Love this watch, prefer it over the original Lake Suwa. The darker dial gives it a dual personality. Under the radar in low light, and really spectacular in bright light. The darker dial also makes the hour markers pop more.
I appreciate the direct sunlight shot. I think of all the reviews for this model, everyone else is using artificial lights to show the dial texture but you made the extra effort of showing us what the dial looks like in sunlight. I really like this model out of all the current GS9 lineup. Will definitely try to see it in the metal when i am able. Once again, thanks for this review
Your review of this watch was one of the basis i needed to make my decision to get this piece. Finally bought one in Wako Ginza GS Boutique. Looks so great in person and I love the 2 in 1 dial color and texture you get from this watch depending on angle and lighting. ❤ thank you. ❤
@@quasitime honeymooning so far. 6 days of ownership. 0 seconds gained/lost with this insanely accurate movement. Been wearing it daily. I really like the light play of this piece, but in most instances it will be a plain very dark blue-black dial if you're into that color, like me, then you will enjoy it. Only negative for me is that when unthreaded, the crown has slight play if you wiggle it. All 3 available pieces at the boutique does this so im guessing it is intended. Not expected from a watch that costs this price. Not a deal breaker for me obviously but definitely points off hehe. A small nitpick also is i wish they used a black/dark blue datewheel instead of the white one. Everything else about the watch is great. If direct light hits the dial and you view it from an angle, you will see dark electric blues and the wave pattern and it is beautiful.
I think the date jumped out to me also. Not a deal breaker, just a bit of a question mark. How are you finding the heft of the steel and the general case shape of the evolution 9?
@@quasitime on my 18cm wrist it sits very comfortable and sturdy. I dont find it heavy at all. I have read some complaints about the bracelet being too wide at 22mm but it doesnt seem to bother me. Yes i agree with you about the date wheel. I wish it was black or dark blue to match with the dial. Although the white date wheels seems to be more legible for me anyway.
This is beautiful. I want to leave my two boys some watches when I pass. One will be an Omega Speedy. I've been on the fence with the other ... for whatever reason I'm sort of turned off by Rolex lately. Maybe this Grand Seiko will be it. I can see my older son loving it.
I like the hidden pop. It makes it exciting and interesting every time look at it. My SARB033 does this also simce the balck turns a coffee sunburst brown in direct sunlight.
Saw your review of GS and the spring drive which compelled me to buy one this week ... HOWEVER ... Grand Seiko - Quality Control and Company Response TBD!! Heard so much about the Grand Seiko line and the Lake Suwa watch. The Spring Drive truly is in theory a great innovation and the sweeping second hand is impressive to look at. Quick run down: Bought one in Japan from authorized GS dealer and TWO days later found that the 5 day claim was inaccurate because it stopped after less than one day. Yes and the rear case back power reserve showed that it was full. Just two days and I never even sized or wore it yet. I immediately took it back to GS dealer that has offered to send it in to GS repair center to see what happened. This is somewhat concerning because list price is over 9K and you wouldn't expect this to happen to a Grand Seiko! I told the GS dealer if it requires opening up to repair I want a new replacement because this is brand new/never worn. So how would you feel if you bought a new watch and immediately it needed emergency care? Let's see how Grand Seiko responds to this "hopefully anomaly" and do the right thing because if Im the manufacturer and its an internal issue I would surely want to do the right thing and replace it right away. So far a bit disappointed to say the least and your viewers should be aware of this issue as well if they are considering this model.
Very nice watch. .I see you have the Blue Hi-Beat Peacock in the store. I would encourage buyers to consider this one as a value comparison. Not getting the spring drive though
What a beautiful watch! I like to see both this and the lighter blue SLGA019. Will have to get one for sure although the price is steep. That sun shot is 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
My issue with Grand Seiko is...they sell watches at high demand prices yet they are low demand and high quantity. The formula don't work. The price needs to come way way down to match the vast quantities they have.
Thank you for the video! I am debating between the slga 021 vs 019. I like the 021 dial better since it’s more subtle and darker, and worry that the 019 would be too blue. do you think so? But 021 maybe a bit boring being dark most of the time. In addition, do you think the stainless steel weight is an issue on the 021? Or the titanium on 019 is better?
How is the SLGA021 different? Stainless steel or titanium? If you like stainless steel get this. If you like titanium get the SLGA019. It has the same dark color as the Dallas Cowboys.
Don't understand why these new spring drive watches are double the price of previous spring drive models. i get that they've improved on the movement in every way but still.....
It’s extremely non-trivial to add thermocompensation. They didn’t even think it was possible to do so using just the energy of a mainspring. It’s a marvel that’s often glossed over, maybe because the tech exists for high accuracy quartz. But a battery offers significantly higher power.
I have it - It has a few flaws - The lugs are too short so you need to use a thin strap or curved lugs. The bracelet is heavy, not tapered enough, and no micro adjustments. Also the dial is black/deep navy 99% of the time - just get a black GS watch and save the 3 grand. You will have no issue getting your hands on this as it is not a popular or limited model.
Disagree on the final conclusion of just get a black watch. If you want constant visibility of the texture and blue color of the dial, there's always the SLGA007 or the new SLGA019. This SLGA021 will give you the under the radar feel of a black dial watch most of the time, but it'll also have that bit of surprise texture and color in brighter lighting, which is a type of visual design in and of itself. A regular black dial won't ever have that to this level.
@@jayoungrn I don't own one, but I've worn one, and I find it a more interesting dial than the one the SLGA007 has. You do need bright light, sunlight will do it, but it's not "black unless you point your phone's light at it" dark. It doesn't change the fact that there's additional color that a black dial will not have. It also doesn't change the fact that having this duality of dial colors can be desirable, simply look at the SBGA413. That watch is silver majority of the time, and only has a pink hue in certain lighting, and even then, it's very faint. I got no issue with people saying it's too dark for their liking, I'm just saying it's disingenuous to tell people to just buy a black dial watch, without actually telling them the full experience they'd get with either option. There's literally someone in this very comment section that purchased one because they like the dual colors in different lighting.
@@jayoungrn That doesn't change how false your hyperboles are lol. Why did you buy it then, if you got so much to complain about the dial? You didn't notice the dial was very dark unless, according to you, you "literally have to shine your phone's LED on it to even see the texture"? lmao
i about spit my coffee out when you said the price! i was thinking around 5 grand but at the price you stated Omega Aqua Terra is the far better option. its sad to see Seiko raising their prices way beyond their value because to me and many other watch people Seiko was always the brand that gave you the most for less money but in the last 5 years they have raised the prices all across the board without raising the quality of their watches, misaligned chapter rigs and bezels to cheap bracelets. micro brands are killing Seiko slowly
Grand Seiko and Seiko aren’t the same company (they used to be, but even then we’re talking different watchmakers, different studio/factory, different research and design, etc.). Aqua Terra is nice, but I’ve never seen an Omega with the finishing quality and attention to detail of GS, and the Spring Drive is a more advanced movement with perfectly smooth seconds hand, no positional variance, better longevity and accurate to within 0.5 seconds per day. And that’s without even considering the design of the dial, nicer case finishing, better dial hardware, Zaratsu/Sallaz polishing that makes steel sparkle like gemstones and reflect like a mirror, fully and individually hand made. Omega wins on brand recognition and resale value, but GS is a top brand for those with a deep interest and love of watchmaking. Seiko quality control criticisms are valid, and lots of better value options nowadays.
This Grand Seiko is still giving you a lot for less money. Incredible dial, finishing on the level of watches that cost many times more, high quality bracelet, 5 day power reserve, Spring Drive, wears great for most wrists at 40mm diameter and under 12mm thick. It obviously does not check all the boxes for everyone (lume, tapering bracelet, microadjustment), but there's no doubt it punches well above its weight.
Love this watch, prefer it over the original Lake Suwa. The darker dial gives it a dual personality. Under the radar in low light, and really spectacular in bright light. The darker dial also makes the hour markers pop more.
I agree 💯
I appreciate the direct sunlight shot. I think of all the reviews for this model, everyone else is using artificial lights to show the dial texture but you made the extra effort of showing us what the dial looks like in sunlight. I really like this model out of all the current GS9 lineup. Will definitely try to see it in the metal when i am able.
Once again, thanks for this review
Your review of this watch was one of the basis i needed to make my decision to get this piece. Finally bought one in Wako Ginza GS Boutique. Looks so great in person and I love the 2 in 1 dial color and texture you get from this watch depending on angle and lighting. ❤ thank you. ❤
@@ryangochuico How are you liking it after pulling the trigger?
@@quasitime honeymooning so far. 6 days of ownership. 0 seconds gained/lost with this insanely accurate movement. Been wearing it daily. I really like the light play of this piece, but in most instances it will be a plain very dark blue-black dial if you're into that color, like me, then you will enjoy it.
Only negative for me is that when unthreaded, the crown has slight play if you wiggle it. All 3 available pieces at the boutique does this so im guessing it is intended. Not expected from a watch that costs this price. Not a deal breaker for me obviously but definitely points off hehe. A small nitpick also is i wish they used a black/dark blue datewheel instead of the white one.
Everything else about the watch is great. If direct light hits the dial and you view it from an angle, you will see dark electric blues and the wave pattern and it is beautiful.
I think the date jumped out to me also. Not a deal breaker, just a bit of a question mark. How are you finding the heft of the steel and the general case shape of the evolution 9?
@@quasitime on my 18cm wrist it sits very comfortable and sturdy. I dont find it heavy at all. I have read some complaints about the bracelet being too wide at 22mm but it doesnt seem to bother me.
Yes i agree with you about the date wheel. I wish it was black or dark blue to match with the dial. Although the white date wheels seems to be more legible for me anyway.
This is beautiful.
I want to leave my two boys some watches when I pass. One will be an Omega Speedy. I've been on the fence with the other ... for whatever reason I'm sort of turned off by Rolex lately. Maybe this Grand Seiko will be it. I can see my older son loving it.
I have the SLGH009 and love that the dark blue dial texture is a fun surprise when the light hits it just right.
I like the hidden pop. It makes it exciting and interesting every time look at it. My SARB033 does this also simce the balck turns a coffee sunburst brown in direct sunlight.
Saw your review of GS and the spring drive which compelled me to buy one this week ... HOWEVER ...
Grand Seiko - Quality Control and Company Response TBD!!
Heard so much about the Grand Seiko line and the Lake Suwa watch.
The Spring Drive truly is in theory a great innovation and the sweeping second hand is impressive to look at.
Quick run down: Bought one in Japan from authorized GS dealer and TWO days later found that the 5 day claim was inaccurate because it stopped after less than one day. Yes and the rear case back power reserve showed that it was full. Just two days and I never even sized or wore it yet. I immediately took it back to GS dealer that has offered to send it in to GS repair center to see what happened.
This is somewhat concerning because list price is over 9K and you wouldn't expect this to happen to a Grand Seiko!
I told the GS dealer if it requires opening up to repair I want a new replacement because this is brand new/never worn. So how would you feel if you bought a new watch and immediately it needed emergency care?
Let's see how Grand Seiko responds to this "hopefully anomaly" and do the right thing because if Im the manufacturer and its an internal issue I would surely want to do the right thing and replace it right away.
So far a bit disappointed to say the least and your viewers should be aware of this issue as well if they are considering this model.
Very nice watch. .I see you have the Blue Hi-Beat Peacock in the store. I would encourage buyers to consider this one as a value comparison. Not getting the spring drive though
What a beautiful watch! I like to see both this and the lighter blue SLGA019. Will have to get one for sure although the price is steep. That sun shot is 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
My issue with Grand Seiko is...they sell watches at high demand prices yet they are low demand and high quantity. The formula don't work. The price needs to come way way down to match the vast quantities they have.
This is so pretty :)
Thank you for the video! I am debating between the slga 021 vs 019. I like the 021 dial better since it’s more subtle and darker, and worry that the 019 would be too blue. do you think so? But 021 maybe a bit boring being dark most of the time. In addition, do you think the stainless steel weight is an issue on the 021? Or the titanium on 019 is better?
For what it’s worth, I prefer the darker dial! Please reach out when you’re ready to buy!
How is the SLGA021 different? Stainless steel or titanium? If you like stainless steel get this. If you like titanium get the SLGA019. It has the same dark color as the Dallas Cowboys.
Don't understand why these new spring drive watches are double the price of previous spring drive models. i get that they've improved on the movement in every way but still.....
It’s extremely non-trivial to add thermocompensation. They didn’t even think it was possible to do so using just the energy of a mainspring. It’s a marvel that’s often glossed over, maybe because the tech exists for high accuracy quartz. But a battery offers significantly higher power.
Is this stainless steel or titanium?
Beautiful
No lume is a deal breaker anyway. It's a great video
I do like lume, but this watch stands up well without it. Thanks for watching!
Hi notifications squad here😍😍😍
Almost perfect, needs an esylink
what's your wrist size?
8”
I have it - It has a few flaws - The lugs are too short so you need to use a thin strap or curved lugs. The bracelet is heavy, not tapered enough, and no micro adjustments. Also the dial is black/deep navy 99% of the time - just get a black GS watch and save the 3 grand. You will have no issue getting your hands on this as it is not a popular or limited model.
Disagree on the final conclusion of just get a black watch. If you want constant visibility of the texture and blue color of the dial, there's always the SLGA007 or the new SLGA019. This SLGA021 will give you the under the radar feel of a black dial watch most of the time, but it'll also have that bit of surprise texture and color in brighter lighting, which is a type of visual design in and of itself. A regular black dial won't ever have that to this level.
@@rousseau327 you literally have to shine your phone's LED on it to even see the texture DO you actually own one ?
@@jayoungrn I don't own one, but I've worn one, and I find it a more interesting dial than the one the SLGA007 has. You do need bright light, sunlight will do it, but it's not "black unless you point your phone's light at it" dark.
It doesn't change the fact that there's additional color that a black dial will not have. It also doesn't change the fact that having this duality of dial colors can be desirable, simply look at the SBGA413. That watch is silver majority of the time, and only has a pink hue in certain lighting, and even then, it's very faint.
I got no issue with people saying it's too dark for their liking, I'm just saying it's disingenuous to tell people to just buy a black dial watch, without actually telling them the full experience they'd get with either option. There's literally someone in this very comment section that purchased one because they like the dual colors in different lighting.
@@rousseau327 I own one - I know
@@jayoungrn That doesn't change how false your hyperboles are lol.
Why did you buy it then, if you got so much to complain about the dial? You didn't notice the dial was very dark unless, according to you, you "literally have to shine your phone's LED on it to even see the texture"? lmao
And today is see this watch for 3k to 4k cheaper slightly used.
22mm lug width, tapering only to 20mm at the clasp ??!!
You got massive wrists these 40mm plus look like ladies watches on you lol
Can you imagine the new Seiko 5 field watches at 36mm on this dude? 🙄
i about spit my coffee out when you said the price! i was thinking around 5 grand but at the price you stated Omega Aqua Terra is the far better option. its sad to see Seiko raising their prices way beyond their value because to me and many other watch people Seiko was always the brand that gave you the most for less money but in the last 5 years they have raised the prices all across the board without raising the quality of their watches, misaligned chapter rigs and bezels to cheap bracelets. micro brands are killing Seiko slowly
Grand Seiko and Seiko aren’t the same company (they used to be, but even then we’re talking different watchmakers, different studio/factory, different research and design, etc.).
Aqua Terra is nice, but I’ve never seen an Omega with the finishing quality and attention to detail of GS, and the Spring Drive is a more advanced movement with perfectly smooth seconds hand, no positional variance, better longevity and accurate to within 0.5 seconds per day. And that’s without even considering the design of the dial, nicer case finishing, better dial hardware, Zaratsu/Sallaz polishing that makes steel sparkle like gemstones and reflect like a mirror, fully and individually hand made.
Omega wins on brand recognition and resale value, but GS is a top brand for those with a deep interest and love of watchmaking. Seiko quality control criticisms are valid, and lots of better value options nowadays.
This Grand Seiko is still giving you a lot for less money. Incredible dial, finishing on the level of watches that cost many times more, high quality bracelet, 5 day power reserve, Spring Drive, wears great for most wrists at 40mm diameter and under 12mm thick. It obviously does not check all the boxes for everyone (lume, tapering bracelet, microadjustment), but there's no doubt it punches well above its weight.
Case, dial and movement are ok but bracelet is overwhelmingly bulky and still no micro adjustment.... Meh.
I feel like this model was a complete flop.
Meh. It ain't no Minamo. Probably will be as popular (read, UNpopular) as the autumn hi-beat from several years ago.
Do you mean the SBGH269? That watch is immensely popular.