Oh yeah? Check out that lumpy speck on the dial of the GMT (under the "i" of Seiko). You can see it in all the shots of that part of the dial, but seeing the hand pass over it @7:13 confirms it's actually ON the dial. GS's quality control is moving toward Seiko-level QC
@Leah Do and what does this have to do with watches? You're like that one random football is the best sport comment found in a lot of videos. Rant somewhere else
The Swiss gov't cancelled the annual Chronometer-time-trials in 1963 and the Concours de Geneve in 1968 after Grand Seiko started winning them. That pretty much tells you all you need to know about the Swiss...
But Japanese came with their winning mechanism, as a gift to Swiss watchmakers, saying "they are here to make progress, not to prove they're better". Japanese watchmakers are very very accurate. To them everything is about respect, honor and honesty. The new 36000 beat spring drive mechanism, is a work of art, to me...out of this world...
Mike Langelo 36000 high beat and Spring Drive are completely separate movements. 36000 has 36000 bph, spring drive literally has 0 beats. Seconds hand is a perfectly smooth sweep
@Ant Bo it doesn't say anything about the swiss, it does say that those watchmakers and institutions involved in the trials and concourse competitions did not like being beaten at their own game, "it's my ball and you're not playing" springs to mind
Dial simple,marker bold ,sec hands looks very inexpensive,date window &print looks tame .Hands will not catch attention.However , movement looks pleasing but Price is bold .Not many will use a loop to see what is on the surface of hour maker.easy of history Service?
Got my snowflake a few weeks ago. I originally wanted my first rolex and got so angry with the prospect of having to work to give someone my money I quickly started to look elsewhere. I also decided that I enjoyed the idea of a more understated 'stealth wealth' approach and love the fact most people arent familiar with GS. The company were the best I have ever dealt with making purchase and bracelet resizing during the pandemic a breeze. The watch is beautiful and I spend far more time than I should staring at the dial. Definitely a GS convert and really happy with the watch.
For many years I was skeptical, didn't know the brand, thought it was too expensive for a watch with Seiko written on it... I had to understand what Grand Seiko is. Why some of the best IMO watch geeks on IG and the community were talking about it. I got myself the SBGJ211. Many watch brands we know have this "defect acceptance": if you look at the watch not closer than 20-30cm, then, it's acceptable to have defects (this rule is applied at VC, JLC,...). When receiving my SBGJ211, I shot the dial, hour markers with a macro like lens and it was and still is mind-blowing. The hands are superb (15-20Keur watch quality). The MEMS technology just stands out. Any other brand at that watch level simply can't compete. I could write more about it. As a conclusion, I would recommend any one to buy one. It would only be joy.
I purchased the Grand Seiko GMT Spring Drive SBGE201 to commemorate passing my advanced medical boards, and I absolutely love it! I chose it over the Rolex GMT because of the amazing technology in the Spring Drive (the smooth movement of the second hand is mesmerizing!). Also, everyone has a Rolex. The Grand Seiko name might not have the same cache as Rolex, but it is still a beautifully made watch, and true lovers of horology appreciate its precision. I can't wait to purchase another GS for the next milestone in life 🙂
Hey Ace..GS is Straigth Quality..that gmt looks more sporty than anything rolex has thrown out there..i dont care what ppl say about rolox..GS is a hardass watch that last a lifetime
Might be a stupid question so apologies in advance haha, but since it is so lightweight - do you bump into things with your watch more often because of it?
The moment I strap a watch on, my wrist starts diving for every nearby surface on its own. Love my dress watches but my daily driver has to be a bumper basically.
Everything expensive I have ever paid for that comes from Japan, is astoundingly good. Even the Honda snowblowers that I have owned are thoughtfully crafted works of art, that make sense, and work dependably.
I own a Grand Seiko Diver (Spring Drive), and I would say when someone buys a Grand Seiko, it ain't really for the sake of the branding just so that one can swag with it (unlike the other brands like Panerai or Rolex), one usually buys a Grand Seiko because they want a Grand Seiko along the extreme accuracy, and the amazing amount of under-rated craftsmanship and R&D the watch carries; not because it is a brand which you necessarily go around showing off with. I love Grand Seiko because while they maybe under-marketed like the many Swiss brands, they are so secure and confident in the watches they make that it seems below them to bother competing with the Swiss watch brands over branding or popularity. That to me speaks volumes and a sense of maturity in terms of the company's direction. It feels like a master inventor who has nothing to prove, and strives to improve himself instead of dealing with the petty fights amongst inventors. As a Grand Seiko owner, I also feel that I have kept myself away from brand/watch snobbishness (which tends to occur with the other more luxurious Swiss brands). Whenever I tell my friends my best watch in my collection is a Grand Seiko (while they have Rolexes, R.M. and Pateks), they tend to give me frown and even hint disapproval simply because it ain't "popular" or it ain't Swiss/European; But to me I feel that knowing what makes my Grand Seiko great just makes me smile in response instead of bothering with trying to fight back or make a case for Grand Seiko for I know the quality and stats speak for itself, and hey I am sparing myself from the endless cycle of watch Snobbishness and constant ego measuring. One just cannot deny the fact that Grand Seiko can give many of the Swiss luxury brands a run for their money, and have to admit Grand Seiko is definitely up there with the top renown Swiss watch brands. So yes, I am a proud owner of a Grand Seiko and will always recommend and choose it over a Rolex, Omega or Patek. P.S. I will probably give it to Rolex just for their money retention and re-sellability lol
What I like about GS is they are 100% made in Japan. Whereas, "Swiss Made" simply means the movement (51% of the watch according to Swiss law) was either "designed OR manufactured OR inspected" in Switzerland. There are several factories around Hong Kong and China that make "Swiss Made" watches from start to finish and simply print "Swiss Made" on the dial and Westerner's buy them up for thousands of dollars because "Swiss made is the best". There is zero transparency in the Swiss Watch World and it's impossible to say which watches are made in Switzerland and which are made in China. GS on the other hand... 100% Made in Japan.
Indeed. Alot of the luxury Swiss watch brands these days are very 'cloak and dagger' more than they used to back in the day. Just look at Rolex with the suposed "Rolex Drought" where the apparent lack of Rolex watches in the market is due to demand and the factory being unable to meet it. Personally I find that questionable and its just strange Rolex can't or refuse to givea hard answer as to why it is happening. Personally i feel it is just their desire to rack up demand by limiting accessibility and then having that as a reason to jack up the prices.
if "you want to impress others...buy a rolex"... if you want to impress the others more, add a grand seiko to your collection and wear it ever other days when you don't wear a rolex.
The Rolex sessions bring viewers and subscribers. It's all about our personal preferences. Jenni is likeable and a nice watch storyteller but far from a freestanding one.
Most watch channels are all Rolex cheerleaders. It brings them views and most watch channel hosts are newbies in the watch game. Hence their love of Rolex. Only one that I know of Artwatchsci is a true seasoned watch owner. Once you been in the game for awhile you realize Rolex is just another mass produced watch. You move on to VC, IWC, GS, etc. I still keep my Explorer though.
@@chelious1973 even seasoned watch owners love their Rolex, regardless of what other brands exists. Rolex has always appealed to people who seek adoration from both objects and others. While a guy like you might be more interested in traits like rarity, craftsmanship, and overall delivery... a Rolex owner is most likely interested in turning heads or feeling like a boss. There’s a reason why a rapper with lots of expendable income will go for a Rolex, even if they can afford watches 2-3x in value. That’s why I don’t think it’s accurate to call Rolex lovers noobies of the watch industry. That brand attracts many different demographics to watches than your normal brand would. Fills a unique role, and fills it pretty well. Their sales are a testament to that too.
Spring drive movement just combined the quartz and mechanical movement by removing the worst disadvantage from both of them, and making a legendary innovation in watch industry which Swiss brands failed even after trying for years. When they asked its licence from Seiko said "No" with its own Swag.
Well from a purist point of view, it’s not a fully mechanical piece so it doesn’t matter how good it is as many see it as a hybrid of some sort and not a true mechanical movement.
@@Odat Always seems like a ridiculous argument to me, from someone on the outside looking in. It's not a mechanical movement because it mechanically creates an electrical charge seems to be the purist argument correct? Despite the fact the electricity is produced from a mechanical process only.
Grand Seiko is my favorite brand. The Snowflake is my Grail watch. I own the SBGN003 GMT which has the 9F Quartz movement. As a purist for mechanical watches I was a bit hesitant to get the 9F but the accuracy of that moment is amazing! +/- 10 seconds a year and I suspect they are sandbagging that number. Mine has been in perfect synchronization with an atomic clock since October 17th when I got it. I know, I’m a nerd. Lol Everyone recognizes a Rolex when they see it. And that’s a good thing, very strong brand! But... I love having something on my wrist that only people “in the know” will recognize. And those that do, know just how special GS is! 👍👍
Rolex is an overrated mass product. But fanboys don't want to hear that. For the price you get two Omegas or three Grand Seikos which are at least as same as good if not even superior.
@@Nikioko The finish on the Rolex is excellent, however I wear my watches so the finish does not survive daily wear and tear anyway. The main issue is that they just don't seem to keep time as well and require more frequent tuning than the GS movements.
@@kickinthegob I didn't say that Rolex watches are bad. But just not as good as to justify those prices. But that's due to artificial shortage. If it comes to value (quality per price), there are better watches.
I personally own two GS's. I have been collecting watches for year and years. I believe they are some of the finest watches on the market today. Worth every penny.....
These are all amazing but I believe the GMT would be my pick of the 3 followed by the snowflake! Awesome video as always and looking forward to the other grand Seiko videos u have planned! 👌
I just bought the Grand Seiko SBGA211 snowflake. All the hype still does not do it justice once you see it in person. It's astonishingly well made and perfectly executed for the price. The faceted polishing on the hands and hour markers are a different level - it'll blind you in the sun 😁. And the dial communicates the tranquility and perception of japanese culture in a 41mm tapestry. Grand Seiko is really a watch lovers dream. Only downside for me is I would have appreciated micro adjust options on the bracelet.
Same here! just had it for a few days and couldn't be happier. your AD should be able to size the bracelet with half links to get a better fit. I like it better on straps though. such an amazing watch. wear it in good health!
I wish they would offer a model range between the normal Seiko and Grand Seiko. There is the new King Seiko, maybe that will develop into that, so far it isnt. I would like a watch that has the Spring Drive with less visual craftmanship, and is a little cheaper as a trade off. They could decrease the price further by offering different bracelet choices, i.e a version where there is none and you just buy your own. I think there is an enthusiast group that would buy into Seiko if they offered a spring drive at the 2-3K range, preferably not only 39mm upwards. Why not an Explorer alternative at 36mm with a spring drive and clean black or white snowflake dial for 2,5K. That way they wouldnt be cannabilizing the bigger GS and perhaps add new customers who arent willing to pay 6K and up for a Seiko.
I don't understand why GS has to prove its value again and again. They produce simply some of the best watches on the planet with an incredible attention to detail. I own a Sea Dweller (which I don't wear) and a Datejust and both of them do not come close in terms of aesthetics - okay probably the Datejust does. But compared to most of the GS collection the details of the Rolex look somewhat old-fashioned. So, would I go for Grand Seiko? Yes, definitely. The more often I see them the more I fall in love!
The only issue is if you ever try to sell one. You lose a lot of money. I did. I know you should only ever buy a watch you want to keep forever but life doesn't always work like that.
It's because Rolex showed the entire industry that you don't need consistent innovation to win the market, all you need is a airtight control on supply and demand coupled with some of the slickest marketing history has ever seen - anyone buying Rolex for the horological value is saying it to humble brag, it's all about investing and having that five-pointed crown - you could argue that without them the luxury watch industry would not be what it is now, but the consequences of that is that no other brand will ever come close in recognition in the world
@@theonlyredspecial. That's why you don't buy new. Used or Grey market only. If you do that you should lose nothing, or even turn a profit if you are savvy. GS quality puts Rolex to shame. My GS SBGR 309 is a step above in finishing to my Explorer 214270.
I really do. Her English is great and her appearance in this fully male dominated watch business is really refreshing. Unfortunately she is not an independent watch reviewer.
As a retired foreign language teacher, I do. She has an excellent command of English colloquial expressions. Any grammatical errors she makes are not those of a foreign speaker, but rather what you commonly hear from native speakers. That tells me that she learned English mostly by interacting with native speakers, and not in a classroom.
Thanks for highlighting Grand Seiko, Jenni! A brand that still needs much more attention imho. Therefore I'm glad to see it on a channel which provides one of the best macro shots out there! GS is a double-edged sword. I loved the brand since I recognized how high the level of craftmanship is. But I never really found one that speaked to me 100%. I went back and forth and also looked at some limited editions like the extremely beautiful SBGH267. But every watch had something I didn't really like. Too big cases, closed casebacks, printing on the back crystal (come on, really, GS?!) and so on. In the end I ended up with the classic SBG211, the Snowflake! This was obviously one of the first GS I ever noticed but I wanted something more special in the beginning. In the end I realized that the watch itself IS truly something special as it gives me everything I like. So I bought it and was over the moon with it! After some weeks / months I did put it away and had just other watches on my wrist. I kind of forgot a little about it and even thought about if I should really keep it. Then I got it back on my wrist and did just again truly realize HOW beautiful and awesome this piece is! That was around a year ago and this was the time I decided to definitely keep this piece! Much love for GS! But you really need to take the time to suck it all up and appreciate the brand and their products. They're truly something special! Last but not least: Their prices are definitely justified. I mean, here in Germany you can get a GS Snowflake for around the same price like a plain and simple Oyster Perpetual which is Rolex' entry level piece. And even though I love Rolex and especially their simple OP's I do think that a GS is of much higher quality - not even talking about the details.
Thank you for that in depth look into Grand Seiko. Great macro shots, detailing what makes Grand Seiko stand out! In my opinion with that cutting edge technology and attention to detail the price tag on Grand Seiko is more than justified. And I like the fact that these are somehow under the radar watches.
I cant believe grand seiko sent you the watches for the review, speaks a lot about an old company when they can adapt to the new watch enthusiast’s enviornments. Just makes me love them even more
@@vianouche1 just like I said, what is surprising is how well and old company like seiko embraced the new times. I dont see companies like omega sending out watches for reviews do you?
@@vianouche1 lets take for example nintendo, it was founded in 1889 that's pretty much as old as a brand can get, and if you haven't heard, recently they've been doing some very poor management decisions with the only justification being they are literally all old people who don't care about their community. Seiko was founded in 1881 so pretty close, and its pretty obvious for anyone to see that Seiko has adapted MUCH better to their modern community than a company like nintendo, thats what I meant
@@TheLautor they have a new international marketing team. Well, new in the last year or so. GS is making a push to become more well known outside Japan with dedicated displays in high end watch stores, their own boutiques etc. I'd like to think this might positively affect the 2nd hand market as you currently lose a packet of yiu want to sell one on. On the plus side, choose the correct GS and you shouldn't ever want to trade it. My father still has his GS from the 60s.
Just bought the green version of the GMT and believe me more and more you look at it more you fall in love with it. Worth every penny. This is my 3rd GS this year and can't wait to get more next year.
I have 2 Rolexes and the Snowflake is probably my favorite watch. You have to look at the watch dial through a jeweler's loupe to see just how great GS is.
I own GS , do not own a Rolex yet , but you cannot say Rolex is not innovative. Both brands have many innovations contributing to the styles / function and design language of other brands
@@hammalamiri12 what is the last innovation by Rolex? The skydweller? An annual calendar wich is a complication 100+ years old? Rolex has been innovative, yes, they even used to be a really great brand of rugged tool watches but that was back in the 60's.
@@dommerdom I think refinement was never a goal for Mr Wildorf, Rolex where designed to be rugged, durable tools. Their marketing has transformed it into vulgar display of wealth, wich I consider very disrepectfull of the original spirit of the brand. So... no, not understated in my view, at all.
Yeah. The only watchmaker tops GS level of quality is A. Lange Sohne IMO. but then again, ALS cost ten to hundred times or even more compared to grand seiko.
@@emporytechnology1502 I love my GS SBGE255 but this is hyperbole. GS dial finishing is superb, bracelets' not bad and clasp is just OK but when you look to the movement Vacheron, Patek etc. are far superior. Lange is way ahead of GS. Credor would be a better comparison to those. For the price though GS is killing it.
@@davy3130 movement polish yes, but then again you should factor the price. And dont forget grand seiko has spring drive, miles better than traditional movement of other brand, not even ALS par in term of movement
In my opinion, Seiko and Grand Seiko are completely separate brands like Tudor and Rolex. Under the same umbrella, yes, but both deserve individual recognition. OMG Thanks for the like Jenni! I also appreciate all the likes and comments!
The distance between Seiko and Grand Seiko is much greater than that between Tudor and Rolex. Seiko is a mass market brand, even if they do make some more pricey products. Tudor is a luxury brand even if they do not reach the same level of luxury as their big brother.
Despite being completely separate brands now some of the models in Seiko and Grand Seiko lineup have confusingly similar style. For example the Seiko SARX055 and the Snowflake. The later is obviously a significant upgrade but they share the same styling DNA which feels too close for two completely separate brands IMHO.
@@jimlittle5769 then you obviously don't know much about Seiko. Seiko has also used the Spring drive movement in their watches, they make their own GMT version of this grand seiko, and at a slightly lower price too. Their higher end movements are also amazing. Just because Seiko makes many, and many watch under 500 dollars, you think Seiko isn't capable of making luxury watches? Some persage or Sarx models are just as stunning as a grand seiko. Their marinemasters or 1000+dollar watches are also amazing. Seiko and Grand Seiko are much closer than you would think, it was only a few years ago when they moved GS to its own company, but only as a way to try and make it more separate, because they would put Seiko above the GS branding.
I have the GMT SBGE255 showcased in this video. I can attest that it’s one of the most beautiful watches in my collection, honestly shadowing over my Omegas and Rolex in the quality department. The finishing on my blue GMT is a league above most luxury brands.
I was never a fan of white dialed watches until this Grand Seiko 'Snowflake'. The extraordinary precision of the works on this dial and how the dial literally glows in the sunlight like freshly fallen snow is hypnotizing. The genius of the Spring Drive speaks for itself. It is a lifelong keeper I need to add to my collection. Thank you Jenni for yet another great video. :)
@@willielarsson9651 it's funny, though...even though my "price range" runs to a Seiko 5, I recognize the innovation and quality, and the "human touch" in GS....
Been blessed to currently own a SS Rolex daytona, an Omega seamaster, a Grand Lange, an AP royal oak.. then bought 5 GS in a row(was only intending to buy 1)... currently own all 9 watches.. and a GS is on my wrist 95% of the time... the experience they illicit is incredible.. and knowing it was hand finished and assembled makes it even more special... the bang for buck is on another level
I'm waiting for Seiko to put a bracelet/clasp that's better than what you find on their $500 watches before I consider a GS. The bracelets on these watches really are a joke at this price point.
@@Brian-ee1gx This was my hesitation when I first went to the AD to try them on for the first time based on all the negative comments I had read online... Once I tried them on I really couldn't understand all the negative comments...they were extremely comfortable on my wrist and if I were blindfolded I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the bracelet on my sbgh269 vs the oyster bracelet on my 116520... like I said I ended up buying 5 pieces in the span of 8 months... to each his own
@@Brian-ee1gx I agree with you on the clasp - no micro adjustment, that really should be improved. he clasp could definitively be improved. However, I would not let that hinder you in enjoying a GS. They are still amazing pieces.
It's Grand Seiko, the company that beat the Swiss at their own game. It's really hard to get a better watch, especially in their respective price brackets. Only criticism I have of the brand is the weird lack of a cohesive brand identity. You have iconic watches like the Snowflake right next to some weird post-modern Submariner homage.
For me Grand Seiko has in recent years been innovating often with improvements to their movements whereas other brands like e.g. Rolex have incremental, superficial "updates" (the bezel is a different color) took but will cost 2-4x more for a lower level of finishing 🤷♂️
Grand Seiko has always been one of my favorite watch brands - and I'm wearing the SBGE255 actually on my wrist as I type this. The heritage of the brand is actually super fascinating and goes back to the roots of why they started up in the first place - basically to be the best at producing timepiece accuracy and quality. Even back in the late 60s they made mechanical watches so accurate that the Swiss literally cancelled their chronometer trials when they took 4th thru 10th place - with 1st thru 3rd places taken up only by quartz movements. Imagine having an Olympic athlete dominate a contest so much that they cancelled the contest. The unfortunate thing is that this history isn't passed down or categorized in to the standard perception of what "Seiko" means to the average consumer. But, when you DO know about who they are and what the GS brand carries and you make these connections with other watch enthusiast s, it is THE most satisfying thing you can get as a watch lover!
Good comment! 👍🏻 The SBGE255 is a watch that I really like but am concerned with the 14.7mm thickness. I was therefore just wondering how you’re getting on with it?
@@thumphreys1980 It wears a little thicker than, say, a BB58, but its specs on paper are a bit deceiving. I actually took pics to compare the on-the-wrist between this an a standard Oris Aquis (12.5mm vs. 14.7mm). The GS sits down into the wirst and the zaratsu polish also does a look to make it appear thinner. comparison pics: photos.app.goo.gl/6c9Y1jMdPzeq4A1X9
I have flat small wrists at 16.5cm and I just got a snowflake. I'm very happy at how well it fits and hugs the wrist with the downward lugs. definitely wears smaller than it might seem on paper
I was in a Grand Seiko boutique this WE. The Snowflake, Skyflake and the Platinum limited edition were there. I was completely stunned to see how incredible they all are. You have to see it to understand it.
I got an SBGA413, a Seasons Collection Spring, a few months ago, and instantly became a Grand Seiko fanboy (and I'm not the fanboy type). One thing that's not clear from pictures or a spec sheet is just how good a daily wearer it is. It's dressy and sporty, so really versatile. And it's robust, particularly the Spring Drive. I'm less worried about banging it around than a regular mechanical watch. For all it's fancy looks, it it has 100 meters water resistance and a screw down crown. The titanium is more scratch resistant than steel. And my Spring Drive gains less than a second a month. Grand Seiko absolutely more than holds its own against other watches at its price and higher.
@@ivanlagrossemoule it is the best mechanical movement ever made. That is a fact. Objectively better watches than anything Rolex throw out their factory door.
GS is generally recognized as one of the best values in the watch world. Yes, their prices put them out of reach for many, but for that price, you’re getting a level of quality and hand finishing second to none. The SGBA211, the “Snowflake,” named that by Grand Seiko, by the way, is absolutely stunning. It’s as beautiful in real life as it is in fan vids.
I’d love to own a GS but darn they are now so expensive. I wanted to get another Speedmaster after my first broke years ago. It becomes a hard decision to buy that Speedmaster again or just get the GS. I’d love to have both… arghh!
I was purchasing my Speed master at the Omega premier store in Hawaii a few years back. The sales manager asked if I was familiar with Grand Seiko. She has been with omega for over 15 yrs and she admits GS is her favorite and how GS always steals the show at the world watch conversations. I now own two spring drive GS and truly convinced no other watch maker in the world comes close!
@@Cortesevasive as true as that is with the Caliber 0200, nobody really associates Citizen to luxury these days, which is a shame since it's just as accurate as the Superlative and Coaxial Chronometer.
I've been lusting after the Snowflake for a couple years, finally I own one and its possibly the favorite in my collection. They are stunning, but so very light weight.
You did a really great job summarizing what makes Grand Seiko so special. I picked up a Skyflake this year and it’s become my go-to weekend watch over my Swiss watches. Contemplating my next GS. I also think they are great value.
Between its austere simplicity, the timeless design, and the perfection of the execution, the "snowflake" has to be one of the most beautiful watches of all time... And its powered by a true engineering marvel. Of course I'd love one!
just bought the SBGE255 for my first year wedding anniversary. I love the blue 🥰 Just wished the dial had more texture like the heritage pieces, but I wanted a sports watch 😜
Nice explained!! I got myself a GS two years ago, the best think about it is just looking at it, plus the fact that here in Europe it still goes "under the radar" in most ocasions. It's a selfish feeling that I'm t'he only one enjoying this watch, and it isn't flashy, plus it's a conversation starter when I encounter some other watch aficionado.
Nobody cares what kind of watch you wear, apart from watch enthusiasts. Which are the very small minority. If you want to impress others you buy a rolex or a royal oak. If you want the best watch possible, you buy Japanese or German watches.
@@erebusbueno I know someone who had that exact watch you have. Incredible the different color tones you get with different lighting, and that champagne dial is said to be the most difficult to make by Grand Seiko and even so more difficult to produce than the Snowflake dial.
Great video. I would go for the 60th Anniversary. It has a brand new movement and most important a totally new concept for the escapement, The Dual Impulse. Literally unique.
Seeing my first Grand Seiko dial and learning about the spring drive changed my relationship to watchmaking. That’s when I went from RU-vid dabbling viewer to someone who needed to own a mechanical watch. Shortly after seeing Teddy’s video about the spring drive I bought my first hi beat vintage Seiko! The pinky cherry blossom dial is a dream, and owning a hi beat watch from the KS factory felt like my first step on a long journey towards a GS. Thanks for sharing Jenni!
All Grand Seikos look the same. If they have so great movements with 47 jewels etc. (Omega co-axial has 35 jewels) why don't they design skeleton watches? Not quite interested in paying 10k for such a watch
@@reezevlog agreed.. though the Seiko Astron GPS quartz takes it to another level.. accurate to 1 second every 100,000 years.. but that's kinda cheating
Grand Seiko is not all that GRAND. Bought a brand new Lake Suwa Ref SLGA021 with the Spring Drive in Japan after hearing how great GS was. It's supposed to have a 5 day power reserve. I got the watch for a family member as a gift thinking this would truly be a watch he could enjoy for years to come. Never wore or sized the watch. Absolutely brand new from authorized Grand Seiko dealer in Japan. I just opened it up and wound the power reserve to near full and hoped to see it last for up to 5 days. Two days later I go back to see the watch that's in the box and it's stopped running! Now this can't be normal right? Since I don't live in Japan I couldn't go back to the selling dealer. So I went to my local GS dealer in my country and he said this is not normal. He said let us bring it to our Grand Seiko watch repair center to see what they say. 4 days later they tell me oh this is something ONLY Japan can repair and because this model is so new we are not equipped to repair this! I said so I paid about for a new watch and it has to go back to Japan for about a month or more to get repaired? I requested that Grand Seiko simply replace the unit with a new unit and he said they could not do that. I find this practice to be unethical, poor business sense, and a quick way to lose brand loyalty, of which they have not even yet established yet. SO basically I have to pay in full, never get any use from the purchase, and it has to go to Japan for repairs for God knows how long. Not sure Grand Seiko Marketing or Director of Sales would find this remedy to be fair. Anyways, that's my experience with GS so far and no I won't recommend this brand to anyone. Pretty much at my wits end, if you have any suggestions or recommendations please send them my way. Thank you for your informative video.
Japanese believe that luxury is an enemy.. from SAMURAI's era.. but when SEIKO established GS in early 1960's, GS's target was OMEGA, quality & price. & joined the movement accuracy competition, & became top position finally in 1968, 1969..(So, about the accuracy or quality of movement, no other maker can beat SEIKO after that) In general, Japanese maker does not have making luxury products culture, before I think. They simply want to share something good for everyone.. young or adult or men or women. See TOYOTA HONDA or UNIQLO or Casio..
Very nice video and I started looking at grand seiko more and more lately. Price remains steep and I will appreciate if you tackle their Quartz GS range...I always enjoy your videos. Joyeux noël
In addition to a GS SBGA375 Spring Drive, I have a GS SBGV243 quartz. Quartz price is great. GS SBGV243 quartz accuracy is absolutely amazing - +-10 seconds per year. And, 200m of water resistance. This is not your father's quartz watch. Yes, I'd love to see you do a review of a GS quartz. I do love both of my Grand Seikos.
It’s not that Rolex aren’t amazing timepieces; its more, those who buy them, and why they buy them, puts me off. Unlike any other brand, Rolex, has unfortunately, and by no fault of their own, succumbed to the “ look at me” brigade😬... rather like the MK 2 Jaguar was much favoured by the ‘criminal element,’ Rolex has sadly, fallen victim largely, to the lunatic fringe of “polite society.’🤮lol... I’d buy one... but for ME! And I’d wear it, under my sleeve. If anyone were to ask, should they catch a glimpse... “nice Rolex, how much?” I’d be delighted to answer, FUCK OFF! With a smile☺️
I'm just gonna say it. And it's gonna piss a lot of people off. But this is the 100% truth... Grand Seiko watches are meticulously finished, perfectly executed watches with breathtaking movements....that basically just look like slightly fancy mall watches from a distance. They are largely boring to the general public because you have to stare at them to see their details and elegant faces. However, watch nerds (who already appreciate Seiko) will nut themselves over these and circle jerk each other about how much smarter they are than everyone for having one. Which is fun. But... these wil always suffer from looking like every watch at JC Penny $100 from a distance. 90% of their watches look boring from a distance and most buyers don't like paying 6,000 for a very detailed boring watch. But, watch enthusiasts love them for almost the same reason.
I have Rolexes, Omegas & some other high end watches, Zenith etc. My Grand Seiko is by far the most stunning piece of them all & gets the most wear. The Snowflake is outrageously well finished. Seiko has nothing to prove. They are leagues ahead of the well known brands.
Grand Seiko suffers the same problem as the Lexus lfa, one of the greatest sports cars ever made. Everyone knows Lexus is just a fancy toyota... And when you have a $400,000 Lexus everybody is going to see that as a $400,000 Toyota. Despite the formula 1 inspired V10 and all of the other goodness at the end of the day it's a $400,000 Toyota. That does not make Lexus for the LFA or grand Seiko bad by any means.
