I just bought the SUR307 this week. I hadn't worn a watch in years. This budget watch looks great to me. I keep asking my wife if she wants to know what time it is, like a kid who just got his first watch😊
It's like comparing a Corolla to a Lexus. Comes down to which is a better value. The SUR307 wins hands down in that regard. I had 300,00 miles on my 1999 Corolla engine when I sold it. The car never skipped a beat. Japanese engineering is insane.
I received the SUR307 as a Christmas gift and I really liked it. Believe it or no the one notch on the microadjustment really was a make or break for me when it came to a comfortable fit.
Hi Jack, thanks for the review. I’m eyeing the sur307, but would like to know your opinion on which other straps you prefer and where to get a different bracelet - perhaps a jubilee, or oyster with polished middle links?? Leather ? Thanks
I’m not 100% sure where to get a bracelet from. If you’re OK with straight end links, you can always get a mesh bracelet from Amazon for a few bucks. If you want cheap, regular straps I would recommend Barton. If you’re willing to spend a bit, I would recommend Delugs (although the strap would probably cost as much as the watch).
GS has one of the best machining , detailing and finishing in the industry no matter the model from Cheapest to most expensive they are on par. The 9f quartz movement is industry best and run under 10 seconds a year
Hi Jack, just found your channel and I am sold on the GS. Can you do a Comparison duo between this GS QUARTZ and a SARB033 - That would be a good match up: Similar Size and dimensions, price albeit for the movement. Anyway, thanks for your honest and impartial review - next time use a Score Card. I am now subscribed to your channel and I hope to see more content from you. Cheers. Malik USA 🇺🇸
I think, having two very similar watches at so very different price points under one roof (corporate) makes it so difficult to accept Grand Seiko (at least in Europe). For instance, the Rolex and Tudor brands are more discernible and not that far apart regarding price. I am buying a SUR309. Closest thing would probably be a SBGV225.
I've always loved classic Grand Seiko design language but could never afford or justify a Grand Seiko. The SUR line of watches is near perfect for me. I now have a 307 silver, 309 blue, 311 black, and 377 green titanium and 371 light blue titanium (titanium SURs new this year). Now I dream of Seiko releasing a SUR with a Red dial like the GS SBGV027!! Please, please, please Seiko!!
So basically you get the same watch, but if you pay ten times as much it’s a little better in every way. Sounds logical to me, but I think the less expensive watch is the greater accomplishment. But then, I’m an egalitarian.
Yeah I mean it sorta makes perfect sense. For a lower price you get a nice watch, you pay more you get a much improved watch. It’s all about whether those upgrades are worth the cost to you. For some people it is worth it, for others it’s not. I suppose it’s worth it to me but I respect your opinion aswell.
@@JackOnWrist it’s only worth it for a watch enthusiast or a snob. For the every day person the $100 seiko will be everything they need it to be and the vast majority of people are not watch people and would never know the difference between the two
@@user-pz5ju7mw3k Yes I agree. For the vast majority of people they will be more than happy with the $100 Seiko. It still something to be proud of. It looks nice and has a great name on the dial. Cheers
I have a 7 inch wrist approximately. Will SUR 307 band fit me without any adjustments? Is it easy to adjust band? What battery does it take? Do you know how to change battery in this watch?
My wrist is 7.5 inches and I had to take off 2 links. They package the watch with a tool to remove and connect the links, so it's super easy to adjust.
Hi! someone told me that quartz watches life span is 20-30years because of the components would worn out the brand is seiko to be precise is it true? :D
What wristsize do you have? My wristsize is only about 17cm, and i have a very small contact Surface, so That the Lug to Lug should be Not bigger than 45mm, so should i Go for the Womans Version ?
I mean you could certainly make that argument. I would say it’s a great everyday watch that can be dressed up and down with straps. If you want a great deal for around 100 bucks it’s a steal. Best in general? No. There are too many great choices beyond that price range.
@@kierbyryangarcia2405 It’s for sure a super versatile piece and with that rock solid quartz movement you should be set for a long time. I have a seiko quartz from the 70s that keeps time within spec still.
Honestly, you just have to wait. It isn’t the most common model and so you just need to wait for the right one to be posted on sites like ebay and chrono24.
@@JackOnWrist thank you very much for your response! But the few sellers that I found were on ebay, chrono and a couple of not as famous pages. The few that offer this exact model, offered it used. The only ones with prices around 1500usd where with "mid condition". Either way, perhaps your video could be named: a 100usd watch against a 2500usd. Seiko outstand because of their incredible quality at "cheap" watches. This Grand Seiko is 25 time more costly, but, you get a 25 times better watch?
@@diegovillacreses7071 Late response but better late than never I guess 😅. The 9F GS in this video looks to be an early 2000s/late 1990s model. I have a SBGX011 with the 9F-61 (No date 9F) movement. I was able to acquire a great sample with full kit from zenmarket on auction for roughly $900 USD and a few years back managed to grab a relatively poor/okay (it’s aesthetically okay but the movement seems to have seen better days) sample for $700 also on auction. These initial 9F models (typically SBGX0##) seem to go on auction or sale on eBay or zenmarket for roughly $600-$1000 typically if you keep your eye on it. Now that said, as fantastic as the 9F entry level GSes are, I think the true value king if you’re a fan of a Seiko HAQ, is the Dolce SACM1## series. They’re super thin dress watches with lovely dials and the amazing white dial SACM171 can even be acquired new in box from sites like Sakura Watches or Seiya Japan for roughly $400. The SACM171 has a much better dial than the SUR307 IMO. While it’s not sunburst, it’s mesmerizing and no pictures I’ve seen has done it justice. Much better in person. It has a 8J quartz movement, the predecessor to the 9F and also a HAQ 10 SPY movement with the biggest drawback being it can’t be regulated like the 9F. Now new it is 3-4x the price of a SUR307, but you get a lot closer to the GS without paying retail for a new GS. If you’re willing to buy used, I got a 9.5/10 condition one for approximately $200 from Japan!
Is it just me or does that 2500$ Grand Seiko seconds hand miss some of the indices ? That would drive me bananas..I have a 150$ Citizen that is dead on every second. Not sure how Seiko can't manage that at those prices.. The SUR also misses but that seems more normal on a lower tier watch.
I wonder the exact opposite - who would buy a spring drive or automatic GS? They're all far too thick and too large, compared to the quartz and manual wind GS options. There's a couple of 38mm spring drive, but the case shapes on them don't look great. There's a lot of great looking GS quartz and manual wind under 38mm (and also not 14mm thick...)
@@JackOnWrist I do miss the Grand Seiko, but I had a really bad experience with Seiko Repair Center from NJ. They ruined my MM300. Terrible experience. I avoid higher end Seiko watch purchases now.
Me too, just sold my champagne dial Grand Seiko Quartz and ordered this one. The GS is a perfect watch. Patek Philipp vibes even. But on a leather the understatement achieved: Love it!
Law of diminishing returns; prices don't increase linearly with quality. You pay ever increasing amounts for small improvements. It's the same with any goods. You won't get an item that's 10 times better for 10 times the price. The Grand Seiko is worth it, to me.
@@Agent0Smith but you just said you pay ever increasing amounts for only small improvements😅. Nope it’s not worth it to me. Too expensive. Not a great value. And that goes for all the high-end watches. it’s just ridiculous game
@@Mystery_Man84 Correct; as with any product, improvements come at a cost, but those improvements become more and more marginal as the price increases higher and higher. That's what the law of diminishing returns is. And oh yeah, all higher end watches are overpriced. Some brands more so than others, but they're all overpriced. I've owned and sold several seikos, and now have some grand seikos, and I enjoy wearing them far more than any of the seikos. Btw, there's a lot of reasonably affordable grand seikos (several options for under $1K).
@@Mystery_Man84 For example: compare a $10 watch to a $1000 watch - the difference in quality will be huge. But compare a $1000 watch to a $100,000 watch, and the difference in quality will not be so drastic.
I love Seiko - have several under $600. While I understand the movement and finish in a Grand Seiko, if I were to have the cash for a "statement" watch I am going to an Omega. Thats just me.
You make a good point. Anytime we talk about a 25x difference in price, you certainly have to be talking about some major differences in quality. Although I would describe the difference in quality to be large, it maybe isn’t worth 25x the price.
So the grand seiko wins, perhaps.
it for sure wins this battle
@@JackOnWrist I must say, that 100 dollar is a good deal. Sapphire on a seiko, INSANE FOR 100 BUCKS BY SEIKO!
@@ryderflips7287 yeah I was surprised. A good deal for sure. That’s becoming rare from seiko these days lol
@@JackOnWrist When I have money again, you know I'll be spending it right away on that watch!
I just bought the SUR307 this week. I hadn't worn a watch in years. This budget watch looks great to me. I keep asking my wife if she wants to know what time it is, like a kid who just got his first watch😊
that’s amazing. It’s definitely an amazing bang for your buck from one of the more iconic brands. Thanks for sharing!
How did you adjust the band
Wow, the old Grand Seiko great video
To be perfectly fair, even the far cheaper Seiko does a fine job.
It's like comparing a Corolla to a Lexus. Comes down to which is a better value. The SUR307 wins hands down in that regard. I had 300,00 miles on my 1999 Corolla engine when I sold it. The car never skipped a beat. Japanese engineering is insane.
@@barrycohen311same with my 2004 accord. The Japanese know what they're doing
I received the SUR307 as a Christmas gift and I really liked it. Believe it or no the one notch on the microadjustment really was a make or break for me when it came to a comfortable fit.
Cant go wrong with any Seiko.
Good video, thank you.
My first watch and love it with a passion. Checked every box. Incredibly affordable, quality, and classy.
Love my sur307. One year in rotation with no complaints.
That’s awesome. It’s a great watch for a great price!
Some of the colors on that entry Seiko are pretty cool, I myself like the SUR525, and sapphire on an entry Seiko too.
Great video! Been watching since when u had 100 subs and seeing u ab to hit 1k it crazy! 2 more til 1k Congrats!
Don't forget Grand Seiko also provides half links to make sure the batch wil fit nicely
Great review. I just ordered the quartz on the left for about $129 on Amazon.
Hi Jack, thanks for the review. I’m eyeing the sur307, but would like to know your opinion on which other straps you prefer and where to get a different bracelet - perhaps a jubilee, or oyster with polished middle links?? Leather ? Thanks
I’m not 100% sure where to get a bracelet from. If you’re OK with straight end links, you can always get a mesh bracelet from Amazon for a few bucks. If you want cheap, regular straps I would recommend Barton. If you’re willing to spend a bit, I would recommend Delugs (although the strap would probably cost as much as the watch).
Great comparison,thanks
GS has one of the best machining , detailing and finishing in the industry no matter the model from
Cheapest to most expensive they are on par. The 9f quartz movement is industry best and run under 10 seconds a year
Super comparison
Hi Jack, just found your channel and I am sold on the GS.
Can you do a Comparison duo between this GS QUARTZ and a SARB033 - That would be a good match up: Similar Size and dimensions, price albeit for the movement.
Anyway, thanks for your honest and impartial review - next time use a Score Card.
I am now subscribed to your channel and I hope to see more content from you.
Cheers.
Malik USA 🇺🇸
Completely agree. I have similar watches myself and the GS is worth the extra, to me. But one micro adjust isn’t too much to ask is it?
I hope they start doing some micro adjust on their bracelets soon because that seems to be the one universal complaint.
I think, having two very similar watches at so very different price points under one roof (corporate) makes it so difficult to accept Grand Seiko (at least in Europe). For instance, the Rolex and Tudor brands are more discernible and not that far apart regarding price. I am buying a SUR309. Closest thing would probably be a SBGV225.
I've always loved classic Grand Seiko design language but could never afford or justify a Grand Seiko. The SUR line of watches is near perfect for me. I now have a 307 silver, 309 blue, 311 black, and 377 green titanium and 371 light blue titanium (titanium SURs new this year). Now I dream of Seiko releasing a SUR with a Red dial like the GS SBGV027!! Please, please, please Seiko!!
Dang a beautiful red dial would be a must have from the SUR line
wow。so many same model but only different dials color. You sure love the seiko essentials lineup
@@xd1be9nb7v and you can (should) only wear one watch at a time!
what is lug to lug on sur307? thanks
@@whyFINAL 46.5 mm.
Where could I buy a used gs like u have? As an entry lvl
So basically you get the same watch, but if you pay ten times as much it’s a little better in every way. Sounds logical to me, but I think the less expensive watch is the greater accomplishment. But then, I’m an egalitarian.
Yeah I mean it sorta makes perfect sense. For a lower price you get a nice watch, you pay more you get a much improved watch. It’s all about whether those upgrades are worth the cost to you. For some people it is worth it, for others it’s not. I suppose it’s worth it to me but I respect your opinion aswell.
@@JackOnWrist it’s only worth it for a watch enthusiast or a snob. For the every day person the $100 seiko will be everything they need it to be and the vast majority of people are not watch people and would never know the difference between the two
@@user-pz5ju7mw3k Yes I agree. For the vast majority of people they will be more than happy with the $100 Seiko. It still something to be proud of. It looks nice and has a great name on the dial. Cheers
The SUR series Titanium are really hard to beat for the money !!!!!!!
Whats the size of the strap? I dont like the OEM, but I dont know the size of it. Wanted to get a 3rd party strap!
for which one
@@JackOnWrist the $100 seiko
@@dennyliu4342 It’s 20mm I believe
Is it worth 10 - 12 times the price????????
Seiko choice of watch specifications angers me.. i really wanted the SURP as a 37mm.
I only thing i hate about seiko is they removed the day window in the titanium watch. They never make good decisions
I have a 7 inch wrist approximately. Will SUR 307 band fit me without any adjustments? Is it easy to adjust band? What battery does it take? Do you know how to change battery in this watch?
My wrist is 7.5 inches and I had to take off 2 links. They package the watch with a tool to remove and connect the links, so it's super easy to adjust.
where did you see it for $100?It's more like $200 minimum.
Grand Seiko does not have lume on the hands, the 40mm case is a better size for eyesight
Hi! someone told me that quartz watches life span is 20-30years because of the components would worn out the brand is seiko to be precise is it true? :D
I have a seiko quartz watch from my grandfather that is over 45 years old. running perfectly. they last a long, long time
I’m 64. They will last long enough for me. 😉
@@mikethebeginner Haha long enough is just enough
I have a 1986 SQ quartz that
sees rotation and works just fine. It sat with a dead battery for 8+ years. Hard to kill.
whats the lug width of the sur 307? i've been trying to find it online and can't find a good source.
20 i think
@@JackOnWrist hopefully! ordered a leather strap to switch out with. thanks
Grand Seiko for me!
It’s more money but a hell of a lot worth it
What wristsize do you have? My wristsize is only about 17cm, and i have a very small contact Surface, so That the Lug to Lug should be Not bigger than 45mm, so should i Go for the Womans Version ?
my size wrist is 16.51cm. So if you think it looks good on my wrist then you will be perfect
@@JackOnWrist who i can See you wearing the Seiko sur 307?
@@fredsoldi9006 Oh shoot. I maube didn’t put it on wrist in the video. I promise it will fit great on you because I really liked it on me.
Grand Seiko - 50 year service interval!
Can’t beat that
Is the Sur307 best for Dress Watch or Everyday watch?
I mean you could certainly make that argument. I would say it’s a great everyday watch that can be dressed up and down with straps. If you want a great deal for around 100 bucks it’s a steal. Best in general? No. There are too many great choices beyond that price range.
Well the important is that you wont have a problem how to fit with what you will wear. Thanks mate for the info mate. 👍
@@kierbyryangarcia2405 It’s for sure a super versatile piece and with that rock solid quartz movement you should be set for a long time. I have a seiko quartz from the 70s that keeps time within spec still.
I just recently ordered it from jomashop because of this vid. Just waiting for it to arrived.
@@kierbyryangarcia2405 That’s awesome. Let me know how you like it. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I've searched like crazy for that Seiko on sale for $1000. But the market price is around $2500 for a new one. Any ideas?
Honestly, you just have to wait. It isn’t the most common model and so you just need to wait for the right one to be posted on sites like ebay and chrono24.
@@JackOnWrist thank you very much for your response! But the few sellers that I found were on ebay, chrono and a couple of not as famous pages. The few that offer this exact model, offered it used. The only ones with prices around 1500usd where with "mid condition".
Either way, perhaps your video could be named: a 100usd watch against a 2500usd. Seiko outstand because of their incredible quality at "cheap" watches. This Grand Seiko is 25 time more costly, but, you get a 25 times better watch?
@@diegovillacreses7071 Late response but better late than never I guess 😅.
The 9F GS in this video looks to be an early 2000s/late 1990s model. I have a SBGX011 with the 9F-61 (No date 9F) movement. I was able to acquire a great sample with full kit from zenmarket on auction for roughly $900 USD and a few years back managed to grab a relatively poor/okay (it’s aesthetically okay but the movement seems to have seen better days) sample for $700 also on auction. These initial 9F models (typically SBGX0##) seem to go on auction or sale on eBay or zenmarket for roughly $600-$1000 typically if you keep your eye on it.
Now that said, as fantastic as the 9F entry level GSes are, I think the true value king if you’re a fan of a Seiko HAQ, is the Dolce SACM1## series. They’re super thin dress watches with lovely dials and the amazing white dial SACM171 can even be acquired new in box from sites like Sakura Watches or Seiya Japan for roughly $400.
The SACM171 has a much better dial than the SUR307 IMO. While it’s not sunburst, it’s mesmerizing and no pictures I’ve seen has done it justice. Much better in person. It has a 8J quartz movement, the predecessor to the 9F and also a HAQ 10 SPY movement with the biggest drawback being it can’t be regulated like the 9F. Now new it is 3-4x the price of a SUR307, but you get a lot closer to the GS without paying retail for a new GS. If you’re willing to buy used, I got a 9.5/10 condition one for approximately $200 from Japan!
@@RampageJ5 better later than never! Thank you!
Where can you get that GS for a $1,000?
I was able to get it at auction on ebay
Is it just me or does that 2500$ Grand Seiko seconds hand miss some of the indices ?
That would drive me bananas..I have a 150$ Citizen that is dead on every second. Not sure how Seiko can't manage that at those prices..
The SUR also misses but that seems more normal on a lower tier watch.
how did u get that GS for $1000?!
I guess I just got it at the right time. I purchased it on ebay.
@@JackOnWrist actually I just found a few for that amount. Great watch.
I don't know who would buy a GS Quartz. Spring Drive or HiBeat is where it's at.
Those movements are nice, but sometimes you need a watch you can set and forget.
I wonder the exact opposite - who would buy a spring drive or automatic GS? They're all far too thick and too large, compared to the quartz and manual wind GS options.
There's a couple of 38mm spring drive, but the case shapes on them don't look great. There's a lot of great looking GS quartz and manual wind under 38mm (and also not 14mm thick...)
It seems to be an urban myth, but Grand Seiko doesn't claim 50 years service intervals. I'd like to be proven wrong.
Apparently, they used to, but they removed any references to that on their website.
I have owned a Grand Seiko quartz 9f. I sold it it. A Grand Seiko is still a Seiko.
Why did you sell it?
@@JackOnWrist I do miss the Grand Seiko, but I had a really bad experience with Seiko Repair Center from NJ. They ruined my MM300. Terrible experience. I avoid higher end Seiko watch purchases now.
@@MBrown-ct5zn That’s totally fair. If you don’t mind sharing the specifics, what happened to the MM300?
Me too, just sold my champagne dial Grand Seiko Quartz and ordered this one. The GS is a perfect watch. Patek Philipp vibes even. But on a leather the understatement achieved: Love it!
Dude your nails and cuticles need some love
In my opinion, the Grand Seiko is obviously better. But not 10 times better. Maybe 4 times more expensive it should be…
Law of diminishing returns; prices don't increase linearly with quality. You pay ever increasing amounts for small improvements.
It's the same with any goods. You won't get an item that's 10 times better for 10 times the price.
The Grand Seiko is worth it, to me.
@@Agent0Smith but you just said you pay ever increasing amounts for only small improvements😅. Nope it’s not worth it to me. Too expensive. Not a great value. And that goes for all the high-end watches. it’s just ridiculous game
@@Mystery_Man84
Correct; as with any product, improvements come at a cost, but those improvements become more and more marginal as the price increases higher and higher. That's what the law of diminishing returns is.
And oh yeah, all higher end watches are overpriced. Some brands more so than others, but they're all overpriced.
I've owned and sold several seikos, and now have some grand seikos, and I enjoy wearing them far more than any of the seikos.
Btw, there's a lot of reasonably affordable grand seikos (several options for under $1K).
@@Mystery_Man84 For example: compare a $10 watch to a $1000 watch - the difference in quality will be huge. But compare a $1000 watch to a $100,000 watch, and the difference in quality will not be so drastic.
How much you bought? And bought at where? For the Sur series.
100 Bucks, on amazon
@@JackOnWrist wow. Cannot find this amazing deals now.
@@ustradingdiary I am sorry. It was on sale but i guess no longer
2500 for a Polished Seiko wow
the movements are different smh
I love Seiko - have several under $600. While I understand the movement and finish in a Grand Seiko, if I were to have the cash for a "statement" watch I am going to an Omega. Thats just me.
You buy omega to impress others, you buy grand Seiko to impress yourself :)
@@dariuszwojcik1601 True
I own both...and both are a great choice.
Love your old post about why not to buy a GS. Ha ha
haha I love my GS
Yes, but is the Grand Seiko worth 25 times it's lower priced sister....NO
You make a good point. Anytime we talk about a 25x difference in price, you certainly have to be talking about some major differences in quality. Although I would describe the difference in quality to be large, it maybe isn’t worth 25x the price.