The Perfection of Grand Seiko...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- Grand Seiko is a brand that does not need any explanation. Yet in this video I attempt to explain the perfection of the brand, and where I feel they fall short. Does GS hold itself back by being too close to perfection? Do you agree with the 95 to 5 rule? Does the ‘white birch’ best exemplify the spirit of Takumi?
My recommended GS Authorized Retailer:
Brent L Miller Jewelers
Brad © 717-712-8954
brad@brentlmiller.com
Undercover Vampire Policeman by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: chriszabriskie.com/uvp/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
0:00 - 1:39 Just a fancy Seiko!
1:39 - 4:52 What GS excels in
4:52 - 7:10 The spirit of Takumi
7:10 - 9:32 What GS can improve
9:32 - 11:22 Is this the perfect GS?
11:22 - 13:04 Final Question - บันเทิง
![[Watch Party] APL 2024 ใครชนะเข้ารอบ Hydra 🆚 Flash Wolves Talon 🆚 GGLive](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BvuSgyLy4hA/mqdefault.jpg)
What’s cool about Grand Seiko is that if you see someone wearing it, you know that they’re a watch enthusiast and not just some wealthy person.
I can say that I'm new in the watch world and this my favorite one...then the Omega seaster
I didn’t get Grand Seiko until a few weeks ago. I never thought I could get past the name. A quick trip to my AD to look at JLC, GO, Cartier and Rolex…all of them were in the shadow of this little blue gem in the corner. I couldn’t get it out of my head all weekend and now I’m the proud owner of a Skyflake.
I was once told you have to see a GS in person to appreciate one. NOW I get it!
I believe most people would change their mind to some degree when first time checking GS in person. The quality from details is unquestionable.
Congrats to you..
I did exactly the same as you and now I’m also the proud owner of the Skyflake too, as you know it comes on the navy leather strap but after doing some research with Grand Seiko I found a compatible stainless steel bracelet which I bought directly from GS, it looks absolutely stunning on the bracelet, enjoy your watch in good health…👍
+2. My first entry into GS was the SBGA429 SoKo Shadow a few months ago, and I too added a Skyflake last month. I frequently (almost constantly!) find myself staring into their dials, just in awe of the texture-play and light-play occurring in front of me. I don't mind GS bracelets; they lack some adjustability, but they're very comfortable on my wrist. p.s.--the Skyflake looks awesome on a light tan leather strap; turns the watch into a versatile Summer season casual watch.
Correct. Most people say it's just a Seiko until they see one in the flesh.
I think the whole Seiko/Grand Seiko paradigm is changing. A couple of years ago I thought, ho-hum, a fancy Seiko (I also happen to be a huge Seiko fan!). But the brand has managed to completely captivate me, and now I feel they are some of the coolest and most interesting pieces available today. Any watch enthusiast knows how different a Grand Seiko is, even if most non-watch people don't.
As someone who fell in love with Grand Seiko recently, this was very fun to watch and listen to! There are probably half a dozen GS's I'd love to own, but brands like Omega and Tudor speak to me as well! For now, I'll have to be content with my Sinn 104 and Grand Seiko SBGR261. :)
I'd say a rebrand to a different name would actually do more harm than good, as it would clearly be a case of the company pandering to those shallow individuals who purchase a watch for the name on the dial rather than the inherent quality of the item itself.
From what I gather, Grand Seiko is making great strides in the market by simply making excellent watches which appeal to true watch enthusiasts, rather than brand enthusiasts. The Grand Seiko name has been around for over 60 years, it would be a travesty to lose that link to the past due to 'brand positioning'.
Extremely well said sir, couldn't agree more.
And what about that anachronistic logo made from an european gothic typeface, straight from the Middle Ages?!?
i think they need to create a new sport design with some kind of an integrated bracelet.
@@vricardo917k I was more referring to the brand name in my comment above, but the logo font doesn't bother me either to be honest; it's distinctive and has been part of the brand's identity for decades. It's obviously rooted in European medieval style as you say, but to me it does a pretty good job of communicating grandeur and tradition.
I think you say that because you havent seen one in person, to me the name doesnt bother me. The watches speak for themselves, again in person.
Went to the Grand Seiko boutique the other day. I could have bought about 10 watches, so many beautiful options (including Seiko). I left with one GS (SBGX343) and am absolutely in love. Tried on the White Birch too, outstanding.
Great content like always. One cannot but appreciate the high level of craftsmanship that goes into these watches. They are truly sensational.
Love GS…have the Snowflake, the gmt, and the Seiko Willard SLA033 that comes from their factory. All are perfect.
I have invested in a GS Spring Dive and do not regret it. The second hand movement is magnetic, the dial mesmerising and Zuratsu polishing amongst the best in the world. It is truly class and I agree that the watchmakers put their heart and soul into producing these wonderful timepieces.
I love the sweeping hand on a spring drive movement. It is just so smooth.
Those live wrist shots of the white birch on your wrist look Stunning!
I just purchased the GS SBGN003 (Quartz GMT). I really think there is a lot of value in the GS quartz sport models, especially when you want a reliable travel watch (GMT) that you don't have to set all 4 hands after a few days of non-use. The bracelet is good, but not as good at my Rolex Explorer 1. I do wish GS would add some adjustability to their sport model bracelets (maybe even rubber with a deployment) and a touch more lume. However the watch looks great, keeps excellent time and wears great. It's hard to find another GMT (jumping hour hand) that is finished so nice and so accurate at the price point. Another plus is that is flies under that radar, so actually using the watch in the wild (traveling), doesn't draw a lot of attention. I do love the look of GS dials....but I just don't have a lot of use for dress watches. Great video Bruce....keep the content coming.
Great video Bruce!
They need overall smaller calibers and better clasps. Imagine a 40mm diver from GS.
Or a non limited edition 40mm Blancpain FF.
@@davidr2802 +1
Even JLC should just make a normal diver, or shrink the diameter of the Polaris line (preferably with a decent power reserve)
@@jamespalsson746 Word!
I would buy a GS 40mm diver. they also need to make it thinner
It’s coming. I’m sure of it. They sold the hell out of their 40.5mm SPB14x models.
Wow, they second hand sweeps so smoothly across the dial on the Spring Drive.
Grand Seiko. For those who know. It says a lot about the wearer. Pure perfection.
Why is it every watch person on TH-cam praises the beauty and craftsmanship of Grand Seiko, but none seem to have one in their personal collection?
I think they’re watches you admire for craftmanship but most models are essentially dress watches. If you look at what most enthusiasts love it’s dark dialled, generic looking tool and sports watches. Perhaps this is why masculine, slightly unadventurous but solid-as-a-rock dive watches like Tudor divers are so wildly popular. Most enthusiasts and reviewers just don’t wear dress watches or very dressy sports watches much, they are out of fashion in a more casually dressed, modern world which imo, is a shame.
In my case it’s because, without a macro lens, my SARB 033 looks Grand Seiko perfect to my naked eye.
Great point.
Excellent point. Most of them trash Rolex, but own one or more...🙄🤔🤣.
Certainly a brand I want to have one of in my collection. The blue dials are AMAZINGLY STUNNING.
Great vídeo Bruce! I have bought a GS sbgx 267 37mm titanium quartz from Japan. Looking forward to having it next week.
Love my GS birch!! This brand has won me over.
Grand Seiko is the best watch in the market right now. Every watch enthusiast knows what I am talking about.
P.s. their name doesn’t bother me at all. I even like it.
I own several jlc, glashutte and lange. I beg to differ
Hahaha this video is perfect. Tomorrow is my birthday and I'm going to the GS boutique in my area.
Agree with your statement on their bracelets. That being said I bought my first GS, a snowflake, a couple months ago and enjoy and appreciate it more all the time. I think you not only need to see one in person, but own one to appreciate the depth the brand offers.
I just love these types of videos. Bruce, I think you hit the nail, right on the head. IMHO, the "White Birch," is the closest example to "perfect," as I've ever seen any watch be. Like you, I dont think that it's perfect, it does have room for improvement. But it is as close as I've ever seen. Great job
Fantastic Epilogue on Gran Seiko!!
I have a seiko sarb035 and love it . If I had the money I think I would buy a GS . They are beautiful .
Grand Seiko is amazing, i need one in my collection, the hands, the dial ... just WOW !
Excellent video and information, thank you. BTW, I can't decide, hi-beat or spring drive.
I have often thought that myself. They should have changed the name to something that would set the brand apart. An elegant name.
Hi Bruce, congratulations on your third child. Great video video as usual and couldn't agree more with the + & - of GS I really hope they listen to there customers and address these issues which stop me from buying one. Bruce can you flex your muscles and get GS to produce a snowflake in steel with of course an upgraded bracelet.
Great vid, Bruce. I always think of GS as perfect addition to an already great collection- someone with a Speedy, Subdate, Navitimer, Calatrava... Right or wrong it's how I look at it.
Great video. The photography and macros are second to none.
I agree about the bracelets. The polishing and crispness of the the finishing never looks as shiny or sharp on video compared to the dial and case. Also I noticed this - albeit to a lesser extent - in person. I’m wondering whether they are unable to employ zaratsu polishing on the small areas of bracelet polishing.
Awesome content.
I own an SBGE255 and am very happy with it
I now own three Grand Seiko watches. I just bought the White Birch this week because of your review Bruce. I’m fine with the name and I believe the more people see and experience their models, the more popular they will become. I can tell you they are excellent timepieces.
Great review here on. Can’t agree more about the negatives you stare, especially the thickness of many watches. The new Four Seasons range is a perfect example of that. I think at 14mm they are too thick and after viewing in a store they definitely feel a little clunky.
However…..the new SBGY007 ‘Omiwatari’ is an absolute stunner of a watch. Thin, elegant, spring drive with power reserve on the back and no date, making it very clean and sleek….oh and the dial and finishing is as good as you will find for the price point.
Please review the SBGY007 is you get the chance.
That white birch is close to perfection!
Movement: absolutely!
Case: totally!
Dial: very flashy. I like it, but prefer the more subtle offerings. Still: nice!
bracelet: come on, Seiko! Still?!
Greetings from a Snowflake owner who wishes all the best to the brand. GS is in an enduring fight with my bank account.
And WOULD be perfection if it had Omega on the dial.
I've got my eye on the White Birch, but I may hold out to see what future colors they do with that dial. I love the shape/size of the indices.
Great video.
Summarizing, the main problem is the wearability (size,thickness, bracelet..)..when do you wear them? They are not dress watches and definitely not GADA watches. Casing and dial are on point but this will not help them beat a oyster perpetual, BB58, aqua terra... I appreciate the philosophy but at 7000-8000 retail nowadays they need to step up their wearability badly. The manual winds are currently the only ones worth purchasing at this moment imo.
I'd add their quartz offering to the "worth purchasing" list, too. They're thin and durable. And they're one of the best and most advanced quartz movements around. I just wish GS would add solar power like their citizen counterparts.
Would rather have a GS over a Swiss or German watch every time.
I’ve got jlc, Rolex, glashutte and lange. GS doesn’t impress
@@juniorjr5328 You certainly hold very nice brands.
@@juniorjr5328 Your not the brightest crayon in the Box. Dump the Overpriced Swiss watches! If a Swiss Watchmaker had Developed the Spring Drive that watch would cost 10's of thousands! 30 Years of development, over 600 Prototypes, and 230 Patents!!!!!! HAND POLISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Swiss only WISH they would have invented this masterpiece of a movement. For that Reason I own 3 Spring Drives!
I think Grand Seiko, is to watches, what Rockstead is to pocket knives..
And that is...
About as good as it gets..
Great video Bruce...
But no matter how good, have you bought one?
@@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm
I can't afford one, unfortunately,,,,
I only have one good watch,, which was a retirement gift to myself..
I'm not a collector, I just appreciate beautiful things..
ps,, I can't afford a Rockstead, either,, ha ha..
Bruce + Grand Seiko? Sign me up! Cheers!
Grand Seiko is a great name and with the history of how Grand Seiko came about, I think it's the right name for the brand. I also think that with Seiko moving up in terms of luxury and price, that in 20 years time, Grand Seiko will be seen as the ultra luxury version of what will be an "attainable luxury" watch brand
Very true
Great video Bruce! :D
I'm a sucker for GS and I couldn't agree with you more when it comes to the pros and cons!
Except maybe your thoughts on the bezel action. When I had the SBGA231 (Titanium Diver) I loved the bezel action haha
I don't mind the name at all. But I do understand that having "Seiko" on the dial can be a stumbling block to some.
One of my favourite things to say when asked about my watch is:
"It's just a Seiko"
Excellent videography Bruce 👍
A stainless steel Snowflake without the power reserve indicator on the dial and a bracelet like Glashütte Original quality would be perfect a watch for me
totally agree with you on the case thickness. 13mm is too thick! hope they can make a breakthrough movement and have it sub 12mm, or low 11mm mark!
I agree with you Bruce. Moving to the name Grand Seiko was definitely the right move since it is consistent with their history. Calling it Creedor would have sacrificed that history.
White birch with an easy micro adjust would be the bees knees! Really hope they tackle that feature next - they will be extremely hard to beat with that and their new 80hr hi-beat movement.
can definitely relate to how tiny flaws in a GS can make me frustrated.
Bought an SBGN005, expecting the second hand to hit every marker spot on. but then looking closely, it doesnt align to some of the marker.
taking it back to service tomorrow.
What's the name of the model depicted at minute 2:55 ?? It's so classic and gorgeous. Love GS..and love the content. Thank you for your excellent videos!
The new 007 dress watch spring drive is stunning - no annoying power reserve.
I have got into watches quite recently, and you have highlighted all the issues I have with Seiko/Grand Seiko. Seiko dominates the affordable watch space, and produces some excellent affordable watches (The presage being just one example). But thats the issue for Seiko, its hard to claim to be an affordable brand AND at the same time claim you are a luxury brand.
This was not just another GS video...this was meditation! :')
I really, really want a Spring Drive in my life.
Go for it, best watch I’ve bought is GS SBGA 407 it’s beautiful
Some incredible snobbery and ego bruising here. If you're not willing to buy a watch with 'seiko' on it, you're buying the watch to impress others.
Not really. No one really cares or even notices what I wear. But when a brand new makes cheap products it loses credibility even when their high end products are good. I respect brands that don't compromise much more.
It’s called dressing to impress, you can choose to do that, or choose not to. If I’m spending a lot of money I don’t want to look like a cheap skate. Sadly, the brand “Seiko” is cheap to most people, and having to explain why the Grand makes it not cheap isn’t something I want to waste my tome on. I think would be smart to shift to the Credor brand.
this is the most perfect watch I ever seen and in 2 weeks it will be mine❤️❤️❤️❤️SLGH005 the white birch
Gs sbgp001 is my next piece . Visiting a gs dealer in December looking forward to it . I used to be in the camp of this is too much money for seiko . Then I matured as a collector and in appreciation. Many of the designs aren’t for me but I don’t deny the quality. Clasp and bracelet are still lacking that is inexplicable to me.
Reminds me of the highest tournament in Sumo - Grand Sumo.
your videos make me want to buy a grand seiko
I think "Grand Seiko" fits with other elite tier branding like "Colt Custom Shop" or "Smith & Wesson Performance Center" or "Holden Special Vehicle" or "Honda Racing". It's the kind of branding that emphasizes that Grand Seiko is a performance division but shares the values and brand DNA of the parent marque.
Nice video Bruce! I agree, Grand Seiko should be rebranded as Credor. I own a titanium Casio square that cost me $1700, and there’s really very little that distinguishes that watch, to the average joe, from a $49 Casio you can pick up at WalMart.
The Credor Eichi II is proof Seiko can build a watch as high quality as anyone in the world, but it’s reputation wouldn’t be nearly what it is if it were called a Seiko Credor..
In my opinion Eichi has already established a high reputation among hardcore enthusiasts.
Re: Rebranding, the whole idea that a brand only can only do luxury or mainstream is a very western concept. For a long time, cars that got branded as Lexus in the US were still Toyotas in Japan and ditto with Acuras/Hondas. Arguably the most luxurious car model that exists is a Toyota Century, a Japan-only car that has lace curtains on the windows and where the climate control, windows, radio, etc. are all controlled from the rear seats because it was designed assuming the driver is a chauffeur who drives around the actual owner of the car. While Grand Seiko could have done more divergent branding IMO it wouldn't be a very Japanese thing to do and feel wrong to me.
Seiko has almost always struggled with straps and bracelets, when it comes to straps I don't really mind as I just buy a high end strap as soon as I pick up most watches anyway with a style and material that I prefer. I think they put cheap straps on intentionally to keep costs down so that more goes into the actual watch so I'm fine with that. As for the bracelets though, I do wish they would put a bit more into them. There are a few exceptions though, one being my going on 20 year old Seiko Sports 100 Chronograph that actually has a really nice looking and feeling bracelet on it. Edit: When it comes to Grand Seiko I go for the Elegance collection.
They do some things superbly well . Would love to see them really work on their bracelets because dials polishing etc are off the scale ..
They get the most important parts right - the watch head and a comfortable bracelet. And at a “reasonable” price for luxury. Even though I love a good bracelet, I also enjoy changing straps. So my biggest complaint is the 19mm lug width on alot of the models I love. My strap collection is for 20mm. So I’m just waiting for the GS that’s right for me.
I love how many grand seiko’s look, and I really want to love them. Unfortunately they usually are just too thick and too big. They have a few smaller case sizes, but almost never put their more interesting dials on them. If they were to put a snowflake dial on their 37mm Quartz models (since those are 10mm thick instead of the 13mm of the autos) I would be all over it
Just to be fair, many omega models have underwhelming bracelets also; I’m referring to models like the Aqua Terra or Railmaster.
GS - is my dream and sometimes I will own this masterpiece
Only thing that holds me back is the lack of micro adjustment clasps
I almost bought GS but the only reason I did not because of the thickness of the watches....
No adjustable bracelets. What's the problem?
I was expecting the interruption to be a paid segment for nord vpn or raid shadow legends or something but instead it was the cutest dinner call ever
I had to answer her or she would have been more persistent and louder lol
It would be amazing if GS designed a tuna version of the Seiko tuna.
Hi bruce can you recommend me with watch is better. seiko solar powered tuna vs mechanical vs quartz
Grand Seiko’s history cannot be denied. Changing the name would have been similar to TAG’s move to downplay Heuer when that brand’s history was it’s foundation (they finally corrected that one). Seiko ahould be proud of their name and their accomplishments, even their contribution to horological history with the quartz movement. Folks need to get over themselves. Lexus was not highly viewed at the start. Now look at them!!
Seiko Astron is produced in the G/S factory ,a high end solar quartz, GPS, dual time zone, perpetual calendar watch with exceptional finish (zaratsu?), built in ratchet adjustment in the clasp. Have the SBXC003 titanium and the SBXC019 stainless, Beautiful, accurate watch's !
There's nothing wrong with the names Grand Seiko or King Seiko. They sound great. They must fix the straps though, you are correct. And they must improve the accuracy of all their watches from the lowest to the highest. It is their reputation. Accuracy is perfection.
well, the name GS is fine!
which seiko watch is the best in your opinion?
After you understand Grand Seiko, the next step should be Credor.
100% agree. Credor Eichii II my grail!
@@LectioDivina33 It is a masterpiece. My favorite watch in the collection 😍
I've been considering a GS quartz...I don't make snap decisions though so it may get away.
I own the quartz black dial that cost me 3g....I do not regret it. every time I wear it I can not take my eye off it...it sparkles in the light.
I prefer the Seiko branding.... because.most ppl think it is only a Seiko.
Recently i bought GS , sky flake . Trust me no other country has even dare to such level of quality n finishing .
Its a pcs of miracle .
It really values our money / understand what quality is rather then just a brand name like Rolex .
All they need on the dial is GS. They can remove the name off the dial. I agree with you on the sport collection, there elegance and heritage is nicer. Their limited editions are a work of art that eventually become museum pieces. Starbucks took their name off branding on their cups. Grand Seiko in 10 years will be in the top 5. Great video!
Congrats to your Dad!
I like how grand seiko has pretty much zero snob factor. to that end I think the name grand seiko is also cool
I have let all of my Rolex's go aside from my father's Day Date. I have IWC, Omegas, Tudor and now Grand Seiko. The only watch that I constantly stare at is my SBGA211 Snowflake. I am amazed at the dial, the case shape, the polishing, the sweep of the Spring Drive movement. I spend my mornings trying to decide which GS is next. The White Birch? No, the SBGH273, No, the SBGR309 for everyday. Who knows, but the next will no doubt be Grand Seiko.
Im living the Rolex lie,BUT I really need to get to a store and see GS in the flesh.
Re- branding should be the step to the right direction
Branding and marketing can be the cherry on the top of your work
The white birch is my grail watch.
I think the brand name is perfect for us watch addicts. However to the people who are less informed on the detail. They just see seiko on the dial and don't see the value. They would rather have Rolex on the dial so that their friends know what it is and they don't have to explain or justify their purchase.
is the clasp an issue?
I wish watch manufacturers would put more research into making the cases and straps more scratch resistant. So a GS’s finish is very refined, so what, it will scratch and ding just as easily as a $100 SS watch.
I really like the design and the fit and finish of GS. I just wish they were a bit slimmer. Why do they have to be so thick?!
More and more thinner models are made. And actually most GS feel thinner on wrist than the spec tells.
As long as Seiko continue to produce and sell products with QC issues all the way through their product line whilst raising it's prices it will deflect from reputation of the Grand Seiko brand in my opinion.
Tudor launched a watch with a skipping date and a silver watch that tarnishes despite claims otherwise...Does the logic follow suit with Rolex?
@@neil.murphy you're identifying a specific model from a larger product range. Seiko are renowned for their QC issues in most of their products. Don't think it's the same thing personally 🤔
You're linking two separate companies...
@@neil.murphy with the name Seiko on the dial
I don’t get the thumbnail? Anyone get it?
But then you see a Streamliner and you realize greatness can’t be engineered by will alone
God, I hope Grand Seiko doesn't listen to the criticism and start overbuilding their bracelets and clasps like some Swiss companies. What's the point in having a bracelet that is highly adjustable and lasts forever when it feels like an anchor on my wrist.
You misused the word of tolerance here….should have said tight tolerance not high tolerance
It seems GS will reach the next level soon after they perfect the other areas. Once they touch precious metals and add more complications they will be at the top.
I bought a Seiko Kinetic SM85-OAOB DIVE WATCH to replace my stolen Omega Sub Mariner in march 2018. I have worn this watch continuously from that date, including all leisure activities and engineering works. This watch has been without fault and is the most accurate watch I have ever owned. Accuracy is minus one second per day against the UK Atomic clock which I have on my computer screen. I note that the latest Grand Seiko Spring Drive accuracy is given as between -1 to +5 seconds per day.
Do you think this is just 'lucky' to have a watch this accurate? I do not have the watch serviced in any way and wont unless any problems occur in case this alters the timekeeping in any way. I would appreciate your comments and advice re servicing in future if needed. I think Seiko are doing everything correct in their manufacturing and marketing and would I buy a Grand Seiko Silver Birch if I could afford it - but I cant seem to take of my beloved kinetic dive watch to wear any of the other watches that I own.
you're looking for a Credor! 😉
Like looking at them in reviews, but would never buy one - for the price I want a bit of brand recognition..guess I'm as shallow as a watermark 🤣
A true connoisseur brand, imho.
Cheers Mate 👍🏻👍🏻
Haha! Perhaps! But at least you’re honest 😀
@@jacc88888 😁👍🏻
I think the moving up of the name Grand Seiko instead of it being at the bottom for older model is to differentiate it with other Seikos. As we know Seikos come in all sort of pricing from the cheap to the expensive. Having Seiko on top for each Grand Seiko model seems to reflect the cheapness as at a glance because it looks like any of its cheaper model.