DON'T Buy a Grand Seiko Before You Watch This! 

I'm a great believer in Brand Loyalty. Being a collector, this was put to test during the pandemic, when alot of boutique staff became rude and unkind. This was the period that I realized just how special Grand Seiko is, the GS9 club sends a present every year - which in itself is such a kind gesture. It made me want to dig deeper into the catalogue and start focusing on GS more. I bought the SBGJ253 GMT, marvelous timepiece. Since then I've gone on to collect a 44GS Tribute and the Mt. Iwate. Truly a wonderful brand and spectacular movements. Love 'em!

My first ever watch was a Seiko. My father bought it for me when I was four years old in 1966. I’m 60 years old now and it still works perfectly. A couple of years ago my wife bought me a GS Spring Drive snowflake. I have may high end watches, but the snowflake is absolutely one of the best. I absolutely love it’s subtle refinement and mechanical perfection. It’s an absolute joy to wear. You know you have the right watch when you find yourself looking at it even when you don’t want to know what time it is.

The mere fact that Grand Seiko is Japanese should not have any bearing on choosing a good watch one iota. The Spring Drive movement is its own unique entity and very serious in approach towards craftsmanship and engineering. The finish of them is of a very high level. The more you research into Grand Seiko the more you appreciate them, understanding what they are all about. Having a Spring Drive in one's collection is very respectable and credible. There is so much that can be said about these!

I love the way Rob emphasized and described the uniqueness of Japanese culture. There is a strive for perfection by most Japanese people in everything they do that's found nowhere else in the world. From martial arts, tea making, toilets, cars, knives, Cameras, etc. Seiko, and particularly Grand Seiko is the pinnacle of this endeavour, where as humble as the Japanese are, it's almost like they are rubbing our noses in our own crude inferiority. I have owned a few Rolex watches, and currently own a Datejust. While Rolex quality is a very high standard, GS has surpassed Rolex in every way at a fraction of the price.

I've purchased two luxury watches so far: both Grand Seikos. In the $5K - $10K pricepoint, it's genuinely difficult to find anything better. Whether it's movement, design, or finishing, Grand Seiko really does a fantastic job across the board. I would much rather wear a Grand Seiko over a Rolex.

As a GS (quartz) owner & fellow Yorkshireman, I loved this! Great guest & a credit to the brand. Honesty, integrity & a bit of humour thrown in. Things that can often be missing in this hobby of ours…great stuff Rob 👍🏻 One day I’ll add a SpringDrive I’m sure…

Thanks for having me! Great hosts as always.

These videos, and this format of them, are fast becoming my favourite. This one was outstanding though - great to hear Rob so passionate about the brand, yet stay so honest and humble too. Well done, Sir! Thanks to this Chanel, I am now the proud owner of two 9F Grand Seiko watches, spring-drive for me next, definitely. Keep up the great videos and keep well :-)

I absolutely love my SBGJ261. I wear it every day and can’t imagine dropping that kind of coin on pretty much any other brand. It is miles ahead of everything else I’ve seen at this price point. Very excited to see what they have in store for us next year!

Excellent interview chaps, thanks very much for getting representatives from these brands to come on and chat about them.

Great having a company rep on the vid! Enjoyed the insights.

I am so impressed by the heart behind the heritage. Lots of companies have been around for a long time, but to have this kind of devotion to beauty and perfection...and to hold onto that goal for so long, is truly admirable.

Love my SBGJ227 Peacock GMT model! It reminds me of the 6 months I lived in Japan while deployed with the military there. Such great craftmanship! I also love my Japanese fountain pens! The world is such a big place; there is plenty of room for high end Swiss and Japanese watches! :D

Really liking this format, great video. It would have been good if it was a lot longer, showed the people involved and discussed the watches

Great video! Incredible content. Rob is inspiring. Great guest. Thanks.

You guys have done it again. Such an amazing video. Thank you

I used to collect & wear swiss watches, i had eight before buying my first Seiko.. Now i still have the swiss watches but i now have a lord marvel, two vintage king seiko chronometers, four vintage grand seiko & two modern GS & one is quartz. They are fantastic watches regardless of type. The show is great. Thank you..

I have the SBGA407 (skyflake) and it is incredible. I also own a few Rolexes, I’ve gotta say that when you remove the prestige of owning a Rolex, the Skyflake in particular the spring drive movement is superior to Rolex. I love both brands

I love that you can actually BUY the dang watch, as well. No weird ritual, no proving you're a worthy customer. They have it, you got the cash, you own the watch!

The Sk007 rekindled my love for watches. A year before the pandemic I was in a position to finally buy a luxury watch, and I went with the sbga231. I'm that guy who commits to one watch that becomes "his". I have a one watch collection. I'm not afraid to do activities and I'll never sell it. Almost 5 years later and I still find myself mesmerized by the sweep at least once per day. I would have picked a Breitling Navitimer, but its water rating was a deal breaker and Rolex movement seemed last century compared to the spring drive.

A great video from my favorite watch channel about my favorite brand. It doesn’t get better than this!

I'm old enough to recall "Made in Japan" being derided. I've loved Japanese technology for decades whether knives, cars, cameras or watches. No one makes better denim than the Japanese.

Thank you Rob - lover your enthusiasm and I really enjoyed Yorkshire fused with Tokyo!

I’m kind of a beginner watch collector and I was fascinated by some of the watch repair videos, I ended up buying a timegrapher to evaluate the condition of my 3 automatic Swiss made watches, and delving further into the subject of calibre’s, third party etc, I was further enlightened to the different types of calibre’s. Of course this led me straight to the Spring Drive, I was fascinated that I knew nothing about it. As an owner of 3 high end Rolex automatics, I appreciate the workmanship and precision of the 3055 and 3135 calibre’s. So I continued to study Seiko via Teddy Baldassarre and then it was just a matter of which one I was going to purchase. 😊 I haven’t even received it yet, but I’m very excited, I chose the SBGA 427, pure class, inside and out, I have no doubt in my mind that one Seiko will not be enough, thank you so much Seiko!

Good video. Thanks. I went to the Grand Seiko Shizukuishi Studio in northern Honshu, Japan, and was similarly impressed by the genuine appreciation of nature including the snow on Mt Awate, the white birch, etc.

11:40 I've seen this sequence so many times already, a reflection of a reflection on the *underside* of the second hand. And every time I see it my mind is blown again

From a collector’s perspective, GS brings a tremendous amount to the proverbial table. I appreciate the ingenuity and precision of the Spring Drive movement, the artisanal quality of their dials, and the refinement of their cases, specifically the new Evolution 9 cases. All of this delivered for a relative bargain, especially when compared to many of their Swiss counterparts. I agree with Andrew, however. If GS were to improve the quality of their bracelets to a level comparable to some of their market competitors (Glashutte Original, IWC, Tudor, Rolex, Blancpain, etc) while maintaining their price points, it would only serve to make an already comprehensively valuable product even more desirable.

I recently purchased and entry level Grand Seiko; the SBGA439. Yes, the bracelet does leave room for improvement. Yes, it would look better on a strap, which I plan to purchase. But this model now has a 5 year, vice 3 year, warranty. And I do consider spring drive to be the best of both worlds.

The B-roll shot at 11:35 is a thing of beauty!

I recently purchased my first ever Seiko. It's a Presage with an enamel dial. It's not my most expensive watch, but it's beautiful and I'm surprised it actually keeps good time. I wasn't keen on the black crocodile strap it came with so, I put it on a Hirsh Modena, Royal blue with white stitching. I attached the Seiko clasp to it. It's my preferred daily wearer. My next watch purchase will be a Grand Seiko GMT.

Love the content boys!!!!

My collection has evolved over the years. Now, Grand Seiko is the only brand that I have more than 1. That said, I think I’m the only one that doesn’t have a gripe about the bracelets. I truly believe that you get a lot more watch for the price with any of their models.

This is great, more of these, please.

I have one of the quartz models, and the accuracy is phenomenal - It's gained about a second over six months. That, plus a flat-out gorgeous dial - you can't ask for more in a watch, unless of course you get your jollies from having an elaborate, retro mechanical contraption hidden inside. I just want it to work well and look good, and I'm just as happy with technical wizardry as I am with the mechanical variety.

I own one and it truly is grand, pun intended. The answers were a lesson in good marketing and connecting with the enthusiast community.

Great video ! What would break Rob is the explanation of the modelnumbers, I think. 😵‍💫

Wow! Love to see all the GS appreciation in the comments section. I only buy and wear GS, so that should speak for itself but it’s hard to find good GS social circles so I’m loving the attention they have gotten here, not just with this video but overall. This has become one of my favorite RU-vid channels!

This channel got me into watches. Love it

I dislike the quartz tick but the GS version addresses all my concerns and is also hypnotic. The spring drive version is simply magical. My watches take the odd knock which I means I am too 'clumsy' to wear these high end and high value watches. Perhaps in another life.

Can you please tell me what is the reference for the GMT model featured in this video. thank you!

I love seeing another SBGV245. It is one of the best watches I have ever owned.

I am new to watches, and my experience with the Grand Seiko boutique staff and the watches themselves has been fantastic.

The Spring Drive is magic on a wrist. I have the SBGC 201.

I'm a proud owner of a grand Seiko... 5. Hopefully I get to own a GS someday, specifically a Spring Drive.

Grand Seiko is epic! So underrated.

What’s the mantainance like for these watches ? I read that the servicing of the Spring Drive needs to be done every 4 years.. and that it costs 1000$.. not including the shipping cost to Japan.. which is quite a bit.. Would appreciate your thoughts on that..

Love this channel

Excellent commentary. The Japanese are the ultimate in quality and integrity in everything they do from farming, textiles, woodworking, aquaculture, food, cars, the list goes on. It's no surprise that they incorporate their work ethic into watches and have since the 1950's. I do not own a Grand Seiko (yet) but I have other Seiko's in the automatic movements and they (in my opinion) offer the best value for the money spent. I have friends who own Grand Seiko both in the quartz and spring drive versions so I've witnessed them up close and personal. Stunning to be sure and on the bucket list. Thank you for a great presentation on these fine watches. Beauty and value are always in the eye of the beholder of course, but these are not to be ignored if you're looking for a high end watch.

When can we expect micro adjustment on the metal straps? Otherwise thoroughly pleased with my spring drive

I’ve had Seiko’s for years and have always admired Grand Seiko, I finally purchased one ( Evolution 9 Spring Drive Diver ) and I love it. I can’t see me having anything other than a Grand Seiko to be honest.

Love them . Happy to have one as a daily wear.

I am a Seikoholic and collect vintage pieces going back to 1962, love the look of these Grand Seiko, but find the modern Seiko watches are not up to scratch with misaligned chapter rings and bezel inserts. These issues need to be resolved.

I got myself a SLGA009 and never looked back since. I hope that they would taper the bracelet narrower towards the clasp to make it a bit more elegant, to match the beautiful dials and exquisite Spring Drive movement.

Rob is right that the brand *is* listening with regards to bracelets. They do still need some work, but I own a 2020 GS Shunbun and a 2022 Evo9 Chronograph GMT, and the difference in bracelet quality is staggering. More solidity, better comfort, more aesthetically consistent with the case. Is it perfect? No, but it's a noticeable improvement.

How shock proof is the Spring Drive? Can it be used on the golf course?

I didn't see a GS in the video that I didn't like, but there was the one with the dark blue dial that was a real eye catcher! I also like the ones with a simple dial with no date window. My only negative comment is that sometimes the power indicator throws off the balance of the dial design and is distracting. But it wouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker. I like how Seiko did the power indicator on some of the Presage line where the indicator is not a cut-out like on the GS but is worked into the design of the watch. It's there when you look for it but otherwise fades into the design.

I’ve taken the plunge. Beautiful beautiful dials

Brilliant video… especially for GS owners

I have a Grand Seiko SBGA 283G spring drive, I can honestly that this is the best watch I have ever owned. I have Rolex and Omega in my collection as well but they do not come close. to the fit and finish of the GS plus the accuracy of spring drive.🙂

Seiko, please bring solar and perpetual calendar to Grand Seiko quartz!

I own a GS SBGA469 and LOVE it. I wish I could order a GS strap online and not have to go to a boutique.

Absolutely fantastic spokesperson.

My first Seiko was a gold colored quartz dress watch my wife bought for me 40 yrs ago. Quite expensive for us at the time. Still works well. A sks009 rekindled my love for watches. I have monsters, turtles, samurai, shoguns, sumo, Willard, sarx, and a special black lacquer dial presage. Recently bought a red dial king Seiko. Stunner! Love the brand. I own a sbga429, sbga413, and a quartz sbgp017. All amazing watches! Some day I will buy another. Can't beat the quality and accuracy.

I think if Grand Seiko Japan listened to this interview, they'd be pretty chuffed with the way Rob conducted himself and answered those questions! He sounds like a god guy to head up GS UK !!

Rob, how do they decide on the next dial surface - and how do they make them?!

After this, I believe you guys need to do a follow up with the Citizen 0100.

A question for a followup, why does GS "region lock" some limited editions (urban bamboo and other colour variants)? I know many reasons why at the Seiko level they would, but at the upper end of the luxury market not done as frequently, if at all , by it's competitors Rolex, Omega etc.

Grand Seiko is the brand of watch maker for me. The whole ethos speaks to me. Quiet class. Even the draw of AP as I am descended from the Piguet family, has not drawn me to them over GS (I am sure it will one day). Love the dials, love the history, love the culture.

i bought my first grand seiko a few months ago, a 9f quartz gmt, its a beautiful watch, its rated +/- 10 seconds a year but after 3 months its barely off by one second.

I had the chance to buy an SBGE275 last month, has been my grail since I saw it. My god the beauty of the GS watches…

I am a total newbie in the watch world, never having owned a "real watch" and being priced out of many watches. I am planning to start with a seiko when I can afford it and I think if I ever can afford one a grand seiko will be one of my first luxury watches

Can someone please tell me which model is displayed from 5:35? It's obviously a quartz movement, but I cannot find the reference.

I would like a 9F but the three year battery life in a country like UK with no quality local battery service puts me off. I don't want to send it away ever three years. The Astron range also makes me think. I will buy a Grand Seiko but I can't decide which one. Thank you.

Years back, I remember first looking at GS. The AD showed me a Snowflake, talked a little about the Spring Drive, and I knew I’d be buying a Spring Drive for my first GS. And when I saw the Cherry Blossom, that was it. Took it home. Fantastic. As for Rob’s answer regarding bracelets, GS is slow to fix their bracelet issues, and that’s disappointing. I do think GS could do much better. The Swiss, in general, have them beat. Take for example my Cherry Blossom bracelet, the finishing is great. But no micro adjustment? Every watch I own, I’m usually 2 links each side, and one micro-adjustment to get a good fit. The Cherry Blossom, I got really lucky. 2 links each side was perfect. But if it hadn’t fit, I would have had to try a half link, which likely would have been too loose. And if that didn’t work, I would have walked away, irritated, disappointed. I really, really appreciate Tudor’s T-clasp. You would think GS would invest more resources to get perfect fit every time, plus some adjustability throughout the day.

Andrew asked the questions/objections about Grand Seiko that were on top of everyone's minds, and Rob Brook addressed each one well. It was great to hear that Grand Seiko is aware of the poor perception of the bracelet, but I am surprised it has been over a year with no "next gen" bracelet rolled out yet. I own a GS Heritage and absolutely love it!

I adore the Omiwatari, it’s the most beautiful watch I’ve laid my eyes upon!

I love Seiko when I was young and have so many that I lost count. Then I found GS and love the spring drive. I bought my first spring drive GMT in Hong Kong GS boutique when i was in business trip there. It was my last day for the trip. As I trusted the quality from GS. I didn't check the watch in details. When I back in UK and enjoyed the details of the watch, found that the hands not aligned at all. I emailed the Hong Kong GS boutique, they didn't bother to reply my email. So, I went to the London GS boutique and discussed the issue with them, they admitted the watch was no good and offered me the repair. I am not happy having a new watch to be repaired. Eventually, the manager contacted the head office in Japan. Then, they offered an exchange. Long story short, I am happy with the help by the manager but with too much trouble to deal with the issue. I like GS but with that experience, I spent half an hour to check the watch before I pay for it for my second GS. I still love my GS and plan to get another one soon and must be with thorough checking.

I'd love a GS debate between you two and Nico. Polarised views! Personally love my Godzilla

The bracelets are very good, if a little unimaginative. The gripes that people typically have is on the lack of micro adjustment on the clasps (or the clunkiness and lack of elegance of the diver clasp that does have micro adjustment).

GS in india don’t offer different sizes in the crocodile straps, and the standard ones are much too long for most people. Do you get shorter strap options in other countries from GS?

the bracelets from GS are very good. what is not so good is that the watches do not have quick micro adjustment

Hi Does anyone know the name of the watch with the lettering on the dial at 1534?

I have a Seiko spring drive GMT, 20Bar +3sd, my Omega Seamaster 30Bar GMT keeps better time at +1sd, I was disappointed in the Seiko spring drive....

I think the GS’s are a work of art. Stunning dials, exceptional movements, but bracelets let them down and the point you loose half the value as soon as you walk out of the shop. I do have 2x seiko’s In my collection but no GS, yet!

What happened to the wooden table, great background music and great presentation?

❤GS ❤ Spring Drive Movements are the best Watch Technology 👌

Does anybody know the model of the first watch show at 0:15 in the video?

I swear I willl one day join the Grand Seiko club. Especially with the spring drive

Beautiful watches… do they have any minute repeaters though? 🤔

I have a GS Snowflake. Really love it ❤️❤️❤️

Love grand seiko, I’ve owned the Skyflake and looking at a 9F quartz next. In terms of the bracelets, I don’t think they’re bad…..I just think that’s peoples expectations are so high because of the rest of the watch. Often we’re comparing against Rolex…oh and yeh I have a Captain Willard…amazing watch for the price point

What about why there isn't more 39-41mm sports watches and more 36-38mm dress watches. And surly the old get rid of the winding indicator on the dial comes up a fair bit?

The one with the blue furry dial is fire!

Have 0 intention of buying a grand Seiko but this video is gonna have nice shots of spring drives

Why is the power reserve upside down though? That's my only question.

I think Grand Seiko is the ultimate in watch making, in terms of the Zaratsu polishing,finishing and design of the dials, polished hands, indices and pure perfection in craftsmanship and advanced technology in their watch movement and best part of all, everything is made in house in Japan as opposed to Swiss made watches where not all parts are made in Switzerland, watch movements and watch casing may be in Switzerland but there is a possibility of bracelets and watch casing made elsewhere and likely not in Switzerland. So you don’t really get a 100% Swiss made watch. Now that is a great bummer,

please make a left-hand Grand Seiko GMT Spring drive !!!!!

Can I find the bullet point list of five things somewhere?

I'm soooooo glad I saw this before buying a GS... I mean, I can't afford one, but still....

My first luxury watch was a GS quartz. Absolutely still in awe. My daily wearer. Next up a spring drive.