances in approach permeate the timepieces they make.
Spring Drive and Hi-Beat
The most obvious difference between the new Grand Seiko SLGA009 and the previous SLGH005, as revealed by the dial text 6 feet on each dial and their exhibition casebacks, is the movement of each watch.
The SLGA009 is powered by the recently developed Spring Drive 9RA2 movement. As a Spring Drive movement, it offers incredible precision and promises to run at ±0.5 seconds per day. The movement is equipped with an "offset magic lever" winding system that reduces its thickness, allowing the SLGA009 to be clocked at 11.8mm, rather than the 12mm or higher commonly found on the 9R65 spring-driven power models. Its two barrels provide a power reserve of up to 120 hours for a total of 5 days - an improvement of 2 days or 48 hours over the 9R65. Its bridge lines and edges, as well as the edges of the screw holes, are diamond cut to reflect a very high-quality finish that collectors will appreciate. The bridges and skeleton rotor have a clean matte finish, reflecting a modern aesthetic more in line with modern spring-driven technology.perfect replica watches
Its predecessor, the SLGH005, was the first standard production model to feature the revolutionary 9SA5 Hi-Beat movement. Notable features include a new in-house designed double-pulse escapement, twin barrels with an 80-hour power reserve, a high frequency of 36,000 vph, a new free-spring balance, a full balance bridge and a new Grand Seiko upper The spiral hairspring is different from the brand and perfected through over 80,000 simulations. Like the 9RA2, the bridges feature delicate bevel and diamond cuts, but also feature more traditional stripes.
Dial texture and inner bezel
While the two dials clearly live up to the "Birch" muses, the execution is not as identical as it might seem at first glance. The real difference is their texture. "Unlike the deep wavy pattern on the dial of the SLGH005, the texture [on the SLGA009] is more subtle and delicate," explained Grand Seiko. The new texture on the SLGA009 is, in my opinion, more refined and the pattern more structured. By contrast, the SLGH005 feels more rustic. The depth of the textured engraving also inevitably changes the way each of the dial reflects and plays with light.luxury of replica watches
Unless you look closely, you might also miss the fact that the stepped inner bezel width is slightly different, the original SLGH005 looks narrower. On the stepped inner bezel of the SLGH005, you'll find minute hashes that meet the top and bottom and boxed hour markers that look more square. Rotate to the SLGA009 and you'll notice a tiny gap between the top of the stepped inner bezel and where the printing of the minute and hour markers begins. As the height increases, the bold hashes indicating the hours and five minutes appear taller and more rectangular in favor of square or boxed. Due to the slightly different dimensions of the two stepped inner bezels, the SLGA009's dial plane textured portion appears to be negligibly smaller than the SLGH005's.
Covered and uncovered seconds
Regarding the hands, the central hour and minute hands follow the same format on each model, although the width and length (probably) vary slightly on each model. As far as the hands are concerned, the most obvious difference is the central seconds hand. Yes, both are blue, and no, I don't mean how they sweep across the dial differently. On the SLGA009, the central seconds hand is capped - interrupting the bluing character of the central seconds hand. When you look at the SLGH005, there is no cover that sets the hands on the dial, so the hands are always blue. While there may be a technical difference, possibly due to the rotation of a flowing hand (spring driven) versus a more stepped or ticking hand (Hi-Beat), to the wearer it's just an aesthetic difference.replica Franck Muller Vanguard Watches
Date window size and aesthetics.
I won't bother with this one, as it's pretty clear once pointed out and doesn't change much in terms of appreciating each dial. Due to its 9RA2 spring-driven movement, the SLGA009 has a larger and wider date window and date wheel, with wider black numerals on a white disc. Conversely, the square date window on the SLGH005 dial is smaller, while the black date wheel numerals on the white disc have a narrower font. The main difference that dial purists might really spot is the small hash to the right of the SLGH005 date window. It didn't really get a lot of buzz when it was released, but now that we're seeing the "Birch" dial on the SLGA009 without it, it's even more noticeable. It may be removed to accommodate wider date windows,
Crown size
Both stainless steel watches feature screw-down crowns and are water-resistant to 100 meters. Having said that, the crown of the Grand Seiko SLGA009 5 Day Spring Drive is slightly wider (or taller) than the crown of the 9SA5 Hi-Beat SLGH005. For some, this might be the "cool bean" or "who cares" point of difference. But hey, I'm just being thorough here...replica jacob and co astronomia
Specification
brand
Grand Seiko
Model
birch
reference number
SLGA009 & SLGH005
Shell size
40mm, 47.6mm lug-to-lug
Chassis height
SLGA009: 11.8mm, SLGH005: 11.7mm
case material
Stainless steel
dial
silver white
tape
steel bracelet
move
SLGA009: 9RA2 5-Day Spring Drive, SLGH005: 9SA5 Hi-Beat
function
Time, date, power reserve indicator (SLGA009 only)
Availability
SLGA009 will be available in February 2022, SLGH005 in February 2021
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