Why are Grand Seiko GMT's the Best Kept Secret? (SBGE257, SBGM221, SBGJ237, SBGE285) 

Debatable point, but has Grand Seiko trumped the GMT Genre? 🥃

I bought my GS GMT sport (SBGJ239) a year and a half ago - I love the high beat movement. GS sure does have a lot of GMT offerings. If GS can do better in the bracelet department they would be unstoppable; maybe also make them a bit slimmer. Great video!!

Shhhh lets keep it that way. I like GS's relative underrated-ness (?). They offer value like no other when bought pre-owned.

Grand Seiko is a whole different level of watch making

Just ordered an SBGE257g. Only $3600 for a used in excellent condition, with box & papers. I wanted a diver, and a Spring Drive, and a GMT, and a green dial . . .and got it all in one watch. (That gold GMT pointer is the cherry on top.) Saving up now for the Shunbun (pink cherry blossom) to complete my set of GS dials.

Brother- the way you hype a watch is something else. I love these GMT's! It's been in my pipeline as well and I already know the wait will be worth it. Thanks for the video. Keeps me motivated and excited.

Its a stunner in two tone blue/gold, wowsers!

Thanks for the great video. I chose the SBGE253 black version about 9 or 10 months ago as the GMT representative in my tiny collection. Reason was the value for money. Spring drive USP, steel craftsmanship, size/wearability, etc. Also purchased it because it flies under the radar. At least I thought. Funny enough at one of my first wearings last year, a gent sitting next to me in a restaurant approached me 'if this was a GS on my wrist?' It was the first GS he saw in the wild. What a legend. My only little negative is the fiddly usability of the crown at 4 and the lack of a true micro adjustment. Otherwise an overwhelmingly good piece.

wonderful watches. not only aesthetically beautiful. but also the quality and craftsmanship is AWESOME., thank you. great episode,,,,

Fully agree. Nice short video they provided a solid overview. I am a big fan of many of these.

SBGJ239 is my personal favorite! Great content!

Snow flake, white birch, Hi beat elegance collection sbgh213...... Aah they are all stunning. But that olive green dial you spoke about is gorgeous 👍

The green dial with an orange/yellow GMT hand is very nice.

Couldn’t agree more. And for sure that gorgeous green GMT would be a real complement to your current set of pieces. For me though, I struggle to get past the positioning of the crown at 4!

After about 6 years of wanting to get a GS chronograph GMT. I went today and picked up the SBGC253… it’s beautiful, I have large wrists so it isn’t as big on me and being titanium it is quite light. I hope it’s not just the honeymoon phase but so far it’s putting a smile on my face

Interesting take and good commentary. I think that GS has really relied on their dials to convert & win people, which is why the GMT's might lag behind so much in recognition and popularity. But Spring Drive & Hi-Beat watches are an absolutely impressive & amazing feat of engineering. Perhaps made even better when used in GMT movements.

I totally agree with you on falling in love with the Grand Seiko GMT an absolute stunning watch

What an eye opening video

I noticed Goldsmiths have started carrying GS in their new (bigger) store at Cribbs Causeway Shopping Mall. Some of them are pretty stunning, in fairness.

I completely agree - GS GMTs are worthy of obsession. SBGN017 is the dream

After almost 2 years that I bought it, I'm still in love of my BB GMT. That GS is a great watch but it's no for me. Many thanks for another excellent video.

Great video! I keep coming back to that heritage cream dial model with the blue GMT hand. I am a big fan of that design and can relate to your obsession with these generally. I like your approach to collecting and am starting to work my journey following your approach as a model. It so happens that I just added a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto with black dial to the collection this weekend and am loving it and planning for heavier hitters in the future. Great work! I’m a fan!

You arent the only one who is obsessed with the spring drive gmt mate! I fell inlove with the SBGE248 blue and gold. It is my next high end piece. It is the pepsi and even sub killer for sure.

Awesome video. Yep, the SBG is the one I'm hoping to add to the collection by the end of the year or early next. As you said in a previous video, wait and save a bit longer for the piece you really want.

I currently own two rolex (Milgauss and gmt rootbeer) and one GS (ref SBGH281). Rolex feels like a reliable stylish tank that in many ways is a safe choice, value retention wise and durability. Whenever I get a tad watch obsession fatigue, the first thing I google when Im catching back up is GS. Now why is that? Id reckon its because GS represent something new and fres yet rooted in its history, its always interesting to see what they are up to. New revolutionary movements, new texture dials, concepts, materials. Yes, they also release things I find ugly and the bracelet game could be improved, but they seem to be making something for everyone at this point. You make an excellent point about GS not doing just colour variations, which I do find Rolex keep doing.

I have the Peacock. I picked it up second hand before Grand Seiko and the price took off. I love it. It’s a great GMT without the loud bezel. Something you can wear in an office. But it still has durability and 100 meters water resistance. A true do everything watch.

The 237 is stunning.

I love this video. I too have fallen into the GS rabbit hole and am trying to figure out which GS to buy. Please do more videos about GS watches

Grand Seiko definitely includes design elements that other manufacturers don't think about. The inclusion of different parts of nature in their watches, their functionality and manufacturing standards shows on in their pictures. A couple of months ago, the local boutique got the GS line and so I went down and had a look. What amazed me was the attention to detail. Their were lighter than I thought they would be. Maybe dantier. It was the price that got me. I think value wise, they are a better buy than an Omega??? With an Omega, it feels like you are getting a tool / sport watch that can stand up. Grand Seiko, maybe not so much. Still love GS whenever I look at them. Would love one in my collection one day. Great video as always.

My new favourite is probably the SBGJ275

I was very close to get a SBGJ237. However, an unexpected call came. "We have here a GMT Master II Pepsi on jubilee. Do you want it?". I am not saying that it is a better watch. But that is the one that I had craved for since I really got into watches. The GS eventually will arrive to the collection.

Your Seamaster on the mesh bracelet looks fantastic 😎!

@IDGuy You have raised a good point GS GMT worth looking at. Just picked up a SLGA009 White Birch with the 9rA2 120 hour PR dual barrel movement that is a strap monster with the 22mm lug width 40mm. You will see what they are competing with. I would love to see a true travelers GMT version of that. You would go nuts over it when (not if) they come out with it!

The sport GMT is my grail. I specifically want the LE with the gold accents and a blue dial. It's $15K Canadian but soooo nice with that glorious SD sweep

I chose my one gmt to be the black bay pro and got the SBGW287 Boshū as my one grand seiko. But I will say I've always loved their gmts which can from super dressy/clean (SBGM221) to the super sporty versions. My two favorite GS GMTs are the watches of Switzerland special edition Toge (SBGM241) and the Shosho (SBGJ249).

Great points and never considered that GS does have pretty comprehensive coverage across the board from their initial 44mm rotatable bezel models to the newer SBGE257, finally in a little smaller 40.5mm format (personal fav is 255 Blue!). Looking at the Seiko range there is the sharp-edge mid-range (SPB) and more recently Seiko 5 gmt models at the entry point. The amount of coverage is nuts and is just maybe hiding in plain sight.

It sure seems to me that most people talk down about GS Time pieces and have never actually owned a single one of them Very perplexing to say the least My love for thier craftsmanship started back in the day with the Galante a rather large piece but I was into larger models at the time I even purchased thier tribute to the World Cup smaller but still amazing and more recently I acquired the blue and white GMT it is a phenomenal watch and still notice minute details every time I have it on wrist I can't recommend these watches strongly enough You will never regret the purchase and No wait list is a very strong selling point Thanks for sharing yet another classy well thought out video my friend Be Well 👍

I have the SBGE275 and I love it! I also have the SBGH295 which I love as well! Bought both within 2 months! Thanks to the snobs of Rolex ADs I have found my brand in Grand Seiko and will be expanding my collection.

I love my SBGN023 +/-10 seconds per year accuracy, great build and 200m water resistance. And a service interval of 50 years. Just a battery change every three years or so. And a Quartz calibre unlike many others.

Can’t wait to see a GS in your collection. I’ve no problem with their bracelets, but I prefer to wear them on straps as I feel they were designed for straps. All straps. Dress them up dress them down.

Even though people are paying much more attention to GS now, they're still very underrated on the market. Incredible watches across the board

I have the SBGM221 and absolutely love it. The only negative is the water resistance, but it’s a stunning watch. I bought it because I can no longer travel with my Batgirl. It’s too much bling, too recognizable, and wearing it makes one a target, especially in a strange city. Don’t hesitate - you’ll love the 257.

Nice review. Missed many of those previous pieces. There can be no dispute their dials are just exquisite. My only issue might be price points; IMHO if there mechanical GMTs were closer to Tudor, not Rolex they’d attract more potential customers. Unrelated: won’t be long until Watches and Wonders.

Tried on the green one (the one with the ceramic bezel) a few months ago. Surely, I thought to myself, it would wear too big, since my preferences usually end at about 38-39mm and 12mm in height. But... It wore like a glove. Damn you, GS! 😅 But honestly... I'm still waiting for that smallish, slim spring drive GMT to hit the market. And when it does, my bank account will suffer.

I’m in the market for a GMT watch and of all the brands out there. I would agree that the grand Seiko is top class. The hardest thing is to decide which one!!!😅😅

Nice how on the opening graphic you used both the current at 6 GS GMT dial text font and beneath it the previous Seiko/Grand Seiko one.

just came across you. so well-presented - well-spoken and articulate. glad to join you.. (can you tell me which GS you have displayed at 6.50..?)

I owned a quite rare GS GMT for a while, SBGE021. And let me tell you, I have never owned a better looking watch (and I’ve been through a few!) In the end, it was just a bit to big, and its suffers from the same as many other GS’ in my eyes. Its not really sure what its supposed to be. Big, clunky, 200wr, sports bracelet. But executed and finished like a dress watch, I never really figured out what it was suited best for… But I do think they are on a good path now, and Im excited to see what they bring in 2023. A proper bracelet and clasp, and I might try GS again!

I was looking to pick up a GMT watch recently and Grand Seiko made it hard to choose one, in both good and bad ways. I was very tempted by their dressier pieces, but lume is a big benefit for the kinds of events I'll be traveling for. On the other hand, their sport lineup was just too big for me and that feels like a missed opportunity (also part of why I ruled out a Longines Zulu Time). I ended up with a Mistflake as it felt like the only offering with both lume and appropriate case dimensions for me. It's an amazing watch and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it has hacking seconds which I know some other GMTs I was looking at don't. But I do feel some disappointment that this really was the only model in their lineup that met my criteria. They've done an amazing job creating GMT watches that are uniquely their own but it also makes me wish that more of their sportier ones didn't follow the size trends of others.

I like the SBGM221 but wish it had more water resistance. My problem with GS is that they come so close to the finish line……but not quite. I need to look into the 9F quartz line-I think 🤔 one could work for me 😎! Best regards

You've got me looking into the omega mesh bracelet for the seamaster 1957... The thing that holds me back is the price. I've heard it's made by Staib in Germany, and their mesh bracelets are much more affordable 🤔. I've currently got mine on an uncle seiko 19mm flatlink and it truly is worlds better than the stock, no taper oem bracelet...

Can we get a video about your strategies for saving up for a watch? I've mostly dabbled in some affordable pieces but I do want to take the next step soon.

Agree with all your points, though feel the same about all the GS range, not just their GMTs

I was in the same boat as you, when you mentioned, "SBGE25-", I immediately knew it was either going to be 255 or 257. That said, what bothered me about it was the locked bezel, so despite bookmarking both, I carried on. That's how I ended up with the SBGE275, and after having it for a week, i genuinely don't feel compelled to wear anything else.

Grand Seiko is the Lexus of watches in my opinion.

One reason I've not gotten a GS GMT is that I can't make up my mind which.

Good video

Mesh is the best of both worlds. Seiko has their own path. Most people focus on the big Swiss names. Seiko quietly amazes. Never thought about a grail watch, but these are candidates.

I’ve been considering the Black Bay Pro, but ultimately have refocused attention on the SBGN027 and SBGN021. Both beautiful watches, and with Quartz movements that guarantee an accuracy of plus/minus ten seconds per YEAR, and with a 50 year service interval. There is something so compelling about having that in a watch that is both elegant and sporty at the same time. Yes it’s value will nosedive after I buy it new, but is that really a prime goal of the hobby?

I absolutely concur. For me, Grand Seiko is "god tier".

I'm so excited for this. Because I severely dislike the GS gmt. Looks wise. And I know for a fact this video will change my mind (something I have been wishing for) 😂

I like how the last comments are always sounding like he’s in fast forward

My next GS will the the quartz GMT with the blue dial. I have the Seiko Prospex LX GMT (missed the LE version 😢) and the dial is beautiful. It’s just a bit chunky.

Is that the titanium mesh?

That 4 O'clock date window is a deal breaker for me.

I personally love the SBGJ201 Mt. Iwate most of all (the variant of the Peacock that was shown but not named in this video).

Seiko master it All Quartz Spring Drive Automatic Chronograph Solar it All ❤️

i always struggle to choose... i was close to pulling a trigger on the SBGE285

How weird and so timely…have a bonus that is burning a hole in my pocket and have been contemplating next buy, and have settled on adding a GMT. Been looking at the Explorer II, AquaTerra GMT, Bell and Ross Coke GMT, and, most specifically, and most likely to be the one I go with, the GS SBGE257….you know I’m all about green, and off the beaten path, and also think a GS would be an incredible subject for macro photography. The only drawback I’m struggling with is the solid caseback, as I’d love to be able to see Spring Drive in action, so it’s down to this one or the Omega GMT Good Planet.

Have a GS GMT in Quartz, you shown in dark blue with orange gmt hand. You can get lost looking into the dial, you don't get tired of it. Yes for a few hundred more could have got their basic automatic gmt, basically the same dial etc. Have the blue Omega 57 love the color, the mesh looks ok.never thought about it, my Omega AD is sourcing me the regular bracelet in lieu of discount, might tell him to get the mesh. They're also my GS AD, It's true, stick to an AD and they do for you.

Grand Seiko has patek finishing with non Matched dials. The brand is still a watch guy brand but the last 2 years it’s been catching up full speed ahead, best bang for your buck on quality of finish, technology, style, but they need to extend there warranty to 8 years like most other brands, Jeff.

Hey ID Guy my favourite GMT is the Hunter Green… SBGM247. Stunning watch. It’s on my shortlist. Your thoughts? 👍🇬🇧

Yo, solid vid as always! Now you may want to take a look at SBGM025, I have tried it on, a really solid watch!

I never really warmed up with the GS cases. For some reason they are out of shape for me. Might be the angles on the lugs but I'm not 100% sure why I dont line them

I feel that some of them could have more applied lumed indices, though it might be at the expense of aesthetics.

I think GS makes some really striking and incredible pieces and many of their GMTs are fantastic. However, the SBGE257 never really did it for because of the relatively (for GS) tame dial and the presence of the power reserve and 4 o'clock date. It's still a wonderful watch, just less striking and elegant to me compared to the SBGJ261 or even the SBGJ237, where the absence of the power reserve and the use of the 24-hour bezel simplify and tidy up the dial.

They might want to have a word with the Clasp Department…….

Tangentially related, but you called the 9F the most accurate Quartz watch in the world. You should check out Citizen’s Cal. 0100 movement and lineup. Solar powered +/- 1 second per year. The 9F is an incredible movement, but Citizen is the real king of quartz

Because the Presage gmt has a GS movement (almost) comparable finishing and is a grand......with an astonishing dial.

Good video. Agree re GS GMTs. SBGE257 is lovely. I also like SBGE248 possibly the most of the GMTs but not as good value. I own a couple of GS (Shunbun and Godzilla). I’m a fan of the dial, movement, and finishing, I just wish they did nicer bracelet designs. This is where Rolex leave them for dust.

Grand Seiko makes beautiful well designed watches no question there, now only if I could actually afford one 🤣

I have what I call the Japanese holy trinity all Grand Seiko GMTs high beat, quartz and spring drive.

And most important: All rotating bezel GS GMTs actually do work as such because they have a static 24h chapter ring while the Rolex is a dysfunctional design.

Put a tapered bracelet on some of the smaller GMTs (SBGE25* comes to mind) and they'd truly be perfect. I love my SBGE253, but it's permanently on a strap because that bracelet is just too chunky at 20>18 or 20>19. What Tudor does on its BB58 or P39 (20>16) is just perfect and so much more wearable. A shame because that GS has a good clasp and 4 holes of microadjust. Just no taper...

ID Guy - do you plan to do any more lives? The 3-4 hour long videos? I really enjoy watching these and hearing your commentary on wrist shots/watches

I put that spring drive olive green GMT down twice.

I just wish they were a bit thinner

Wasn’t it Glycine who first introduced the GMT bezel and hour hand…not Rolex?!?

These things are gorgeous..... and 44mm 😭

I’ve had a Rolex 16710 GMT-II for nearly 20 years and I’d love to replace it with a GS equivalent, but I have a few problems with the current fleet of Grand Seiko GMTs. Firstly, most of them don’t have a rotating bezel. I’m sorry but a GMT with a jumping hour hand that doesn’t have a rotating bezel is just plain stupid, a jumping 24hr hand is a different story, but a jumping hour hand and fixed 24hr hand is pointless without a rotating bezel. Secondly, those that have rotating bezels are stupidly large and overly thick due mostly to the 200m water resistance and fat movements. Thirdly, I can live with the crown at 4 o’clock, but the date window at 4 looks dopey to my eye. The annoying part is that at 12.1mm thick with a 39mm diameter they make (made) almost the perfect watch with the SBGN001/003/005. All those watches needed was a rotating bezel, which would likely push it out to 40mm, and you’d have the perfect replacement for a Rolex GMT-II, with the added bonus of better than 10 seconds/year accuracy. It’s such a missed opportunity…

Why won't Grand Seiko release a rotating bezel gmt at or below 40mm (41mm max). I truly don't understand how Grand Seiko WILLFULLY leaves so much money on the table with their choice of sizing. They could easily compete Rolex in this category with their truly unique and beautiful designs.

There is something 'off' about GS design language. Perhaps it is overly fussy with the fonts or the fussy shapes of the hands. There is something intriguing about them that pulls me in, but also something that puts me off.

Grand Seiko needs to bump the 19mm straps up to 20mm and put some engineering into their steel bracelets. Just my humble opinion.

Love their GMT's. With the exception of the power reserve on some models. This complication doesn't suit a GMT IMO.

The lack of micro adjustments made me sell mine. Unacceptable

The most accurate quartz in the world is the Citizen caliber 010. I have one and it's amazing. The Seiko 9F does not compare.

Grand Seiko has many advantages over the Rolex GMT Master II collection except price appreciation. The GS dials are stunning. However, I found World Timer watches to offer far greater value as you can see the time anywhere in the world with a glance of the dial.

I really like these watches, but at 44 MM I would never wear one. Way too big for my wrist.

Grand Seiko builds watches with minimal branding and are clean and designed to be a tool and not a fashion object.

The Citizen is more accurate than GS 9F