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We haven’t seen a watchmaker able to craft stunning dials as consistently as Grand Seiko. Every model that comes out of the brand’s Iwate-based studio makes our jaws drop. In 2021, they debuted the White Birch, featuring a silvery dial with a vertically-grooved dial pattern that evokes the namesake tree bark. That pattern was then turned sideways a year ago with the SLGW003, creating a more subtle aesthetic. But it’s the new Moonlit Birch colorway just added to the lineup that might be our favorite of them all.
According to Grand Seiko, the SLGW007 Moonlit Birch evokes the “sight of birch trees illuminated by moonlight” with its glistening navy blue dial color. With the fresh new aesthetic, this timepiece brings a whole lot of versatility to the Birch family.
Paired with the blue is a stainless steel case, reverting back to the original case metal of the White Birch. Recent iterations have often featured titanium. However, unlike the 2021 model, this new reference shrinks the case a bit, down to 38.6mm from 40mm, making it even more wearable for any occasion, and for any wrist size. Likewise, the thickness is also brought down to a solid 9.95mm (from 11.7mm). The navy calf leather strap also adds to the watch’s versatility with a more casual texture that complements the dial perfectly.
Built on the Evolution 9 design language, which itself is based on the classic 44GS, the Moonlit Birch is powered by the manually-wound Caliber 9SA4, Grand Seiko’s first-ever hand-wound Hi-Beat movement, which debuted in 2024. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement will get you the 80 hours of power reserve and 36,000 vph frequency, and without the added bulk from the oscillating rotor and winding system.
Priced at $10,000, the SLGW007 Moonlit Birch can be pre-ordered from Grand Seiko’s website and boutiques, with shipments starting this month.
