I have several Rolexes and much better watches than Rolex. I don't flip my watches, so I don't worry about it. Grand Seiko is the most accurate of all my watches.
Good lord, you need therapy man…. and if you only want to buy pieces that hold their value, buy a Rolex and be boring as hell. Rolex’s are the BMW 3 series of the watch game, nice but nothing special. Also, if you bought a GS at retail, that’s your fault, you can buy them all day at nice discounts, which would minimize any loss, if you choose to flip. Your real advice should be “don’t buy like me”, rather than shit on GS, which does make watches every bit as good as Rolex (minus the clasps! I will give you that).
I kinda feel like one of your big gripes for Tudor and GS are the depreciation. I see this as a plus, I can buy a 58, GMT, Pro for like $2500 used. I see this as great value, lots of demand/easy to sell, I can own them cheap. I agree with the servicing of the SG.
that would be dependent on which model you have. Personally, I love old vintage tudors, but I find some of the more recent releases in then last two years have been lacking for the price.
@@coldworld5 Yeah... I mean 1) He seems really angry. If watches make you angry, you know, don't collect them 2) He seems like he doesn't like Tudor because it isn't Rolex. You'd think someone with a youtube channel about watches would know that you don't compromise on a watch you want by buying a different watch. That's your fault, not the watches 3) He's upset about GS depreciating. Again, you'd think someone who knows so much about watch collecting that they feel like they should have a watch channel would know which watches you buy retail and which you buy second hand. This is like rookie stuff...
We don’t have unlimited money and especially when you come to a stage where you have 6 figure watches , you sure as hell won’t want to lose money on them if possible. If you happen to really like it and lose a bit on it that’s fine. But if you have to lose half of a 300 grand watch ? Even you’re extremely rich you will have to think twice even if you like that watch
I agree, either you do collect only steel Rolex and Nautilus you bought at retail nor loosing money is part of the journey, just try to act smart and make those losses as limited as possible
I own two GS. Very happy with my white birch with spring drive movement. Nice dial, 5 days power reserve and perfect accuracy. I also own the SLGH013 with Hi-beat movement. The accuracy when I bought it was unsatisfactory. I gave it back for adjustment. It came back after 5 months. Accuracy is fine now.
@@SacreDro Initially it was gaining 11s a day. When it came back it was gaining about 5s a day. (Average over 10 days) I find if I leave it on its side with the crown up, when I’m not wearing it, the gain is reduced.
@@BrendanBoswell in the first place some watches aren’t meant to have loom and If you don’t understand that maybe you haven’t been collecting long enough. In relation to the bracelet though not Rolex level it’s perfectly adequate if you feel the bracelet is “shrinking”, either you’ve had a pint too many or you’re sizing your bracelets too tight, not giving enough room for your wrist to expand. The only factual argument that you presented is value retention, but if that’s all you’re worried about don’t buy watches, maybe you should invest in ETF’s or stocks.
Ben, Stop with the jokes, don’t understand collecting are you for real? I don’t drink, don’t stereotype Irish people! Finally I don’t need financial assistance or advice!
@@BrendanBoswell ok. Nice come back. We all have different opinions but I’m sure that many would agree that some watches don’t need loom… actually putting loom on some watches would actually unbalance the overall aesthetic and the cherry blossom is the kind of watch that would look good with or without but probably better without.
My next watch is actually a SBGW291 36.5mm. It’s the closest thing I can find that reminds me of 1960’s Omegas. I’m not worried about the value loss beucase I’m buying it for a milestone and will never sell it 👌🏽. However this is the only Grand Seiko watch I like as all the others are way too big with crap bracelets
It all depends on what you need it for. Fair enough, I can agree with the bracelet that it should have a quick adjustment, but we all know that GS bracelets are crap 😂 I just changed the Blossom with a leather strap and still looks/feel elegant beautiful ❤ perfect for my wedding 😅 I did not buy the watch because of the lume as I bought it for the look, size, spring drive, weight of titanium and of course the beautiful cherry blossom dial and a date function which is a must for me 😂... That's why I sold my OP and Tudor bb58 because it has no date function after collecting watches for some time now only realised I always need a date function 😂 In the end, I wouldn't disregard GS as they do have some amazing watches. Just like many other brands, even Rolex and Omega have some shitters 😂
I own a GS Snowflake and I love it. I buy my watches to keep them not for resale value. If I want to invest in buying and reselling i'll just buy gold. Watches are made to buy wear and enjoy it,
Must say I respect the detailed way you framed your gripes...In my humble opinion, I love the design, functionality and wear of my GS SBGX263 as well as my KS SPB283. Both seem perfect for a GADA for my style and taste. I'm not concerned with resale value at the moment as I plan on keeping both and just swapping numerous straps for fun.
I have a SBGK007. It's a dress watch. Plain and simple... It has impeccable finishing, a beautiful cream/linen dial, no lume and is a hand wound movement. It is stunning to look at through the sapphire caseback. It's also balls-on accurate. I like it a lot.... but I got a DEAL on it pre-owned. There are no other watches in its class for the money paid.
Congratulations on 3k....Told you your channel is where it's at son!! keep up the great work Brendan. I might not comment all the time but always watching broski👊🏿
Terrible take as it sounds like wanted a RLX Op to begin with. I own two GS and two RLXs and they are very different. Do not try and substitute one for the the other and you won’t have any regrets.
I’m a big Seiko fan. It stems from my general interest and appreciation of Japanese culture. I have Seiko 5s, Presages and one Astron. I’ve seen the Cherry Blossom once irl, and I absolutely loved it. I am looking out for one in the future. I love them for what they are, and I’m not comparing them to other watches. The Astron I got because I love the technology, I loved the looks of one particular model, and I got it in Tokyo, after getting the nod from my Japanese friends. “Seiko is great, they come from our region in Nagano”. So it has a story for me. I also have an Omega Planet Ocean 42 8500 cal. I love this watch too. But it has no relation to how I feel about Seikos. Different watches, different stories. But to me, they’re both great in their own way.
Come on brendon 99% of watches lose loads of money that includes omega. Seiko make great watches that are mkre acurate thsn nearly every other brand and rhe finish is second to none.
Picked up the older sbgn005 gmt quartz used, but may as well been new, 2years ago. 1k + usd less than msrp with taxes (2200 yank i paid). Was my first real luxury watch purchase, and recently in 2023 have acquired 3 rlxs and 2 omegas. So the SBGN005 has been on the market for a very fair price and simply can't move it. Lowball offers of 1000 To 1500 usd occasionally come in, but i like the watch a think it would actually make a good gift to a family member. Dont need to sell only to take a bath.
Hmmm maybe a "dont make these type of mistakes" video would be more suited than "dont buy a GS".. Buying Hype watches, not making sure you like the piece, check the resell value before buying, maintenance, etc. Seems more like a You problem than GS to be honest mate.
Well, yeah. Buy the watch at market price, not at retail price 😅 but that's true with most watches from most brands. I even "saved" around £4000 that way when I bought my fully stickered Datejust (two-tone).
1. Cherry blossom is based on 62gs case . It is one of the most if not the most beautiful watch I have ever owned . I would even be bold enough to say it looks nicer than my datejust 41 . However, I do prefer if the power reserve goes to the back , just like the evo9 series. 2. Bracelet - I think grand seiko bracelet is really fine! I wouldn’t say rolex oyster bracelet is better than the one for 62gs case as well. Jubilee is definitely more comfortable but it gets saggy after a while. 3. Watch value - only new comers and or those who joined the game during this hype period believe that watches are investment . The truth is that they are not. Rolex Patek and AP will not be any different in time to come . Grand Seiko loses 40 % of value , just like omega , Jlc, Cartier or any other brands u can think of. So the rule of time for any watch (including rolex) is that unless it’s a special occasion that u intend to buy a watch and keep forever, go resale market and pay the “correct” price.
What's the real lesson here everyone? Before you buy the watch do your research, buy within your limits, know yourself and what works for you. Your buying a watch not a tech stock.
As many watch collectors do, we go through watches like water through a sieve. This video is a fairly harsh take on an entire brand based on 2 watches. From what I can tell, his 3 biggest issues with the Shunbun are 1) the bracelet has no micro adjustments and that made wearing it uncomfortable, 2) there was no lume on the dial, and 3) poor resale value. I can totally see the 1st issue, the lack of micro adjusts on a bracelet is a design choice that I disagree with. It makes a watch less wearable, (but he should have seen the lack of adjustments on the bracelet prior to buying). #2 also should have been known when he purchased it, nowhere in the advertising or photos do they say anything about lume (or show a customary lume shot), if lume is important to him he should ask before buying a watch. As for resale value, it's as easy to find current resale values as looking the watch up on an auction site. Once again, all 3 issues are things any buyer can and should be aware of if they are important to them. As for the GMT, he bought a watch that simply didn't work for him. Good move on his part parting ways with the 2 watches, if they don't bring you pleasure and you won't wear them, get them along to someone who will.
Every brand has its good watches and bad watches. As collectors, we should respect them all. Grand seiko is a great brand no doubt in my mind. I don’t agree with the GS bashing in this video. Sorry mate.
Interesting video and view, owning Rolex and Grand Seiko I can honestly say I love my Grand Seikos (Snowflake and Cherry Blossom) great looking dress watches and comfortable to wear. I bought these watches after shopping around and visiting AD's and just looking and trying on different watches. I bought these watches at different times and have no intention of selling them, i wear them and enjoy them.
I still want a GS, but I noticed that the resale is not great on these. I always look at resale before I buy a watch, and do my best to buy it second-hand. I know I'm going to scratch the "crap" out of it, so I will let someone else take that loss for me, lol. But what I didn't look into is servicing the GS so thanks for the knowledge there. I will need to see what that looks like for me. Thanks
Spring Drive movements go straight back to Japan for god knows how long. Cool technology but be prepared to part ways with the watch for months if something bad ever happens...
You could argue that *"you must be wealthier to afford watches that lose value, than to afford watches that keep the value"* ... thus, the status of someone wearing an expensive watch that loses value is greater than those who just put their capital into one watch which they can sell for the same price later.
I own SBGR301 and I love it although I agree with you...I had absurt problems with this watch. Twice I dropped it and the seconds hand fell...Other problems as well that are minor. Again, I just like this watch so much that I want to keep it, but I would not advice anyone to buy one...
Sounds like a you problem mate , gotta think through all the aspects of a watch and your needs before buying a watch , instead of doing it the other way around and then throwing a fit about it😂
You are one of those person who is entitled to your own opinion, but here is what collectors, real collectors we know grand Seiko a great brand… Creador is also a brand they make high-end, but you’re not real collector you just a follower or what world like is great watches out there much better than all the brands it’s like asking yourself do you want to drive a four Mustang or you wanna drive a core bed? It does the same thing it takes you where you wanna go Watch is the same thing doesn’t matter the price that’s reality so my personal opinion would like to share it with you is you better get better acquainted with Watches we are collectors collectors we can patek phillp!! Once again, buy a G-Shock Casio Seiko it doesn’t really matter we collected by what we like, but do not said Seiko ! bad brand!! very mistaken you can drive a Ferrari, or you can drive a Nissan do you get my point now
I appreciate your opinions, and enjoy your content, but I don't agree that Tudor are garbage! GS are definitely a pre-owned option only though. I do agree with you there! All the best for the new year!
I was looking at a Grand Seiko SLGA009, but wondered about the lack of lume and no micro adjustment on the bracelet which on watch that retails for $11800 CAD seems crazy. Add to that I can buy the same watch brand new on Chrono24 from a Japanese retailer with a 4.9 rating for $8448 CAD. Even worse a Rolex Explorer I 40mm retails for $9050 CAD from an AD and a Submariner no date 41mm goes for $10800 CAD. I decided just to wait and get myself a Rolex or maybe even two, if I have to wait a couple of years oh well! Like one of the comments below I also prefer my Tudor BB58 watch more than my Omega Planet Ocean though.
I disagree 😂 They're just another watch. I've got two Grand Seiko's and love them both (Tentagraph & Snowflake Spring Drive)... wont ever sell them, no need to. Omega, Rolex, Cartier, G-Shock MRG, Audemars Piguet... love them all. 😊
Good for you on speaking the truth. For everything you said plus a lot more…F Grand Seiko! I’ve owned half a dozen all bought new and one of my best friends has owned 13 or more. Neither one of us would ever buy a Grand Seiko ever again. The brand has crapped the bed and is going backwards instead of forwards. 👍
Thank you for the episode. I think these watches are great, but you have to go into buying a grand seiko knowing that it will most likely not retain value.
Brandon, you’re a watch buying butterfly mate, embrace it. Grand Seiko make amazing watches with unique dials, case designs and movements (clasps are a bit shit). If you buy brand new it’s gonna hurt if you part ways.
I have vintage Seiko DX 17 jewels 1974 blue TV dial watch love it but I went straight to omega po first then Rolex got both still on the hunt for a dj41 flu jub
Does anyone actually pay full retail prices for new GS? I know a few folk who have them, all paid about 15-20% under retail. I’m of the opinion, a GS with a 30-40% discount is about right. Irrespective of what they think in Japan. Nice watches though.
I am looking at the video and the comments. They are about 8 months old. Here's a true horror story. My older Grand Seiko was sent in for a routine service last year in December. The watch ran fine and looked very well before sending it in. I have asked for full service and Zaratsu polish. After 8 months of virtually zero communication, my beloved watch was returned broken and no Zaratsu polish was done because the watch was "too old". The watch was obviously badly serviced. The crown is in the wrong position, extended from the watch, the hands are misaligned, the watch is unusable since it loses about 3 minutes per hour. The service was allegedly done in Japan... I also have a fairly new GS watch that I treat very well. Since I have purchased it, it has steadily and continuously slowed down and it will probably need service very soon. Keep in your mind that this is a watch that was purchased brand new from the dealer and has over four years of warranty left on it at this time. The accuracy is nowhere near the stated "Grand Seiko Standard" or even COSC. I do not trust Grand Seiko to service my new watch after my older watch that was fine was returned broken. By contrast, I have a Rolex that is 20 years old, purchased used 17 years ago. It was never serviced. It still runs at about 2 seconds per day, same as when I have purchased it used, 17 years ago. I cannot tell you what to do or what to think. I have only shared my horror story with Grand Seiko service that was allegedly done in Japan. There are many other horror stories about Grand Seiko service. I have also read some happy stories from other people who owned and had Grand Seiko watches serviced. I can only speak for myself and share my own story. Please, keep your advice for yourself. I am only sharing a story. I am not asking for advice, nor do I give advice to anyone.
some wisdom being spoken here. 1.) Grand Seiko is nice.... really good... is it GREAT.... probably not. It sure as hell isn't a brand forged by Japanese Elves in the fires of Mount Sakurajima. 2). They are overpriced when new. 100% of the time in fact. Full stop. 3). None of them are a knock out. Something is always lacking. Great dial, check, great tech, check, shite bracelet, check. I bought a GS at an auction. It was like new, full set, even had the original receipt in the box from the original AD. The watch was not even 8 months old. I paid 60% less than retail. On a whim I then tried to trade it on a different watch at the original AD where it had been purchased for $7000. they offered $3500 on TRADE. That should tell you what the watch is really worth. Luckily... I love it. THAT'S the only way you can get ahead. Buy RIGHT and be sure you want to keep the watch. Now.... this concept of buying something, using and enjoying it, then trying to sell it for a profit or no loss... this is a pipe dream that came about during the artificial hot gray market scam times. That's not how things should work. In fact... I don't want it to work that way. I want to buy watches pre-owned.... and I expect to pay less than retail. You should too. if nobody is willing to accept a reasonable loss on a previous purchase... we are all in for a pretty miserable time. Grand Seiko is not the magical silver bullet that it is made out to be. Agree with Brendan... be sure you want it first... and if you do, buy pre-owned.
Sorry,…but I found this to be misguided. The movements, proprietary materials, unique and inspired dials, and the craftsmanship (Zarastu polishing),…how can you not find beauty and great value in these watches? I own the new SLGA023 “Ushio” and couldn’t be happier. It is an awesome watch,…and I actually walked into a GS boutique and bought it. Imagine that? If you are concerned with resale,…well, what can I tell you. Lastly,…Kevin O’Leary knows watches,…and I’ll go with his observation -- Grand Seiko is the best value for your money for a watch anywhere in the world.
I disagree. Grand Seiko is a really good watch. I like them better than my rolex watches. I'm actually thinking about selling all my rolex watches outside of my OP.
I think you are blaming the watches (GS) for the lack of due diligence. You should have looked at the lume or lack thereof before you invested so much money. Sorry to hear you lost so much. I know GS do not retain their value like Rolex and Pateks...etc those of us that know must plan to keep them for many years or face the harsh reality you did. Thank you for the video and your perspective!!
Your entire channel is based around making horrendous purchases at full retail and then resenting the brand because the pieces depreciate. 95% of watches produced depreciate after purchase. How is that a concept you haven’t grasped yet?
GS spring driver is so loud. Sounds like a 30 dollar watch you get at Walmart. I bought it pre-owned and still lost money a year later. No markets for GS.
If you’re referring to winding up the movement. That grinding sound / feeling that’s quite normal with spring drive movements. All brands take a hit when you walk out from the shop except a 3-4 brands. There’s no selling market, that’s correct it’s a buyers market look at the state of the world!!
William, you are the reason I put out this kind of Truthful video. If I can save one just one person from making the same costly decision I made it’s worth it. 🍀
Asian Watch companies aren’t known for making the most legible Watch designs in history! My best friends Seiko Chrono white dial/gold hands is so difficult to read that Seiko should sell it with special reading glasses.🤣 To be fair to Seiko, white dials that are “busy” are some of the worse offenders for legibility in the horology world. Grand Seiko is awesome but I wouldn’t pay retail even if I was a billionaire! 😄 Their are a plethora of Grand Seikos available only to USA customers on the used market in truly like new condition for THOUSANDS below retail. Unless it’s a very special limited release and your filthy rich, don’t be a fool and pay retail for Grand Seiko. 🙏🙏
I think there is a strong argument to be made for the elegance range due to its smaller size and overall lower cost. you really shouldn't be buying a seiko for more than £4000!
