its really just douchy. All the achievements you make dont justify bad behaviour. In fact many rich people are humble, and they really show that all the money you have doesnt have to affect your persona. stay humble and treat everyone with respect
Kevin obsessively feeling confused and betrayed by Grand Seiko while simultaneously absolutely admiring the Seiko all over the spring drive is hilarious.
He is never going to wear a Seiko, no matter how beautiful. He does have expensive GS. I have about 5 or 6 watches, all of them, far more expensive than the Alpinist. Yet, I am thinking of getting one, as a every day watch.
@@rickjason215 you don't have an everyday watch? I just never found what is interesting of collecting and not wearing it. And if you wear it, youre more scared of going out because you don't want to scratch it.
Also, King Seiko was the brand created by Daini Seikosha (Second Seiko Company) to directly compete with Grand Seiko, the purpose of this was to promote competition amongst its top employees in hope of improving the craftsmanship of the company as a whole.
If there are any new collectors here remember this: the difference between a $100 watch and $1000 watch is greater than the difference between a $1000 watch and a $10,000 watch. I recommend starting in that $100 - $500 range to get a feel for a style and then saving up for a watch in the $1000-$3000 range. The difference in quality will be astounding. I find that when collectors upgrade from that $1000 range into the more expensive watches the returns are diminishing.
@@johnsanabria3279 nice piece! Such a timeless style too. A lot of vintage watches are starting to look their age, but that one really stands the test of time. Right now my daily watch is a Hamilton Ventura, my dream watch is a Zenith El Primero.
The same is true of many product categories. The difference in sound between a $5,000 set of speakers and $100,000 set is not as much as the difference between a $100 pair and $1,000 pair.
@@Oxibase yeah, "the law of diminishing returns" so to speak. Stainless steel can only be so polished and mechanical time keeping can only be so accurate.
Just one clarification for Kevin; while I do agree with his comments about some brand confusion (particularly outside of Japan), the Spring Drive actually launched with the Seiko brand before it did with Grand Seiko. The world’s first spring drive was the Seiko branded SBWA001. Entertaining video and keep the content coming - particularly on underrated brands like GS!
The name "King Seiko" may sound funny to Canadians, but to Japanese people 70 years ago, it was a cutting-edge name that reflected a mixture of longing for Swiss watches and pride in the quality of domestic watches. I believe that the name "King Seiko" reflects the spirit of the Japanese people when they were learning about Western technology and struggling to create products that they could be proud of in the world. There is a history and a story behind the now outdated name King Seiko. Among Japanese who love old Japanese mechanical watches like myself, it has as much special meaning as Grand Seiko.
@Kc Han Here is the content of your reply to me. " King Seiko and Grand Seiko are two ridiculous names for watches, I think. They are like King Ford or Grand Ford cars." Why did you delete it? I think this comment should be on the record because it is your personality and represents your character. If you do not want others to see this comment, it means you consider yourself an embarrassment.
I think they might have chosen "King" to compete with "Grand" because in Japanese they're homonyms, so it might be a witty word play. King = Ou, Grand/Big = Ou
I usually take Kevin in small doses, but I have to love his passion for watches and as seen here, Seiko. And, I am 100% on-board with his “Top 3” picks. I have a decent collection of mostly dive watches. No Rolex, as I would never spend that much on a watch that doesn’t keep excellent time, but Seiko for me is another story. Great brand. 👍
In case anyone is wondering, and Teddy can confirm, the Spring Drive high-end Seikos are at a different level BUT they are not finished to the same standards as GS. It is an odd move for sure but I imagine they want SD to have a broader audience.
To me, the grand seiko divers look very seiko'ish (read crappy childish cheap) and the Seiko high end SD drivers look fantastic even Grand Seiko'ish then finally a clasp worth the money while GS clasp is just stamped metal embarrassing.
My wife bought me a Seiko SNKL23 and when it arrived she was amazed at how nice it looked for under $120. It's Automatic and looks sharp. Simply put you cannot go wrong with Seiko.
Kevin: “This is a travesty” Teddy: “But it’s your #1!” Kevin: “I know, but it’s wrong” 😂😂😂 Another great episode with Kevin. Honestly, my favorite series on TH-cam right now.
@@GeorgeFrideric71 Come on. Almost no one does. I had to look up the word 30 seconds ago to see what you meant. Almost everyone uses it as a synonym for "tragedy."
Me too…SRPE21 on eBay at 156.00 with tags but advertised as “without tags”. Bought a nice SS bracelet, spare bezel & ceramic 12 hr lum bezel insert as upgrade for a total less than retail for the watch. Chose extra bezel so that i can always switch back to “stock” strap and bezel. Great value for the 295.00 sport watch. Have some higher end watches and some other beaters. I just love my Seiko.
Same! I bought my first watch about 50 days ago, it was the Seiko Presage Style 60s Ginza edition - SSA445J. Hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
Always enjoy the banter between these guys. Learn so much about watches just listening to these two. Even though their collections are miles apart in price points, its nice to hear their reaction to pieces that are on the lower end of the pricing scale.
I haven’t purchased a Seiko since the 1980’s (in fact I may still have a few of them here somewhere) and lost interest in them as a brand possibly due to selection overload. But seeing these, I have to take a fresh look. Always enjoy it when you and Kevin do a video together. They are fun, entertaining, and informative which is not an easy combination to achieve. Already looking forward to the next one which can’t some soon enough.
Selection overload is right. When I found myself with a dozen Seikos, I knew it was either time to give them up or concentrate on variations of one or two favorites. I chose the latter.
It’s still my favourite brand top to bottom. You could build a beautiful 3 or 4 watch collection of just Seikos for just a few thousand dollars. If you want to be wowed, check out their Presage line with enamel dials for about $1,000-$1,500.
Agreed. And because they make so many, none of them seem to be produced for very long. Nothing more frustrating then finding a Seiko you fall in love with only to find out it's discontinued but there are 10 more that are *almost* the same but not quite. Why make so many of nearly the same watch all with such short lives? This is one of the reasons I don't follow or even try to keep up with the brand. Seiko really needs to deal with the "dime-a-dozen" problem.
Citizen makes better radio-sync and GPS-sync watches than Seiko does. Both companies reserve their best watches for Japan only. Some models available in the U. S. are so ugly that I think that Japanese must have a really low opinion of us gaijin. I really dislike the combined analog/digital displays. Casio seems fondest of them but Seiko occasionally goes for them too.
Teddy really trying to plug Hamilton and Kevin is just not having it 😆 Don't worry Teddy, I'm out here rocking my Khaki Field and my Bronze Pilot Pioneer! Still my favorite brand under $1k.
I agree with Teddy regarding the Hamilton watches, but Kevin had a definite point about Longines. They have a long history producing fine watches, and an extensive catalogue to dial and case designs which they are using to create new watches, introducing a new generation to the beauty of a Longines watch. As for the new Seikos, my favorites are 1. the King Seiko, 2. The LX model diver with that incredible red dial with the wave pattern (simply stunning), and 3. the Presage Sharp Edged watches (I'd go for the original, simple design, but the GMT watches are stunning watches). I think a person could specialize in collecting Seiko watches and their luxury offspring, Grand Seiko and Credor.
I own a Grand Seiko SBGH295, a Tudor Black Bay, a Longines Master Collection Moonphase and a few others. Recently picked up a Hamilton Khaki King Black PVD and I can pretty much say I enjoy wearing it just as much as my luxury pieces. Fantastic look, quality and history from the brand. I definitely would like to add another Hamilton soon. They have been releasing nice pieces these past 2 years.
I prefer Hamilton and Longines. I don’t want to spend $1K on a Seiko knowing that there’s models out there brand new for $100-$300. I would prefer Seiko rebranded the cheaper models.
Treated myself last week and started my watch journery with a Seiko Prospex Alpinist Cal 6R35 Automatic 😁 now i have the bug so already looking for my next, you and Kevin have inspired me to start a collection. Got me hooked.
Any way to get the cheap wine guy from talking? BTW, I like Seiko more than any other brand. My watch collection has a lot of Seikos including Astron and I'm about to get my second Grand Seiko. Teddy: get the blowhard to tone it down . Keep showing those watches , preferably on your own from now on.
Kevin isnt afraid to be polarizing and state a direct criticism, Teddy has more or less built a brand on never doing that and always finding a positive.
@TheMilk Trafficker It certainly does. He does it very often in videos with him. I believe that is because Kevin is so straightforward and he roasts watches he does not like very openly. Teddy, on the other hand, is complete opposite. I mean, it's not like Teddy is super nervous or anything, he's just not comfortable in these kind of situations and his body language shows that. Teddy is trying to promote some of these watches and he is pointing out the positives, and then comes Kevin and he's like "nope, this watch is shyte".
A few years ago, I bought my first high-quality watch. It was a "Seiko Superior Stargate" Automatic diver's 200M water resist SKZ323K1. Seiko 23-jewel automatic (self-winding) movement (caliber 7S36) -Day and date display, highly luminous hands and markers treated with Lumibrite for low light visibility -Screw down offset red ringed crown for superior water resistance -Uni-directional diving bezel -Scratch-resistant hardlex crystal and a solid etched, screw-down case back. -Excellent Seiko Lumibrite lume -Note: It has black contour hands which are very legible... This Seiko is sure to be collectible! I absolutely love my Seiko !!! Great video Kevin and Teddy 😎
@@mediocreman2 No I just assumed people would look at the price tag and see it as inferior to the "higher" end watches. I actually bought this watch and wore it with my college graduation outfit and it paired so well with everything. It really is a classic looking watch
I love Seiko. They produced my first “real” watch and I have had it for about 20 years or so. Thanks to them, I took a greater interest in horology in general and now have a variety from a number of manufacturers.
Always liked the Alpinist and loved the 2020 green dial so much I picked one up today and put a Angus Jubilee on it, looks stunning, watching this on my phone on the bus home now and feel even better about it after your comments 😀
@@russellstall169 That's true, Started with Invicta, Bulova, Citizen and Tissot. This year got a Hamilton and now talking to a dealer for an Omega and Longines. Been trying to find a dealer for a couple of Seiko watches on this show. Hell, looked up the stocks on watches and seeing some are not bad investments, undervalued.
There's been Seiko Prospex diver watches with Spring Drive (e.g. the 2013 Marinemaster Pro SDBD001 with 600m WR, titanium, and GMT hand) well before the split of Grand Seiko from Seiko. It may be a surprise to those not familiar with Seiko Prospex dive watches but Seiko has been selling higher end dive watches with Spring Drive outside of Grand Seiko and Credor for some time.
5R - in Seiko since 2010s, 7R - Credor, 9R - Grand Seiko. oleary just doesn't know enough, no surprise; 7R or 9R not in seiko branded models. sort of like boxster vs 959. "you can't go wrong with seiko value". Well yes, you can. Under $500, steel bracelets are abismal quality when other brands give you milled everything for much less and usually a better movement. Considering the manufacturing scale, the seikos they msrp for 300-600 have huge profit margins as cost prob in the 10-30 dollar range including assembly and packaging.
It’s fun watching you guys go back and forth. You guys come from different ends of the spectrum and personality and the resulting conversations are pretty funny.
I wanted an entry level SEIKO, or Invicta Pro Diver, but I’m quite happy with a Casio W-800H and a humble Duro. Great entry level watches with style, reliability, and function. I’ll probably be a more minimalistic watch collector, Casio’s are great and I think a good SEIKO would round off my collection for the next 10 years.
To be fair Teddy interrupted Kevin just as much too. This is just like two friends talking casually about their passion. I don't see anything offensive.
To me, the Spring Drive going down to Seiko echoes a common move of technology: becoming mainstream as manufacturing matures. Perhaps another few decades from now Spring Drive will be in most entry level Seikos, too. But I agree, it does feel a little weird.
@@SneekyRafiki Yeah I hear that -- Yoshikazu Akahane designed it back in 1977 while at Suwa. This was back when Seiko was more defined by its two semi-competing factories (both of which produced Grand Seiko), than by Grand vs. non-Grand. (A way more interesting period in my opinion, with King, Lords, Fives, and before that Seikomatics and Liners, and so many more doing cool things.) The first Spring Drive watches were limited edition hand winds for Seiko and Credor. First automatic was Grand -- but still before it was its own brand. It's funny; Grand Seiko since spinning off has actually really muted that history if you look at their site's history page. Grand wouldn't be anything I'd argue if not for King, Liner, and Lord. Look at the 60s chronometer era, for instance. It was all Seiko. Credit to the rebranding I guess that everyone thinks Spring Drive belongs to Grand, as if they were never part of a bigger family.
@@SneekyRafiki The more I think about it, the more actually I'm frustrated by this. As a vintage Seiko fan, the history is so much richer than what Grand Seiko has been since 2017. On the one hand, I'm really glad the rebranding apparently worked well in positioning Grand Seiko truly as a competitive luxury brand. On the other, I hate that it came at the muting of some history. How does their history page go back to the 60s with barely a mention of Suwa and Daini, and *no* mentions of King or Lord? 😡
of course spring drive will not go into low end, if you follow seiko prices even the slightest you willl find that price keeps increasing much like the mechanical watch industry in general
Seiko has so many offerings that this could've easily been an hour longer. I think it would've been fun to showcase some of the cocktail presage models like the Mojito or Houjou, or perhaps even the Zen Garden models. I'm sure the dial of the Ginza Alpinist SPB259 would've blown Kevin's mind as well.
I would love to see a video about Seiko the group , not just the brand. So that would include , Grand Seiko , Credor , Pulsar , Lorus , Epson and Alba. Such a wide varied history but rarely ever covered completely.
Kevin watched a video about Seiko right before this shoot and is so proud of himself for remembering some of the talking points that he has to shout them out at random.
It felt like he was praising Seiko only because he knows many like them, but deep down, I think he doesn’t give a crap about Seiko. It won’t bring him any money, so he won’t buy them.
@@dansmile5425 Kevin literally knows nothing about watches. If you listen to how he speaks about them its always with vagueness. Teddy just doesn't want to upset him by correcting him. The first Spring Drive ever was in a Seiko, not a Grand Seiko.
People forget the 9R spring drives are much better finished compared to the ones in Presage and LX. Plus SD was originally in Credor, so GS getting it would just be diluting Credor, no?
Whike Credor DOES have some really high end pieces, Grand Seiko is the more "premium" brand between the two, and as noted, spring drive started in seiko and sieko has had pieces with them off and on since. Also not mentioned in the video, the red dial uses a mechanical Grand Seiko movement, just not as well regulated or finished. Thus the 8 and not 9 in the movement number. If anything that would be more the more "controversial" element here.
The first spring drive was a Seiko not Grand Seiko. Next to receive the spring drive movement was Credor (another Seiko brand). Five years after the introduction of spring drive Grand Seiko introduced a few models utilizing the spring drive movement. Personally I prefer the mechanical Grand Seiko over the spring drive. The investment-grade mechanical movement is what grand seiko is known for. Of course, I like them all and own many., Great video gents!!
The quality of Seiko 5 / Seiko is so indisputable, this watch has been in our family for decades, quality, accuracy, durability, feeling, as well as the price is just fantastic. Having several other brands in the family, we still have our first choice Seiko 5/ Seiko.
I've been collecting for awhile, have bought a few Omegas (still have two), a few Rolex (still have two) and a Grand Seiko amongst many others. I just bought my first Seiko a day or two ago. It's not a diver, but it is a limited edition piece and will likely be my last. I fought buying it, but I just kept thinking about the watch and finally pulled the trigger.
I know Seiko is good quality and affordable but they just don’t have the prestige branding like most Japanese watches, but u can’t deny u can’t beat the Japanese for a well made affordable watch
Kevin appears more concerned about the dollar value and status of watches than the love of the watch itself. He'd rather pay more for the same watch with a Grand Seiko branding than get a spring drive at $1100. I'd be stoked to find a spring drive at $1100.
@TheMilk Trafficker ...and availability of that technology into the entry-mid level car brands has not destroyed the price position & status of those same luxury car brands.
@TheMilk Trafficker nah, this is seiko, technology goes up. That's why springdrive started with seiko...and they really never stopped making seiko's with spring drives. Seiko doesn't hide tech in their high end pieces. They put in better finishing and quality in their higher end pieces.
I agree with Kevin. The SNR051 is the nicest sports piece I've seen in a very long time. They only made 130 pieces or so. It was limited in production but not numbered.
Teddy, when you review or display multiple watches, please provide video time indexes and the model number for each one in the description. It will make looking them up a lot easier. Great video, I love the red faced SLA059 and the SNR051 is to die for, a truly outstanding watch.
Second time to watch this….I needed to see that Marine Master once again. The “spring drive” is nice too….but that maroon dial on the Marine Master is gorgeous to me.
Next time have Kevin look at the watch then try to guess the price! Don't go in price order either. Overall great video. I gotta agree with Kevin, spring drive should only be in the GS.
The Spring Drive movement started with Seiko in 1999 and has been in Seiko watches ever since. SPS001, SPS005, SNR001, SNR003, SNR005, SNR007, SNR009, SNR013, SNR015, SNR017, SNS001, SNS003, SNS005, SNR037, SNR039, SBDB007, SBDB009, SBDB011, SBDB013, SBDB005, SBDB015, SBDB017, SBDB018, SNR045, SNR025, SNR027, SNR029, SNR031, SNR033, SNR035, SNR047, etc, etc, etc... SD has never been exclusively GS. SD can also be found in Credor and Presage.
I love the 5000 Dollar Spring drive GMT. What Kevin doesn’t realize is there is a lot of collectors who don’t want to drop $10,000 to get a spring drive. Kevin has plenty of cash, I don’t. Thanks Teddy ,Thanks Kevin. SEIKO IS KING !!!
Grand Seiko has spring drives for $6,000 USD and a bit under. The irony of this “cheapening” is that this Seiko LX spring drive is not much cheaper than Grand Seiko spring drives.
I like the idea that Seiko went “all out” with this piece, Spring Drive, GMT, power reserve indicator, 72 hours, 10 BAR, awesome dial texture, lume…, beautiful bezel. It is 5k, but the value is there.
@@KilliKonKarnage I don’t buy a lot of watches in that price range. So the quick answer would be likely not. But again, I don’t buy thinking on price retention and resale. I buy to keep. So I think it is a good proposition by Seiko at making a watch that is closer to Grand Seiko. If I loved the watch and had the disposable cash I would consider buying it. I buy what I like not what would please the followers and trends, and buy it for keeping. Nothing wrong with collecting by buying and reselling to achieve higher value pieces, it’s just not what I do.
@@perosa99 I agree it's a beautiful watch and would buy if I could feel I could afford it. What makes me hesitant is depreciation in value but wouldn't be an issue at all if money was easier to come by.
The SNR051 Seiko LX GMT uses an older 72 hour Spring Drive. It is not finished like a Grand Seiko movement but it is a nicely accurate great value in a High End Seiko Luxe. There are GS models with Spring Drive in the $5500 and up price range. The Seiko LX is a heavy Duty Sport Watch. The GS Watches serve a different and dressier purpose. The GS SBGA029 is a heavy Sport and Dive Watch that goes for $6,000. It is not a GMT. I am a fan of Seiko and Grand Seiko and have no personal problem with the cross over.
Yes for us this is a neutral or even a good thing to aspire to. But look at it from the collectors perspective, he has paid 10000's for watches due to the exclusivity of a movement that is now longer exclusive. Dilutes the appeal of the brand. He will be selling his GS guaranteed and others will also..
Have a Omega Seamaster and Seiko LX titanium spring very happy with both watches ⌚️ The LX is more under the radar guaranteed not to get stabbed for it The Omega Seamaster is a great watch not so much in your face when you were rubber strap Both great for low profile not interested enjoying attention Great video
@@johnrb9397 but it was NEVER exclusive in terms of tech. These are using a different movement, as seiko labels it differently when it goes go through the GS finishing. If he thought spring drive was exclusive to GS, he was ignorant and that's on him.
Seiko rep to old man -> "Sir, spring drive was made for seiko, we just used it has a marketing piece when we re-launched the GS brand, but we didn't even stop using it in seiko"
Such an amazing episode. I literally sat down in the office (Off work) and was able to enjoy this piece of deliberate wine tasting and watch art episode.
It was A Seiko that had the first Spring Drive movement, so it is obvious that they still have it on the Seiko lineup. Nothing for Kevin to be upset for.
I’ve had the glacier alpinist stuck in my head ever since it came out, Kevin’s reaction here really confirming my feelings on it. Just so torn as a 1st watch sooo many choices and never handled one irl or worn on the wrist.. also kinda worried about breaking the seal and getting addicted haha
I am sorry gentlemen but the first Watch that came out with a springdrive movement was a Seiko ananta back in 2009. I had de chrono version with white dail and is pure class. I regret that I sold it
I think we'll see Grand Seiko taking some jumps in price soon. The last 2 years has seen their credibility sky-rocket. Watches like the Snowflake and the Seasons series have elevated them to a high horology company. They are the Japanese Rolex with arguably the finest workmanship in the business. Seiko are also on a journey upmarket. They just need to get some of their niggles sorted, such as the quality of their bracelets and their bezel alignment.
@@timemeasured9137 the GS box is HORRIBLE lol i like packaging for some reason, i think you can tell alot about the quality of an item by its packaging…Rolex has notoriously shitty boxes, but GS is what id expect a $300 watch to come in. not to mention the clasps 🤦🏻♂️ i only own one GS (SBGJ237-the one that looks almost exactly like the seiko in this video but with a blue dial 😂) and the clasp is terrible, has scratched the hell out of the bracelet (which could also use an upgrade) its so weird when considering the high degree of polishing/finishing on the entire watch head (case, dial, hands/indices etc)
@@ScratchinAway Yes I agree, the packaging says allot about how a brand wants to present their watches to the customer. The presentation box plays a role in the overall excitement and buying experience.
GS prices have been climbing steadily since at least 2015. All Seiko prices have been climbing. My thought is that they're slowly going to level out at pricing around the Rolex level.
So I saw a Presage 140th limited edition at a store and was really taken by it. Very cool watch. I showed my wife a picture of it and she thought the dial looked to "busy" and didn't care for it. I guess my question is, do I replace my wife with another brunette, or try for a blonde this time?
Big Seiko fan here, got about half the watches you shown. I love the Arnie as it's one of my only non-automatics, so it's always good to go. Cool thing about it is that it goes to "sleep" as well. If you don't wear it for a day, the hands stop moving and they set themselves right (as shown 3:14). As for the behemoth: I was hoping you got a Monster or Tuna on you :D.
The spring drive seiko is definitely interesting. I can understand why people with grand seikos would be upset but overall I think it will benefit GS in the long term. I think those who buy the seiko will still aspire to move up to a GS and bringing the technology to a more entry level watch is great value and will possibly bring new people into the seiko and GS brand
Yep exactly. They have done this deliberately to give Seiko enthusiasts a sample of the GS engineering. Just enough to get them move up. Much like how Toyota uses so much tech from Lexus just to give their customers a feel of the Lexus products and get them to move up.
@@Ari-ne2yb car companies are the perfect analogy. They’re constantly making a halo model with cool tech that they then trickle down to lower models in the lineup. It works well to make people excited to buy a lower end model with some of the same tech as the higher model.
Being Kevin he can't understand why you would sell a premium product at a low price..The Spring drive in a Regular Seiko is too much for him 🤣😂Wait until he sees the GS Omiwatari!😊
I plan on getting dressier bands for my Seiko 5 SRPG31 - raised Arabic brushed numbers and dial elements, 24-hour numbers, luminous indexes/hour/minute/second hands, brushed steel case, 24 jewels, day/date with blue/red weekend, hacking, hand winding, and the color of the dial is just a a beautiful deep steel gray. Goes with everything! Seiko has style at every single price bracket
Seiko was a very popular watch brand years back as I was growing up in Samoa. A very good watch and I recently bought one from Michael Hill. I had to buy it, and I was shocked to come across Seiko, reminded me of my father.
Seiko had a Spring Drive collection already many years ago, which included watches like the SPS003 and SNR015, both I own and still love. It is nothing new that Seiko uses the Spring Drive movement on Seiko branded watches, my guess is that they are trying to get their customers to "warm up" to getting a Grand Seiko, because if you are a Seiko collector, eventually, you will get a GS.
Great content. Enhanced by the amazing chemistry between these two gentleman whom despite being so passionate about their shared hobby, offers such diversity of perspectives. Wonderful.
Kevin and Teddy are great together, as always, and I’m a huge Seiko fan. Also - Kevin looks fantastic! I heard he’s doing IF. I’m inspired yet again by Mr. Wonderful!
I really like my automatic invicta sub. It’s a homage to the Rolex sub. Got it for under $200. I feel like it’s a test drive for the real thing one day when I retire in 20 yrs lol
I bought my first Seiko back in 1970, and I've never looked back, or bought any other brand. The watch on my desk right now was brand new in 1980, and it still runs like a champ. I can't afford a high end Seiko, but what I can afford works great for me and my budget. Heck, I've never even seen a King Seiko let alone a Grand Seiko.
As a highly experienced Seiko collector with around 100 pieces, I have absolutely NO issue with a spring drive in a Seiko. It doesn’t devalue my GS watches at all in my mind.
My assumption is GS will eventually transition more to the new 5 day movements. The bridge between Seiko and GS is too big as is, they need to have high end Seikos to make the bridge for enthusiasts. Let people try out spring drive without the finish, then trade up into spring drive with the finish.
The idea that a Spring Drive could be in any watch labeled just "Seiko" must eat away at someone who prides themself on collecting and investing in Grand Seiko. "They discounted my Grand Seiko by 50%."
The first Spring Drive was released in a Seiko. Not a Credor, not a Grand Seiko. SBWA001. I have two Spring Drives, a GS and a Credor. I’m not bothered by this a bit.
You are very nice and amusing! I look at your channel not only for the contents but also for your and Kevin presence that keeps me company and makes a lot "living room". :) Regards from Switzerland!
Have owned a Seiko Second Diver, made in the early 70's, and I have never felt the need to replace it. Rock solid, great time piece and 300m resistance. Have never been one for the "dress watch" fad...
I agree with Kevin -- for those of us who are not 'ballers', SIEKO and LONGINES offer a lot of watch for reasonable prices. OK Teddy -- Hamilton is not far behind. I, for one, am glad to see Seiko bring Spring Drive to the SEIKO brand watches.
Longines are expensive, use off-the-shelf ETA movements, and simple; some may say clean (which is true), but at their price point something needs to stand out! At $500 sure, but not at over $2k!
I prefer Tissot, good designs, Swiss made at an affordable price especially for their quartz watch, a stainless steel & sapphire casing for about $200 new Swiss Made with a nice design, u can’t find that anywhere.
Spring Drive has always been available under the Seiko brand. In fact the first Spring Drive watch was a Seiko. For more... SPS001, SPS005, SNR001, SNR003, SNR005, SNR007, SNR009, SNR013, SNR015, SNR017, SNS001, SNS003, SNS005, SNR037, SNR039, SBDB007, SBDB009, SBDB011, SBDB013, SBDB005, SBDB015, SBDB017, SBDB018, SNR045, SNR025, SNR027, SNR029, SNR031, SNR033, SNR035, SNR047, etc, etc, etc...
I am confused by this simply because it is not cheaper than the comparative Grand Seiko piece. So it is not more accessible in price. I think that was what you were talking about, being cheaper. You would think that but no it does not seem so at all. Perhaps they are just selling some GS basically but just under Seiko. Maybe they thought it would diversify there sales of higher end watches of potential clients who might of missed it otherwise. I mean GS has def gotten bigger but when I bought my GS there was only a handful of AD's in the states and had no Stateside hub for warranties or repairs.
@@tacomn I agree. If it was $1-2000 it would have been a different story. But for $5500 you could just buy a Grand Seiko with a Spring Drive. If I'm not mistaken that's kinda the same ballpark for what a Snowflake Spring Drive Grand Seiko is going for these days.
Big props to Teddy for dealing with the constant interruptions from Kevin lol
just holding the kid’s feet to the fire, the kid did well
He’s a bit of a douche.
its really just douchy. All the achievements you make dont justify bad behaviour. In fact many rich people are humble, and they really show that all the money you have doesnt have to affect your persona.
stay humble and treat everyone with respect
It's unbearable. I don't know who this man is - he and his ego haven't reached the UK mercifully - but i wish teddy would stop making videos with him.
@@PocketUau a bit? He's a full on douchebag
I was going through life, as happy as a clam, with enough manageable addictions, then I started watching Teddy's shows. Well done, always.
Same story here! I've become a watch enthusiast almost overnight.
Until a few months ago, I had one Seiko. I'm up to five now...
I'm in that stage now... Trying to RUN RUN RUN
Same…. 🤦♂️
... wait, six.
Kevin obsessively feeling confused and betrayed by Grand Seiko while simultaneously absolutely admiring the Seiko all over the spring drive is hilarious.
He is never going to wear a Seiko, no matter how beautiful. He does have expensive GS. I have about 5 or 6 watches, all of them, far more expensive than the Alpinist. Yet, I am thinking of getting one, as a every day watch.
Proves comprehensively and irrefutably what an ignoramus Kevin is
@@rickjason215 you don't have an everyday watch? I just never found what is interesting of collecting and not wearing it. And if you wear it, youre more scared of going out because you don't want to scratch it.
It should've been an entry level grand seiko instead of a top tier seiko.
I heard rich people are terrible to be around. Hope he doesn't have to deal with them too much. Off camera this bald dude is a jerk you can just tell
Also, King Seiko was the brand created by Daini Seikosha (Second Seiko Company) to directly compete with Grand Seiko, the purpose of this was to promote competition amongst its top employees in hope of improving the craftsmanship of the company as a whole.
You are correct Peter - Teddy was a bit "off" on this one.....
Yes sir
Great insight
Thats a great strategy
Well in case you dint know Epson its the Company who own Seiko and other brands
If there are any new collectors here remember this: the difference between a $100 watch and $1000 watch is greater than the difference between a $1000 watch and a $10,000 watch. I recommend starting in that $100 - $500 range to get a feel for a style and then saving up for a watch in the $1000-$3000 range. The difference in quality will be astounding. I find that when collectors upgrade from that $1000 range into the more expensive watches the returns are diminishing.
Your last statement is why I own a King Seiko Hi Beat from 1969 and enjoy it every time I wear it.
@@johnsanabria3279 nice piece! Such a timeless style too. A lot of vintage watches are starting to look their age, but that one really stands the test of time. Right now my daily watch is a Hamilton Ventura, my dream watch is a Zenith El Primero.
The same is true of many product categories. The difference in sound between a $5,000 set of speakers and $100,000 set is not as much as the difference between a $100 pair and $1,000 pair.
@@Oxibase yeah, "the law of diminishing returns" so to speak. Stainless steel can only be so polished and mechanical time keeping can only be so accurate.
@@batglide5484 Yep upwards of that and you're only paying for the brand
1 minute and 40 seconds into the video, Teddy finally gets to complete a sentence without being interrupted. 🥳
Guys give them a break. They had to much to drink
@@razormaku8045 I'd need more if I'm talking to that high horse boomer.
The Teddy guy seems very nervous the whole time
@@gcg8187 " The teddy guy" Is the one in the video who actually knows something about watches.
Teddy needs to take a few sips and log out of the timeshare sales pitch. Kevin is such a great guest to calm the young sales man.
Just one clarification for Kevin; while I do agree with his comments about some brand confusion (particularly outside of Japan), the Spring Drive actually launched with the Seiko brand before it did with Grand Seiko. The world’s first spring drive was the Seiko branded SBWA001. Entertaining video and keep the content coming - particularly on underrated brands like GS!
awesome info here.
well done.
The name "King Seiko" may sound funny to Canadians, but to Japanese people 70 years ago, it was a cutting-edge name that reflected a mixture of longing for Swiss watches and pride in the quality of domestic watches. I believe that the name "King Seiko" reflects the spirit of the Japanese people when they were learning about Western technology and struggling to create products that they could be proud of in the world. There is a history and a story behind the now outdated name King Seiko. Among Japanese who love old Japanese mechanical watches like myself, it has as much special meaning as Grand Seiko.
@Kc Han Here is the content of your reply to me. " King Seiko and Grand Seiko are two ridiculous names for watches, I think. They are like King Ford or Grand Ford cars."
Why did you delete it? I think this comment should be on the record because it is your personality and represents your character. If you do not want others to see this comment, it means you consider yourself an embarrassment.
Lets just say they did a poor job explaining seiko history.
I think they might have chosen "King" to compete with "Grand" because in Japanese they're homonyms, so it might be a witty word play. King = Ou, Grand/Big = Ou
I usually take Kevin in small doses, but I have to love his passion for watches and as seen here, Seiko. And, I am 100% on-board with his “Top 3” picks. I have a decent collection of mostly dive watches. No Rolex, as I would never spend that much on a watch that doesn’t keep excellent time, but Seiko for me is another story. Great brand. 👍
In case anyone is wondering, and Teddy can confirm, the Spring Drive high-end Seikos are at a different level BUT they are not finished to the same standards as GS. It is an odd move for sure but I imagine they want SD to have a broader audience.
But some of them are better designed than GS
the Spring Drive in the LX line are 5R not the 9R in Grand Seiko
To me, the grand seiko divers look very seiko'ish (read crappy childish cheap) and the Seiko high end SD drivers look fantastic even Grand Seiko'ish then finally a clasp worth the money while GS clasp is just stamped metal embarrassing.
@@stevenbriandunn5648 GS definitely has work to do with its sports line.
@@chia-mingyang5804 you mean all of them
Some people complaining about the interruptions but for me that's what make this video authentic and not a marketing video.
Great video!!👊🏻👍🏻
My wife bought me a Seiko SNKL23 and when it arrived she was amazed at how nice it looked for under $120. It's Automatic and looks sharp. Simply put you cannot go wrong with Seiko.
I've also bought one. I put a leather strap on it. Looks like a very classy dress watch now.
Kevin: “This is a travesty”
Teddy: “But it’s your #1!”
Kevin: “I know, but it’s wrong”
😂😂😂 Another great episode with Kevin. Honestly, my favorite series on TH-cam right now.
Another example of his ignorance. Doesn't know how to use the word 'travesty'.
@@GeorgeFrideric71 Come on. Almost no one does. I had to look up the word 30 seconds ago to see what you meant. Almost everyone uses it as a synonym for "tragedy."
@@GeorgeFrideric71 I don't see how the word was used incorrectly?
@@themothmanreturns Myself, too. He certainly could’ve meant a “false, distorted or absurd representation” of a Grand Seiko.
@@seamusoreilly804 exactly, I believe that's precisely what he meant.
Bought my first Seiko a couple of months ago, and I love it. Seiko 5 Sports Men's Black Watch - SRPE57K1 on a brown leather strap.
Me too…SRPE21 on eBay at 156.00 with tags but advertised as “without tags”. Bought a nice SS bracelet, spare bezel & ceramic 12 hr lum bezel insert as upgrade for a total less than retail for the watch. Chose extra bezel so that i can always switch back to “stock” strap and bezel. Great value for the 295.00 sport watch. Have some higher end watches and some other beaters. I just love my Seiko.
@@gerrygoldstein4698 enjoy dude
Same! I bought my first watch about 50 days ago, it was the Seiko Presage Style 60s Ginza edition - SSA445J. Hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
@@voltgaming2213
Okay
Happy for you mate!
Always enjoy the banter between these guys. Learn so much about watches just listening to these two. Even though their collections are miles apart in price points, its nice to hear their reaction to pieces that are on the lower end of the pricing scale.
I haven’t purchased a Seiko since the 1980’s (in fact I may still have a few of them here somewhere) and lost interest in them as a brand possibly due to selection overload. But seeing these, I have to take a fresh look. Always enjoy it when you and Kevin do a video together. They are fun, entertaining, and informative which is not an easy combination to achieve. Already looking forward to the next one which can’t some soon enough.
Selection overload is right. When I found myself with a dozen Seikos, I knew it was either time to give them up or concentrate on variations of one or two favorites. I chose the latter.
the overload is a serious issues.
It’s still my favourite brand top to bottom. You could build a beautiful 3 or 4 watch collection of just Seikos for just a few thousand dollars. If you want to be wowed, check out their Presage line with enamel dials for about $1,000-$1,500.
Agreed. And because they make so many, none of them seem to be produced for very long. Nothing more frustrating then finding a Seiko you fall in love with only to find out it's discontinued but there are 10 more that are *almost* the same but not quite. Why make so many of nearly the same watch all with such short lives? This is one of the reasons I don't follow or even try to keep up with the brand. Seiko really needs to deal with the "dime-a-dozen" problem.
Citizen makes better radio-sync and GPS-sync watches than Seiko does. Both companies reserve their best watches for Japan only. Some models available in the U. S. are so ugly that I think that Japanese must have a really low opinion of us gaijin.
I really dislike the combined analog/digital displays. Casio seems fondest of them but Seiko occasionally goes for them too.
Teddy really trying to plug Hamilton and Kevin is just not having it 😆
Don't worry Teddy, I'm out here rocking my Khaki Field and my Bronze Pilot Pioneer! Still my favorite brand under $1k.
I agree with Teddy regarding the Hamilton watches, but Kevin had a definite point about Longines. They have a long history producing fine watches, and an extensive catalogue to dial and case designs which they are using to create new watches, introducing a new generation to the beauty of a Longines watch. As for the new Seikos, my favorites are 1. the King Seiko, 2. The LX model diver with that incredible red dial with the wave pattern (simply stunning), and 3. the Presage Sharp Edged watches (I'd go for the original, simple design, but the GMT watches are stunning watches). I think a person could specialize in collecting Seiko watches and their luxury offspring, Grand Seiko and Credor.
I own a Grand Seiko SBGH295, a Tudor Black Bay, a Longines Master Collection Moonphase and a few others. Recently picked up a Hamilton Khaki King Black PVD and I can pretty much say I enjoy wearing it just as much as my luxury pieces. Fantastic look, quality and history from the brand. I definitely would like to add another Hamilton soon. They have been releasing nice pieces these past 2 years.
yess. Hamilton is the best value. I thought Longines was quite a bit more expensive but also very very noice
I prefer Hamilton and Longines. I don’t want to spend $1K on a Seiko knowing that there’s models out there brand new for $100-$300. I would prefer Seiko rebranded the cheaper models.
@@johnb9981 Must buy one :) .
Treated myself last week and started my watch journery with a Seiko Prospex Alpinist Cal 6R35 Automatic 😁 now i have the bug so already looking for my next, you and Kevin have inspired me to start a collection. Got me hooked.
3:41 That nervous chuckle, Teddy does it very often in his colab videos with Kevin and I'm loving it lol
Any way to get the cheap wine guy from talking? BTW, I like Seiko more than any other brand. My watch collection has a lot of Seikos including Astron and I'm about to get my second Grand Seiko.
Teddy: get the blowhard to tone it down . Keep showing those watches , preferably on your own from now on.
Kevin isnt afraid to be polarizing and state a direct criticism, Teddy has more or less built a brand on never doing that and always finding a positive.
@TheMilk Trafficker It certainly does. He does it very often in videos with him. I believe that is because Kevin is so straightforward and he roasts watches he does not like very openly. Teddy, on the other hand, is complete opposite. I mean, it's not like Teddy is super nervous or anything, he's just not comfortable in these kind of situations and his body language shows that.
Teddy is trying to promote some of these watches and he is pointing out the positives, and then comes Kevin and he's like "nope, this watch is shyte".
Teddy really seems to struggle internally when people have differing opinions. So his nervous laugh is a way to brush that off.
Please never stop this duo!
Edit: Teddy, you have astounding patience.
A few years ago, I bought my first high-quality watch. It was a "Seiko Superior Stargate" Automatic diver's 200M water resist SKZ323K1.
Seiko 23-jewel automatic (self-winding) movement (caliber 7S36)
-Day and date display, highly luminous hands and markers treated with Lumibrite for low light visibility
-Screw down offset red ringed crown for superior water resistance
-Uni-directional diving bezel
-Scratch-resistant hardlex crystal and a solid etched, screw-down case back.
-Excellent Seiko Lumibrite lume
-Note: It has black contour hands which are very legible... This Seiko is sure to be collectible!
I absolutely love my Seiko !!! Great video Kevin and Teddy 😎
I honestly liked the Seiko 5 the most. Its got a clean look and seems easy to pair for all attire.
I’ve had a Seiko 5 SNK809K2 for almost a year now and you’re absolutely right, it goes with everything. 😅
lol you've got no taste
@@BPFACTS88 goes with every wet suit. Lol
It's a nice watch. But why did you preface your opinion with the word 'honestly'? Were you tempted to lie about it at first?
@@mediocreman2 No I just assumed people would look at the price tag and see it as inferior to the "higher" end watches. I actually bought this watch and wore it with my college graduation outfit and it paired so well with everything. It really is a classic looking watch
I love Seiko. They produced my first “real” watch and I have had it for about 20 years or so. Thanks to them, I took a greater interest in horology in general and now have a variety from a number of manufacturers.
Always liked the Alpinist and loved the 2020 green dial so much I picked one up today and put a Angus Jubilee on it, looks stunning, watching this on my phone on the bus home now and feel even better about it after your comments 😀
Kevin everytime Teddy introduce a new piece: "OK this is the top for me now."
He’s passionate for watches, I enjoy it tbh. Makes me want to buy one and I don’t give a crap about watches.
Clearly knowledgeable but also a pretentious knob with too much money. He should be a little more considerate to those with a lesser wallet !
Yet he'd never wear one
@@jaffaman99 Careful, it starts when you don't really care. Suddenly, you're trying to justify spending 500, 1000, 5000 bucks. lol.
@@russellstall169 That's true, Started with Invicta, Bulova, Citizen and Tissot. This year got a Hamilton and now talking to a dealer for an Omega and Longines. Been trying to find a dealer for a couple of Seiko watches on this show.
Hell, looked up the stocks on watches and seeing some are not bad investments, undervalued.
There's been Seiko Prospex diver watches with Spring Drive (e.g. the 2013 Marinemaster Pro SDBD001 with 600m WR, titanium, and GMT hand) well before the split of Grand Seiko from Seiko. It may be a surprise to those not familiar with Seiko Prospex dive watches but Seiko has been selling higher end dive watches with Spring Drive outside of Grand Seiko and Credor for some time.
Absolutely. Spring drive has always been available out of the Grand Seiko line. It's available in the Prospex line, Ananta line, Credor line, etc.
Hey, that’s good to know. And basically just explodes Kevin’s incredibly whiney argument about SD movements and GS
@@DeeEllEff he does not know much about watches other than Rolex, PP and investment pieces
@@entroheat i get the feeling that Teddy has to bite his tongue when Kevin tries to talk watch specs/history to the actual watch guy
5R - in Seiko since 2010s, 7R - Credor, 9R - Grand Seiko. oleary just doesn't know enough, no surprise; 7R or 9R not in seiko branded models. sort of like boxster vs 959. "you can't go wrong with seiko value". Well yes, you can. Under $500, steel bracelets are abismal quality when other brands give you milled everything for much less and usually a better movement. Considering the manufacturing scale, the seikos they msrp for 300-600 have huge profit margins as cost prob in the 10-30 dollar range including assembly and packaging.
Started my collection last year with watches in the sub $1K and $500 dollar range. Today I just picked up my first Seiko 5. Absolutely love it.
What would you choose if you are given $1300 usd for buying a single watch ?
@@kodoaok626 maybe a Ball, or Nomos.
@@kodoaok626a vintage omega
Which one?
It’s fun watching you guys go back and forth. You guys come from different ends of the spectrum and personality and the resulting conversations are pretty funny.
I love to see people who can afford a half-million dollar watch geek out about classic "budget" pieces.
He only does it for the views (aka money), he won’t collect Seiko
ones trying to sell product the other trying to sell himself they can give a shit about Seiko.
@@whatmemories3728 teddy is not an authorized dealer for Seiko
@@whatmemories3728 u literally don't know wut ur talking about. He's been making videos about Seiko long before he opened up his store.
Got to say my Grand Seiko is the best dive watch I've ever owned also worh checking out the Saarb 017 for a good looking everyday holiday piece
I wanted an entry level SEIKO, or Invicta Pro Diver, but I’m quite happy with a Casio W-800H and a humble Duro. Great entry level watches with style, reliability, and function.
I’ll probably be a more minimalistic watch collector, Casio’s are great and I think a good SEIKO would round off my collection for the next 10 years.
I love how Teddy can’t finish a thought without big head interrupting
Teddy... I'm sorry, did the middle of my sentence interpret the start of yours?
😂😂😂😂
😂🤣 that’s what I’m saying
Big head, big mouth, big ego, big bore……
To be fair Teddy interrupted Kevin just as much too. This is just like two friends talking casually about their passion. I don't see anything offensive.
Props to Teddy for getting the respect of Kevin. And props to Kevin for enjoying his time with Teddy. I have a lot of respect for both.
Kevin looked like he was about to explode at the end when he couldnt interrupt Teddy's outro
Good to see Kevin snd Teddy appreciating Seiko alpinist. I think that green dial is gorgeous!
To me, the Spring Drive going down to Seiko echoes a common move of technology: becoming mainstream as manufacturing matures. Perhaps another few decades from now Spring Drive will be in most entry level Seikos, too.
But I agree, it does feel a little weird.
I only want this to be happening when they have something better to replace it coming
@@MuhammadKharismawan good point.
@@SneekyRafiki Yeah I hear that -- Yoshikazu Akahane designed it back in 1977 while at Suwa. This was back when Seiko was more defined by its two semi-competing factories (both of which produced Grand Seiko), than by Grand vs. non-Grand. (A way more interesting period in my opinion, with King, Lords, Fives, and before that Seikomatics and Liners, and so many more doing cool things.) The first Spring Drive watches were limited edition hand winds for Seiko and Credor. First automatic was Grand -- but still before it was its own brand.
It's funny; Grand Seiko since spinning off has actually really muted that history if you look at their site's history page. Grand wouldn't be anything I'd argue if not for King, Liner, and Lord. Look at the 60s chronometer era, for instance. It was all Seiko. Credit to the rebranding I guess that everyone thinks Spring Drive belongs to Grand, as if they were never part of a bigger family.
@@SneekyRafiki The more I think about it, the more actually I'm frustrated by this. As a vintage Seiko fan, the history is so much richer than what Grand Seiko has been since 2017. On the one hand, I'm really glad the rebranding apparently worked well in positioning Grand Seiko truly as a competitive luxury brand. On the other, I hate that it came at the muting of some history. How does their history page go back to the 60s with barely a mention of Suwa and Daini, and *no* mentions of King or Lord? 😡
of course spring drive will not go into low end, if you follow seiko prices even the slightest you willl find that price keeps increasing much like the mechanical watch industry in general
Kevin’s reaction to the GMT made me smile! I picked up the black dial variant a few months back :)
Seiko has so many offerings that this could've easily been an hour longer. I think it would've been fun to showcase some of the cocktail presage models like the Mojito or Houjou, or perhaps even the Zen Garden models. I'm sure the dial of the Ginza Alpinist SPB259 would've blown Kevin's mind as well.
I would love to see a video about Seiko the group , not just the brand. So that would include , Grand Seiko , Credor , Pulsar , Lorus , Epson and Alba. Such a wide varied history but rarely ever covered completely.
@@HRM.HEpson? I'm not buying a printer watch bro. 😉
These two together are gold! Could watch them for hours 👍
I’ve always loved seikos. They don’t knock you over the head with the price and they look really nice
Kevin watched a video about Seiko right before this shoot and is so proud of himself for remembering some of the talking points that he has to shout them out at random.
That pretty much sums up every video Teddy does with Kevin.
Journe or bust for Kevin
It felt like he was praising Seiko only because he knows many like them, but deep down, I think he doesn’t give a crap about Seiko. It won’t bring him any money, so he won’t buy them.
Still fun watching Kevin throw a seiko on! C’mon man 🤣
Well Seiko is a very low level watch, why would he know anything about them when he only collects high horology
I can only Imagine how Kevin must feel, knowing the Spring Drive is now in the hands of plebes.
lmfaooo
It's not first Seiko with spring drive man... i don't understand this "wow! seiko with spring drive" thing.
Not often i actually laugh out loud at comments 🤣 well done sir
@@CudKidi 😁
@@dansmile5425 Kevin literally knows nothing about watches. If you listen to how he speaks about them its always with vagueness. Teddy just doesn't want to upset him by correcting him. The first Spring Drive ever was in a Seiko, not a Grand Seiko.
Just simply fantastic to hear these two. Totally passionate, and both experts on this subject. Learning a ton. Fun to watch too.
People forget the 9R spring drives are much better finished compared to the ones in Presage and LX. Plus SD was originally in Credor, so GS getting it would just be diluting Credor, no?
The first SD was a Seiko and there have been very many Seiko's with SD's in them.
@@beardymcbeardface69 finally someone who knows this!
Whike Credor DOES have some really high end pieces, Grand Seiko is the more "premium" brand between the two, and as noted, spring drive started in seiko and sieko has had pieces with them off and on since. Also not mentioned in the video, the red dial uses a mechanical Grand Seiko movement, just not as well regulated or finished. Thus the 8 and not 9 in the movement number. If anything that would be more the more "controversial" element here.
The first spring drive was a Seiko not Grand Seiko. Next to receive the spring drive movement was Credor (another Seiko brand). Five years after the introduction of spring drive Grand Seiko introduced a few models utilizing the spring drive movement. Personally I prefer the mechanical Grand Seiko over the spring drive. The investment-grade mechanical movement is what grand seiko is known for. Of course, I like them all and own many., Great video gents!!
@sonofpear the springdrive is mechanical.
And for your info creddor is a higher end than grand seiko.
They only make a few and ultra expensive.
The quality of Seiko 5 / Seiko is so indisputable, this watch has been in our family for decades, quality, accuracy, durability, feeling, as well as the price is just fantastic. Having several other brands in the family, we still have our first choice Seiko 5/ Seiko.
I ignored Seiko when I started collecting and now after moving up the ladder I have discovered Seiko and they are so fun.
Similar to me, although I don't own anything more expensive than $2k, I just bought a King Turtle and it has barely left my wrist since I got it.
I've been collecting for awhile, have bought a few Omegas (still have two), a few Rolex (still have two) and a Grand Seiko amongst many others. I just bought my first Seiko a day or two ago. It's not a diver, but it is a limited edition piece and will likely be my last. I fought buying it, but I just kept thinking about the watch and finally pulled the trigger.
I know Seiko is good quality and affordable but they just don’t have the prestige branding like most Japanese watches, but u can’t deny u can’t beat the Japanese for a well made affordable watch
Kevin appears more concerned about the dollar value and status of watches than the love of the watch itself. He'd rather pay more for the same watch with a Grand Seiko branding than get a spring drive at $1100. I'd be stoked to find a spring drive at $1100.
He did say he loved the piece but I also agree with him since at that price point it can be an investment for some.
@@sameepayinoor5232 tbh most watches aren’t good investments either way
@TheMilk Trafficker ...and availability of that technology into the entry-mid level car brands has not destroyed the price position & status of those same luxury car brands.
@TheMilk Trafficker Kevin is rich & wears & owns a Seiko??😳
@TheMilk Trafficker nah, this is seiko, technology goes up. That's why springdrive started with seiko...and they really never stopped making seiko's with spring drives. Seiko doesn't hide tech in their high end pieces. They put in better finishing and quality in their higher end pieces.
Just bought my first Seiko knetick watch......pure love
I agree with Kevin. The SNR051 is the nicest sports piece I've seen in a very long time. They only made 130 pieces or so. It was limited in production but not numbered.
It is allot better looking than their GS diver
@@ekimandersom4478💯
Teddy, when you review or display multiple watches, please provide video time indexes and the model number for each one in the description. It will make looking them up a lot easier. Great video, I love the red faced SLA059 and the SNR051 is to die for, a truly outstanding watch.
Second time to watch this….I needed to see that Marine Master once again. The “spring drive” is nice too….but that maroon dial on the Marine Master is gorgeous to me.
Next time have Kevin look at the watch then try to guess the price! Don't go in price order either. Overall great video. I gotta agree with Kevin, spring drive should only be in the GS.
Kinda the selling point of GS really. After this, wouldn't be surprised if SD is soon used in their cheaper models too
The Spring Drive movement started with Seiko in 1999 and has been in Seiko watches ever since.
SPS001, SPS005, SNR001, SNR003, SNR005, SNR007, SNR009, SNR013, SNR015, SNR017, SNS001, SNS003, SNS005, SNR037, SNR039, SBDB007, SBDB009, SBDB011, SBDB013, SBDB005, SBDB015, SBDB017, SBDB018, SNR045, SNR025, SNR027, SNR029, SNR031, SNR033, SNR035, SNR047, etc, etc, etc...
SD has never been exclusively GS. SD can also be found in Credor and Presage.
The Spring Drive is amazing, the way the third hand sweeps is Nuts.
I could be wrong but I recollect that in the early days the spring drive was avaible also on "normal" Seikos and not just GrandSeiko
I love the 5000 Dollar Spring drive GMT. What Kevin doesn’t realize is there is a lot of collectors who don’t want to drop $10,000 to get a spring drive. Kevin has plenty of cash, I don’t. Thanks Teddy ,Thanks Kevin. SEIKO IS KING !!!
Grand Seiko has spring drives for $6,000 USD and a bit under. The irony of this “cheapening” is that this Seiko LX spring drive is not much cheaper than Grand Seiko spring drives.
The cheapest GS spring drive is 4800 retail.
@@williamlasl my issue is that I dont like the look of GS, but want that beautiful sweep ;)
I actually love Kevin's interruptions because he loves
I like the idea that Seiko went “all out” with this piece, Spring Drive, GMT, power reserve indicator, 72 hours, 10 BAR, awesome dial texture, lume…, beautiful bezel. It is 5k, but the value is there.
Would you buy something like this and reckon it could hold its value if not be more valuable in the future?
@@KilliKonKarnage I don’t buy a lot of watches in that price range. So the quick answer would be likely not. But again, I don’t buy thinking on price retention and resale. I buy to keep. So I think it is a good proposition by Seiko at making a watch that is closer to Grand Seiko. If I loved the watch and had the disposable cash I would consider buying it. I buy what I like not what would please the followers and trends, and buy it for keeping. Nothing wrong with collecting by buying and reselling to achieve higher value pieces, it’s just not what I do.
@@perosa99 I agree it's a beautiful watch and would buy if I could feel I could afford it. What makes me hesitant is depreciation in value but wouldn't be an issue at all if money was easier to come by.
The SNR051 Seiko LX GMT uses an older 72 hour Spring Drive. It is not finished like a Grand Seiko movement but it is a nicely accurate great value in a High End Seiko Luxe. There are GS models with Spring Drive in the $5500 and up price range. The Seiko LX is a heavy Duty Sport Watch. The GS Watches serve a different and dressier purpose. The GS SBGA029 is a heavy Sport and Dive Watch that goes for $6,000. It is not a GMT. I am a fan of Seiko and Grand Seiko and have no personal problem with the cross over.
Yes for us this is a neutral or even a good thing to aspire to. But look at it from the collectors perspective, he has paid 10000's for watches due to the exclusivity of a movement that is now longer exclusive. Dilutes the appeal of the brand. He will be selling his GS guaranteed and others will also..
Have a Omega Seamaster and Seiko LX titanium spring very happy with both watches ⌚️
The LX is more under the radar guaranteed not to get stabbed for it
The Omega Seamaster is a great watch not so much in your face when you were rubber strap
Both great for low profile not interested enjoying attention
Great video
@@johnrb9397 but it was NEVER exclusive in terms of tech. These are using a different movement, as seiko labels it differently when it goes go through the GS finishing. If he thought spring drive was exclusive to GS, he was ignorant and that's on him.
O’Leary, Grand Seiko collector: Why is a Spring Drive in a Seiko?! I need to talk to whom ever made this decision.
Also O’Leary: Take my money!
Seiko rep to old man -> "Sir, spring drive was made for seiko, we just used it has a marketing piece when we re-launched the GS brand, but we didn't even stop using it in seiko"
Such an amazing episode. I literally sat down in the office (Off work) and was able to enjoy this piece of deliberate wine tasting and watch art episode.
It was A Seiko that had the first Spring Drive movement, so it is obvious that they still have it on the Seiko lineup. Nothing for Kevin to be upset for.
That Alpinist is really a deal. I've got the exact one and really nice watch
Agree. One of the most interesting and appealing Seiko lines
I’ve had the glacier alpinist stuck in my head ever since it came out, Kevin’s reaction here really confirming my feelings on it. Just so torn as a 1st watch sooo many choices and never handled one irl or worn on the wrist.. also kinda worried about breaking the seal and getting addicted haha
@@jakeh2049 don’t do it. Started 2 years ago and I bought already 4 increasingly expensive watches 😂
Was looking at this watch and somehow an ArchieL video dissuaded me and ended up getting a Hamilton. Not that he would approve of that either.
I am sorry gentlemen but the first Watch that came out with a springdrive movement was a Seiko ananta back in 2009. I had de chrono version with white dail and is pure class. I regret that I sold it
I think we'll see Grand Seiko taking some jumps in price soon. The last 2 years has seen their credibility sky-rocket. Watches like the Snowflake and the Seasons series have elevated them to a high horology company. They are the Japanese Rolex with arguably the finest workmanship in the business. Seiko are also on a journey upmarket. They just need to get some of their niggles sorted, such as the quality of their bracelets and their bezel alignment.
Already starting to. White Birch with spring drive is $9k same as the high beat.
Agreed! Also they need better movements and presentation boxes.
@@timemeasured9137 the GS box is HORRIBLE lol i like packaging for some reason, i think you can tell alot about the quality of an item by its packaging…Rolex has notoriously shitty boxes, but GS is what id expect a $300 watch to come in. not to mention the clasps 🤦🏻♂️ i only own one GS (SBGJ237-the one that looks almost exactly like the seiko in this video but with a blue dial 😂) and the clasp is terrible, has scratched the hell out of the bracelet (which could also use an upgrade) its so weird when considering the high degree of polishing/finishing on the entire watch head (case, dial, hands/indices etc)
@@ScratchinAway Yes I agree, the packaging says allot about how a brand wants to present their watches to the customer. The presentation box plays a role in the overall excitement and buying experience.
GS prices have been climbing steadily since at least 2015.
All Seiko prices have been climbing.
My thought is that they're slowly going to level out at pricing around the Rolex level.
So I saw a Presage 140th limited edition at a store and was really taken by it. Very cool watch. I showed my wife a picture of it and she thought the dial looked to "busy" and didn't care for it. I guess my question is, do I replace my wife with another brunette, or try for a blonde this time?
Hahahaha I bought it as my first watch and I love it!
P.S. I'd go with a blonde
Blondes have more/ are more fun!
This comment wins 🤣
You had me in the first half not gonna lie
Get a blonde on a Spring Drive… never stops with a great Power Reserve! 😁
Big Seiko fan here, got about half the watches you shown. I love the Arnie as it's one of my only non-automatics, so it's always good to go. Cool thing about it is that it goes to "sleep" as well. If you don't wear it for a day, the hands stop moving and they set themselves right (as shown 3:14).
As for the behemoth: I was hoping you got a Monster or Tuna on you :D.
My favorite brand by far, I was able to nab the alpinist (green) when I was in Japan for 400$ can’t believe how well watches increase in value!
The spring drive seiko is definitely interesting. I can understand why people with grand seikos would be upset but overall I think it will benefit GS in the long term. I think those who buy the seiko will still aspire to move up to a GS and bringing the technology to a more entry level watch is great value and will possibly bring new people into the seiko and GS brand
Yep exactly. They have done this deliberately to give Seiko enthusiasts a sample of the GS engineering. Just enough to get them move up. Much like how Toyota uses so much tech from Lexus just to give their customers a feel of the Lexus products and get them to move up.
@@Ari-ne2yb car companies are the perfect analogy. They’re constantly making a halo model with cool tech that they then trickle down to lower models in the lineup. It works well to make people excited to buy a lower end model with some of the same tech as the higher model.
The Seiko Landmaster had a spring drive movement way before the LX
Seiko has been using Spring Drive since 1999.
As always the most thoughtful , well researched & eloquent watch channel around , MAMACOO keep coming !
The top 3 shows the 300m diver, but I think at 24:02 Kevin is holding the Alpinist!
Being Kevin he can't understand why you would sell a premium product at a low price..The Spring drive in a Regular Seiko is too much for him 🤣😂Wait until he sees the GS Omiwatari!😊
I plan on getting dressier bands for my Seiko 5 SRPG31 - raised Arabic brushed numbers and dial elements, 24-hour numbers, luminous indexes/hour/minute/second hands, brushed steel case, 24 jewels, day/date with blue/red weekend, hacking, hand winding, and the color of the dial is just a a beautiful deep steel gray. Goes with everything! Seiko has style at every single price bracket
Damn. This was fun to watch. I never even knew that there were difference brands of Seiko and that they would go up that high in price
13:03 Teddy: 😤
Totally agree to teddy.
Even longines has a good price quality and history value, but actually Tissot is unbeatable.
What an amazing outcome for a beautiful watch. Always a pleasure to see amzwatch work your magic. Thanks for sharing this transformation with us!
Great video! Kevin could be less pompous, but I am impressed with the quality and level of expertise both Kevin and Teddy bring to the audience.
These are great videos for me to show to trainee managers what narcissism sounds like. Thanks Teddy.
What do you mean?
Kevin has that arrogant attitude like Trump or Gene Simmons.
@@gigatronicdeth You people look into stuff way to deeply. You know heads might explode if you think to much about stuff.
@@shiraz1736 sorry for having perception. What’s it like being dumb?
@@shiraz1736 I'm a psychologist. It's what I do
Seiko was a very popular watch brand years back as I was growing up in Samoa. A very good watch and I recently bought one from Michael Hill. I had to buy it, and I was shocked to come across Seiko, reminded me of my father.
Seiko had a Spring Drive collection already many years ago, which included watches like the SPS003 and SNR015, both I own and still love. It is nothing new that Seiko uses the Spring Drive movement on Seiko branded watches, my guess is that they are trying to get their customers to "warm up" to getting a Grand Seiko, because if you are a Seiko collector, eventually, you will get a GS.
Kevin "it probably is pressed, but look at it" wowza 😂
Bought my first Seiko this week. Seiko presage 60s collection blue dial and absolutely love it.
Great content. Enhanced by the amazing chemistry between these two gentleman whom despite being so passionate about their shared hobby, offers such diversity of perspectives. Wonderful.
No chemistry. Drunk Kevin stepping on everything
Very natural interaction between Mr. O'Leary and Mr. Baldassarre! I enjoy watching these videos.
its not natural. Teddy bends over backwards to appease Kevin.
I know nothing about watches but you guys are so much fun and I get a lot to learn from you guys ...love you guys
How many bottles of your bad wine can you put in one frame? Kevin O'Leary: Yes.
he needs to launder money somewhere
Kevin and Teddy are great together, as always, and I’m a huge Seiko fan. Also - Kevin looks fantastic! I heard he’s doing IF. I’m inspired yet again by Mr. Wonderful!
I have never wanted a watch with a red dial, but I do now. That watch is outstanding.
Dig this! Do an Invicta video with Kevin. They start conversations lol
I'd love to see an Invicta video
I really like my automatic invicta sub. It’s a homage to the Rolex sub. Got it for under $200. I feel like it’s a test drive for the real thing one day when I retire in 20 yrs lol
Good to see you guys having friendly conversation. Great show teddy.
I bought my first Seiko back in 1970, and I've never looked back, or bought any other brand. The watch on my desk right now was brand new in 1980, and it still runs like a champ. I can't afford a high end Seiko, but what I can afford works great for me and my budget. Heck, I've never even seen a King Seiko let alone a Grand Seiko.
As a highly experienced Seiko collector with around 100 pieces, I have absolutely NO issue with a spring drive in a Seiko. It doesn’t devalue my GS watches at all in my mind.
100 Seiko pieces! DAYUM. They need to interview you lol
Ya, its a fantastic technology.
My assumption is GS will eventually transition more to the new 5 day movements. The bridge between Seiko and GS is too big as is, they need to have high end Seikos to make the bridge for enthusiasts.
Let people try out spring drive without the finish, then trade up into spring drive with the finish.
What's you 3-5 favorite pieces of them all may I ask?
@@RatskE2003 I wonder why they didn't release it as a King Seiko, or even being back the Lord-matic or Lord-marvel lines?
The idea that a Spring Drive could be in any watch labeled just "Seiko" must eat away at someone who prides themself on collecting and investing in Grand Seiko. "They discounted my Grand Seiko by 50%."
The first Spring Drive was released in a Seiko. Not a Credor, not a Grand Seiko. SBWA001. I have two Spring Drives, a GS and a Credor. I’m not bothered by this a bit.
Agree Whineboy, it would be interesting to see the movement in the Seiko I doubt it’s finished to the same level as a GS.
@@shiraz1736 Absolutely. My Credor is finished better than my GS.
@@Whineboy So it has a sapphire crystal case back?
@@shiraz1736 yes. GCLP993 vs SBGA413.
You are very nice and amusing! I look at your channel not only for the contents but also for your and Kevin presence that keeps me company and makes a lot "living room". :) Regards from Switzerland!
Why get annoyed with a spring drive movement in a Seiko when the first spring drive movement was in a Seiko?
You two have great chemistry! The ending was perfect. Keep it coming.
You are so easily pleased clown
Have owned a Seiko Second Diver, made in the early 70's, and I have never felt the need to replace it. Rock solid, great time piece and 300m resistance. Have never been one for the "dress watch" fad...
I agree with Kevin -- for those of us who are not 'ballers', SIEKO and LONGINES offer a lot of watch for reasonable prices. OK Teddy -- Hamilton is not far behind. I, for one, am glad to see Seiko bring Spring Drive to the SEIKO brand watches.
Longines are expensive, use off-the-shelf ETA movements, and simple; some may say clean (which is true), but at their price point something needs to stand out! At $500 sure, but not at over $2k!
I prefer Tissot, good designs, Swiss made at an affordable price especially for their quartz watch, a stainless steel & sapphire casing for about $200 new Swiss Made with a nice design, u can’t find that anywhere.
Spring Drive has always been available under the Seiko brand. In fact the first Spring Drive watch was a Seiko.
For more... SPS001, SPS005, SNR001, SNR003, SNR005, SNR007, SNR009, SNR013, SNR015, SNR017, SNS001, SNS003, SNS005, SNR037, SNR039, SBDB007, SBDB009, SBDB011, SBDB013, SBDB005, SBDB015, SBDB017, SBDB018, SNR045, SNR025, SNR027, SNR029, SNR031, SNR033, SNR035, SNR047, etc, etc, etc...
bring spring drive to the seiko brand? How can you bring it there when it started there and never left?
This is so interesting. Kevin is such a wonderful guest. Love his reactions and comments
The spring drive is spectacular. What a watch!
I love that spring drive Seiko is a thing. It makes it seem more accessible. Also feels like they were throwing the little guy a bone.
I am confused by this simply because it is not cheaper than the comparative Grand Seiko piece. So it is not more accessible in price. I think that was what you were talking about, being cheaper. You would think that but no it does not seem so at all.
Perhaps they are just selling some GS basically but just under Seiko. Maybe they thought it would diversify there sales of higher end watches of potential clients who might of missed it otherwise. I mean GS has def gotten bigger but when I bought my GS there was only a handful of AD's in the states and had no Stateside hub for warranties or repairs.
@@tacomn I agree. If it was $1-2000 it would have been a different story. But for $5500 you could just buy a Grand Seiko with a Spring Drive. If I'm not mistaken that's kinda the same ballpark for what a Snowflake Spring Drive Grand Seiko is going for these days.
How are they throwing the little guy a bone..? Lmao that’s Grand Seiko money yet you’ll still own a Seiko and not a Grand Seiko. It’s illogical.