Grand Seiko - Here’s What You Should Know 

I recently purchased a Grand Seiko SGBH271 “Rikka” and I have been blown away by the watch. The finishing is on another level and the dial is unreal. You are totally right, you can’t describe how much better these watches are in person than in pictures.

I'm mainly a Seiko collector, I just love the value you get from Seiko and the attention to detail, so I would absolutely fall over myself to bag a Grand Seiko someday. Great video. Dammit MWC, you've tempted me even more now, lol

They are incredible because they are inspired by the pigeon droppings/gutter leaves/ foggy weather/ raindrop on the windowsill outside the GS office. Allegedly.

You buy a Rolex to impress other people. You buy a Grand Seiko for yourself. 😊👌

Stoked to see the snowflake on MWC, and another well done review. I’ve owned mine for over a year, my first and only grail. The smooth sweep, light but indestructible feel, iconic engineering, and unmatched finishing is endlessly inspiring for me, especially as a skiing and mountaineering fan. The watch changes my mood when I wear it. Mine is about 3 seconds or less per month, and hits all the indices perfectly, which adds to the fun. MWC is right to recommend to go try it on to get the true feel. A bit relieved there wasn’t a MWC wife review…

Had mine for 18 months now. Wear it every day, even to work as a GP. Patients comment on it when I’m checking their pulse. It’s confined my Yacht-master Rhodium to the watch case. Few watches are legendary. This is.

They are beautiful watches, the finishing is amazing. I bought the sbga415. I ran it for 100 days and the 9r65 only gained 3 seconds, just amazing!

The Snowflake is one of the all time great dials, I just wish it didn’t have that power reserve indicator on the dial 😂 It’s well out of my price range sadly but I’d love to see a more sporty version of the Snowflake with that fantastic Seiko lume on the hands and indeces, no date and the power reserve indicator moved to the back 👍 Another top quality show MWC 🙌

Grand Seiko and Casio two of my top favorite watch brands. They just break boundaries.

FOR CENTURIES Japanese culture has being inspired by nature. From theirs panting.. writing..poems..operas and craftsmanship… all around. And it is legitimate and inspiring the way they do their watches…. Not to say what you get for your money…. You buy Rolexes what I own but GS is something special. Is like an art painting in your dial.. and using nature as an inspiration…Japanese are in the spot and with all the rights.

Another top video Russel. I have seen one of the Snowflakes and other GS models a few years ago at Francis and Gaye on one of my visits to the Midlands and you have described them perfectly. The case finishing is off the scale. At the time I couldn't justify a purchase as I'd gone to the store specifically to get a different watch. They are definitely purchased by people who appreciate watches rather than as an investment.

When I bought my SBGJ237 from Watches of Switzerland, there was a REP from GS in the store. His knowledge on the brand definitely help push me in the right direction. According to him, it takes 20 years to be eligible to zaratsu polishing, not 5. Do with that information what you will! Either way, love GS ♥️

If I could afford a luxury watch then I would pick the Grand Seiko .. Every time. Love the 36000 BPH and 80 Hour power reserve. The engineering inside this watch is unbelievable. I love the detail and finish on this watch. I would definitely love this watch in my collection..This watch is pure quality. Seiko and Casio are my favourite watchmakers. They both make watches that are superb value for money Thank you so much for this video, Russell.

Grand Seiko Dials are a true work of art. They are so well done! To be honest when I started watch collecting I didn’t care about grand seikos thinking they where over priced but I was so wrong!!

The finishing is second to none. The dials are tremendous. The turn down of the lugs just hugs the wrist too. Handset so amazing and dial markers are also finished to perfection. My word that gliding second hand is incredible. Certainly on my want list, but I want that pink tinged blossom dial. Great review. Imagine a T Fit type on the fly clasp? Perfection

Hey Russell, as a “content creator” I really enjoy your videos. You strike the perfect balance of sizzle vs steak. And as an American who watches BBC shows, I can say your Curt character’s American accent is better than that of most UK actors trying it. Except, ironically, on the “super” inserts. ;) Keep being Mad.

Top review! Pop it on a dark blue leather strap and you’ve got yourself an amazing dressy watch. Absolute stunner and no mistaking…😍

I purchased the Grand Seiko Snowflake to remember & honour my late mother Christine … when I look at it’s beautiful dial I fondly remember my beloved Mum … RIP 🙏🏻❤️

Nailed it with that review. I'm wearing my Snowflake - but on a leather strap. I couldn't get the fit I needed on the bracelet, which is gutting as it's a nice bracelet. I use a Tudor GMT as my sporty watch, an Omega De Ville as a dress watch and my Snowflake as my everyday wear.

Seiko IS insanely good! And so is Russell!!!

I’m thinking of selling my Rolex sub and getting a GS snowflake, getting sick of my Rolex, sick of people asking…”is that real” 🙈

GS over Rolex every time for me. Such a stunning watch. Owning a Grand Seiko is definitely on my bucket list. Then again, so is a trip to Mars so we'll have to see how it all shakes out😁. Another fantastic review Russ! ❤

Grand Seiko is special because it's not only Seiko, but it is grand 😜

Great video 👍🏻but Sorry I will still take my Rolex over any Seiko 💪🏼

I was lucky enough to try one of these on the other day. My God what a cut above in terms of finishing...so light as well! I'm a little bit in love...

I wear my snowflake with just about everything dress it up dress it down. Can one call themselves a watch collector and not own a Spring drive?

Big fan of GS and that is one stunner of a watch, another reason to buy a GS is you can actually buy one ( if you've got the money ) unlike trying to buy a Rolex when the AD treats you like something on the bottom of his shoe.

Too dressy for you you say. Check out the GS sport collection. Every movement you mentioned to chose from. Those 9f quartz movements are insane

I was out in the world and I hear ... "Is that a Grand Seiko?" from a random stranger. Yes, yes it is and I love it.

Grand Seiko is an absolutely phenomenal brand! I would absolutely love a spring drive, just haven’t found one that I would fall in love with. I am mainly a dive watch guy myself with a similar sized wrist. It would be wicked to see a cheaper spring drive trickle down to mid tier seiko level though!

The BEST watch CHANNEL in the world!! Love Grand Seiko Best watch made

I value the heritage and history of the Rolex brand more than the finishing differences between the two brands. Also, some people's reference to "brand snobs" is amusing to me, because there are many (but not all) Grand Seiko enthusiasts who epitomize what it is to be a brand snob. I personally prefer Rolex but can also appreciate Grand Seiko for what they are.

I opted for the SBGE205, champagne dial (most technically obnoxious dial they make), GMT, Spring Drive. It’s my grail, and I’m never mad about that spend.

Russ, I'm so happy that you put this brilliant video out. I couldn't agree with you more. Imho Grand Seiko is a far superior watch, and it is on my list as my ultimate grail. Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend mate.

Excellent review Russell. GS make one of the loveliest dials. That sweeping second hand is mesmerizing. The GS Spring Drive movement is up there. Your right someone who owns a GS is a true watch collector. Rolex is too fashionable and trying to make a quick $$ today. Especially the ridiculous prices generally only available in grey market at stupid prices.

I got the SBGA 283 with the champagne dial a few years ago and it's the most lovely watch I've ever owned.

My perfect 2 watch collection = 2 of these. I don't know much about art but these should have a gallery all to themselves.

This watch is my Grail. It will be the last watch I will ever purchase, and it's the only watch I could imagine going monogamous with. Everything about it is perfection

Just got mine last week and I absolutely cannot believe it.

That second hand gliding through is just hypnotic.

Lovely review of a watch enthusiasts watch, by a watch enthusiast that is sooo enthusiastic about this watch, even though it's not a watch he would buy for himself! That's real passion for the art! And a great point about what one would conclude about a Grand Seiko wearer vs Rolex wearer in 2023! I'd love a Grand Seiko spring drive (I hesitate as other watches already fight for wrist time (and the $$s)) but would NOT buy a modern Rolex (I have a circa 1960 Oyster Precision hand winder). Keep up the great (and soooo entertaining) work!

I appreciate the watch and the finish of them like you say is excellent but they don’t do anything for me personally. Thanks for the review though Russ.

Yes I accept a fair bit of what you say .. There is something about them that leaves me cold and lack charisma and soul . Accountant that likes cold play comes to mind ..

Great Review!!! And by the way, my SBGA285 with the same movement as the snowflake has a accuracy of 3 seconds per month 😉

4:20 It's probably worth stressing that there is no battery. The watch is mechanical, only the traditional escapement mechanism is replaced by an electromagnetic brake powered by a tiny fraction of the spring's energy diverted to power the brake and the quartz crystal which regulates the braking power by checking its action 8 times per second. The dial of Snowflake looks even better in real life because it _sparkles_ like real snow in sunlight. This effect is hard to capture on video because it's necessary to use as pointlike light sources as possible (like the Sun which is a small disc in the sky), not softboxes which obliterate the effect.

I really want a GS but since I want luxury watch to be recognized and appreciated (in short, show off) then Rolex it is. They are more popular.

My Sakura chan (a 413) goes into the ocean and goes biking with me. Spring drive is much hardier than a balance wheel for shocks and that screw down crown and 100m matches an Oris divers 65 for swimming. And Ti means you don't feel it on your wrist. Great rundown of features my friend but it's sportier than any of your other mechanical watches 😉

I love the Grand Seiko, but the reason I don't own one is that they cost £6k-10k. I've been to an AD and both seen and held and had them on my wrist, but their price is unobtainium.

I feel like something like the SBGN003 or another GMT quartz would be perfect for Russ. He could wear it while working and fits into his personal style. Good size for him too.

If that one didn't have the power reserve indicator, I would be selling all my other watches to buy it! Great review!

I respect these watches, however, for the thick end of six grand, I couldn't get past þhe pin and collar bracelet, the power indicator on the dial and why do we have GS and Grand Seiko on the dial? One or the other please, great video as usual Russ. What did the Wife say??

I wanted to watch the video for your usually last part, wife's opinion. Left heartbroken

In december I went to a dealer to try a seiko presage 60's, just to see if it fitted my wrist. They didn't have the model but they had a shelf of GS and then the seller asked me if I wanted to try one. Who wouldn't ? I tried a shunbun SGBA413. Long story short, I left the shop with a BIG hole in my bank account.

I have my eye (and wallet) on a Grand Seiko SBGC221. I never would have considered a Japanese luxury watch and only discovered this brand this week.

This has been my grail watch for some time now. It genuinely is a thing of beauty. Great video mate. 👍

Good review and great watch, just not my thing. My problem with them: I know the fit and finish is fantastic and so is the build quality, but I find their designs so boring and conservative. I think for the price I just cannot get over that I feel nothing for the designs, and there is no real heritage either. Why pick this over an Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch" for a similiar price? Or multiple luxury, high end watches tapping into dive, exploration, military, aviation, or dress heritage with cool retro looks...that also have excellent fit and finish. It's like an ultra high-end Toyota Camry (if they existed)....all of the quality, all of the luxury, all of the fit and finish, but still shaped like a Camry. Mega expensive granddad watch lol. Ironically, the models I like the most are the base quartz ones, but then I would rather grab a Longines Spirit Zulu time for the price.... Still a good review, just not for me :)

I really want a GS44 heritage model. It's on the horizon. I have to agree on the statement about the clasps. The entire Seiko lineup needs new clasps. If they can make a spring drive and a hi beat movement you think they could make a modern clasp! It was Rolex first then Omega hopefully GS will catch up soon. We see the early signs on the Prospex LX line.

If I ever saw a person wearing a GS in public I’ll probably geek myself out right onto a restraining order from the owner 😅

I am a dress, pilot and field watch lover thus this ticks my box!

I think they're the best watches in the price range, and I'd prefer them over many more expensive watches. Absolute class.

I love these Grand Seikos, but due to that elephant in the room...the clasp as you mention it's difficult for me to pull the trigger on getting one. I bought the Grand Seiko 9F with the Cordura nylon strap of which is also a problem. Seiko doesn't tell you this, but there is a larger size for their Cordura strap as the factory issued one is too small for some of us large European men, but you have to order separate and averages around $140 USD. The GS bracelets are indeed an after thought with even the ones on the Presage being better just due to the clasp and having micro-adjustments.

A generally underrated watch by those who don't always appreciate the quality in a watch over its status. That dial is a thing of beauty. A good review Russell👍👍What did your wife think of it?

Great review! Well said. I have a similar problem like you. When can I wear a nice watch like the snowflake? I farm, so dust and dirt is normal. Banging around? Yup! My Nice GS get worn on the weekends. Not enough wrist time. There is one I wear to work. The sbgp015. Kind of a beast! The spring Drives are special. Love watching the smooth second hand. Have the sea of clouds qtz. Exhibition case back on a quartz! Huge fan of GS and many seikos. Quality, not look at how cool I am. Don't want to spend money on a snowflake? Look at a sarx055, 057. Only need a better movement to be GS.

Nice review as always. My younger brother just picked one of these up used. It’s a stunner for sure!

Grand Seiko certainly on my interest list.

I can dream of owning such a watch as this.. It is truly a masterpiece of horology. Maybe you could give it as a prize for a competition. Thanks Madman Watch Collector 🎉

I own both a GS introductory quartz model (SBGX261), and a Rolex Explorer. I equally enjoy wearing both. When I strap either onto my wrist I can't stop smiling.

Watch snobs who turn their nose up at Japanese luxury are the same ones who would drop nearly a grand on a G-Shock, which is, basically, a plastic-cased ana-digi.

You buy a Rolex to impress others. I buy a Grand Seiko to impress myself.

I totes agree about the Rolex vs GS comment. I really wish the Seiko would upgrade their bracelets. Is it just me or does the snowflake dial look like they've used some posh cartridge paper for the dial? No lume....I like lume....can dress watches not have lume? Do dress watches have dates...? Its just too confusing. Great review & I respect folks choices who have bought one. Im a little timid.

Fit and finish is good - but you can also get the same Sallaz polishing on a $500 citizen and a $350 Casio ( it is a machine polish on a flat surface nothing more) . The dial and handsets are great, but the case is bloated and the bracelet that cant be microadjusted is trash. Yes you need micro adjustments in the summer even for a dress watch.

I'd love a grand seiko. You outline the reasons why very well with this vid, MWC.

The Snowflake is a legendary watch indeed. At least I actually understand why it's expensive, not like with some other top brands. Thanks for another entertaining review!

In my twenties and thirties I wanted an Omega speed master, in my forties I wanted a Rolex Oyster perpetual and now in my fifties I want a Grand Seiko recently went to a local watch dealer to try a couple on as I do from time to time. The lady serving me who sees me at the window once or twice a week said this might not be the watch your looking for but I know you like grand Seiko and know about the details but you need to see and try this other model and went and got a 62GS they had just received. I have to say I don't know who was more excited even in awe her or me when we were looking closely at the pink watch face. Maybe when I reach sixty I will get around to buying the watch of my dreams.

I don't have a moonphase watch yet because GS haven't made one, but that day is coming soon I hope because I can't think of a better way to display the phase of the moon than behind an exquisite GS dial.

Not for me. If i was paying £5500 i would expect it not to have a date window. Date windows in my option cheapen the dial. I know you can buy Brand Seiko's without a date window like the 'Omiwatari' but it's £2000 more. I have a Citizen titanium diver and even though it has a date window it was (at the time of purchase) 10 x cheaper than the Seiko, and i wouldn't be too worried if it got a knock. Good Vid MCW you've covered all the bases.

Very nice watch. Great finish and dial, also to classy for me. Need a bashing around style watch, can't do it to a grand seiko.

Grand Seiko sure are special watches. And they make the best movements in the world. To pay the same or more for a base model rolex that looks about as boring as it did decades ago when they looked the same to me is rather sad because people spend that just for the name they know rather than taking the time to research all other brands of watches that offer a lot more watch for the money.

Technically speaking, the Spring Drive movement isn't exclusive to Grand Seiko. There are a few Seikos that have a Spring Drive movement. (Ie...SNR029)

Good video, I would definitely take a GS over Rolex, but I think I might by a quartz rather than spring drive.

I've always thought Grand Seikos, and the Snowflake in particular, were beautiful. And there's a lot of value there. The thing that frustrates me about Seiko is that their lower end pieces *aren't* such great value. For the price of rolled links and Hardlex, other brands are giving you sapphire and solid links with solid end links.

Absolute stunner. Love seeing Grand Seikos! Always keen to see more content on them 🙌🏻😍

It's time for a *Grand Seiko Arnie* now. :)

I own a Toyota Avalon, some say it's a bland car, It's comfortable, well made and I find the triple pearl white paint very nice. Often people think it's a Camry. I couldn't care less.

Nailed it… if any Swiss brand made that watch, it’d be at least 3 times more expensive based on what they sell at 3 times more… 👍🏼👍🏼

Wife gone to bingo then Russ 😢. Big admirer of GS, rumours have it that Rolex are developing a spring drive system. My Oris has lost 5 seconds in nearly two months so hats off to them beating GS spring drive accuracy. I wasn’t allowed to work on a RR until I had finished my training, just like those Japanese with their tins of Brasso, pity those standards have gone in the uk now Great review as always 👍

At 2.51 Mins..It's Synonymous WITH, not FOR. Regards Patrick Pedant

Was waiting with bated breath to hear what the wife’s thoughts were on this GS snowflake.

I guess for you there are more sporty steel Grand Seiko models with rotating bezel and also their Grand Seiko diver line up.

tudor black bay ceramic vs christopher ward bel canto (black version) which one is nicer?

I couldn't agree more! Another great video mate - thanks!

Can't wait to own a beautiful GS.

Beautiful though the Alpinist Ginza cobble face dial is running this a very close second. The second hand sweep is what I love about automatics but this is next level.

Your best video yet! Love the style and content ❤

How many G-Shocks would I have to trade for that GS?

Incredible watches for sure. But unfortunately the exclusivity of the spring drive is no longer true as Seiko released a spring drive dive watch.

Buy one you will be very happy

Like you MWC, I just find GS a bit dressy and I wear a suit every day for work. I owned an SBGR261 briefly and whilst the finishing and dial was mesmerising I found the leather strap and clasp very poor and cheap looking. Plus there’s no lume and whilst the polishing was amazing it did scratch up very easily. And it was running at -9 secs per day and servicing had to be carried out in Japan so I flipped it. I’m happier with a tool watch hence a collection of Speedmaster, Seamaster, Ranger and BB58.

The thing that makes GS better than Rolex is is unsightly spring drive meter on the dial 😊

GS bracelets are absolutely phoned in--such a shame. They could be ruling the market otherwise.