The period of horology that Seiko bettered the Swiss at making watches is one of the biggest landmarks. This watch is an example of that part of history. Some people don't understand that or appreciate its elegant simplicity. Wearing it separates those who do from those who don't. ; D
For the most part it isn’t about snobbery. It’s like preferring a naturally aspirated flat plane Ferrari v8 over a turbo charged engine. Newer Ferraris have technically better engines but they don’t sound the same and the power band is different. It’s similar with automatic watches.
It is nice for the price but quartz snobbery shouldn't be a thing regardless the automatic price. These things beats mechanical asses on accuracy all year long, I suspect the overly romanticized mechanical movement is one of the main reason of the quartz stunted development
I am a fan of Grand Seiko, and if I were to get one, it would likely be this quartz model, either the black or white dial. Like you and others have said, you get all the quality and attention to detail of the higher end GS models with the superb quartz motor (+/- 10 sec per year, 50 year maintenance interval; are you kidding me?!). Win/win!
Don't know why people have the snobbery over quartz. This has a brilliant 9F62 motor, and a case as good as the automatics. I think it's great. Excellent review sir
Thank you! And I totally agree. The Swiss have really brainwashed people into thinking Quartz is bad because otherwise they would’ve have survived the quartz crisis. The cheaper quartz that exists out there also takes away from the achievements that’s higher accuracy quartz really has. In the end, it’s for those who don’t really care what others think and just like a nicely made watch.
Love mine. It is such a great daily watch, definition of set it and forget it, got mine 6 months ago and set it once and im still ticking dead on accurate
Nice watch! Quartz is the future. It's a well-made watch. I have a quartz Grand Seiko as well. So I respect your choice. I love both automatic mechanical watches, and quartz/tuning fork/static electric watches and half of my watches are quartz watches. Some of my best watches are quartz. Quartz is brilliant. Your watch is beautiful and your choice was top notch! Thanks for this video.
Ya people definitely look down on Quartz much too often. As long as the watch is well built and it’s a quality Quartz movement what’s the problem 🤷🏻♂️
Just got my first experience into the Grand Seiko watch, and it's a quartz GS. Coming from only regular Seiko Automatic Diver's, never thought I would get into quartz but GS makes a quartz watch worth its respect and value.
The amount of horological expertise that goes into Seiko's high end quartz definitely makes them a watch fan's watch, the finishing, design and precision is all excellent. Too many snobs think "quartz" and just imagine a huge bucket of generic quartz movements ready to go in unremarkable fashion watches, when there's so many amazing quartz watches that deserve attention. I haven't got any modern Grand Seiko watches but I have two Grand Quartz from the late 70's which still perform to their +/-10 seconds per year spec, I love my mechanical collection but those vintage quartz look great and stay accurate and running whenever I need them.
Dear sir , you discuss everything honestly about the watch , and we needed to hear what u said all about this piece . Thanks a lot , I appreciate your hard work sir . Stay blessed
Amazing watch for me the white dial version recently as I especially wanted the GS 9F movement. Finish is great and wearing the hell out of mine. Wear it in good health 👍🏻
Best watch review I've seen lately. You gave me an idea of the way I would feel if I bought the watch. I was already sold on the SBGX but I thought I wanted black or silver. Now I'm liking that black dial. I subbed. Thanks.
Just got mine! Your review helped my decision. I thought the 37mm would be too small, but it sits perfect on my 6.75 in wrist. Its doesn't wear like a dress watch or a sports watch - it wears like a Grand Seiko! If you know what I mean.. One downside tho is that it makes me want another GS 😩
If your going to buy a luxury quarts watch Grand seiko is the only company than can pull it off cause of their history. Tbh I actually like that GS makes luxury quarts watches. I personally can see why they'd make them still. I'd love to own a GS quarts, mechanical, automatic, most importantly a spring drive movement.
Mechanical watches are a 300 year old tech. Like the diamond market, elite watch brands are trying to keep us stuck in this ancient watch technology. I am on team quartz, not those dollar shop crap, but high end class movements like the 9f, eco drive and the like.
The 9F GS is probably one of the best daily watches you can get if you don't need to doing something fierce. It also has the details that can always attract your attention when you are bored or tired.
What a gorgeous piece! I'd agree that for myself, that price for a quartz isn't my vibe. But I can see the huge draw in this model. The seconds hand hits right on (not all do, but yours does), and that case is sooooo classy.
Tob Raham ya and they do make a spring drive in 39mm for about 1700 more but I love the quartz. The thing about Grand Seiko quartz is they are made to hit every marker, if they don’t it needs to be sent back haha!
It depends how pedantic you are; I’ve never seen any quartz watch - even Grand Seiko - hit the markers _perfectly_ on either side of the dial. It’s not a ‘flaw’, per say, but I know how frustrating it is! Having said that, I think that Grand Seiko make more effort than most to get that alignment as close to perfect as possible.
It is also one of mine! I do own a GS sbgn 005 and am very satisfied. But you cannot underestimate the Bulova precisionist, with its sweeping second hand! There is no other like it!
Gorgeous watch! GS is one of my favorite brands EVER! I hope to own the SBGA211 ❄️ one day (it's my Holy Grail watch) but I currently don't even own a watch due to financial reasons (I'm poor lol). I was going to get a Seiko 5 SNKL23J1 & a nice Italian leather strap to go with it but my pet bird (female crested albino ringneck) started to act/look sick ) the day before Thanksgiving. I got her to the vet the day after Thanksgiving, I would have took her sooner but I couldn't get the money together sooner. We rushed her to the vet ($150.00 for them to see her) and the doctor checked her out and said there was a mass inside her (most likely the egg) she then laid the egg and we were so happy and relieved, but, just to make sure she was going to be ok we were going to pay almost $700.00 to do a blood analysis, X-rays and put her on fluids in a oxygen chamber overnight where she would be monitored. I sang her the "you are my Sunshine" song before the vet took her in the back. About 10 minutes later as we were driving we received a phone call from the vet informing us that my sweet little Birdie suddenly passed away unexpectedly. I got her a private cremation and a beautiful hand carved walnut wood urn with her name in it (her name was Birdie). We only had to pay the cost of the visit and for the private cremation & urn ($365.00) but it's not about the money as I would give anything to have her back she was my best friend and only friend (besides my mom). We weren't able to celebrate Christmas this year but neither do the homeless so I have no room to complain. PS I know it seems odd to write all of this on your comment section but I just had a moment of weakness and needed to get it off my chest. I just want people to know how special, loved and missed she is. I also want to thank you for the great video of your lovely watch as it helped me to get my mind off the other stuff that is going on in my life. PPS if you think this comment is inappropriate for this comment section I will take it down immediately. I hope you had a great Christmas and I hope you have a great New year 🎉 as well. R.I.P Birdie 🕊️ 2016-2019 if love could have kept you alive you would have lived forever.
Thanks for watching the video. And sorry to hear about Birdie. It’s rough losing a pet because they do really start feeling like part of the family. Glad you were able to get the experience off your chest and that my content was able to be a small reprieve. Wish you the best and hope you soon get a watch you can cherish and enjoy each day. Merry Christmas!
Nice review mate! I just bought one! The first day I was uh oh "too small" ? Because I was wearing my 42mm rolex explorer 2! After a week if wearing...love it! Unobtrusive, classic, and do all! Yeah micro adjust would be nice. But hey...drilled lugs! And a strap monster! Thanks for your honest review.
Really classy piece, and put it on black or deep brown Croc strap to go from sport/business to Opera House function. GS quality for that price. I have two GS autos but this is great, good taste, very restrained therefore stays Classic.
That is an interesting take, I didn't really think about it but obviously it doesn't have as many or as complex moving parts. Any idea how often a quartz would genuinely need a service?
@@ssdc2 I think for the 9F movement GS has said it should be able to go 50 years without servicing (besides battery changes of course) but I don't think any have been around long enough to put that to the test
@@Exactable7 I don't think you can find a Seiko source claiming a 50 year service interval. That's just something people write because they saw it written by others.
I have one. I also own more expensive Swiss watches including Rolex and Omega. Yet, I can't stop staring at the smooth sweep of the Soring Drive seconds hand and the finishing is objectively better than their Swiss counterparts.
Thanks a lot for this fine video. I learned a lot and the exiting competition story in the 60s was unknown to me. I have to admit though, that I was unaware of the exceptional quality of GS Seiko watches until I was made aware of the extrem rarity and fineness of my 4580 - model, which had spent the last 40 years as a sleeping beauty in a drawer and was kissed awake a week ago just by accident. With your finde GS Quartz I love the position precision of the hands. My Junghans mega drives me crazy with the hands between the minute marks... Sorry for the comparison.
The junghans is a fine watch and I’m surprised the seconds hand doesn’t hit the markers. It’s a hit and miss some times I guess. That 4580 is a very happy accident enjoy it!
@@yavornikolov6965 unfortunately sold it a few years ago. Still a great watch. Would enjoy it if I still had it but would also consider other things in the gs line. The sbgv207 or sbgp007 I would get more enjoyment out of because the more faceted case and arguably more pretty seeming finishing. It is large at 40 though. If I had to stick with 37mm I would maybe save up and get the sbgx355. Same size but in titanium which is very cool and has the snowflake dial texture which you can’t go wrong with.
HI! I would like to have your updated opinion on this watch, you now have enormous experience in terms of watches and I would like to know what you think of the bracelet today, because we often hear bad things about it.... and would you recommend it to now as a daily watch at that price range?
Hey there. The bracelet has always been fine to me. Sure there’s no on the fly adjustment but most watches don’t have that. It’s still comfortable, smooth on wrist, and feels sturdy and like it’s a quality piece. I would definitely still take it up as a daily. Having had my tastes change a little since I’ve owned this watch, I’d maybe look at the previous sbgx061 or the sbgn003 as good alternatives.
jscomp r it definitely does. And I have a comparison between the two that should be out in a week or two. It is very hard to capture the quality of the grand seiko because it is something you have to see in person.
@@theknightswatch Look forward to it. Even my 12 yr old son had no problem discerning the GS as the more expensive and delicate watch. Part of it is the lack of AR coating on the SARB, part of this is the level of finishing
Grand Seiko fan scratch just as easily as any other watch and the first scratches hurt the most! But once you let it wear in a little it looks good. I’ve found personally that since gs has such a high shine that on the high polish area, small scratches aren’t as noticeable since the rest of the watch is shining so brightly back
From someone who is about receive mine and did some research on GS, but has never held or seen one in real life- it seems like the GS quarts are the most accurate of all GS watches. Am i wrong?
After owning it a while, do you become less concerned about surface marks and maintaining the mirror finish, and does it still look as good without the surface perfection? Also, do you know if Grand Seiko use high quality steel, like 316L? Thanks for the great review and images
Personally initially I didn’t care much about it getting ruined. It’s all down to personally preference. To me a watch is meant to be worn and there will be scratches and marks over time. Does the first big scratch still hurt? Of course but it happens. Obviously zaratsu will always shine like zaratsu especially in more shaded lighting situations but direct or harsh light will bring out the scratches. And yep Grand Seiko uses 316l. Thanks for watching!
@@stoolpigeon4285 It's roughtly equivalent to Rolex's 904L, though 904L is a little harder, and also better at resisting corrosion from salt water and chemicals. 904L has about 3% to 28% Nickel and 4% to 5% Molybdenum, while Grand Seiko's 316L is about 10% to 12% Nickel content and 2% to 3% Molybdenum. 316L is particularly good at holding the Zaratsu polishing finish and scratches not ending up too deep, since they harden the steel during forging.
Was going to make my next watch the Omega Aqua Terra (love the James Bond versions'). Just on looks alone this seems to be an equal alternative for 1/2 the price and perhaps slightly better quality. Quartz? That's fine with me.
If you like the look of it it’s a great option. I’d also recommend looking at the older double branded version sbgx061 I believe. And the sbga285 may be another contender for the aqua terra. No wrong choice but hopefully you find the right one for you!
@@theknightswatch Will do..! Price is a big consideration. In 2005 I bought a Rolex Sub (16610) brand new for $4,800. I absolutely love it to this day and plan on handing it down to my son but always in the back of my mind is the $$$ I had spent (i.e., ouch..). I'd like to stay in the $2K range this time around. Thanks Bro and great video.
Sander vdcp thank you! Unfortunately I no longer have it. But I loved every minute of owning it. As long as your able to look past the quartz. It’s a beautifully made piece. May get another one day or maybe one of those quartz gmts. We will see!
hi mate great video keep it up ! really interested in this watch, does it have lume ? also do you know if changing the battery is standard or needs to be sent to grand seiko? thanks
joel raine thé watch doesn’t have lume but zaratsu is good enough to where if there is any light at all you’ll be able to read the watch. Pitch black it can’t be read. The battery change can be carried out by anyone.
Expensive quartz is not unjustified. But what is unjustified is spending a lot of money on a fancy automatic movement that keeps worse time than a cheap quartz. That is the very definition of style triumphing over substance.
True, no watch purchase has justification. It is a hobby and a collecting niche. A watch isn’t worth more than maybe a 12 dollar f91 or a Timex easy reader. People buy watches because they like it. Whatever movement or finishing technique present is just a way to somewhat justify the price. In the end people will buy what they like.
You are buying craftsmanship when you buy high end mechanical watches, they will never be as accurate at quartz but look at something like the Triple split from ALS and tell me that isn’t desirable. If I want absolute accuracy I’ll look at my phone. Watches are about so much more than accurate time. If you don’t get that then choose another hobby.
@@Jabber-ig3iw I own three mechanical watches and no quartz watches. I appreciate the style over the substance argument. I’m purely picking up on the highly subjective term “justified”.
emsmkivgolf ya it takes a certain mentality to look past the tick. You even have some mechanical deadbeat watches which people don’t like the look of too much because we are sweep obsessed.
I think the reason they don't is since they have Spring Drive and the unbeatable smooth sweep already, they don't bother trying to emulate a high beat sweep with their pure quartz range. But they do make the ticks at least aesthetically pleasing with minimal recoil and precise lining up with the dial markers.
D D I completely agree. That’s why the star logo quarts look so much better. I wish they would put some text on the bottom like quartz or Japanese or something.
I have Solar Quartz watches and they are just as accurate but no 3 year battery changing. If Seiko went to Solar power of had a 10 year battery it would never be an issue.
regarding the 19mm lugs. I have always used 20mm straps on my 19mm lug watches and have never had a problem with them looking like they’ve been forced between the lugs.
How my watch is driven is irrelevant...it should be attractive to look at, practical and be good value...this watch is all three of these things...its a strong option
I don’t take mechanical snobs seriously when they turn up their noses at quartz. For every argument purporting automatics there is an equally valid counter-argument: accuracy. No automatic can even touch a 9F in timekeeping precision. The exact reason why mechanicals never appealed to me.
I will be honest, I am biased. The watch is gorgeous and I love it and even the quartz movement is astonishing but I still feel a bit odd spending 2k for a quartz. At the same time I think I would love the precision of a Quartz and knowing I can rely on it without having to update it every time I forget of using it. Once I will get my current grail il probably consider this one :D
It’s definitely not easy spending that much on a Quartz, some may get it and some may never get it. I think more people will bug luxury automatics and then pick up a luxury Quartz at some point in the future
@@theknightswatch in the week since I wrote this comment I came around 😂 Now this watch is going to be my next grail. There’s something about those pure lines and the black dial that just made me fall in love. It’s elegant and the high precision quartz is actually more a benefit than a negative. 😄
Hi there, hope you are well? Loved your video, seemed very off the cuff but very honest with some very clear thoughts behind your comments. I am falling for G.S especially the quartz, however, I want to know how the bracelet is holding p. Everyone that does not like G.S will make comments abot how the bracelet is not well built or as good as that of a Rolex. I would love to hear an honest opinion from you. Thanks and all the best to you
Appreciate you watching. None of my videos are scripted but I do have a general idea of what I want to say. The bracelet is great. The only way it doesn’t “stand up” to Rolex is by lacking micro adjust. The quality and feel of the bracelet is definitely there when compared to things in the more affordable price range. Worse comes to worse and for some reason you just can’t find a sizing on the bracelet that works for you, aftermarket is always an option with leather or silicone straps. Hope this helps.
@@theknightswatch Yeah, I noticed, it is much better that way as your videos will be more honest and expression is always much better when you speak from a vision in your mind. It is the same style I hope to adopt when I do open up my own channel. Thanks for the info, I could't give a damn about micro adjustment to be honest. You have helped me out quite a bit. Thanks again and stay well.
@@Joe-xo3xy I can confirm that the bracelet is every bit as solid and well engineered as the oyster bracelet on my new Datejust. The only downside is that there is no micro-adjustment....fortunately I don’t need it as I’ve been lucky enough to find a perfect fit. The polishing is brilliant and feels buttery smooth as you’d expect from such a great brand. The clasp itself looks really cool with the raised GS logo.
@@theknightswatch I'm actually considering the SBGX297 --- I like it on the strap rather than bracelet.also the kinda unusual dial color. semi black, blue
This is definitely my grail watch, an obtainable one at least. High luxury watch that doesn't require service for 50 years? That's insane. I do wish it had a screw down crown and micro adjusting on the clasp but really those are just nitpicks. Love this watch!
But who says 50 years? I've checked. Seiko doesn't make that claim. Apperently people just repeat what others write, even if it has no truthful source.
@@yehoshuacirt8645 I'll look into it but people aren't just getting that from no where. Either way, Quartz requires a lot less maintenance than mechanical. Both in time and price.
Automatics are beautiful........but wait until you have to pay for a repair or maintenance on a mechanical vs a quartz. I love quartz especially when GS's maintenance is at 50 years instead of 5-10 years vs a mechanical.
Thank you and thanks for watching! My personally opinion is go for the black dial. I’ve seen both in person and the black just allows the markers to shine even more brilliantly in a way. More understated and you can’t go wrong with a classic black dial. Either way you can’t go wrong.
Andrew McDonnell I like the champagne dial. It’s not too overly gold, it’s very subtle. Personally I’m not a very gold/champagne person so I’d go with the black or white.
I have just sold my SBGA373G with champagne dial. It looks beautiful in certain light conditions but in all honesty it looks cold and boring in most day to day light conditions. Just a dull lifeless colour IMO. No where near as nice as the champagne dial on my Tudor Prince Date+Day which has a really defined sunburst effect and always looks “warm”. If that makes sense.
Bought this watch over 2 mounth ago. They are not perfect: no micro adjustments, poor quality of bracelet, strap size 19mm and boring black mate dial. However, for me, there are a lot of more advantages, so I really LOVE them. During my watch desease I understand that perfect watches doesnt exist. Just read on forums about Rolex, AP, PP problems or any other luxury brand.
Somehow the design on the dial of the quartz watch just wrong missing something on the bottom at 6 clock , nice watch though , if they can move the letters Grand Seiko to the bottom or have some design or letter would be great
the 100 dollar g shock 5610 with multiband 6 had an accuracy of +-0 seconds per year, therefore its better than this Grand seiko quartz :) Just kididng
B Rad bulovas movement seems too large to fit in something like this. I’m personally fine with the ticking hand. Some people can get over quartz some can’t!
Awful stumbling hand? Are you watching a different video to the rest of us? It’s quartz, get over it, it is watchmaker built, it’s accurate to at worst 10 seconds a year. You seem obsessed with Bulova movements, spring drive pisses all over that.
The period of horology that Seiko bettered the Swiss at making watches is one of the biggest landmarks. This watch is an example of that part of history. Some people don't understand that or appreciate its elegant simplicity. Wearing it separates those who do from those who don't. ; D
Well said! Definitely not a watch for everyone but for those who don’t mind it there is a lot to appreciate.
The quartz snobbery from many who probably think their AuToMaTiC NH35 is nice lol 😂
Ya too much snobbery around Quartz. Swiss brainwashed the consumer so they could survive haha but people like what they like.
@@theknightswatch even fp journe makes quartz watches!
For the most part it isn’t about snobbery. It’s like preferring a naturally aspirated flat plane Ferrari v8 over a turbo charged engine. Newer Ferraris have technically better engines but they don’t sound the same and the power band is different. It’s similar with automatic watches.
@@mariog7213 I feel like you missed the mark on that comparison #tesla? 😂 I get where you're coming from tho
It is nice for the price but quartz snobbery shouldn't be a thing regardless the automatic price. These things beats mechanical asses on accuracy all year long, I suspect the overly romanticized mechanical movement is one of the main reason of the quartz stunted development
I am a fan of Grand Seiko, and if I were to get one, it would likely be this quartz model, either the black or white dial. Like you and others have said, you get all the quality and attention to detail of the higher end GS models with the superb quartz motor (+/- 10 sec per year, 50 year maintenance interval; are you kidding me?!). Win/win!
Don't know why people have the snobbery over quartz. This has a brilliant 9F62 motor, and a case as good as the automatics. I think it's great. Excellent review sir
Thank you! And I totally agree. The Swiss have really brainwashed people into thinking Quartz is bad because otherwise they would’ve have survived the quartz crisis. The cheaper quartz that exists out there also takes away from the achievements that’s higher accuracy quartz really has. In the end, it’s for those who don’t really care what others think and just like a nicely made watch.
For an everyday movement Quartz is great but for a special watch it tends to be too common and not as creative.
Growing your own Quartz is not boring
Beauty in its simplicity - I think this watch is stunning. Love the 9F movement also
Luke Banfield thank you! And the 9F is such a cool movement.
This is why I prefer my wife’s Explorer II to my GMT Master II..
Bought this watch today at the flagship store in Tokyo. Such a great way to get into the world of watches!
How much in usd?
The only brand that could get me to spend 4 figures on Quartz.
I would say same here but I ended up owning a Quartz Reverso for a while and loved that too.
@@theknightswatch jaeger makes in house quartz if I’m not mistaken. How did you like it?
Love mine. It is such a great daily watch, definition of set it and forget it, got mine 6 months ago and set it once and im still ticking dead on accurate
Mehmet Şevket Ersoy There is no lume on this particular model.
Nice watch! Quartz is the future. It's a well-made watch. I have a quartz Grand Seiko as well. So I respect your choice. I love both automatic mechanical watches, and quartz/tuning fork/static electric watches and half of my watches are quartz watches. Some of my best watches are quartz. Quartz is brilliant. Your watch is beautiful and your choice was top notch! Thanks for this video.
Ya people definitely look down on Quartz much too often. As long as the watch is well built and it’s a quality Quartz movement what’s the problem 🤷🏻♂️
Just got my first experience into the Grand Seiko watch, and it's a quartz GS. Coming from only regular Seiko Automatic Diver's, never thought I would get into quartz but GS makes a quartz watch worth its respect and value.
Congrats. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come. Grand Seiko Quartz is highly underrated.
What a great watch. Under the radar and high quality at the same time. I'm sure it's a real pleasure to wear.
Completely, always a fun one to wear.
The amount of horological expertise that goes into Seiko's high end quartz definitely makes them a watch fan's watch, the finishing, design and precision is all excellent. Too many snobs think "quartz" and just imagine a huge bucket of generic quartz movements ready to go in unremarkable fashion watches, when there's so many amazing quartz watches that deserve attention.
I haven't got any modern Grand Seiko watches but I have two Grand Quartz from the late 70's which still perform to their +/-10 seconds per year spec, I love my mechanical collection but those vintage quartz look great and stay accurate and running whenever I need them.
Completely agree. It’s one of those things where you either get it or don’t. But for those that do it’s a cool niche to get into.
That secondhand ticks with such wonderful control. Love the precision:)
Dear sir , you discuss everything honestly about the watch , and we needed to hear what u said all about this piece . Thanks a lot , I appreciate your hard work sir . Stay blessed
Amazing watch for me the white dial version recently as I especially wanted the GS 9F movement.
Finish is great and wearing the hell out of mine.
Wear it in good health 👍🏻
The white is lovely as well! Glad your enjoying yours man. And thanks for watching :)
Best watch review I've seen lately. You gave me an idea of the way I would feel if I bought the watch. I was already sold on the SBGX but I thought I wanted black or silver. Now I'm liking that black dial. I subbed. Thanks.
Just got mine! Your review helped my decision. I thought the 37mm would be too small, but it sits perfect on my 6.75 in wrist. Its doesn't wear like a dress watch or a sports watch - it wears like a Grand Seiko! If you know what I mean.. One downside tho is that it makes me want another GS 😩
Glad to hear it! GS is definitely a slippery slope. They are so good!
If your going to buy a luxury quarts watch Grand seiko is the only company than can pull it off cause of their history. Tbh I actually like that GS makes luxury quarts watches. I personally can see why they'd make them still. I'd love to own a GS quarts, mechanical, automatic, most importantly a spring drive movement.
I think I will buy this as my first great watch. The Grand seiko is not the same quartz as cheaper watches
Mechanical watches are a 300 year old tech. Like the diamond market, elite watch brands are trying to keep us stuck in this ancient watch technology. I am on team quartz, not those dollar shop crap, but high end class movements like the 9f, eco drive and the like.
My 9F85 60th Anniversary is quality, craftsmanship, and precision that beyond compare. I plan on giving it to my grandchild.
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The 9F GS is probably one of the best daily watches you can get if you don't need to doing something fierce. It also has the details that can always attract your attention when you are bored or tired.
Leya Y completely agree. Looking at the reflections and finishing really is a of way to pass some time and just admire some craftsmanship.
What a gorgeous piece! I'd agree that for myself, that price for a quartz isn't my vibe. But I can see the huge draw in this model. The seconds hand hits right on (not all do, but yours does), and that case is sooooo classy.
Tob Raham ya and they do make a spring drive in 39mm for about 1700 more but I love the quartz. The thing about Grand Seiko quartz is they are made to hit every marker, if they don’t it needs to be sent back haha!
It depends how pedantic you are; I’ve never seen any quartz watch - even Grand Seiko - hit the markers _perfectly_ on either side of the dial. It’s not a ‘flaw’, per say, but I know how frustrating it is! Having said that, I think that Grand Seiko make more effort than most to get that alignment as close to perfect as possible.
My favorite quartz is the bulova precessionist. Super accurate and still has a smooth sweep. I will GS would use something similar
It is also one of mine! I do own a GS sbgn 005 and am very satisfied. But you cannot underestimate the Bulova precisionist, with its sweeping second hand! There is no other like it!
Spring drive
Gorgeous watch! GS is one of my favorite brands EVER! I hope to own the SBGA211 ❄️ one day (it's my Holy Grail watch) but I currently don't even own a watch due to financial reasons (I'm poor lol). I was going to get a Seiko 5 SNKL23J1 & a nice Italian leather strap to go with it but my pet bird (female crested albino ringneck) started to act/look sick ) the day before Thanksgiving. I got her to the vet the day after Thanksgiving, I would have took her sooner but I couldn't get the money together sooner. We rushed her to the vet ($150.00 for them to see her) and the doctor checked her out and said there was a mass inside her (most likely the egg) she then laid the egg and we were so happy and relieved, but, just to make sure she was going to be ok we were going to pay almost $700.00 to do a blood analysis, X-rays and put her on fluids in a oxygen chamber overnight where she would be monitored. I sang her the "you are my Sunshine" song before the vet took her in the back. About 10 minutes later as we were driving we received a phone call from the vet informing us that my sweet little Birdie suddenly passed away unexpectedly. I got her a private cremation and a beautiful hand carved walnut wood urn with her name in it (her name was Birdie). We only had to pay the cost of the visit and for the private cremation & urn ($365.00) but it's not about the money as I would give anything to have her back she was my best friend and only friend (besides my mom). We weren't able to celebrate Christmas this year but neither do the homeless so I have no room to complain. PS I know it seems odd to write all of this on your comment section but I just had a moment of weakness and needed to get it off my chest. I just want people to know how special, loved and missed she is. I also want to thank you for the great video of your lovely watch as it helped me to get my mind off the other stuff that is going on in my life. PPS if you think this comment is inappropriate for this comment section I will take it down immediately. I hope you had a great Christmas and I hope you have a great New year 🎉 as well. R.I.P Birdie 🕊️ 2016-2019 if love could have kept you alive you would have lived forever.
Thanks for watching the video. And sorry to hear about Birdie. It’s rough losing a pet because they do really start feeling like part of the family. Glad you were able to get the experience off your chest and that my content was able to be a small reprieve. Wish you the best and hope you soon get a watch you can cherish and enjoy each day. Merry Christmas!
@@theknightswatch Thank you and merry Christmas to you as well. ✌️
God bless you Jason,
Nice review mate! I just bought one! The first day I was uh oh "too small" ? Because I was wearing my 42mm rolex explorer 2!
After a week if wearing...love it!
Unobtrusive, classic, and do all!
Yeah micro adjust would be nice. But hey...drilled lugs! And a strap monster!
Thanks for your honest review.
Do you still recommend this watch ?
Thanks for the review. Not the easiest watch to film, however you did a great job.👍
Thank you for watching 🙏🏻
Really classy piece, and put it on black or deep brown Croc strap to go from sport/business to Opera House function. GS quality for that price. I have two GS autos but this is great, good taste, very restrained therefore stays Classic.
With quartz it is a lifetime watch. No real servicing. Great review.
Agreed, thanks for watching!
That is an interesting take, I didn't really think about it but obviously it doesn't have as many or as complex moving parts. Any idea how often a quartz would genuinely need a service?
@@ssdc2 I think for the 9F movement GS has said it should be able to go 50 years without servicing (besides battery changes of course) but I don't think any have been around long enough to put that to the test
@@Exactable7 I don't think you can find a Seiko source claiming a 50 year service interval. That's just something people write because they saw it written by others.
I have one. I also own more expensive Swiss watches including Rolex and Omega. Yet, I can't stop staring at the smooth sweep of the Soring Drive seconds hand and the finishing is objectively better than their Swiss counterparts.
Thanks a lot for this fine video. I learned a lot and the exiting competition story in the 60s was unknown to me. I have to admit though, that I was unaware of the exceptional quality of GS Seiko watches until I was made aware of the extrem rarity and fineness of my 4580 - model, which had spent the last 40 years as a sleeping beauty in a drawer and was kissed awake a week ago just by accident.
With your finde GS Quartz I love the position precision of the hands. My Junghans mega drives me crazy with the hands between the minute marks... Sorry for the comparison.
The junghans is a fine watch and I’m surprised the seconds hand doesn’t hit the markers. It’s a hit and miss some times I guess. That 4580 is a very happy accident enjoy it!
I got a 39mm spring drive model & love mine. The finishing is stunning.
Kawee Meksongruek love the 39mm model, fits so well on the wrist. Enjoy it!
Great brand Grand Seiko, really awesome. But no micro adjustment on the clasp and that sucks big balls
Completely agreed. They makes some of the best watches for the price but they really need micro adjust
Awesome watch. Quick question-does this feature quickset hour like the 9F GMT, or does it have quickset date instead? Thanks for detailed video!
Thanks for watching, this one is quickset date
@@theknightswatch great. thanks
I am really contemplating... Do you still own the watch? What is your overall feeling towards it after so many years ?
@@yavornikolov6965 unfortunately sold it a few years ago. Still a great watch. Would enjoy it if I still had it but would also consider other things in the gs line. The sbgv207 or sbgp007 I would get more enjoyment out of because the more faceted case and arguably more pretty seeming finishing. It is large at 40 though. If I had to stick with 37mm I would maybe save up and get the sbgx355. Same size but in titanium which is very cool and has the snowflake dial texture which you can’t go wrong with.
HI! I would like to have your updated opinion on this watch, you now have enormous experience in terms of watches and I would like to know what you think of the bracelet today, because we often hear bad things about it.... and would you recommend it to now as a daily watch at that price range?
Hey there. The bracelet has always been fine to me. Sure there’s no on the fly adjustment but most watches don’t have that. It’s still comfortable, smooth on wrist, and feels sturdy and like it’s a quality piece.
I would definitely still take it up as a daily. Having had my tastes change a little since I’ve owned this watch, I’d maybe look at the previous sbgx061 or the sbgn003 as good alternatives.
@@theknightswatch thanx! :)
Wow! This is a great video and a wonderful watch!
Thank you very much!
It reminds me of my Sarb 033. Just kidding . I own Grand Seikos and I know that the reflections is just mesmerizing
jscomp r it definitely does. And I have a comparison between the two that should be out in a week or two. It is very hard to capture the quality of the grand seiko because it is something you have to see in person.
@@theknightswatch Look forward to it. Even my 12 yr old son had no problem discerning the GS as the more expensive and delicate watch. Part of it is the lack of AR coating on the SARB, part of this is the level of finishing
Great review. I am new to GS. As the bezel is polished, I am wondering how easily is scratches. How have you found this?
Grand Seiko fan scratch just as easily as any other watch and the first scratches hurt the most! But once you let it wear in a little it looks good. I’ve found personally that since gs has such a high shine that on the high polish area, small scratches aren’t as noticeable since the rest of the watch is shining so brightly back
From someone who is about receive mine and did some research on GS, but has never held or seen one in real life- it seems like the GS quarts are the most accurate of all GS watches. Am i wrong?
@@PersecutedTruth can’t get more accurate than the gs quartz. Hope you enjoy yours
@@theknightswatch thank you!!
thank you for your video! Do you mind sharing the overall lug-lug distance including the "male" endlinks? Cheers
Victor del Corro will update sometime next week once I have some time with the watch again! Currently away from it.
Victor del Corro just measured it at 47.5mm lug to lug! A lug to lug length which in my experience I’ve generally found as a “sweet spot.”
The Knight’s Watch thank you!
After owning it a while, do you become less concerned about surface marks and maintaining the mirror finish, and does it still look as good without the surface perfection? Also, do you know if Grand Seiko use high quality steel, like 316L? Thanks for the great review and images
Personally initially I didn’t care much about it getting ruined. It’s all down to personally preference. To me a watch is meant to be worn and there will be scratches and marks over time. Does the first big scratch still hurt? Of course but it happens. Obviously zaratsu will always shine like zaratsu especially in more shaded lighting situations but direct or harsh light will bring out the scratches.
And yep Grand Seiko uses 316l. Thanks for watching!
GS use 316L with a 15 stage cold forge process.
@@G1NZOU What does 5 stage cold forge process mean in terms of strength, resistance to scratches and rust, durability, thanks
@@stoolpigeon4285 It's roughtly equivalent to Rolex's 904L, though 904L is a little harder, and also better at resisting corrosion from salt water and chemicals.
904L has about 3% to 28% Nickel and 4% to 5% Molybdenum, while Grand Seiko's 316L is about 10% to 12% Nickel content and 2% to 3% Molybdenum.
316L is particularly good at holding the Zaratsu polishing finish and scratches not ending up too deep, since they harden the steel during forging.
@@G1NZOU I appreciate the answer- thanks. Also, I'm impressed by your knowledge- very interesting. Happy Xmas sir
The best in the world
simple, solid,.... and beautiful!!!!
Ken Yip 100% agree.
Was going to make my next watch the Omega Aqua Terra (love the James Bond versions'). Just on looks alone this seems to be an equal alternative for 1/2 the price and perhaps slightly better quality. Quartz? That's fine with me.
If you like the look of it it’s a great option. I’d also recommend looking at the older double branded version sbgx061 I believe. And the sbga285 may be another contender for the aqua terra. No wrong choice but hopefully you find the right one for you!
@@theknightswatch Will do..! Price is a big consideration. In 2005 I bought a Rolex Sub (16610) brand new for $4,800. I absolutely love it to this day and plan on handing it down to my son but always in the back of my mind is the $$$ I had spent (i.e., ouch..). I'd like to stay in the $2K range this time around. Thanks Bro and great video.
Great, it looks like a great Seiko.
Well made video! Do you still have the watch and has ypur experience with the watch changed? Greetz from Belgium
Sander vdcp thank you! Unfortunately I no longer have it. But I loved every minute of owning it. As long as your able to look past the quartz. It’s a beautifully made piece. May get another one day or maybe one of those quartz gmts. We will see!
hi mate great video keep it up ! really interested in this watch, does it have lume ? also do you know if changing the battery is standard or needs to be sent to grand seiko? thanks
joel raine thé watch doesn’t have lume but zaratsu is good enough to where if there is any light at all you’ll be able to read the watch. Pitch black it can’t be read. The battery change can be carried out by anyone.
Hello! How many links did you remove to fit your wrist? I am considering getting one too but have a smaller wrist.
Don’t quite remember. About 3.5 to 4 links. I believe there were still a couple links able to be removed in the bracelet
Expensive quartz is not unjustified. But what is unjustified is spending a lot of money on a fancy automatic movement that keeps worse time than a cheap quartz. That is the very definition of style triumphing over substance.
True, no watch purchase has justification. It is a hobby and a collecting niche. A watch isn’t worth more than maybe a 12 dollar f91 or a Timex easy reader. People buy watches because they like it. Whatever movement or finishing technique present is just a way to somewhat justify the price. In the end people will buy what they like.
You are buying craftsmanship when you buy high end mechanical watches, they will never be as accurate at quartz but look at something like the Triple split from ALS and tell me that isn’t desirable. If I want absolute accuracy I’ll look at my phone. Watches are about so much more than accurate time. If you don’t get that then choose another hobby.
@@Jabber-ig3iw I own three mechanical watches and no quartz watches. I appreciate the style over the substance argument. I’m purely picking up on the highly subjective term “justified”.
The good thing about quartz watch is once it breaks down, you can just replace the movement. No need to pay expensive services.
Wish GS made a high beat quartz similar to what Bulova has been doing. It’s a beautiful watch but ticking seconds hands don’t excite me.
emsmkivgolf ya it takes a certain mentality to look past the tick. You even have some mechanical deadbeat watches which people don’t like the look of too much because we are sweep obsessed.
Watch it in slow motion... 2 ticks!
This is as accurate as it gets for quarts my guy.
I think the reason they don't is since they have Spring Drive and the unbeatable smooth sweep already, they don't bother trying to emulate a high beat sweep with their pure quartz range. But they do make the ticks at least aesthetically pleasing with minimal recoil and precise lining up with the dial markers.
The spring drive is their ‘high beat’ quartz,
Great review, my next Grand Seiko
You’ll be very happy with it.
Still good ! And the Horology House reference 😂
I prefer the old one (sbgx061) for the GS on the lower part of the dial. Balance
D D I completely agree. That’s why the star logo quarts look so much better. I wish they would put some text on the bottom like quartz or Japanese or something.
I prefer to let the second hand do the talking. The lower text is unnecessary to me.
Wait. No screwdown crown? How do u adjust the time?
Would a 7.25 inch wrist be to large?
I bought the watch . I LOVE it
Glad to hear it! Hope you continue to love it for a long time!
beautiful watch & great review!
Thank you very much!
Hi..is the dial very plain on this model...
Yes
Absolutely lovely watch. The beauty is in the simplicity. Too bad about the pricetag 😁
I have Solar Quartz watches and they are just as accurate but no 3 year battery
changing. If Seiko went to Solar power of had a 10 year battery it would
never be an issue.
regarding the 19mm lugs. I have always used 20mm straps on my 19mm lug watches and have never had a problem with them looking like they’ve been forced between the lugs.
Mike J the only problem is if you try to use that strap on a 20mm watch it doesn’t look right anymore.
The Knight’s Watch yes that true
it’s movement same with SBGX065 ??
Thanks 👍
How my watch is driven is irrelevant...it should be attractive to look at, practical and be good value...this watch is all three of these things...its a strong option
I don’t take mechanical snobs seriously when they turn up their noses at quartz. For every argument purporting automatics there is an equally valid counter-argument: accuracy. No automatic can even touch a 9F in timekeeping precision. The exact reason why mechanicals never appealed to me.
People will like what they like but Quartz is definitely under appreciated at the moment. More for me haha
@@theknightswatch It definitely is. And more for me as well lol! Looking forward to seeing if and what GS releases for a 9F30 edition in a few years.
Only issue is micro adjustments why do a bracelet at this price point without them other than that I'd have one tomorrow.
I will be honest, I am biased. The watch is gorgeous and I love it and even the quartz movement is astonishing but I still feel a bit odd spending 2k for a quartz.
At the same time I think I would love the precision of a Quartz and knowing I can rely on it without having to update it every time I forget of using it.
Once I will get my current grail il probably consider this one :D
It’s definitely not easy spending that much on a Quartz, some may get it and some may never get it. I think more people will bug luxury automatics and then pick up a luxury Quartz at some point in the future
@@theknightswatch in the week since I wrote this comment I came around 😂
Now this watch is going to be my next grail. There’s something about those pure lines and the black dial that just made me fall in love. It’s elegant and the high precision quartz is actually more a benefit than a negative. 😄
you can buy seiko dolce with 10 sec/year
Hi there, hope you are well? Loved your video, seemed very off the cuff but very honest with some very clear thoughts behind your comments. I am falling for G.S especially the quartz, however, I want to know how the bracelet is holding p. Everyone that does not like G.S will make comments abot how the bracelet is not well built or as good as that of a Rolex. I would love to hear an honest opinion from you. Thanks and all the best to you
Appreciate you watching. None of my videos are scripted but I do have a general idea of what I want to say. The bracelet is great. The only way it doesn’t “stand up” to Rolex is by lacking micro adjust. The quality and feel of the bracelet is definitely there when compared to things in the more affordable price range. Worse comes to worse and for some reason you just can’t find a sizing on the bracelet that works for you, aftermarket is always an option with leather or silicone straps. Hope this helps.
@@theknightswatch Yeah, I noticed, it is much better that way as your videos will be more honest and expression is always much better when you speak from a vision in your mind. It is the same style I hope to adopt when I do open up my own channel. Thanks for the info, I could't give a damn about micro adjustment to be honest. You have helped me out quite a bit. Thanks again and stay well.
@@Joe-xo3xy I can confirm that the bracelet is every bit as solid and well engineered as the oyster bracelet on my new Datejust. The only downside is that there is no micro-adjustment....fortunately I don’t need it as I’ve been lucky enough to find a perfect fit. The polishing is brilliant and feels buttery smooth as you’d expect from such a great brand. The clasp itself looks really cool with the raised GS logo.
Thanks What is the cace without the crown ? 36.…?
great video ( unless you are Horology House--ooops! ) I'm definitely considering this watch now
Appreciate it, definitely not from Australia!
@@theknightswatch I'm actually considering the SBGX297 --- I like it on the strap rather than bracelet.also the kinda unusual dial color. semi black, blue
Michael Fierman the case is so comfortable you really can’t go wrong!
The Knight’s Watch awesome. Looking forward to more of your reviews. Great stuff
Michael Fierman thank you! Hope you continue to enjoy the content.
This is definitely my grail watch, an obtainable one at least. High luxury watch that doesn't require service for 50 years? That's insane. I do wish it had a screw down crown and micro adjusting on the clasp but really those are just nitpicks. Love this watch!
But who says 50 years? I've checked. Seiko doesn't make that claim. Apperently people just repeat what others write, even if it has no truthful source.
@@yehoshuacirt8645 I'll look into it but people aren't just getting that from no where. Either way, Quartz requires a lot less maintenance than mechanical. Both in time and price.
@@brett2396 If you find a source, let me know. Grand Seiko doesn't make that claim. (There are articles pointing that out).
Automatics are beautiful........but wait until you have to pay for a repair or maintenance on a mechanical vs a quartz. I love quartz especially when GS's maintenance is at 50 years instead of 5-10 years vs a mechanical.
the finishing is awesome. I wonder what type of stainless steel is this?
Just regular 316L but it’s just polished to and brushed meticulously by hand.
@@theknightswatch It can be difficult to repolish when scratched then
Very difficult. The watches need to be sent back to japan to be polished by those trained in zaratsu.
Great video, thanks a Lot. My next watch, but still don’t know if white or black! Best regards
Thank you and thanks for watching! My personally opinion is go for the black dial. I’ve seen both in person and the black just allows the markers to shine even more brilliantly in a way. More understated and you can’t go wrong with a classic black dial. Either way you can’t go wrong.
Thanks a Lot Mate!
Thoughts on champagne dial?
Andrew McDonnell I like the champagne dial. It’s not too overly gold, it’s very subtle. Personally I’m not a very gold/champagne person so I’d go with the black or white.
I have just sold my SBGA373G with champagne dial. It looks beautiful in certain light conditions but in all honesty it looks cold and boring in most day to day light conditions. Just a dull lifeless colour IMO. No where near as nice as the champagne dial on my Tudor Prince Date+Day which has a really defined sunburst effect and always looks “warm”. If that makes sense.
Bought this watch over 2 mounth ago. They are not perfect: no micro adjustments, poor quality of bracelet, strap size 19mm and boring black mate dial. However, for me, there are a lot of more advantages, so I really LOVE them. During my watch desease I understand that perfect watches doesnt exist. Just read on forums about Rolex, AP, PP problems or any other luxury brand.
Somehow the design on the dial of the quartz watch just wrong missing something on the bottom at 6 clock , nice watch though , if they can move the letters Grand Seiko to the bottom or have some design or letter would be great
I totally get you. It would be nice to have something to fill that empty spaces
The Knight’s Watch I’m thinking to purchase 1 grand Seiko quartz some grand Seiko quartz has some writing in the bottom some don’t
Great watch, but look Citizen Chronomaster as well. Equaly great
Good video ,great watches only let done are the tinny bracelet, thanks
do you still have it to this day?
Nope sold it quite a while ago, when you review watches especially you can’t keep it all
'Character/soul/pulse' my ass! QUARTZ IS BETTER ............... PERIOD!
I like the way the center
Links are a bit elevated.
Ya a very cool detail!
I've had mine 6 months before your comment made me notice this! Thanks
Do you work at GS???
How long does the battery last on these?
About 3 years
So the crown is not a screw down?
Exactly it doesn’t screw down
skip to 4:30 for the actual watch. I just saved nearly 5 minutes of your life
87 Seconds - Short Videos on Fun Facts - 10k Subs I have timestamps in my description already but thanks for the reiteration.
@@theknightswatch you're welcome
Thank you
@@zbenne05 you're welcome
The GS should be a raised piece of metal. Not a stamped GS.
The more you know. Thanks
The broke blind.....
The video will probably come out better if you peel the piece of cheese off the front of the lens.
Lactose free videos! Good Sir, you are a genius.
Looks super thick to me ! Doesn’t read 10mm
If it had a Screw down crown i would bought it. But feel insecure go swimming for a over 2000usd NO THANKs
the 100 dollar g shock 5610 with multiband 6 had an accuracy of +-0 seconds per year, therefore its better than this Grand seiko quartz :) Just kididng
Such a beauty, shame about that awful stumbling second hand. Maybe with Bulova’s new movement’s tech...
B Rad bulovas movement seems too large to fit in something like this. I’m personally fine with the ticking hand. Some people can get over quartz some can’t!
Awful stumbling hand? Are you watching a different video to the rest of us? It’s quartz, get over it, it is watchmaker built, it’s accurate to at worst 10 seconds a year. You seem obsessed with Bulova movements, spring drive pisses all over that.
I’m not sure that ‘obsessed’ means what you think it means. Perhaps resolve to only leave comments in your mother language to avoid confusion.
You sort of look like Mayor Carcetti from the Wire.
Haha never seen the wire but thanks?
@@theknightswatch Lol no problem man. It's a great show, give it a watch (pun intended).
@12:05, and I'm thinking---please don't scratch the clasp.
Not actual marble just a placemat haha!
Any lume?
Nope most GS models don’t
Looks terrible when you don’t know how to wear a watch properly on your wrist
Forgive me