Strap Guide: Grand Seiko White Birch Spring Drive SLGA009

Strap Guide written by @watchaddictwt. Thank you Woody!

Introduction

Grand Seiko is a watch brand I am very fond of. It is well known for its nature-inspired dial work, its incredible case-finishing and also innovative movements. To me one technology Grand Seiko has that allows it to stand out amongst its peers is definitely the Spring Drive technology. Nowhere else will you find a sweep so smooth that there is absolutely no step in its movement even in slow-motion – truly mesmerizing. So, when the new 9RA2 with 5-day power reserve was announced, it was only going to be a matter of time before I would add one into the collection. When the original Hi-Beat White Birch came out, I found it a bit too flashy for my personal tastes, so when the subtler Spring Drive SLGA009 was released at the start of 2022, I just had to add this to my collection. With its much subtler dial texture, this watch has all the makings of being great with straps. So without further ado, allow me to showcase a few Delugs pairings that I believe allow this watch to truly shine!

Matte Black Alligator Signature Strap – The One for the Formal Occasion

This pairing with the black alligator strap will probably be 100% approved by the folks at Grand Seiko. It dresses up the watch perfectly and adds a touch of formality to the watch. I would go as far as to say that it makes it black-tie ready and turns the sportier SLGA009 to a proper dress watch.

Navy Shell Cordovan Slim Strap – The One for a Navy Suit / Business Casual

I generally like to find straps that complement an element on the dial. In this case, it would be the heat-blued seconds hand on the White Birch. The latter goes really well with the deep Navy on the Cordovan strap. The strap’s gloss also comes to the fore under the right light conditions. Definitely one to pair with a navy suit or even a more casual wardrobe choice.

Light Grey Nubuck Slim Strap – The One that allows the Dial to take the Spotlight

There’s a reason why this strap is one of Delugs’ bestselling models. It goes well with anything with a steel case, particularly when it is a white dial. It also allows the spotlight to remain on the dial of the watch and acts as an ideal supporting act. And in the case of this White Birch Spring Drive, that’s exactly what you would want. A great every-day choice!

Taupe Saffiano Stitchless Strap – The One of Complementary Texture

I like this pairing as the Saffiano leather texture feels right at home in complementing the inspiration of the SLGA009’s White Birch dial. It is a strap pairing that is a touch more on the casual side but one that is very soothing on the eye and feels like it belongs right at home in the same environment that inspired the artisans at the Shinshu studios of Grand Seiko to come up with this subtler dial design of the SLGA009.

Cognac Crazy Horse Side-Stitch Strap – The One that brings out the Casual Side of the White Birch

Every good watch deserves a casual strap that is ideal on a day out at your neighborhood café for a cup of coffee (or green tea) or even as your accompaniment on an afternoon drive. I believe the Crazy Horse Side-Stitch strap is just the ticket to dress down the watch whilst letting you get happily lost in that mesmerizing sweep of the Spring Drive seconds hand.

And there you have it, 5 straps that cover the gamut of versatility that the Grand Seiko White Birch brings to the table (and to your wrist). I hope you enjoyed this Strap Guide as much as I did putting it together!