DON'T Buy a Grand Seiko Before You Watch This!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- If you're interested in Grand Seiko watch but still a little unsure then worry no more! We spoke to Rob Brook, Brand Manager of Grand Seiko UK, and we asked him some hardball questions. These are the 5 things you should know before you buy a Grand Seiko.
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I'm a great believer in Brand Loyalty. Being a collector, this was put to test during the pandemic, when alot of boutique staff became rude and unkind. This was the period that I realized just how special Grand Seiko is, the GS9 club sends a present every year - which in itself is such a kind gesture. It made me want to dig deeper into the catalogue and start focusing on GS more. I bought the SBGJ253 GMT, marvelous timepiece. Since then I've gone on to collect a 44GS Tribute and the Mt. Iwate. Truly a wonderful brand and spectacular movements. Love 'em!
This right here speaks volumes. i only recently got into watch collecting, just a few months before the pandemic hit everyone full-force, and Seiko is the brand that really sparked that love. I'm 7 watches in (no GS models yet) but my fandom for Seiko has only grown.'
Now I'm really looking forward to making my first GS purchase to get a taste of that brand loyalty myself.
I find it utterly crazy and unacceptable how some luxury brands treat customers in general. I may be a student now and can't afford a super expensive piece, but I surely know where I won't buy for eg. my fist watch from my first real salary.
@@Nimadee I wish you all the very best in your studies. Choosing and buying your first watch is a very special experience. A watch marks an event in one's life. I remember every one of mine... Welcome to the hobby. 😊
Couldn’t agree more, laughed out of a Rolex AD, welcomed with open arms by Grand Seiko, proud owner of an SBGA413 shunbun “Cherry Blossom”.
The company is Seiko, not Grand Seiko.
As a GS (quartz) owner & fellow Yorkshireman, I loved this! Great guest & a credit to the brand. Honesty, integrity & a bit of humour thrown in. Things that can often be missing in this hobby of ours…great stuff Rob 👍🏻 One day I’ll add a SpringDrive I’m sure…
Don't feel bad about having a GS quartz, they're made insanely well and even have a high level of finishing on them. Wear it with pride, I have a blue snoflake spring drive and absolutely love it. Either way welcome to the GS club, its growing every single day!
The GS quartz movement sounds quite impressive. I've seen several new GS Quartz watches at quite affordable prices (a bit under $2000 USD), so for those thinking of one of the $1000 plus Seikos, you might be able to move up to a Grand Seiko.
I agree. This Yorkshireman has sold GS to me.
Yeah I didn't expect to hear the home tongue on here, but pleasantly surprised. The Yorkshire accent is so down to earth and friendly.
Thanks for having me! Great hosts as always.
My first ever watch was a Seiko. My father bought it for me when I was four years old in 1966. I’m 60 years old now and it still works perfectly. A couple of years ago my wife bought me a GS Spring Drive snowflake. I have may high end watches, but the snowflake is absolutely one of the best. I absolutely love it’s subtle refinement and mechanical perfection. It’s an absolute joy to wear. You know you have the right watch when you find yourself looking at it even when you don’t want to know what time it is.
''grand'' seiko is a literal joke. the symbol: european lion. fonts: german. origine: a cheap asian plastic watches factory. grand: latin word
only retards will pay big money for this japanes car grab thing. there'se nothing original and japanese
that is nuts lol Bless you Jeremy!
In Peru, Seiko was the high end watch for the urban working class during the 70s and 80s. We did to our Seikos and Citizens the unthinkable, without giving them service (we didn't even know what service was.) And they kept working as usual, despite the abuse and carelesness. A particular Seiko belonged first to my older brother, then to another brother, and finally to me. Nothing less was expected. For us, it was an expensive watch, to be used in every single circumstance, day and night, forever.
That is so true. My criteria exactly.
After having it for two years, I too still find myself looking at my SEIKO SSA413J1 PRESAGE, particularly at it's "open heart".
I have one of the quartz models, and the accuracy is phenomenal - It's gained about a second over six months. That, plus a flat-out gorgeous dial - you can't ask for more in a watch, unless of course you get your jollies from having an elaborate, retro mechanical contraption hidden inside. I just want it to work well and look good, and I'm just as happy with technical wizardry as I am with the mechanical variety.
Naa dawgy
What movement, how much?
@@sotecluxan42219F85 caliber, but enhanced with a specially-selected quartz crystal. I think it's in all the GS quartz models.
Get a spring drive you scrub
@@Mysteryboy0007 Instead of three gorgeous quartz models for the same money? Not a chance.
Hope you like the one watch you were able to buy!
Grand Seiko is the brand of watch maker for me. The whole ethos speaks to me. Quiet class. Even the draw of AP as I am descended from the Piguet family, has not drawn me to them over GS (I am sure it will one day). Love the dials, love the history, love the culture.
''grand'' seiko is a literal joke. the symbol: european lion. fonts: german. origine: a cheap asian plastic watches factory. grand: latin word
only retards will pay big money for this japanes car grab thing with quartz movement lol. there'se nothing original and japanese
@@ivangamer8022 well I suppose you have your opinion as to what is good and I have mine.
I’m kind of a beginner watch collector and I was fascinated by some of the watch repair videos, I ended up buying a timegrapher to evaluate the condition of my 3 automatic Swiss made watches, and delving further into the subject of calibre’s, third party etc, I was further enlightened to the different types of calibre’s.
Of course this led me straight to the Spring Drive, I was fascinated that I knew nothing about it. As an owner of 3 high end Rolex automatics, I appreciate the workmanship and precision of the 3055 and 3135 calibre’s. So I continued to study Seiko via Teddy Baldassarre and then it was just a matter of which one I was going to purchase. 😊 I haven’t even received it yet, but I’m very excited, I chose the SBGA 427, pure class, inside and out, I have no doubt in my mind that one Seiko will not be enough, thank you so much Seiko!
From a collector’s perspective, GS brings a tremendous amount to the proverbial table. I appreciate the ingenuity and precision of the Spring Drive movement, the artisanal quality of their dials, and the refinement of their cases, specifically the new Evolution 9 cases. All of this delivered for a relative bargain, especially when compared to many of their Swiss counterparts. I agree with Andrew, however. If GS were to improve the quality of their bracelets to a level comparable to some of their market competitors (Glashutte Original, IWC, Tudor, Rolex, Blancpain, etc) while maintaining their price points, it would only serve to make an already comprehensively valuable product even more desirable.
Great video ! What would break Rob is the explanation of the modelnumbers, I think. 😵💫
I love seeing another SBGV245. It is one of the best watches I have ever owned.
The only quartz I would ever consider buying is a Grand Seiko. They are accurate and beautiful.
I swear I willl one day join the Grand Seiko club. Especially with the spring drive
As a huge car guy I see GS as being like the upstart Lamborghini as opposed to the establishment Swiss watches being more Ferrari.
Thank you Rob - lover your enthusiasm and I really enjoyed Yorkshire fused with Tokyo!
What about why there isn't more 39-41mm sports watches and more 36-38mm dress watches. And surly the old get rid of the winding indicator on the dial comes up a fair bit?
Hey it would be great if you could put the number of the watch on the screen with the picture; sbga211 etc
So, bracelet design and watch head thickness have held me back from purchasing a GS.
I love the clickbait titles lmao. They literally make me wonder what the video is going to be about. Then I get pleasantly surprised with a guest! This is not a sarcastic comment by the way!
This is great, more of these, please.
How shock proof is the Spring Drive? Can it be used on the golf course?
One question I have: could Spring Drive be married to the thermal compensation used in the 9F movements? A spring drive accurate to 10 seconds per year would be interesting to say the least.
I have a GS quartz GMT, it's a great watch, but I have to agree on the bracelet issue, it need some microadjustment, when it's 43C out here I can't wear it. It's also a scratch magnet, I'd trade a little Zaratsu polish quality for some hardening/coating. I wear the watch anyway, scratches or not, I did not buy it to sit in a watch box.
The Evolution 9 springdrive movement does have temperature compensation and in my experience is more accurate than the previous generation.
@@miken2076 Thanks, did not know that.
@@ge48421 I don’t think the compensation is up to the 9F. The power consumption is limited compared to using a battery. Still, it’s impressive that they were able to design a chip that could do it using Spring Drive
@@miken2076 Yes, the power available is really low. The 9RA5 spring drive movement is rated at 10 seconds per month, only a slight improvement over the standard 15 seconds, I have not found a more accurate spring drive movement.
All this talk of Grand Seiko and Rolex. While Patek smiles from on high laughing it's superior ass off
I recently acquired a Seiko presage spring drive with a black enamel dial that cost five times as much as the ten year old Tag F1 that I use every day($1,200 aud) but I find it a little disconcerting as the sweeping seconds hand seems to be moving at a rapid speed compared to the one jump per second of a regular quartz watch so In some ways I prefer the original style quartz as it seems like my life is ticking away at a slower rate and also the spring drive is silent with no 'heart beat' like an advanced space alien species.Seiko do make all inclusive watches at a very wide range of prices from $100 to hundreds of thousands for a Seiko Credor watch so most people can attain a seiko watch at an affordable price point and very few people would know a cheap one from an expensive model so they are generally not acquired for the 'snob' value.
Japanese watches are analogous to cars in that Japanese cars are arguably better made than most of the prestige European cars but do not get the kudos in general that they deserve for some reason?
I recently purchased and entry level Grand Seiko; the SBGA439. Yes, the bracelet does leave room for improvement. Yes, it would look better on a strap, which I plan to purchase.
But this model now has a 5 year, vice 3 year, warranty. And I do consider spring drive to be the best of both worlds.
Tea ceremony can be incredibly complex.
Why do their sports watches, those that are similar to the Rolex OP/Datejust and the Omega Seamaster Aquaterra have plain plots and hands, with no Lume? And why are so many just too big for a large percentage of the watch public? They just seem to fall a little too short in their designs, even though their quality and technology are great.
I have to say I absolutely hate this channel because it has played a large role in popularizing Grand Seiko with their extremely good videos. It could have been our secret
There are a couple of Rolex traits I'd like to see Grand Seiko implement:
Please, please, please start using model names instead of alphanumeric model numbers.
Model numbers are fine if you want to denote a generation, but don't ask me to remember X45D9T4S.
When using irregular dial patterns, please make them unique to each watch. Every snowflake, birch, or whatever type of dial is identical on all watches in that series. Sure, if you're looking at a single watch, you'd never know. But when you see a couple in the display, and they're all absolutely identical, it's clear this is just manufactured and there's nothing natural about it.
Don't put vps, or power reserves on the dial. It makes the watch look cheap. I know Rolex are infamous for writing entire essays on their dials, but what's on there generally has some cachet and meaning. "Superlative chronometer", "Oyster perpetual", "Officially certified", and the model name. A little "Swiss made" at the bottom.
GS
Grand Seiko
Model name
(Depth rating)
Spring Drive
made in Japan
I like the power reserve. I'm lucky enough to have a large stable of great watches to pick from and it's nice to see where my Snowflake is and if I should wear it and charge it up.
My Seiko Alpinist on the other hand has a nice long power reserve, but it's tough to remember "did I wear it yesterday or the day before or before?"
Looking to get one, with the power reserve...beauty is in the eye...get one without it...choices are available.
Why haven't you interviewd Jodi from JOMW?! I would say he's by far the most requested guest for you guys to interview. There's NO reason not to have Jodi on...unless you're just watch snobs 😉
Too late, bought one, really happy.
48~72 hour power reserve is a JOKE. WHAT CENTURY IS THIS? 900 MAINTENANCE FEE PER 2~4 YEARS ??? WHAT??
In 1969 everyone i knew wanted a Quartz watch including me now not so much .
Got my Snowflake last month and I’m loving it.
Make a diver thats not so big, max42mm
And leva the bracelets alone 😉
Cool format. Now do the same with Sinn watches.
Never buying a GS. They are too light for their own sake.
I‘m a huge Grand Seiko fan and greatly enjoyed this video, including hearing from Rob. To put a finer point on the last question though, why doesn‘t GS develop a microadjust along the lines of say Glashutte Original or others, and also make its own leather straps more widely available to its customers?
I'd much rather buy a GS than a Rolex.
Tell me robs grand seiko must have watch
Want to do an episode on Armand Nicolet?
Swiss watch brand whit a long history, and theres basically nothing on TH-cam about 'em.
That’s all nice and poetic, I just wonder how they justify not giving a **** about the “pursuit of perfection” on Seiko watches?
Misleading thumbnail. Downvote.
I've purchased two luxury watches so far: both Grand Seikos. In the $5K - $10K pricepoint, it's genuinely difficult to find anything better. Whether it's movement, design, or finishing, Grand Seiko really does a fantastic job across the board. I would much rather wear a Grand Seiko over a Rolex.
My Oyster Perpetual cost more than double what I paid for my GS SBGR073. All you get for the Rolex over the GS is clout. I've never seen finishing to that standard, the GS is impeccable at every point. The movement isn't a spring drive, it's not even a high beat, just a modest 9S65. The movement finishing alone makes it worth it. When you look at the finishing on the case, the dial, the hands - you really think, what are you actually getting for a Rolex, apart from clout?
I imagine you would not be wearing the rolex, with all the thieves about at the moment.
@@keithhilton1564 unfortunately not. A shame as it is still a lovely watch regardless of how better finished the GS is. It's a tool watch - but unfortunately I've become the thing I hate the most in watch collecting - the guy who keeps it locked up instead of letting it get used. If I could wear it without fear of getting my arm sliced off with a machete, I would.
We have to be honest with ourselves. The Rolex is an exquisite proven elite crafted watch. It is an icon of success when you have one. As much as I love my GS, the stopping power of a Roli is on a different strata vs GS. With a Rolex you are buying and extremely good watch, but you are also buying a statement. If it is all about what is under the hood, buy a Seiko which is 1/10th the price of a GS.
I love the way Rob emphasized and described the uniqueness of Japanese culture. There is a strive for perfection by most Japanese people in everything they do that's found nowhere else in the world. From martial arts, tea making, toilets, cars, knives, Cameras, etc. Seiko, and particularly Grand Seiko is the pinnacle of this endeavour, where as humble as the Japanese are, it's almost like they are rubbing our noses in our own crude inferiority. I have owned a few Rolex watches, and currently own a Datejust. While Rolex quality is a very high standard, GS has surpassed Rolex in every way at a fraction of the price.
Wow, that's a statement
''grand'' seiko is a literal joke. the symbol: european lion. fonts: german. origine: a cheap asian plastic watches factory. grand: latin word
only retards will pay big money for this japanes car grab thing. there'se nothing original and japanese
I just dumped a Rolex Datejust on a jubilee band for an Omega Aqua terra. Rolex is a brand for people that identify with brand and not quality.
The mere fact that Grand Seiko is Japanese should not have any bearing on choosing a good watch one iota. The Spring Drive movement is its own unique entity and very serious in approach towards craftsmanship and engineering. The finish of them is of a very high level. The more you research into Grand Seiko the more you appreciate them, understanding what they are all about. Having a Spring Drive in one's collection is very respectable and credible. There is so much that can be said about these!
I think they mean that as a complement to their work, as opposed to the stereotype that good watches can only be made in Switzerland.
Hey for shits and gigs why don’t we just start up the watch finder observatory trials ya know for shits and gigs puts millions of dollars into a muiti day production run by Tom that the Brands send the best movements too and Tom comes up with outlandish story’s of the past like “I heard James Cameron went in some water I say we put all 7 of our dive watches crow unthreaded into chambers and see what ones dies last” and what ever watch is left standing in that category wins for this year. Would be fucking funny as shit
I absolutely love my SBGJ261. I wear it every day and can’t imagine dropping that kind of coin on pretty much any other brand. It is miles ahead of everything else I’ve seen at this price point. Very excited to see what they have in store for us next year!
I recently purchased my first ever Seiko. It's a Presage with an enamel dial. It's not my most expensive watch, but it's beautiful and I'm surprised it actually keeps good time. I wasn't keen on the black crocodile strap it came with so, I put it on a Hirsh Modena, Royal blue with white stitching. I attached the Seiko clasp to it. It's my preferred daily wearer. My next watch purchase will be a Grand Seiko GMT.
I have several of the Presage line. They produce some real beauties with incredible dial designs, and both their enamel and porcelain dials display real craftsmanship to do it right.
I have a SBGJ249 GS GMT. You won’t regret it. I travel a lot and it’s superb.
I wear my SBGJ253 on a Hirch Strap, it's so comfortable. I recently ordered a strap and clasp directly from GS, and it's definitely worth the value. Plus they include a separate warranty for the strap! If you join the GS9 club, you get a Service Rebate of around $ 800 USD for your timepiece.
@@barfymann362 - Sounds great. But I don’t think the club is open to join from Australia 😔
@@gregfelix6979 I lived in Sydney for 16 years! Oh man oh man do I miss it. Nothing but love for Australians. Great country, great people. I have some of my best memories from my time in Australia. Much love!
I have the SBGA407 (skyflake) and it is incredible. I also own a few Rolexes, I’ve gotta say that when you remove the prestige of owning a Rolex, the Skyflake in particular the spring drive movement is superior to Rolex. I love both brands
I'm old enough to recall "Made in Japan" being derided. I've loved Japanese technology for decades whether knives, cars, cameras or watches. No one makes better denim than the Japanese.
These videos, and this format of them, are fast becoming my favourite. This one was outstanding though - great to hear Rob so passionate about the brand, yet stay so honest and humble too. Well done, Sir!
Thanks to this Chanel, I am now the proud owner of two 9F Grand Seiko watches, spring-drive for me next, definitely.
Keep up the great videos and keep well :-)
Grand Seiko is epic! So underrated.
Grand Seiko hasn't been underrated in years mate. :D
As is seiko in my opinion
I am so impressed by the heart behind the heritage. Lots of companies have been around for a long time, but to have this kind of devotion to beauty and perfection...and to hold onto that goal for so long, is truly admirable.
''grand'' seiko is a literal joke. the symbol: european lion. fonts: german. origine: a cheap asian plastic watches factory. grand: latin word
only retards will pay big money for this japanes car grab thing with quartz movement lol. there'se nothing original and japanese
Love my SBGJ227 Peacock GMT model! It reminds me of the 6 months I lived in Japan while deployed with the military there. Such great craftmanship! I also love my Japanese fountain pens! The world is such a big place; there is plenty of room for high end Swiss and Japanese watches! :D
My collection has evolved over the years. Now, Grand Seiko is the only brand that I have more than 1. That said, I think I’m the only one that doesn’t have a gripe about the bracelets. I truly believe that you get a lot more watch for the price with any of their models.
@watchfinder why are you pointing a red arrow to the power reserve indicator in the video thumbnail? I watched the whole 20 minutes of video to find... there is NOTHING about it! Not a single word!
This is clear clickbaiting.
Similar clickbaiting you did with the recent Breitling video.
You can lose your loyal subscribers using clickbaiting in your videos.
Rob is right that the brand *is* listening with regards to bracelets. They do still need some work, but I own a 2020 GS Shunbun and a 2022 Evo9 Chronograph GMT, and the difference in bracelet quality is staggering. More solidity, better comfort, more aesthetically consistent with the case. Is it perfect? No, but it's a noticeable improvement.
I have a shunbun, put it on a ox blood red leather strap, now all is good.
@@MrJnrc I tried finding a strap for mine for a while but just went back to bracelet. Even if it's not the best looker, it's so dang comfortable and I like that I can wear it in any weather conditions and in water (which I can't do with leather). It's easily my most comfortable watch, and I own a Rolex BLRO on Oyster.
Seiko, please bring solar and perpetual calendar to Grand Seiko quartz!
Love these interviews. Absolutely brilliant. Good luck getting Rolex to come in (they’re off my list for being absolute w……s!
They kill you with kindness and have beautiful watches. The issue is servicing them if you live in the USA. It’s god awful and they’ve had 5+ years to resolve servicing issues without luck.
What’s the mantainance like for these watches ? I read that the servicing of the Spring Drive needs to be done every 4 years.. and that it costs 1000$.. not including the shipping cost to Japan.. which is quite a bit..
Would appreciate your thoughts on that..
One of these days... I will get that spring drive. Even if I have to kill someone for it... 🐸
Oh, sure, Grand Seiko has Spring Drive, zaratsu polishing and all, but Rolex has puzzle pieces and polks dots!
The bracelets are very good, if a little unimaginative. The gripes that people typically have is on the lack of micro adjustment on the clasps (or the clunkiness and lack of elegance of the diver clasp that does have micro adjustment).
Okay, I have two grand seikos and 4 seikos and the bracelets aren't good.. I'm sorry to say
@@mplsmnpi leave the Seikos out of the conversation as they are lower priced and unfair to compare them. GS mostly use the same three bracelet designs (3 segment, 5 segment and 5 segment with polished intermediates) across all of their models, which is why I said they were unimaginative. However, they are very comfortable (with the intermediate links allowing flexibility for resizing), well finished and look as good as a Rolex Oyster bracelet. Where they disappoint is in the clasps which (mostly) don't have micro-adjustment and aren't particularly elegant.
@@inscrutablechicken no no no.. hair pullers at the best.
I found that you can fine tune them without micro adjustments. They’re half links are liken 3/4 links so if you play with full and half links you get a few mm difference just like with micro adjustments. I love their claps which feel non existent, unlike the bulky longer clasps that are impossible to use at a desk.
But why they keep raising prices? What has changed? Has the quality increased or we are paying for their marketing campaigns?
I love that you can actually BUY the dang watch, as well. No weird ritual, no proving you're a worthy customer. They have it, you got the cash, you own the watch!
Wow! Love to see all the GS appreciation in the comments section. I only buy and wear GS, so that should speak for itself but it’s hard to find good GS social circles so I’m loving the attention they have gotten here, not just with this video but overall. This has become one of my favorite TH-cam channels!
When it comes to badging "Seiko/Grand Seiko", if you consider it to be akin to how General Motors puts a little "GM" badge on their cars (Corvette included), then you won't like Seiko in this regard. Cheapness, poor quality, design by committee are certainly GM traits, but for Seiko, it appears to be the exact opposite. Mr Brook brought up excellent points in terms of being proud of their heritage, their successes, and unique traits that set Seiko apart from other brands.
11:40 I've seen this sequence so many times already, a reflection of a reflection on the *underside* of the second hand. And every time I see it my mind is blown again
I think the GS’s are a work of art. Stunning dials, exceptional movements, but bracelets let them down and the point you loose half the value as soon as you walk out of the shop.
I do have 2x seiko’s In my collection but no GS, yet!
Depends entirely on the model. Mine is worth more than I paid for it, and I paid retail.
@@jpdemer5 what model do you have then?
I have seen variety overall in terms of pricing for certain GS in my research. I have some Seikos and dove into GS and honestly the prices on used seikos are about average depreciation for any luxury watch. I will also caveat that supply and demand rules apply to any watch so if you want additional insurance perhaps just get a more limited model.
@@Dsnipez18 SBGP017 ("Sea of Clouds"). It's a limited edition, which raises the market value.
Seiko is the Toyota of watches. Grand Seiko is the Lexus.
The Sk007 rekindled my love for watches. A year before the pandemic I was in a position to finally buy a luxury watch, and I went with the sbga231. I'm that guy who commits to one watch that becomes "his". I have a one watch collection. I'm not afraid to do activities and I'll never sell it. Almost 5 years later and I still find myself mesmerized by the sweep at least once per day. I would have picked a Breitling Navitimer, but its water rating was a deal breaker and Rolex movement seemed last century compared to the spring drive.
It's all about perception. There are no doubts about Seiko manufacturing excellent time pieces, but they need to birth an exclusive brand for marketing this level of perfection.(i.e. Toyota/Lexus).
What we have here is akin to the Bentley quality VW Phaeton (The VW badge on the front the size of a garbage can lid and mainstream styling nixed it.)
First impressions from two meters away, the watch doesn't appear to be anything special, and with the Seiko name on it one immediately thinks it's a little better than Citizen and in the same league of $400 watches.
A little history: Seiko owned the Jean Lassale luxury brand dress watch back in the 80s. Initially, the name denoted an exclusive watch separate from Seiko, something special. Lassale went from solid gold cases and bracelets to dressed-up, run of the mill Seiko cases, and not a collector's brand.
P
I dislike the quartz tick but the GS version addresses all my concerns and is also hypnotic. The spring drive version is simply magical. My watches take the odd knock which I means I am too 'clumsy' to wear these high end and high value watches. Perhaps in another life.
One these videos, I almost become hypnotized watching the smooth movement of the second hand as it makes its way around the dial.
Generally speaking both Seiko and Grand Seiko makes a lot of great watches even if the movement and watch band isn't that great. I'd rather just save some money and buy a Seiko Presage Sharp Edge watch instead. They sure do know how to make a watch with a beautiful looking dial. Many similarly priced Tissot and Mido watches look a bit boring.
Can you please tell me what is the reference for the GMT model featured in this video. thank you!
I own one and it truly is grand, pun intended. The answers were a lesson in good marketing and connecting with the enthusiast community.
Grand Seiko's designs with their dials, indices and hands, blow away the quality of Rolex.
I have a Grand Seiko SBGA 283G spring drive, I can honestly that this is the best watch I have ever owned. I have Rolex and Omega in my collection as well but they do not come close. to the fit and finish of the GS plus the accuracy of spring drive.🙂
I have the same model. I've owned it 5 years and have had no issues. It's running +4 seconds per 3 months. Awesome watch
❤GS ❤ Spring Drive Movements are the best Watch Technology 👌
GS' Achilles heel is the bracelets. If they figure out something unique like Royal Oaks bracelet or Daydates bracelet, it's gonna put a lot of points to the company.
I personally enjoy my 2 GSs and I put a strap to the one because it looks better.
Snowflake belongs to a Strap!
I agree..
The fact that the Europeans completely stopped the competition that has taken place for many years the moment they saw what Seiko can do and it's potential to dominate the competition is enough telling that how great Seiko as a fine watchmaker and it's heritage is.
Another apology vid.
I don't buy GD because I don't like the design language as influencers say.
They are quite boring in my perspective. They have great quality, stunnishing calibers, but they are very boring.
There's two major watch brands that don't appeal to me. One is GD the other one is Swiss and it is Breitling. It is visceral.
And still Watchfinder does not mention the elephant in the room, The Citizen.
That is a killer point!!
The watch face on the snowflake is too cluttered, if it were up to me .... Remove the word SEIKO from under the 12 , replace with the letters GS , above the 6 , use the words Spring Drive and below that Hi Beat 36000 , there you go !
I think if Grand Seiko Japan listened to this interview, they'd be pretty chuffed with the way Rob conducted himself and answered those questions! He sounds like a god guy to head up GS UK !!
I am waiting for my Rolex 41, 126333, Blk, and digits (if it ever comes....?). I got sick of the Rolex mind games and bought a GS Sky Flake.... wow!
Yes, it does not have the cache' and stopping power of a Roli... but WOW! The spring drive under the hood is pretty amazing. It is a VERY elegant watch and I may (possibly) have second thoughts on the 126333
The only issue so far is the name.... Grand Seiko is sort of like calling a Lexus a Grand Toyota
I love the Grand Seiko offerings, but recently while weighing Grand Seiko against Omega, I decided to go Omega. As much as I very much want a Spring Drive based watch.
If the brand recommended maintenance intervals are adhered to, then the current model Omega Co-Axial watches are significantly cheaper to maintain than similar Grand Seiko models.
Grand Seiko has recommended 2-4 years service intervals, between Hi-Beat and Spring Drive movements respectively, whereas Omega has recommended 7-8 years service interval for their newer Co-Axial movements.
With Grand Seiko I need to have the watch sent back to Japan and it can take 2-3 months to get it back, whereas Omega can be serviced locally for me via local Omega service centres.
I've heard anecdotal evidence that numerous Spring Drive movements have lasted much longer between service intervals, but I've also anecdotally heard of units failing at around 8 years (running very slow or not at all).
There's also something about a purely mechanical watch which is as accurate as the newer Omega Co-Axials. I'm hearing from a number of people that their watches have been running +/- 1 second per day for years, even with some people getting sub 1 second per day. I know I can't expect that, given that the spec is +0 - +5 seconds per day, but even then... WOW!
That's purely mechanical and matching what Grand Seiko advertises for most of their Spring Drive models (yes, I know in reality they tend to run much better than this).
Omegas are great. I love them and own several. But their accuracy isn’t comparable to a GS spring drive. Not even close really. Omega METAS certified movements have accuracy comparable to Rolex or JLC, but GS spring drive (particularly the 9RA2) is not comparable. One example I have with that movement hasn’t lost or gained a single second since I bought and set it a year ago.
@@arkachatterjee5179 agreed the spring drive is obviously insanely accurate, and I do love GS, but if I was making a first purchase all over again I'd probably go omega too. I think if someone is trying to have a minimal collection an AT is superb. By far my two favorite brands and a couple of my Omegas average +1-+2 a week plus for me the magnetic aspect is huge (which is also above avg in GS models). Needless to say - OP picked, imo, the best two to decide between
I have a Seiko spring drive GMT, 20Bar +3sd, my Omega Seamaster 30Bar GMT keeps better time at +1sd, I was disappointed in the Seiko spring drive....
Good video. Thanks. I went to the Grand Seiko Shizukuishi Studio in northern Honshu, Japan, and was similarly impressed by the genuine appreciation of nature including the snow on Mt Awate, the white birch, etc.
Can someone please tell me which model is displayed from 5:35? It's obviously a quartz movement, but I cannot find the reference.
I am a Seikoholic and collect vintage pieces going back to 1962, love the look of these Grand Seiko, but find the modern Seiko watches are not up to scratch with misaligned chapter rings and bezel inserts. These issues need to be resolved.
i bought my first grand seiko a few months ago, a 9f quartz gmt, its a beautiful watch, its rated +/- 10 seconds a year but after 3 months its barely off by one second.
Ask him if you can contact him ...when are they going to add micro adjustment to braclets..They would sell more if they did.
The worst thing about Grand Seiko is that there are no ADs in my city of Copenhagen...
I never get a reply from you. And that's fine. I'm just another strange watch collector. I do need to say this though....why on earth does the GS Snow Flake repeatedly get bashed up on the school playground for having the power reserve on the front dial ? When the Longines Master Collection gets away Scott free for doing the same thing ? Little makes sense in the watch world. 🤔🤔😅
My first luxury watch was a GS quartz. Absolutely still in awe. My daily wearer. Next up a spring drive.
While I am interested in a spring drive, I’m curious about the service! I heard that the spring drive watches need to be shipped to Japan and this takes a long time. The other concern I have is the resale value, these watches take a huge hit on the secondary market.
The energy put into constructing a single piece of these GSs far surpasses the energy put into building the great pyramid of Egypt.
"No system of energy can deliver sum useful energy in excess of the total energy put into constructing it.
This universal truth applies to all systems.
Energy, like time, flows from past to future".
Will I spend thousands to have the word Seiko on my wrist? You must be joking. Toyota figured that out years ago by developing Lexus. Seiko isn’t so smart apparently.