Incoming Birch! (w/ commentary)

[taura]

I've literally been through 15 different watches ranging from Seiko SKX to Rolex Explorer and various Omegas, looking for a "nice casual watch", but was never entirely satisfied. I think I may have hit it this time. It did take a step up the price ladder, and I'll have to let go of my SBGW231 (to keep the cost in check, but also because I don't want to have multiple watches from the same brand).

At first I dismissed SLGH005 as a somewhat crude dress watch with nice movement. Then, after handling it a few more times, I started seeing it as the perfect 1 watch collection, but not as something I'd really want. The model also wasn't readily available anymore, but luckily the local AD rep was happy to show off his personal piece.

I think something clicked when I walked past the AD last week and saw this one in the window. In I went and realised that the model really 'fit the bill'. The next day I asked them to hold the watch for me, and picked it up this morning.

The watch is somewhat rugged and clearly made for daily use, with the brushed bracelet, slightly raised crystal and shock resistant movement. It's rather obviously very nice to look at, with the shiny textured dial and highly polished details, but still doesn't scream "look at me" like some of the alternatives. Next to my Datejust 36, it makes perfect sense as a complementary choice.

As for wearing comfort (which is often a pain point for me), the bracelet is very good. I doubt that many people who still complain have actually tried the watch in person. It's a heavy watch but the 22-20 mm bracelet balances everything out and the weight distributes itself very nicely. It would be nice to have a quick adjustment on the clasp, but I'm not very concerned.

More than ever, I feel that this is finally going to fill the slot in my collection. It also caused some rethinking in the dressy end of things (by sending SBGW231 on its way), but that's part of the fun.


P.S. really sorry for the image quality. It seems the iPhone noise reduction isn't compatible with this dial.

[Cru Jones]

Beauty of a watch. Many congrats!

[subtona]

Great looking watch and bracelet is a significant upgrade to previous offerings.


Congratulations

[gnuyork]

Beautiful, same for the black dial Datejust (one that I am considering if I can get one).

[Moondoggy]

Lovely watch congrats.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[samson66]

Nice! Congrats

[Ichiran]

Very nice dial! Congratulations!

[ap1]

Looks great, enjoy

[taura]

Thank you all! I promise to post some macro shots once I get around to it. It takes some time to become familiar with a watch, and then you can think about how to show the interesting parts in photos.

[Mak999]

Congratulations! I visited ad in Helsinki about a week ago and had a chance to try both hb and sd versions. I liked them both but my choise was spring drive. I guess I was a little bit lucky, because week after the sd release, I got the call, that they have the sd watch for me.

[Jackie Daytona]

Congratulations!

[taura]

Wow, I didn't know they had SDs coming in already. I bought this one in Helsinki last week, so I'm glad you didn't steal it

[Urosfan]

congrats

[BNA/LION]

Congratulations!

[dbfagan]

Congratulations. Love the hi-beats