WHAT THE HELL BRIT?!?! 😭 😂😂😂 Brilliant video! Cherry looks bloody good on you AND Papi! Totally appreciate titanium isn't for everyone, and the bracelet (taper and sizing) are damn frustrating....BUT my incredibly biased self forgets all about these things because the dial. Also, you got a compliment from a youth?!? What more convincing do you need?!?! 🤷♀️ But I'm SO glad you're looking away from Rolex, even for a (spring) second 👀😂 KEEP MAKING AWESOME CONTENT. 😘
LOLLLLL I was smiling all the way through this comment!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love you babes! I can’t believe you watched the video! Genuinely. I am being won over to the GS life. AND I STILL HAVE ANOTHER ONE TO TALK ABOUT! ❤️❤️❤️ and let’s be real. I only said negative stuff so I appear impartial. 😜 bloody love this watch! Thank you so much Lucy!
Loved the show and really liked the watch. I agree with everything you said with the case and bracelet. I like a little more bevel/brushing as I’m a sports watch lover! This is a do it all watch but on the dress side! That dial is beautiful! I’ve just got in a high accuracy GS Quartz and love it!! All the best !!!!
Man, I like GS from a distance, but it's just not in my watch roadmap. I joke that I have my watch purchases planned out for the next like 5-8 years because they're expensive and I only have so much disposable income, but GS is one of those watches where if I got some sort of windfall I'd be all over it, but it's just not in my plans atm.
Your totally right about one thing being the deal breaker. I love the Tank and the Reverso in videos I put them on and square is not for me. I tried a titanium GS and couldn’t pull the trigger I ended up with a the White Birch (after the Bark and Jack review) and the steel gives it the heft I was looking for I love the new high beat and round is my case shape absolutely love it. The dial looks so much different in daylight than in office light like two watches for the price of one 👍
I was customizing my Rolex for a future order and the internet noticed my IP adress then i got spam of Grand Seiko on my facebook feed. A week later, i bought my first GS and canceled my Rolex acquisition plan.
A good point you make about which camp this is aimed at, dress or sports, maybe it's in a new class, maybe a stress watch? I came close to getting a GS a while back but like you something wasn't quite right. I was also looking at a different piece at the time that was new old stock so got that instead. I was looking at the old Snowflake titanium, the dial finish was superb, the weight was good and that case finish was sublime. What didn't quite fit was the power reserve indicator that looked like an after thought and jarred a little with the rest of the dial. Another very minor minor moan would be that I think the date would look much better at the six position. I might consider another look sometime in the future who knows. The Shunbun is very similar but with more obvious texture to the dial, unfortunately this makes the power reserve indicator stand out like a burst cat on a blackboard. If only it was moved to the rear where it could be seen through the display case back.
Yay Grand Seiko on a Gringa!!! Great video, Britt! I agree with so much of what you said about Grand Seiko in this video. I love their dials and movements and haven't found a bracelet of theirs that I've liked. That's why I ended up with an SBGM221, even though it doesn't have a fancy dial I do love the cream color and it has the super sharp hands and markers... but with a strap instead of a bracelet. It does have an odd size, 19mm, BUT I think it's the right lug width for the case design, so I don't mind having to find straps for it. -Vu
I feel like 19mm lugs are nearly perfect! They almost always look divine! But, for some weird reason, remain an odd size! The SBGM221 is one of my all time favourite GS's!
GMTA, Brittany - you took the words right out of my mouth! I love the dial and the Spring Drive. Not a fan of the chunky case, the bracelet that does not taper enough or the 21mm lugs. And 2 more things: I don't like how that power reserve indicator breaks up the lovely dial, or the printing on the display back. As you said, in a smaller, rose gold case on a croc strap - that would be a winner. One more thing: my Rolex AD sells GS and has a fully stocked case full of them. I checked them out last time I was visiting and there was not a single GS model that moved me enough to part with my hard earned $.
I just picked this watch up recently. I have been eyeing for some time, but every time I would try one on the weight or lack of weight held me back. I finally pulled the trigger and don't regret it for one minute. I really love this watch. It is odd to go from steel or gold to titanium but it is also refreshing. So light weight and comfortable. The fact that its both dressy and sporty is what I like about it. My only real dislike is winding the crown. It has this scratchy feel to it. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Grand Seiko goes deep…Didn’t realize until lately that this watch in itself is intended to BE a cherry blossom, hence the lightness of the titanium and the pink of the dial 🤓
Whoa! I tried this on last night and I’m slightly obsessing but it’ll have to get put on a leather strap… BUT… 21mm lugs!!! GS are launching their own strap line from dealers in august 2022 but not 21mm FFS 🤦♂️ 😂
You’re spot on with respect to the case. The movement and the dial are so nuanced, and that boxcar of a case does it no favours. (At this point I wrote a lot about Japanese aesthetics being spoiled here, but I deleted it because who am I to tell Grand Seiko about Japanese aesthetics?) What I do like about the case is the polished titanium. I disagree with titanium as a watch case material, but if it’s going to be there, and it’s not a tool watch, I think it’s cool to shine it up. It may be that Seiko is joining those who dance on the grave of a definition like ‘tool watch’ or ‘dress watch’. Their competition at this price point certainly don’t seem invested in keeping the tool watch tooly and the dress watch dressy. The other thing I like about this case is the bevel on the inside of the lugs, between the lugs and the case. That bevel helps make the case curvy rather than brutal, and it’s complexity makes it something other than a standard can. If they had to use an odd lug width, they could have used 19mm. I think a 21mm bracelet is a little overwhelming for a 40mm case. Anyway, what are the criteria at Seiko for getting sign off on an odd numbered lug width? Is it a business case or a design case?
I bought this piece 2 years ago and still love it, both for it’s subtle dial as well as it’s versatility. I was at my AD holding the snowflake in one hand and the cherry in the other, it was no contest. Keep up the great content GRINGA, and good luck with the “sales job”.
I did the same thing yesterday - Shunbun and Snowflake side by side - no contest as bought the cherry blossoms watch. I really thought I would go with Snowflake before arriving at AD. But once I saw them side by side - no contest. Brittney really enjoy your videos.
I have this watch and I absolutely love it, but the bracelet gripes you brought up are very valid--I have it swapped out myself at the moment. And while I actually disagree on the sporty-dressy dilemma (I think it's fantastic as both), it does make picking out straps for it incredibly hard. Many rubber straps contrast the dressy dial too much, while leather means I have to be conscious about sweating or swimming with it. For other GS's to check out for review, the Omiwatari goes far deeper into the dress category, while the White Birch does a lot to accent its sportier qualities (while also having a much better bracelet).
OUUU LALA! I always love hearing from people who actually own the watch! People like me can sit here talking about it - but it’s the people who OWN IT who truly know what’s up! Love it! Thank you so much for this review and I think you nailed it! Changing up the straps to get a different mood with it! 😱❤️ Ouuuu and thank you for the next GS recommendation 😜❤️
The bit at the end was totally right... I can't afford many watches.. in fact I can only really get one... and I keep finding ones that have one or two things not quite right with them.... so that explains why I'm saving for the OP 36mm... it has pretty much everything going for it
A word of caution, don't place your grail too high on a pedestal, because it's flaws(everything has flaws) will bother you twice as much if you do. I found that out the hard way with a car...
I’m with you on the Seiko and Omegas always being slightly off. For me it’s always been the bracelets. I feel like they have a design that make them look sort of cheap. I’m glad they changed the bracelet of the moon watch. I’m considering one now that the bracelet looks way better.
My first Mechanical Watch is GS sbge 277. I just bought it 3 weeks ago. At that time I just struggled with Omega Speedmaster/IWC Pilot/Zenith /Tudor black bay. Although there are different style and types of watches, the budget only allows me to get one, I tried to wear them and finally, I got GS.
Hey hey! I've been obsessed with Grand Seiko since I learned about the spring drive. I understand the gripe about the dial not matching the case, but you should check out the SBGA437, 439, 465, and 467. I personally bought the 465 and have been in love with it since unboxing it a few days ago. The only gripe I have is that there is no see through case back so I can't see the movement. They have a 20mm lug width and are in stainless steel. They also feature subtler dials. the 465 is supposed to resemble morning frost and has a crosshatch and then the other three are a black, this almost champagne color, or a lovely deep blue. I know, I know, I sound like shill right now, but as soon as you mentioned your gripes, I knew these watches might be more your speed. As always, great video! You've been killing it these last couple weeks with content!
AAAH Grand Seiko!! I love the four seasons, but for me the platonic ideal is just the plain' ole Snowflake. Trying to source a Golden snowflake and immediately put it on strap which would be *chef's kiss salt bae*.
James' new OP ready for the unboxing in the background! Agree on the case and do not like the logo on the sapphire back. Try and get a hold of the silver birch? That would be an interesting one, albeit not a spring drive.
I own this watch, it was my first luxury watch purchase, so of course I am biased. I'm enamored with the spring drive movement and I don't think there is anything that anyone could say that would make me feel differently than I do about this stunning piece. I do have to agree that the bracelet could be improved, and while I hadn't considered it before, it is a tiny bit strange that something so elegant (the dial) is inside something so plain jane. That said, you should still totally buy it. Now, this is the first video of yours I have ever watched. I just subscribed, I'll have to watch more because I'm curious to see what you do buy if you don't buy GS, Rolex, Omega... :-) Love the video. Thanks!
Wooooah! This is a top tier first luxury watch! 😱 I truly cannot blame you - the spring drive movement is amazing! Like the biggest movement innovation in a dang long time! ALSO. THE SECONDS HAND SWEEP IS PURE MAGIC!! 😍
"That's why I don't have an Omega" yo Robert-Jan is punching the air so hard rn that you dont have atleast 28 variants of the Speedmaster with different microscopic details that literally no one will notice the difference. But honestly the only thing that I cant fault Rolex for are the clasps and micro adjustment. Omega, GS, and so many more either need better clasps or tech like in the Santos bracelet. (Preferably we'd have both but these are watch brands we're talking about) Again very informative and entertaining video, wishing you and WP a good week from the east coast!
LOLLLLL! Oh man! It takes all kinds of kinds! But I could NOT BE A CRAZY SPEEDY COLLECTOR! 😂🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️👏🏻😂 thank you so much Jacob! I freaking love your comments!
I’m totally with you on this, some things are just not right. If they moved the power indicator to the rear, like other models, changed that Medieval font and move the date to 6 then I might consider it. The 21mm strap isn’t a deal for me, I think lots of watches out there need it Great review 🍻
There's so many big things I love about GS watches... But there's JUUUUST enough little things that keep me from pulling the trigger! But I still find myself cheering for GS. ;)
@@ashleyslingers2814 I know but they should keep up with general trends and fashion if they want to compete with the Swiss. Very well made watch though with hands and hour markers that you only find on a 15k watch
Just purchased this as my first proper watch, for my 30th birthday. The cherry blossom dial compared to the snowflake is just something else. I had both side by side and the subtle pink tones won it for me.
The combination of brand history, dial design, finishing & execution, movement tech/accuracy, reliability and overall comfort is yet to be seen on another wristwatch at this price level. Im sure you’ll own your perfect GS one day ! Try its cousin the SBGA415. I got it because its dial is matte hence, much more sportier vibe, easier to read and goes with the GADA niche. I agree the shunbun is the best look of the bunch, but its dial design and case language is pretty confusing (issit a dress? Issit a sports?)
Grand Seiko is the dial King, though they are pretty bold with pricing recently. Most new models have 9k+ (€) tags hanging on them 🤑🤑🤑 but they amaze me every time 🤓 Gringa, have a lovely sunday! James, don't do anything I wouldn't do 😉🥃 See ya
Another cracking video, Britt! Glad to see GS getting some coverage here. Very cool. I love GS, owned the Whirlpool (SBGH267) but sold it after a few years. Haha that 'cool watch' reanactment was epic :D
Brilliant content as usual 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁 maybe I’m wrong but it uses electricity 🤓so in my book it’s no different than a quart’s with a posh way of delivering it 🤷♂️great dials but soulless 🤔
I think GS is great. Their nature based dials are stunning. For me, I have an unhealthy fixation on the SBGM221. It’s one of their cheaper offerings but it works for me on so many levels. I even geek out on their movements. Why don’t I own one? Their value retention is not great. I don’t plan on selling any of my watches but I need to be able to. When I see them on resale sites they are deeply discounted waiting weeks for a lowball offer….I can’t do it. I love GS but my money is too important to take the risk.
I FEEL EXACTLY THE SAME! The SBGM221 is my personal favourite GS! I think it is pure class on the wrist! Love a GMT. Why don’t I own one? My wrists are too small to pull it off! 😭
Gringa, you've "hit it out of the park", again ! Your cogent comments on Grand Seiko, were definitely on point. As those Watches do seem to have an Identity Crisis in Not only Design & Styling. But, sorry to resurrect the following - But they can't even leave "well enough" alone. They is NO need to "spell out" - Grand Seiko ! ...The "GS" will suffice. And That alone could make it a Conversation Piece. Then we have the argument about the Absurd -"Grand Toyota" & "Grand Nissan". My response has been -"SEIKO, honor your Founder. Name the line - HATTORI."
@@BrittPearceWatches - Britanny, thanks for your kind words, in regard to my observation on their Name & Logo etc. Although Japanese Culture, has a reputation for Conformity. I'm guessing that this very discussion has made for some "lively" Board Meetings of their Executives ! lol
I bought this watch on Wednesday, as it is now available in Europe. I considered the winter, which was available in good time for Christmas, but decided to wait for this masterpiece. ILUVIT!!! But you are absolutely right, my love is with the dial and the movement, and seeing that second hand sweeping by gives me GOOSBUMPS. I have two other microscopic concerns with this actual watch. One is the seconds hand that is difficult to see with that dial. I have noticed some of the other seasons GS have blue seconds hands, which are stunning. The other one is the date, which is kinda small and deep down, and it is difficult to see the date when it is not very light in the room. That little ridge around the date is also creating a little bit of a shadow down there, and not perfect. BUT, yes, I love this watch. Its an everyday watch, that still have qualities for dress up occasions. Next search for a watch will be with the microbrands. Those that sell around 3-4k Euros. Some really interesting pieces to be found... And yes, I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! Yours and Jenni Elle's, are my favs. Watchfinder can be fun as well. KEEP AT IT GRINGA!
Unpopular opinion: I would take a Grand Seiko Spring Drive over any Rolex. Rolex to me are boring, uninspired watches that all look the same. GS not only revolutionized the movement but also the dials.
Completey disagree with your no design experience statement that “the case is an after thought”. I am a Design Architect, in my opinion, if not the best, this watch Case is one of the best case-shape and proportions of all time, along with Omega Speed master moonwatch professional. In addition to the unique and striking dial that most of the watch community is attracted to, the case is the second best thing that compels me to glue my eyes to endlessly admire the watch. Yeah, the bracelet is not as amazing as the watch However, we can always play with other swappable options based on our taste. Grand Seiko of the east truly makes inspirational watches that stand alongside Rolex and Omegas of the west.
Very cool watch, I could imagine a similar version with some form of blue would be amazing in certain lighting conditions too, love the exhibition case back too. At this current moment in my life (living the retail worker dream :P ) watches like this are out of reach but I could save hard for a few years and get one of the GS quartz models(or even get a nice quartz Junghans at a shorter wait time), which begs the question: How different are quartz watches the higher you go in price? / is there more to just a "standard" quartz watch?
I love GS watches, and this one is beautiful! I don’t believe this watch has lume, though, does it? I don’t think I could get a sports watch for every day wear without lume…
Really liked the video! I've always been on the fence about the sbgm221 but can never pull the trigger. Would be curious what your thoughts are on it. I really do love GS. I've got the sbgn005 quartz and love it. Keep up the great work.
Another awesome video. I absolutely love Seiko, but never really liked GS. It could be because the first time I saw one it was on the wrist of the biggest douchebag I know lol they kinda bore me
Are your friends criminal masterminds because that view reminds me of a Sherlock episode. 🤣 In all seriousness, great video! That's a beautiful piece! Great job explaining it. 👊🏾
When a teen tells you cool watch, you have made it lol, I love titanium watches, I hate knowing that I have a watch on it's to much of a distraction for me to feel the weight of a watch, I always take off my steel bracelets off and put on a Nato strap, leather strap or rubber strap anything light. I love That Dial on the Grand Seiko it is captivating.
Thanks for the great review! I just bought this watch last week as my very first GS perfect for my wedding! Such an amazing watch to own, love the hint of pink when certain light hits it also the sparkle from the polished hands and hour markers. Cant stop looking how smooth the seconds hand glide amazing movement! Bracelet is fine and lightweight perfect representation of the cherry blossom 🌸 ...The only downside to the watch is when shaken lightly you can hear a noisy rota, I spoken to the AD its normal due to the density of the titanium and open case back? Compare to Rolex or Tudor closed case back cant hear the rota spinning but overall this GS is defo a keeper love it!
Another great video. I agree with just about everything you said. I tried on a Hi-beat White Birch at my local AD as possible alternative to an OP 41 I’m waiting for and I now get why people love GS. The dial details and zeratsu polishing are outstanding. I just don’t love the overall GS design language, at least not enough to dissuade me from continuing my wait for the Rolex, which by most metrics is an inferior product, but IMO is a more cohesive and versatile design.
Just watched your last two videos Back to back…Gringa fest! Your content is better than you give yourself credit for, it’s super FAB. I think even JC would forgive the ‘F’ bomb on the 21mm, as I’m sure he would be on side😃. Hope you’re feeling better👍
GRINGA FEST!!😜😂 I love it! Hopefully you had a big glass of wine too. I find gringa content is best consumed not-sober. 😜 yoi know. I agree. Jesus is a reasonable guy. Of course 21mm lugs is worthy of a forbidden F Word! 😜
Cracking video again 😄 I never like to be a downer on watches, but I don’t see the appeal. Looks kinda ordinary to me I guess, I prefer something a little bit different. I know I shouldn’t say it, but the watch snob in me wants a more prestigious brand for that money!! Cartier maybe?!!❤️😻
Thank you B for showing us a picture of what the watch looks like on both a woman and a man's wrists. This needs to be come a standard when you review a watch. This could be your hallmark. I've often wondered what some of the watches you've reviewed would look like on both sexes and different sized wrists would look like.
I own this model GS and absolutely love it. I appreciate that GS owns every piece of the manufacturing process and that differentiates it from other competitors. Their attention to detail is stunning.
You know! I cannot fault you! Freaking stunning watch! And that’s an amazing thing to note as well! GS OWNS EVERY PIECE OFNTHE MANUFACTURING PROCESS! 👏🏻👏🏻 few can boast of that!
@@BrittPearceWatches I would also add that for anyone seriously considering purchasing this model and are on the fence about it to go see and wear it on the wrist in person. I was originally looking at a Soko model GS and when I tried on the Shunbun it was a done deal.
I’ll get one when I’m 30, it’s too much of a hit right now, especially for someone who works with their hands. I’d destroy it. Regardless, this watch is one of my favorite objects in the world.
Been wearing mine for 2 years now. Wearing on a leather strap definitely refines it from the sporty undertones. When it catches the light, driving for instance, and the pink just pops it makes for an easy smile. The 21mm lug size is my biggest gripe because I can't share the straps amongst my other watches if it has a quick release springbar. Otherwise, I just size up to 22 an it manages to squeeze in most of the time.
"The bracelet stops me purchasing these wstches" You know the bracelet cam be switched out lol. I received my grail watch a few days ago the omega speedmaster professional moon watch. I brought it on the nylon strap as don't like bracelet but have natos and leather straps that look great on it.
I agree, gorgeous dials and clever insides let down by unimaginative case and bracelets. GS can obviously do it and should stop playing it so freakin safe.
"I don't have that much money," says the owner of a Rolex Daytona. Hahahaha. I feel that though, I've got some addictive and expensive hobbies and watch collecting is by far the worst. The watches take all your money. I was on what's next, watch hunting mode, and had my eye on the blue BB58 and OP41. I've watched so many blue BB58 review videos, including yours. My issue with the BB58 is that I find dive watches great for work, with the timing bezel and date function, but the BB58 does not have a date window. I'm already a proud owner of a black GS SBGA203. The moment I held the Snowflake SBGA211 though, instant desire! I love the titanium lightness, it has to be felt to be believed. There is simply no comparison between an SBGA211 and OP41, which are at similar price points. I got my dive watch fix by purchasing a Cronos Submariner homage watch and an Axios Ironclad, both great for my work, and have the goal now of getting the Snowflake.
Thanks Gringa for a great review! I have the Grand Seiko #SGBW231 and love it. Super classic and works superbly in a leather strap. Sadly, GS bracelets are notoriously mediocre for the money and will continue to put me off. Which is just too bad. And my other complaint with the 413 model is the giant GS logo covering the movement on the case back. Which makes even less sense when they already have Grand Seiko on the rotor. Why GS, why?! 😣
AHHH YAS! An absolutely class choice my friend! That’s one of my all time fav GS. Absolutely class! 😍😍 and I WISH I SAID ABOUT THE LOGO COVERING THE MOVEMENT!!! I remember thinking it in my head! And I’m so mad I didn’t say it!!!
I can save you a couple of years. Yes Grand Seiko is really good. Great even. But in terms of collecting, they are a minuscule subset of the watch-collecting world as a whole, which is very much Swiss in terms of its favorites. So if you live in a bubble, are building a collection that has a focus on including multiple countries of origin (I was once), and you believe the dial quality to be of ultimate importance (I did at one point), and you are amazed at Spring Drive (yeah that too), then by all means go Grand Seiko. If you are intent on building a collection that has financial value, then not so much....you know which brands do that for you. Focus on building AD relationships which won't fail. Then you can get what you desire at retail. Yeah, I get that even at retail it's a lot of money, but so are Grand Seikos and they lose money regularly. I have owned 6 or 7 and there are good reasons why each of them are gone. I'm a "never sell Rolex" guy and I have a feeling it's better to save for years and buy a Patek. That's my "new" philosophy. Hardly original, but I felt I had to try and SAVE YOU SOME TIME!!! LOL.
Great vlog great watch nice to see you back just to let you know scammers are on your channel telling me to WhatsApp because I won I just said I am okay thank you just thought I would let you know. Enjoy 😊
Funny, I love Grand Seiko, but with this watch in particular you’ve articulated my complicated feelings toward the mismatch of the dial and case. The Skyflake and the Omiwatari and more to my taste. Of course…19mm straps. Ugh
Hi gringa , love the channel you make it interesting and informative with your description have to say GS are ok but would sooner go for a Tudor and save a lot of cash 💰 and with money getting tight over the next year I will be buying Tudor and I know your a big fan as well P.S loved your last video on the art work by De Vinci pure class ( not watch related love your hair to)
