White Birch and the 9SA5
By Kenji Watanabe, Osaka ยท
The forest of white birch trees around the Shizukuishi studio in Iwate gave this dial its pattern, and Grand Seiko has done well with this theme. The texture is vertical, almost like bark, and it changes as you turn your wrist.
The real interest for me, though, is the 9SA5. Introduced in 2020, it is a newer generation of Grand Seiko mechanical movement with a dual impulse escapement, a flatter layout and 80 hours of reserve. Five days off the wrist would be too much, but a full weekend plus Monday is fine.
The case is 40 mm by 11.7 mm, steel, sapphire, 100 m, date, on a bracelet. Thinner than earlier Grand Seiko automatics, and you notice that on a Monday in a starched shirt.
The trouble is price. At 9,800 to 10,000 dollars it is close to a Rolex Datejust or Omega Aqua Terra in steel, both of which have stronger name recognition and resale. Grand Seiko collectors will know why they are paying it. Others may feel they are paying too much for a white dial.
I think it is one of the best watches Japan makes. But I would not recommend it as a first luxury watch unless you already love the brand.