That is a true grail right there. Would prefer it to a Daytona. I recently sold my Speedy Pro. I just have about had it with the Swatch group AND Rolex. I went back to basic Seiko divers under $500 only. Seiko is simply the absolute best. Grand Seiko is the only luxury brand that I really like, with the exception of A. Lange & Sohne. I like both of those because they’re not “flex” brands, they’re not “hot model” brands. They make incredible watches for purist collectors and true enthusiasts. This is my take. I will likely never own another luxury watch, but if I did, it would be from Japan or Germany. It would be a Grand Seiko. I would almost say definitely. LOOK AT THAT WATCH and tell me it’s not incredible. Beyond amazing.
Lol absolutely no comparison to a daytona the 4130 movement blows watch ( and almost all automatic chronos in way higher price ranges ) out of the water spec for spec.
I had stopped watch collecting 4-5 years ago. I pruned my collection down to a rolex submariner, audemar royal oak offshore, ulysses nardin diver and 3 patek’s. The pateks were my last purchases and I was satisfied with what I had. These were the watches I wore the most with the Rolex being the oldest followed closely by the Offshore. Now, this Grand Seiko caught my eye. I like the look in photos and video (I have never seen an actual Grand Seiko) and the movement when I first read about it intrigued me. My wrist is a hair larger than 7 inch circumference. The two watches I have that are similar to the GS are the offshore with a slightly smaller 43mm vs 44.5 mm circumference and a slightly larger 55mm vs 50mm lug to lug measurement. The GS is definitely thicker. The Royal Oak Offshore looks fine on my arm as does the Ulysses Nardin Diver. Still, my concern with buying the watch without seeing it, is that it will be too large. Unfortunately, I do not live close to a GS dealer that has the watch in stock. Does anyone with a 7 inch wrist have experience with this watch?
GS has become my favorite brand, if not #1, definitely #2. This one, however, has a couple of warts even I can't overlook. I don't mind a busy dial... heck I've owned a Navi, but this dial just seems extraordinaryly crowded. Maybe it's just me but it seems busier than the Navi. Also the thickness...my gosh. Again, I've had some tall watches (16.5 PO) but this is even thicker. Combine that with that crowded dial, it makes for a watch that has a lot to overcome for a lot of people.
You're not alone in this, GS just doesn't seem to understand what the broader audience is looking for in a sports watch. Their chronos are too busy and bulky, their divers are bulky as well and have 200m WR whereas other divers of a similar size have 500m-600m, and their GMTs suffer the same size issues. Their clasps on their sports watches also look way too cheap in comparison to the rest of the watch; and I'm not someone who constantly bemoans, or even has an issue, over their bracelets on their non-sports pieces. They do seem to be taking steps in the right direction though. The Tentagraph chrono is smaller (though still too big imo) with a way less busy dial, and the SBGE283/285 is actually a fairly wearable size for a sports GMT.
Great review Bruce. Having picked up an SBGB003 Spring Drive chrono recently for a little more than a 1/3 of this one's $12K, and only being a little over 14mm in height due to the 9R84 movement without GMT, the size of this one reinforces that I made the right decision. Been obsessed with Spring Drive for a while and watching the chrono seconds hand is mesmerizing. I don't understand why GS doesn't use the 9R84 caliber more, especially with it being significantly narrower than the 9R85 and 9R86.
Wow. GS were on a bender when they designed this one. I ❤ it. What a beauty. 12k is way out of my budget however. Wonder what other dial choices they may bring out if any. Nice one BW.
Why 12k for this GS is a substantial amount while the same amount for a Rolex without half the features of this GS is no longer substantial..? Looking at other brands, this price seems to be fair.. Great review!
Good considered review - it is too massive for me, but there is a lot of technical wonder and craftsmanship to admire while you are gliding between the reefs.
If you could get your hands on an SBGX 341 Tough Quartz I’d be really interested to see your thoughts about it in a review? On paper it has the makings of an incredible everyday wearing sports watch!!!
Bought 4 Grand Seikos when I went to Japan to commemorate my trip. Videos and pictures don’t do these watches justice and they wear way better then dimensions indicate. What sold me was the professionalism and dedication to their products by the employees at the stores. They even gave me a private tour at their museum in Ginza the worker walked me 3 blocks over just to show me they had one. While the Rolex stores didn’t have shit “in stock” or they required appointments to come in. The employees didn’t even say hi to you in Japan but would eye you up and down. IN JAPAN even Rolex employees are dicks. Will never buy another Rolex. GS only and my grail will be a Credor.
❤i prefer to see you with Grand Seiko enjoying the craftsmanship better than the new fashion watches made by Breitling today with the quality control leak and the numerous issues that the customers complain about and the after sales service
Grand seiko is a beauty I have snowflake and it’s a lovely timepiece sans Rolex, Patek and AP GS keeps good resale compared to IWC, Omega and definitely Bretiling
Grand Seiko is an amazing watch brand in the dress and everyday categories. I own the new White Birch and it is stunning, but one thing they just can't do is sport watches. There's just too many clashing elements in the design: the super fine dial vs the chunky hands and indices, the high-gloss bezel and pushers vs the aggressively angular case and brushed bracelet. This watch has identity crisis.
12K is a fair price for what you're getting here. Much better value than Rolex. Maybe it's just me, but i don't buy a watch with the slightest thought of its resale value. I'm not going to sell it. A watch should be a lifetime joy.
Design and style is subjective regardless of price. It seems so called expensive watch brands are looking cheap but micro brands are doing the opposite.But as I said design is subjective.
I hate the new watches made in Switzerland 🇨🇭 for Christopher Ward & Breitling because of the poor after sales service the numerous issues and the quality control zero
Love GS, and love your videos (mostly), but I think GS is actually running out of fresh ideas. The watches they're releasing are mostly rehashes of dials they've used multiple times -- and more effectively -- before. This is no exception. Even the new Tentagraph -- which is a much cleaner looking watch -- uses the recycled Mt. Iwatae dial. Come on GS, you can definitely do better than become a recycler.
Unfortunately, it's the main thing that GS and Seiko have in common. Rehashing what works for them. Of course GS movements and finishing are next level. But they always stick to the same cases and even worse, the same bracelet on almost all model variations.
@@N3VURMYND They are introducing new dials almost(?) every year (if not, they are doing it very frequently). and there are plenty of other brands, the most well known being Rolex, that use damn near the same few bracelet designs across the majority of their models. I don't think either are valid criticisms, rather I would like to see them improve their baseline for bracelet design. I'm not one who thinks the quality or visual design of their bracelets are bad (other than their sports clasps..), but added features like microadjustment on all models and more taper are always welcome.
@@rousseau327 Dude, take it easy man. I didn't want to talk about Rolex. But since you bring it up...yes, they use the same bracelets...but they're all phenomenal and match perfectly with their cases. Want to know why? BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE FOR THOSE CASE DESIGNS! Rolex's case models all follow a familiar design language so that their Oyster, Presidential and Jubilee bracelets fit the look perfectly. Their cases are designed with those bracelets in mind. It's that overall uniformity that makes Rolex watches so appealing. Meanwhile, GS and Seiko will create a completely new watch design and decide to slap the same standard model "A" or "B" bracelet that they continue to add on every other completely different model. Yes, GS makes beautiful Dials, Movements and have excellent finishing. But their bracelets seem to almost always be an afterthought and they never seem to match the overall aesthetic of the watch cases.
@@N3VURMYND I think if you read my comment, you would know I'm saying the exact same thing as you are, that Grand Seiko needs to improve their baseline in bracelet design. And I'm not sure where I should "take it easy", as I've only disagreed with you, and no more. And to your point about Rolex bracelet and case design compatibility, they use the Oyster and Jubilee on multiple different case shapes, and have kept the principle design for these two bracelets for decades across many more cases. While I do think GS can do more to differentiate their lower end bracelets in their heritage line from the higher end Seikos, they do have different bracelets for different lines, and have introduced a completely new one for their Evolution 9 watches that are markedly higher quality than before, which is a step in the right direction imo. And my overall observation is people tend to excessively fixate on how the bracelet of GS does not match the standards put forth on the rest of the watch. Again, I agree there's much to be improved, but you said yourself, they check a ton of boxes in the dial, finishing, and movement department. Whether you like the case shapes or not, they mostly have roots in their core design date back decades, and they are executed well in that sense. That's a ton of boxes checked, whereas other brands don't get the same level of fixation for their own shortcomings, which are often times a longer checklist of things missed.
That watch is gorgeous and if anybody knows anything about watches or the history of Grand Seiko… they know how awesome that watch truly is.
That is a true grail right there. Would prefer it to a Daytona. I recently sold my Speedy Pro. I just have about had it with the Swatch group AND Rolex. I went back to basic Seiko divers under $500 only. Seiko is simply the absolute best. Grand Seiko is the only luxury brand that I really like, with the exception of A. Lange & Sohne. I like both of those because they’re not “flex” brands, they’re not “hot model” brands. They make incredible watches for purist collectors and true enthusiasts. This is my take. I will likely never own another luxury watch, but if I did, it would be from Japan or Germany. It would be a Grand Seiko. I would almost say definitely. LOOK AT THAT WATCH and tell me it’s not incredible. Beyond amazing.
Lol absolutely no comparison to a daytona the 4130 movement blows watch ( and almost all automatic chronos in way higher price ranges ) out of the water spec for spec.
Most of what you said resonates with me… but 16.8mm in height is just absurd for a master watchmaker
I love the cleanliness and simplicity of GS dials. There is too much stuff going on in this dial. It is simply a personal preference.
This is one killer Seiko it will make Rolex cry😢
I had stopped watch collecting 4-5 years ago. I pruned my collection down to a rolex submariner, audemar royal oak offshore, ulysses nardin diver and 3 patek’s. The pateks were my last purchases and I was satisfied with what I had. These were the watches I wore the most with the Rolex being the oldest followed closely by the Offshore. Now, this Grand Seiko caught my eye. I like the look in photos and video (I have never seen an actual Grand Seiko) and the movement when I first read about it intrigued me. My wrist is a hair larger than 7 inch circumference. The two watches I have that are similar to the GS are the offshore with a slightly smaller 43mm vs 44.5 mm circumference and a slightly larger 55mm vs 50mm lug to lug measurement. The GS is definitely thicker. The Royal Oak Offshore looks fine on my arm as does the Ulysses Nardin Diver. Still, my concern with buying the watch without seeing it, is that it will be too large. Unfortunately, I do not live close to a GS dealer that has the watch in stock. Does anyone with a 7 inch wrist have experience with this watch?
Gorgeous. I finally love the bracelet on this modern GS. Love the vintage bracelets too.
Worth every penny
They just need to give it a better clasp like Rolex .
The clasp always lets it down .
What more could you possibly want it's got micro adjust holes and toolless on the wrist extension not even the submariner has that.
Just ordered the new Tokyo lion limited edition in red. It's stunning. Breathtaking.
Bought this 2 days and I LOVE every part of it! You have to see it for yourself in real life. Great review!!
Question; what size is ur wrist? Your thoughts plz on the Lug to Lug.
Thanx
GS has become my favorite brand, if not #1, definitely #2. This one, however, has a couple of warts even I can't overlook.
I don't mind a busy dial... heck I've owned a Navi, but this dial just seems extraordinaryly crowded. Maybe it's just me but it seems busier than the Navi. Also the thickness...my gosh. Again, I've had some tall watches (16.5 PO) but this is even thicker. Combine that with that crowded dial, it makes for a watch that has a lot to overcome for a lot of people.
You're not alone in this, GS just doesn't seem to understand what the broader audience is looking for in a sports watch. Their chronos are too busy and bulky, their divers are bulky as well and have 200m WR whereas other divers of a similar size have 500m-600m, and their GMTs suffer the same size issues. Their clasps on their sports watches also look way too cheap in comparison to the rest of the watch; and I'm not someone who constantly bemoans, or even has an issue, over their bracelets on their non-sports pieces.
They do seem to be taking steps in the right direction though. The Tentagraph chrono is smaller (though still too big imo) with a way less busy dial, and the SBGE283/285 is actually a fairly wearable size for a sports GMT.
I love this. It's amazing. I get people who don't like the layout, but it's a complicated watch with an indirect layout.
Great review Bruce. Having picked up an SBGB003 Spring Drive chrono recently for a little more than a 1/3 of this one's $12K, and only being a little over 14mm in height due to the 9R84 movement without GMT, the size of this one reinforces that I made the right decision. Been obsessed with Spring Drive for a while and watching the chrono seconds hand is mesmerizing. I don't understand why GS doesn't use the 9R84 caliber more, especially with it being significantly narrower than the 9R85 and 9R86.
Wow. GS were on a bender when they designed this one.
I ❤ it.
What a beauty.
12k is way out of my budget however.
Wonder what other dial choices they may bring out if any.
Nice one BW.
They brought out a colour changing red one. I just ordered one.
That’s a really gorgeous watch with Spring Drive movement
Big and gorgeous!
Why 12k for this GS is a substantial amount while the same amount for a Rolex without half the features of this GS is no longer substantial..? Looking at other brands, this price seems to be fair.. Great review!
Good considered review - it is too massive for me, but there is a lot of technical wonder and craftsmanship to admire while you are gliding between the reefs.
Lol good point
A very interesting piece,I really like it
EPIC WATCH. BETTER THEN A HYPED ROLEX.
It's Samurai AF, stunner.
Definitely cool!!! GS has moved into high end brand and prices are going up.
Amazing watch, +/- half a second a day, pretty accurate!!!!
If you could get your hands on an SBGX 341 Tough Quartz I’d be really interested to see your thoughts about it in a review? On paper it has the makings of an incredible everyday wearing sports watch!!!
A super technological brick on the wrist 😉
Jokes apart a great piece but too big to be comfortably wearable at least on a standard wrist
I can't wait until the pre-owned prices of this come down to affordable levels
Bought 4 Grand Seikos when I went to Japan to commemorate my trip. Videos and pictures don’t do these watches justice and they wear way better then dimensions indicate. What sold me was the professionalism and dedication to their products by the employees at the stores. They even gave me a private tour at their museum in Ginza the worker walked me 3 blocks over just to show me they had one. While the Rolex stores didn’t have shit “in stock” or they required appointments to come in. The employees didn’t even say hi to you in Japan but would eye you up and down. IN JAPAN even Rolex employees are dicks. Will never buy another Rolex. GS only and my grail will be a Credor.
When BALL and SEIKO have a child give birth this beauty Sports Grand Seiko - SBGC253
Even if I had $1 billion, I think that is the watch I would get.
❤i prefer to see you with Grand Seiko enjoying the craftsmanship better than the new fashion watches made by Breitling today with the quality control leak and the numerous issues that the customers complain about and the after sales service
To find better movement execution you have only Audemars Piguet BlancPain Bréguet Vacheron Constantin A Lange & Söhn or Patek Philippe
Grand seiko is a beauty I have snowflake and it’s a lovely timepiece sans Rolex, Patek and AP GS keeps good resale compared to IWC, Omega and definitely Bretiling
Is that black lume on the seconds hand? Damn, only GS can make bad lume work!
Grand Seiko is an amazing watch brand in the dress and everyday categories. I own the new White Birch and it is stunning, but one thing they just can't do is sport watches. There's just too many clashing elements in the design: the super fine dial vs the chunky hands and indices, the high-gloss bezel and pushers vs the aggressively angular case and brushed bracelet. This watch has identity crisis.
Finally normal watch )) But a bit expensive .
Brick
can the bezel be turned? it is a GMT after all right? because i didnt see it get used lol
The bezel is fixed. But in every respect the movement is a true gmt
I wonder why GS is unable to create balanced dial-layouts. Who wants that chaotic layout..
12K is a fair price for what you're getting here. Much better value than Rolex. Maybe it's just me, but i don't buy a watch with the slightest thought of its resale value. I'm not going to sell it. A watch should be a lifetime joy.
Chunky!
why is the case so fugly tho? please explain
Design and style is subjective regardless of price.
It seems so called expensive watch brands are looking cheap but micro brands are doing the opposite.But as I said design is subjective.
To me the dial is too busy it distracts from the perfect textured dial. I love GS but their Chronos seem too busy it throws the symmetry off.
This clasp is just not GS standard no idea why they fail so hard on there bracelets imo!
Impressive watch but way to busy for me. The clasp is overkill but some my opine that the watch is too. It will still sell. To each his own.
I don't understand why seiko are great at cases but comparatively subpar at bracelets and clasps? why?
Man, that clasp... yikes! It looks like something they pulled from the parts bin and should not be on a Grand Seiko.
I hate the new watches made in Switzerland 🇨🇭 for Christopher Ward & Breitling because of the poor after sales service the numerous issues and the quality control zero
My first reaction is Yuck
Whats going on with the stupid clasps Grand Seiko, beautiful watch/es with ugly clasps, get innovative with the clasps GS, 😡
For 12k the clasp is a joke. I don´t get it, they build beautiful cases, dials, hands and movements, but the clasp ist this ugly piece of trash.
Great dial, ugly clasp
$12K and that basic clasp...
Love GS, and love your videos (mostly), but I think GS is actually running out of fresh ideas. The watches they're releasing are mostly rehashes of dials they've used multiple times -- and more effectively -- before. This is no exception. Even the new Tentagraph -- which is a much cleaner looking watch -- uses the recycled Mt. Iwatae dial. Come on GS, you can definitely do better than become a recycler.
Unfortunately, it's the main thing that GS and Seiko have in common. Rehashing what works for them. Of course GS movements and finishing are next level. But they always stick to the same cases and even worse, the same bracelet on almost all model variations.
@@N3VURMYND They are introducing new dials almost(?) every year (if not, they are doing it very frequently). and there are plenty of other brands, the most well known being Rolex, that use damn near the same few bracelet designs across the majority of their models. I don't think either are valid criticisms, rather I would like to see them improve their baseline for bracelet design. I'm not one who thinks the quality or visual design of their bracelets are bad (other than their sports clasps..), but added features like microadjustment on all models and more taper are always welcome.
@@rousseau327 Dude, take it easy man. I didn't want to talk about Rolex. But since you bring it up...yes, they use the same bracelets...but they're all phenomenal and match perfectly with their cases. Want to know why?
BECAUSE THEY WERE MADE FOR THOSE CASE DESIGNS!
Rolex's case models all follow a familiar design language so that their Oyster, Presidential and Jubilee bracelets fit the look perfectly. Their cases are designed with those bracelets in mind. It's that overall uniformity that makes Rolex watches so appealing.
Meanwhile, GS and Seiko will create a completely new watch design and decide to slap the same standard model "A" or "B" bracelet that they continue to add on every other completely different model. Yes, GS makes beautiful Dials, Movements and have excellent finishing. But their bracelets seem to almost always be an afterthought and they never seem to match the overall aesthetic of the watch cases.
@@N3VURMYND I think if you read my comment, you would know I'm saying the exact same thing as you are, that Grand Seiko needs to improve their baseline in bracelet design. And I'm not sure where I should "take it easy", as I've only disagreed with you, and no more.
And to your point about Rolex bracelet and case design compatibility, they use the Oyster and Jubilee on multiple different case shapes, and have kept the principle design for these two bracelets for decades across many more cases.
While I do think GS can do more to differentiate their lower end bracelets in their heritage line from the higher end Seikos, they do have different bracelets for different lines, and have introduced a completely new one for their Evolution 9 watches that are markedly higher quality than before, which is a step in the right direction imo.
And my overall observation is people tend to excessively fixate on how the bracelet of GS does not match the standards put forth on the rest of the watch. Again, I agree there's much to be improved, but you said yourself, they check a ton of boxes in the dial, finishing, and movement department. Whether you like the case shapes or not, they mostly have roots in their core design date back decades, and they are executed well in that sense. That's a ton of boxes checked, whereas other brands don't get the same level of fixation for their own shortcomings, which are often times a longer checklist of things missed.
I guess you must go to other brands like Rolex for their constantly updating catalog oh wait...
If only Grand Seiko could make watches for ordinary sized people. No one is going to buy this giant monstrosity, because no one can actually wear it.