guillaume no need to go this crazy in price with watches. Something like the cocktail series or the newer srpe43 and the like are amazing at under 400. Thanks for watching :)
Great in-depth review. I believe GS is better value for money than Rolex. No one can hold a candle to the Japanese when it comes to detail. I’d wear this in that lovely brown with cream stich detail 😍
The Gent can’t help but agree with you there. Getting hand finishing and non derivative designs at a price point at or below what Rolex offers is hard to beat. Doesn’t hurt that you can walk into a store and just buy a GS too!
Thank you for the making this video, it was very helpful. All your cons are pros for me. Everyone is going on about steel sports, what ever happened to elegant watches.
Loved seeing a close look, at one that you really don’t see much on our usual social media platforms. I think the man thing you conveyed so well is the fact that one needs to see these on your wrist and see for oneself. I know I’m impatient to be able to compare several GS in the metal. Great review especially with the outdoor shots for comparison. You just have to give it to them for not trying to hide behind any gimmicks in this model. It’s a pure watch, perfectly executed. Great job Xavier
Michael Fierman completely agree grand seiko is just completely different in person and if you think a case size might not fit you, you just have to try it on. Thanks for watching and giving an insightful reply as always!
Ya the ivory/cream is a love it or hate it thing. After seeing the 235 a couple times in person I would say that is undoubtedly the better looking brother!
@@mosytube The 231 has a steel seconds hand and the 235 has a blued seconds hand, plus the bracelet. Other than that, I'm 99.9% sure they're identical.
@@mosytube The 235 is more of a cream coloured dial than the 231 (noticeable if you see them side by side), as well as the blued seconds hand and bracelet. I recently bought the 235 and love it.
Dude! If you spend 4500 bucks on a watch, getting a 100 buck strap from Molequin or Delugs is not the most exotic move on the planet. Compared to what Cartier would have me pay for a strap for the Santos, that's downright mild pricing. :) The 19mm lug width is not a con. Thanks for the review though. Nice vid, good footage. I just picked one up, partly because of this video.
Hello! This is the first review of yours that I have watched, and I am really impressed: a very thorough, detailed, balanced and thoughtful review ... entirely befitting this beautiful masterpiece of a watch! --- I am currently trying to decide between this hand-wound watch, or the automatic, black-dial Heritage SBGR253, or maybe the Spring-Drive, black-dial Heritage SBGA285G (unfortunately without an open case-back, though). Please let me know in case you have any thoughts on these options. Thanks again & cheers from Germany
Between the three id recommend the SBGA285. The 231 here is a great watch if you’re super into dress watches. Which most people aren’t. The 285 would be much more versatile and you get spring drive which is one of the best reason to get a grand Seiko. I think the matte black dial of the watch is pretty interesting and it’s fits amazingly on the wrist. You couldn’t go wrong with any of the three but I think the 285 wins out for best value and most versatile.
This is the best review on this watch, I love that Oxford strap, I had this on top of my list for a no date mech GS but I was lucky to lock on a SBGW275 last week right after the release. Thanks for going so in depth with your reviews and showing strap options is the icing on the 🎂
Thank you! Very lucky to have got the 275, that one sold out pretty quick! I was debating on grabbing one but the timing just didn’t work out haha. Hope you enjoy it!
Nice review and great watch. I have no need for a dress watch, but I want to get this one anyway. I too have a watch with a "box" crystal and it's dial looks curved along its periphery. But now I wonder if that curvature is an optical illusion due to that type of crystal.
Ya it’s a lovely watch. I own a couple watches with boxes or domes and personally I’m 90% sure this dial is actually curved rather than just an optical illusion. It’s a pretty neat feature whether real or not.
My thoughts exactly. I don't need a dress watch (especially now with the lockdowns in England) I have a great all-rounder in the Rolex Yacht Master Rhodium, but I can't stop looking at this SBGW231. I too want it anyway. There's something about this watch.
Been looking at this model for a while now there's a older version available on eBay that's got the Seiko logo at the top . Not concerned about the size at all cause I also ware vintage watch with 34 an 36 mm cases just love that simple dial
@@theknightswatch I agree, I really love a GS with the Seiko logo on top. I don’t know why, but having the Seiko logo just seems more authentic to me, i guess because it represents where the brand came from, which I feel is important. Similar to how old Tudor models had Rolex logos on them, I like that older GS models said Seiko. That said, I love my SBGA427, and I think my next watch will have to be a King Seiko, not a Grand Seiko, but maybe after that I’ll get a “Seiko” Grand Seiko?
@@theknightswatch double stamped… what? I need to look this up Edit: I feel dumb, but I didn’t know that’s what that’s called! I always called them “Seiko Grand Seiko” haha. I thought maybe it was a manufacturing defect where the “Grand Seiko” text was printed twice… anyway, yeah that’s kind of the style I’d like! I was thinking a 45GS, but then I saw the 45KS and thought it’d be cool to own a piece of Grand Seiko/King Seiko history
Whilst obviously there are better horology you tubers as regards production values or macros, as regards the quality of your reviews and how you speak, this is my kind of intelligent unpretentious reviews, very impressed
I appreciate the kind words. And I agree there are many better channels out there from a visual and production standpoint but I am by not means a professional. Just enjoy the hobby and hope some enjoy my content. Thanks for watching 🙂
Beautiful watch! Love the simplicity and balance. Just wish it was a few grand cheaper... So hard to justify shelling out so much money, when there's great watches around for quarter of the price.
There are definite diminishing returns are a certain point no need to spend thousands and thousands on a watch. But sometimes something just speaks to you. The increased level of polish makes it worth it to me personally. I love the way some of these higher watches shine and catch the light but doesn’t mean a Nodus, or even a Timex isn’t just as cool
@@theknightswatch yeah definitely. The difficult thing is that this watch does indeed speak to me, big time! The biggest thing stopping me is my concern around wearing it daily, which is usually very much casual. I'm afraid it would look completely out of place on jeans + t-shirt combo
You were kind of reaching hard for cons and come on, really, there aren't any! It's just plain gorgeous. I was surprised at how great that pale-blue woven strap looks with it. Which is testament to the watch's versatility and to your good taste.
I almost really like this watch, but the convex appearance of the dial kills the vibe for me, I don't know why. Have you considered reviewing the Grand Seiko SBGM221? A similar but more sporty watch - having almost everything that's good about the SBGW231 with some extras, it is maybe my favorite watch ever in terms of looks.
My problem with fine watches is that it does not matter how good the finish is, it will get scratched. I wish high end watch manufacturers would put more research into making their watches scratch proof.
Hi there, I do not want to be a party pooper, I really like this watch and I am considering it but what do you think of the crown, it seems a bit chubby to me?
I mention it at 7:24. I think it’s a good size really not something you notice on wrist. Of course they could’ve made it flatter but it doesn’t fit in the Gs design language at that point
Thanks for the video, very useful. I am considering to buy this watch. What's your wrist size? Looks wonderful on yours. Mine is 17 cm, I have to try on a store but I like it very much. Brown and green straps are great for this piece.
This was an awesome review man. Thanks a lot for this. I am trying to decide between this and the SBGY003 and this helped a lot. P.S as these things tend to be subjective, none of your puns were an issue for me apart from the lug width which is just annoying and stupid
@@theknightswatch the 231 is still the my favourite of the 2 but i want to see them both in person. The price point of the 231 is also an advantage but this hobby is proving to be a very expensive one
Batdroid oh trust me I know. Just bought two watches this month and it hurt Haha. Might be hard to see the sbgy003 in person as it’s now sold out but hope you can find one!
At 4:17 you can clearly see the 59 and the 1 minute markers are not symetrical in relation with the 12h index. Surprising when you know the excellence and maniacal sense of detail of the Japanese craftsmen...
The Godzilla is an amazing watch and I love the case shape of it. These are very much two completely different watches. Could make a great two watch collection but definitely not too comparable.
This is the ONLY Grand Seiko that gets me going personally ... excellent review.
Thank you! It’s definitely a cool one.
My favorite Grand Seiko too. Love the movement. It's a stunningly beautiful watch in it's simplicity.
Love how versatile this piece is on different straps. Gorgeous.
I have seen this watch at the Seiko shop, not in my budget for my first grand Seiko.... maybe the second one, hot and clean watch 😍
guillaume no need to go this crazy in price with watches. Something like the cocktail series or the newer srpe43 and the like are amazing at under 400. Thanks for watching :)
Great in-depth review. I believe GS is better value for money than Rolex. No one can hold a candle to the Japanese when it comes to detail. I’d wear this in that lovely brown with cream stich detail 😍
The Gent can’t help but agree with you there. Getting hand finishing and non derivative designs at a price point at or below what Rolex offers is hard to beat. Doesn’t hurt that you can walk into a store and just buy a GS too!
It's classy, elegant and lovely. One of my favorite mechanical GS and I would definitely love to wear it 😉
I think this watch is entry level in GS automatic, good choice in any case 😍
@@MrGor3k It's hand-wound not automatic.
@@leyay7540 it's a mistake sorry 🤣 I like this watch for that reason too.
Leya Y completely agree. It’s no frills but executed amazingly well.
Thank you for the making this video, it was very helpful. All your cons are pros for me. Everyone is going on about steel sports, what ever happened to elegant watches.
I have this watch, and absolutely love it!
Great I'm looking at the older version with the Seiko logo on the top right now just might pull the trigger
Loved seeing a close look, at one that you really don’t see much on our usual social media platforms. I think the man thing you conveyed so well is the fact that one needs to see these on your wrist and see for oneself. I know I’m impatient to be able to compare several GS in the metal. Great review especially with the outdoor shots for comparison. You just have to give it to them for not trying to hide behind any gimmicks in this model. It’s a pure watch, perfectly executed. Great job Xavier
Michael Fierman completely agree grand seiko is just completely different in person and if you think a case size might not fit you, you just have to try it on. Thanks for watching and giving an insightful reply as always!
The ivory dial is actually what draws me to this watch. In fact, the '235, bracelet version, is one of my absolute grail watches!
Ya the ivory/cream is a love it or hate it thing. After seeing the 235 a couple times in person I would say that is undoubtedly the better looking brother!
Is the 235 the exact same watch but with the bracket? Is the dial the same shade of ivory?
@@mosytube The 231 has a steel seconds hand and the 235 has a blued seconds hand, plus the bracelet. Other than that, I'm 99.9% sure they're identical.
@@mosytube
The 235 is more of a cream coloured dial than the 231 (noticeable if you see them side by side), as well as the blued seconds hand and bracelet. I recently bought the 235 and love it.
Really like this watch. Nice in depth review. The other (major) con you didn’t mention was that this particular finish is a real scratch magnet.
This is one of the very few modern Grand Seiko that I really want to own. It`s nearly perfect....
Dude! If you spend 4500 bucks on a watch, getting a 100 buck strap from Molequin or Delugs is not the most exotic move on the planet. Compared to what Cartier would have me pay for a strap for the Santos, that's downright mild pricing. :) The 19mm lug width is not a con. Thanks for the review though. Nice vid, good footage. I just picked one up, partly because of this video.
Hello! This is the first review of yours that I have watched, and I am really impressed: a very thorough, detailed, balanced and thoughtful review ... entirely befitting this beautiful masterpiece of a watch! --- I am currently trying to decide between this hand-wound watch, or the automatic, black-dial Heritage SBGR253, or maybe the Spring-Drive, black-dial Heritage SBGA285G (unfortunately without an open case-back, though). Please let me know in case you have any thoughts on these options. Thanks again & cheers from Germany
Between the three id recommend the SBGA285. The 231 here is a great watch if you’re super into dress watches. Which most people aren’t. The 285 would be much more versatile and you get spring drive which is one of the best reason to get a grand Seiko. I think the matte black dial of the watch is pretty interesting and it’s fits amazingly on the wrist. You couldn’t go wrong with any of the three but I think the 285 wins out for best value and most versatile.
@@theknightswatch Thanks a lot, much appreciated!
This is the best review on this watch, I love that Oxford strap, I had this on top of my list for a no date mech GS but I was lucky to lock on a SBGW275 last week right after the release. Thanks for going so in depth with your reviews and showing strap options is the icing on the 🎂
Thank you! Very lucky to have got the 275, that one sold out pretty quick! I was debating on grabbing one but the timing just didn’t work out haha. Hope you enjoy it!
Nice review and great watch. I have no need for a dress watch, but I want to get this one anyway. I too have a watch with a "box" crystal and it's dial looks curved along its periphery. But now I wonder if that curvature is an optical illusion due to that type of crystal.
Ya it’s a lovely watch. I own a couple watches with boxes or domes and personally I’m 90% sure this dial is actually curved rather than just an optical illusion. It’s a pretty neat feature whether real or not.
My thoughts exactly. I don't need a dress watch (especially now with the lockdowns in England) I have a great all-rounder in the Rolex Yacht Master Rhodium, but I can't stop looking at this SBGW231. I too want it anyway. There's something about this watch.
This on a cordovan color #8 would just be top class.
Holly molly its stunning !
Been looking at this model for a while now there's a older version available on eBay that's got the Seiko logo at the top . Not concerned about the size at all cause I also ware vintage watch with 34 an 36 mm cases just love that simple dial
I personally prefer the older version with the seiko logo. I think there’s a little more balance. No matter which you get I hope you enjoy it!
@@theknightswatch I agree, I really love a GS with the Seiko logo on top. I don’t know why, but having the Seiko logo just seems more authentic to me, i guess because it represents where the brand came from, which I feel is important. Similar to how old Tudor models had Rolex logos on them, I like that older GS models said Seiko. That said, I love my SBGA427, and I think my next watch will have to be a King Seiko, not a Grand Seiko, but maybe after that I’ll get a “Seiko” Grand Seiko?
@@Sk3tchPad could never hurt! I think since you already own a modern gs an older double stamped one just seems like something more interesting.
@@theknightswatch double stamped… what? I need to look this up
Edit: I feel dumb, but I didn’t know that’s what that’s called! I always called them “Seiko Grand Seiko” haha. I thought maybe it was a manufacturing defect where the “Grand Seiko” text was printed twice… anyway, yeah that’s kind of the style I’d like! I was thinking a 45GS, but then I saw the 45KS and thought it’d be cool to own a piece of Grand Seiko/King Seiko history
I love classic vintage style, prefer dress style, and my sweet spot is 34-36, occasionally 38
No watch, or watch review is perfect. Yours is excellent in many ways. Clean out the "reallys," and your language gets better. Really.
Thanks, some words really get stuck more than others since everything I say really is freeform and nothings really scripted
@@jackj5368 it was constructive criticism until that last, unnecessary “really.” Took it from constructive to backhanded.
Nice watch.
Eldridge Palmer thanks!
Whilst obviously there are better horology you tubers as regards production values or macros, as regards the quality of your reviews and how you speak, this is my kind of intelligent unpretentious reviews, very impressed
I appreciate the kind words. And I agree there are many better channels out there from a visual and production standpoint but I am by not means a professional. Just enjoy the hobby and hope some enjoy my content. Thanks for watching 🙂
You speak with passion and knowledge, you can't really learn that, the production values will grow, hope to see you at higher level ongoing
Thank you very much 🙏🏻
Beautiful watch! Love the simplicity and balance. Just wish it was a few grand cheaper... So hard to justify shelling out so much money, when there's great watches around for quarter of the price.
There are definite diminishing returns are a certain point no need to spend thousands and thousands on a watch. But sometimes something just speaks to you. The increased level of polish makes it worth it to me personally. I love the way some of these higher watches shine and catch the light but doesn’t mean a Nodus, or even a Timex isn’t just as cool
@@theknightswatch yeah definitely. The difficult thing is that this watch does indeed speak to me, big time! The biggest thing stopping me is my concern around wearing it daily, which is usually very much casual. I'm afraid it would look completely out of place on jeans + t-shirt combo
@@theknightswatch o
This is a very nice watch
You were kind of reaching hard for cons and come on, really, there aren't any! It's just plain gorgeous. I was surprised at how great that pale-blue woven strap looks with it. Which is testament to the watch's versatility and to your good taste.
It’s is undoubtedly a great watch! Thanks for watching :)
I almost really like this watch, but the convex appearance of the dial kills the vibe for me, I don't know why.
Have you considered reviewing the Grand Seiko
SBGM221? A similar but more sporty watch - having almost everything that's good about the SBGW231 with some extras, it is maybe my favorite watch ever in terms of looks.
Ya it definitely is a point you either love or hate for the dial. I will be reviewing the 221 in a month or two
SBGM021 and 221 look amazing. On TH-cam and websites at least.
My problem with fine watches is that it does not matter how good the finish is, it will get scratched. I wish high end watch manufacturers would put more research into making their watches scratch proof.
Looks great on you! How big is your wrist, if I may ask?
6.5in wrist myself
What does the stock strap taper down to at the clasp, 16mm??
Yep 16mm at the buckle
Don't like the double marker at 369 and missing a date. Otherwise its close to a perfect watch
Hi there, I do not want to be a party pooper, I really like this watch and I am considering it but what do you think of the crown, it seems a bit chubby to me?
I mention it at 7:24. I think it’s a good size really not something you notice on wrist. Of course they could’ve made it flatter but it doesn’t fit in the Gs design language at that point
May I ask: what is your wrist size?
6.5in wrist
hi, whats the seiko you are wearing on the video?
Thanks for the video, very useful. I am considering to buy this watch. What's your wrist size? Looks wonderful on yours. Mine is 17 cm, I have to try on a store but I like it very much. Brown and green straps are great for this piece.
Sorry for the late reply my wrist is 16.51 cm so you should have no problems wearing it.
I mean, manual wind is a bit of a downer at this price point… although it belongs to the house of grand seiko…
Cute!!
What is the winding feel and sound like on this watch?
Very smooth with a gently audible click feedback to the winding. Pretty enjoyable overall
I thought this didn’t have a Zaratsu polish on the case.
All grand Seikos have zaratau polish
@@theknightswatch you are correct, I was wrong, sorry
@@cedarcanoe no worries!
This was an awesome review man. Thanks a lot for this. I am trying to decide between this and the SBGY003 and this helped a lot.
P.S as these things tend to be subjective, none of your puns were an issue for me apart from the lug width which is just annoying and stupid
Batdroid appreciate it! Which way are you leaning now?
@@theknightswatch the 231 is still the my favourite of the 2 but i want to see them both in person. The price point of the 231 is also an advantage but this hobby is proving to be a very expensive one
Batdroid oh trust me I know. Just bought two watches this month and it hurt Haha. Might be hard to see the sbgy003 in person as it’s now sold out but hope you can find one!
At 4:17 you can clearly see the 59 and the 1 minute markers are not symetrical in relation with the 12h index. Surprising when you know the excellence and maniacal sense of detail of the Japanese craftsmen...
How big is your wrist in inches?
6.5 in somewhere between 50-52mm across
The hands look a bit compressed.
Only complain water resistant 3atm why?
Not meant to go in the water
Edward Norton, is it really you?
Kinda boring looking. I prefer the godzilla
The Godzilla is an amazing watch and I love the case shape of it. These are very much two completely different watches. Could make a great two watch collection but definitely not too comparable.
Really really have to stop using 'really really' so much when describing things
I’ll try really hard
Thats not good accuracy for a watch of this calibre. My OP41 gets under a second.
It's within the specs they state for the watch and the specs meet chronometer standards.