Finally Adding A Grand Seiko To My Collection! Review SBGA415 Winter
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
- Instagram: @harrisonelmore
Why I added the Grand Seiko SBGA415 to my small collection including all the things I love most about it!
Grain Watch Escapement: • Swiss Lever Escapement
The branding point should only really bother buyers who don't know GS value. No one wearing a VC or an H. Moser really cares for average people's opinions, who don't have any idea about brands that are not rolex. This is also true for GS owners. I wouldn't buy a GS expecting people to think it's a Rolex, I'd love to have people recognize it for what it is
I'd like to think buying an expensive watch is for me. Not somebody else. Does it matter if they don't like it? 😀
I think not, unless you find emotional security in pack mentality... like sheep.
for what it is ? we’ll thats easy:
paying 8k for a Grand before Seiko whilst various poor YT sell out shills getting a big bag from Seiko so they can manipulate the mass sheeps of simepltons in convenience them that ther humongous worse watches are in fact in the same premium segment & price point such as Brands with a true historical history and they a worh paying the price for ? u mean that ?
or is it that some people including u are insecure about there buying desicion and now try to please their fragile ego with such insolence , cause ur precious sEiKo lost 60% of its made up value ( by peopel like u ) by walking out the dealership?
perhaps ?
They should name it „Expensive Seiko“
I suppose the issue is around the concept of luxury goods; it’s predicated on desirability, and price over and above the higher cost of design/materials/finishing etc. In other words the brand is key in luxury goods, so yeah outside of watch enthusiasts the ‘Seiko’ part will impact desirability. None of this changes the watch, of course.
Except people see the Seiko name and say "oh cool I have a Seiko too. It cost me $300 dollars from Walmart" and there you are with your $6000 dollar Grand Seiko
GS is next level. I think I need one… eventually. 😊
They’re definitely nice looking!
1. Spring drive will probably outlast you before the first service-remember there is no friction or fatigue here like on a normal mechanical watch!
2. Pins and collars are ten times more secure than screws,I still have nightmares when my black bay 41 fell on the ground.
3.It would be a sacrilege for this beautiful watch to have a lume,those zaratsu indices reflect the light even in the night-tested and proven!!
Its not a half link its a 2/3 link. It allows you to adjust the bracket in thirds. Use full links to get the size nearly right. If its to tight take a link out and add two 2/3 links, this increases the size by a third. If the bracelet is loose with while links in take a while link out and add a 2/3 link and it wil reduce the size by a third making the fit better.
Another great segment Harrison, I would add that typically the more audible and somewhat harsh winding is specific to Spring Drive, although I have recently found that manual wind Spring Drives seem to wind smoother than the rotor powered ones. Fully mechanical Grand Seiko's and Seiko's in general still have a bit of a toothier feedback to the winding feel and a touch more resistance than their smoother luxury Swiss counterparts though, so I do agree that there's a different feel overall.
I picked up a SBGE285 Mistflake in Japan, and I've been in love since. Grand Seiko is just top tier and that spring drive constant sweep is so fun to just stare at.
Agreed!
If it’s too tight, try moving both half* links to the 6 o’clock side. I had the same issue with my GS, but when both half links were on the same side it wore so comfortably.
*they’re actually three-quarter links long, so if you want to go slightly up in size you don’t just add a half-link, you have to remove a whole link and add two half-links
Interesting! I’ll be doing this. Thanks!
The 6 o'clock trick definitely helps. Sizing these properly is a tough task. A half link is 6.5mm and the full link is 10mm. The minimum adjustment distance you can achieve is 3mm when you remove a full link and add two half links. This can help if it's too tight, but it can also make it just slightly too loose. At least that's been my experience.
They only include two half links in the box. Additional half links were quoted to me at $150 per link (Stainless steel,) so it's definitely tough to just go get another one to two half-links to dial it in. It really is a shame that there isn't at least 1-2mm of micro adjustment on the clasp. That would make the bracelet perfect in my opinion.
I have over 30 watches. Half would be in the luxury segment.
My SBGA413 is one that gets a lot of comments/questions from watch people and non-watch people.
It is likely my only “impulse buy” in my collection. I’d been looking at GS spring drives for almost a year, so it wasn’t really an impulse buy. But, I’d more or less decided on a Snowflake. And then I saw the Cherry Blossom in the case. How had I not seen it before? AD told me it was the first time they’d ever had one long enough to put in the display case.
I pulled it up on my phone, and the pics were nothing like the watch in person.
I walked out of the store to think about it, drove halfway home, turned around, and bought it.
Fits like a glove. It is a watch I will never get rid of.
Welcome to the GS gang. SBGW291 here ✌🏼
Nice! Thanks!
Regarding the half links problem.. GS doesn't make half links, they make 2/3 links. My snowflake came with these as well. You should be able to get a good fit given the two rules:
- You can swap in two partial links for a full link to add 1/3.
- You can swap in a full link for a partial link to add another 1/3.
You can use these two rules to continually grow in 1/3 increments until you've used all of your links because after applying the second rule twice, you have two partial links to apply the first rule. This is how all "half links" that I've encountered work, and I suspect a lot of people don't use the above rules to their fullest when resizing a bracelet that contains partial links.
Love the winter, 0rbably my favourite grand seiko dial! Great choice and thank you for sharing
I'm the happy owner of the SBGA413 (Shunbun) version of this watch. I don't have to impress others, I'm still impressed myself with the craftsmanship and technology.
I have the Fall Shunbun SBGH273 version. It’s my Datejust alternative. despite having several Tudors, Rolexes and other luxury watches, my GS Fall is also the only watch that my wife has looked at and said “That’s a nice looking watch.”
Haha you and me both! Also a great watch
Congrats on 20k subs, fellow Hoosier. 👍🏻
Thanks! Go Hickory! 🤣
@@HarrisonElmore go Boilermakers! even though they lost to Uconn. Booo
Another great upload Harrison!
Thanks!
Thanks for this. I was looking at one in the store and really liked that one. Very helpful video.
Well considered and accurate commentary. Very happy UA-cam suggested your channel. I would love to own a spring drive but often find new retail pricing too high. Luckily (for buyers) they lose value quickly and are available much cheaper 2nd hand. Perhaps that is another thing potential owners should be aware of - they don't retain their resell value as well as Swiss brands.
I was at a Grand Seiko boutique yesterday to check out the infamous bamboo, but this one caught my eye. It’s a beauty, congrats!
Agreed! Thanks!
"infamous?" to whom?
I agree with your sentiments and think the spring drive setup is some seriously kick arse engineering. I’ve their spring drive chronograph. Despite some preferring the power reserve gauge on reverse I’m totally happy with it on the dial. Thanks for sharing and God bless.
It looks pretty class.
What an increase in production quality! I really enjoyed the video quality, the lighting, awesome macro shots, and the dual camera setup. The audio quality is also top notch with the soothing, relaxed, deep voice, perfect pace, and very high fidelity. You have a bit of this radio/podcast/audiobook voice that's not too common. Beautiful watch also!
Thank you for sharing this video! Especially about the winding and the lume. I had no idea about those points! The winding on the GS sounds like my Seiko NH35 movements, whereas your Explorer sounds like my Speedy. And I personally wouldn’t describe this watch as a dress watch, but a sports watch, so I would have expected lume! Thanks for pointing that out!
20k congrats!
Thank you!!
Harrison, your intro reminded me of when I received my first GS. It is the untypcal sbgm221 which is the gmt with a tan dial. When I opened the box the first time it's fit and finish stunned me. I have omegas, Tudors, etc but even more expensive pieces don't hold a candle to my GS. The problem with this watch is that I continually glance at it's beauty and forget to look at the time😂. Hey, enjoy and your winter edition is my favorite.
Thanks man! Glad to hear it could do that. I agree though sometimes I have to look again because I forgot to read the time
My current price bracket is Seiko 5 lol
but my aspirational piece is a Grand Seiko. Making moves in my career to get me there!
Love your channel, man. Such laid back, yet insightful discussions. You've quickly become my favorite watch channel.
Really appreciate that! Seiko’s are the start for us all. Sometimes they’re more than enough too. All about the experience and not the watch brand. Good luck man!
Please stop at the 5 I wish I did 😂
I'm glad I don't care about what anyone else thinks.
I'm even more glad I bought the sbga415 3 years ago, it still blows me away every time I wear it.
It will be a classic. Much more than the 413. It will take a few more years, but eventually people will pay a premium for this model. It just hits all the right notes. From the color spectrum of the dial matching the bracelet, to the weight, and feeling on the wrist. I wear it every now and then so that I don’t get used to it. I like to keep that wow feeling of seeing it again, going for as long as I can.
I like the winding on this watch. Such a nice feeling imo.
Yeah, great choice with the shunbun, or shunbun look alike lol. I keep telling myself I will try them one day, as well, but for some reason (probably because I love sportier watches), Tudor or Omega always gets purchased instead. I could definitely see myself wearing that one you got though.
I have mine on a taupe leather strap and it is the most comfortable watch iv'e ever purchased. It has just enough polishing so that it looks great but still doesn't draw too much attention.
Nice pickup! I love titanium anything.
Just that touch of music in the back ground elevates the vid. - great work
Hey Harrison, I've been following your channel for a long time and typically don't comment. However, I wanted to acknowledge this video. The structure, storytelling, videography, etc. are a notch above your usual standard
Appreciate it! I’m trying some new things this year and I’m glad the effort shows!
@@HarrisonElmore The watch is cool too. Got my first modern (GS SBGJ201) in December.
I actually like the fact that you go through and cons and not just oozing all over the watch. I 100% agree with the branding. Back then, I was one of these people who doesn't really value Seiko as a upper tier brand and always felt ''cheap''. It's like saying that you have a 60 000$ Hyundai (nothing wrong with Hyundai, but it doesn't have that upper tier level when you say it vs a Lexus for example).
Something like a Tissot will have much more of a neutral and high tier class perception even though are in the same low/mid tier category. Only the real connoisseurs and watch nerds like us will value this watch, but to the majority of the people, it will just be a nice looking Seiko. At the end of the day, wear what you like ! Congrats !!
Beautiful watch
Congrats your watch!
If the bracelet does not fit, you can buy an additional "half" link so adding that to the existing two, the size will be okay. I did the same with my SBGH273g.
agree w your insight. Not many willing to put 6grand into a watch to give to their inheritance, yet it's a Seiko which can't be service for year has past by but a paper weight
I have the same wrist size as yours Harrison, one thing I dislike about GS spring drive is that there is no tick tick sound as regular mechanical watch, there's no soul. The other thing that bug me is the fact that spring drive doesn't come with 37 - 38 mm watch and at 39 - 41 mm it's too big of a dress watch ... for me. I normally just straight up wearing my 38mm Omega AT all the time instead even though the GS has better dial finishing, to met he AT seems to be an overall better watch. I'm keen on switching to a 38mm hi beat in the future, which will solve both my problems with current GS i have :)
I think it’s actually quality not value. I think the Japanese GS team is putting so much attention and dedication into the watches at a level of absolute commitment, that the quality just far exceed that of any Swiss/German brand even though those are more complicated and intricate. GS is just something else and that comes from the essence and the soul, not technique (which they are of course also masters of). I have a few already and they are just amazing! I didn’t get the brand at all, but after buying and experiencing the first watch that was it.
Also, if you want the winding experience - go wind the manual SBGWs and you’ll see what a world class winding feels like…
Thanks for a great video 🙏
Nice!
Thanks!
Very good choice Harrison :)
what a beauty
Nicely done video. I'm trying to find the best way to show these off on camera but they really need to be seen in person. There is really something so special about a Grand Seiko that I can't seem to describe or capture. Explaining the brand and the spring drive to people is a bit awkward but I actually like that it's still somewhat of a "sleeper" brand to most people outside of the hobby. Those who know, know and those who don't just think it's a Seiko. For this reason I don't feel as cautious wearing it out and about on the weekend the way I would with some nicer Swiss brands. I think this heritage line can be a GADA instead of a just a dress watch, but the lack of lume does hurt it in that aspect.
It’s beautiful. I have the white birch spring drive version. I love them all but not more than the Birch. I want so many but can’t justify adding them. This does come close though
Liked this video. Youre good! :-)
Hey, thanks!
Yo Harrison, I just got the SBGH271 which has the same bracelet if I'm not mistaken. I had similar issue with sizing the bracelet however I discovered that there was a way to get a perfect fit for me. This is hard to explain but you can actually get more precise fitting if you use full size links in place of halflinks. For me, with one half link in, the watch was too loose and with it out the watch was too tight. If you need something in between, you can swap the half link out with a full size link and that worked for me since the full size link is actually only about 30% longer than the half links, not 50%. Just something to try.
Gorgeous!! I’d wear it on leather.
Did you shoot the watch or was that promo footage? If you did shoot it that was some excellent camera and lighting. I was hoping someone would shoot this watch like this. You gave a great look at the awesome dial.
All of the shots of the watch were mine. Glad to hear they looked that good!
Tried a GS on and the bracelet was a total let down. It has to go on a strap. Also that winding sound was not pleasant at all (appreciate that you highlighted this at 8:55). GS look good but the (too) smooth sweep of the second hand feels a little lifeless to me. Interested to see what you think about GS after the honeymoon phase.
congrats on finally getting something that's not a normie watch
I appreciate the Pros and Cons, including demonstrations as practicable. This wasn’t just a sales pitch.
Have the same one, bought retail with a 10% MSRP discount. Just the right mix of stunning and subdued. How much was it second hand? Curious to see what they go for now?
Can you please share what is the replacement strap you are wearing with it? Looks very nice and much nicer than the bracelet. Thank you
GS dial is unmatched. I was shocked at the beauty of their dial. its like carrying a piece of art on your wrist. For the fraction of the price other brands would charge. it is insane value for money.
I would put that on a fine bespoke leather strap, lots of good quality options.
As for brand recognition, most any watch seen on a stranger’s wrist, it’s pretty hard to read a typical brand name on the dial. Most people who aren’t into watches either don’t care, as in the vast majority, or they might simply take interest in someone’s watch without any idea what the watch is and no concern if it’s possibly monetary value. Most people aren’t watch geeks, most watch geeks now the score when it comes to GS.
As for the lack of lume. My Grand Seiko has faceted indices. All I need is the tiniest bit of light and I can read that watch just fine, it’s amazing in that regard. It’s more reliable in very low light than any lumed watch I personally own with one exception. I own a watch with tritium tubes. It can easily be read in absolute darkness, but I rarely wear the watch. I’ve never owned a watch with luminova I could count on and none of them were worth a damn in complete darkness. There may be some that work far better, it’s not that important to me.
Grand Seiko, not all their watches appeal to me, but when they mail it, they can be truly fine. Their manual wound mechanical movement is quite good, there’s some beautiful watches offered with that movement.
You shouldn’t care what a guy that doesn’t know Grand Seiko thinks of your watch. Grand Seiko definitely doesn’t, and it’s not a barrier to scaling in any direction that they’re interested in it.
Congrats on the watch! It’s a great one. I hope to pickup a 211 someday soon.
I like the spring drive and really want a watch with it, but I don't *really* like any GS model. They all have something indescribable but unlikable... 🤔 I hope they release a watch I like some day 😅
Used to think it’s crazy paying Rolex/Omega retail price for a Seiko branded watch now I love grand Seiko don’t have one yet but when I do have a 6-12 luxury watch collection the GS will be a permanent piece in my collection
I like that you can't over wind them
Should be true of all automatic watches. The barrels have a grease that allows the mainspring to slip vs overwind
Nice review. One correction-the other two (non-spring drive) watches in the four seasons collection (SBGH271 and SBGH273) have the 9S85 high beat movement, not the newer 9SA5 movement.
Ahhhh! Thanks for that. I missed the number vs the letter.
I would like to have a Grand Seiko Snowflake, but this SBGA415 is also really cool. The titanium and spring drive just do it for me.
You and me both!
Actively trying to infect my girlfriend with a watch addiction. Great video and congrats on 20k subs.
Haha good luck! Thanks!
How is the bracelet? So many people knock the GS bracelets saying that they’re very flimsy and lack a feel of a quality.
I get the point about having "Seiko" on the dial, but I think having just "Grand Seiko" is an improvement over when they had "Seiko" and "Grand Seiko" both on the dial. Neither style bothered me, but I do like that they got rid of the standard Seiko logo as it was kind of redundant. I have one from each era and they are great watches.
Agreed the double logo was an interesting approach. Glad it’s simplified!
They should just put GS or the lion on the dial. People would just say it’s a GS.
Welcome to the cult! -shunbun owner
Nah, cults are for blind followers who need external validations.
We’re critical thinkers who own GS because of our knowledge:)
Haha Im finally ready!
I just don’t get why they don’t put a quick adjust system on their bracelets! It’s not like the technology is proprietary at this point. At this price point, I expect that, and it honestly is what’s keeping me from splurging on this (or other GS) watches. Come on, GS!!!
Who cares what other people think as long as you like it and you know the worth.
Great choice here! I feel the same about the Titanium on my GS Snowflake, it's so comfortable.
Cheers!
I will be picking up a White Birch soon! Also I like the name and it’s not pretentious, like Rolex, and you can tell people it’s just a Seiko 🤫 lol
seiko and grand seiko allways worth there price they are perfect even the citizen is perfect the cal.100 is a miricle
I love your channel
Thanks!
Are you still going for a three watch collection?
Some major turnoffs for me when it comes to this watch. The first is the power indicator, which seriously disrupts the harmony and symmetry of the dial. The second is the bracelet, which doesn't taper and has no micro adjustments. Another minor issue is that prominent lion logo, which obscures the movement, I find it diminishes the purpose of having an exhibition back. Another major issue for me is the three-year service interval, which is quite substantially less than Rolex or Omega.
Beautiful watch! I've researched Spring Drive quite a bit from various sources, but I'm afraid it does nothing for me personally. Mechanical yes, quartz yes, but Spring Drive is simply not for me, especially with servicing considerations.
Obsession, addiction and always the sign of an inner emptiness, of a feeling of lack. And obviously this lack cannot be filled by a new watch, or a new pair of shoes... Just the first few seconds when you take the coveted object in your hands, then... pshiiiit! Your insatiable desire lands on a new object.
We must recognize this situation and then analyze the deep origin of this lack, this emptiness because an addiction is not only dangerous but is suffering.
Indiana? let's go 317 represent
Whoop whoop!
Gs use or new? If i get a good price 1k used yes but new too expensive a tudor is better i try many time to think. And see review about gs but Nah no worst the price for new
congratulations, you have taste
Thank you!
i have the SBGA425 GS is sometthing else. A the cons are so minute the PROS completely outweighs it, if you truly appreciate horology you will appreciate GS.
first time watcher... already jealous... enjoy your GS... one day....
but why does your dog have amputated ears? :(
Thanks man! Second one is a longer story!
In my experience owning GS, Rolex, Omega, and Nomos watches, I frequently receive praises on my GS for the quality of the zaratsu finishing and the lovely dials.
Sold mine. The lack of micro adjustments is aggravating for getting a proper fit. GS bracelets are still inferior to the rest of the watch
Until grand seiko up their game and do an on the fly adjustable clasp then I'm out. Beautiful watches but that's a massive downer for me personally.
I presume she is infirmed by YOU, beautiful watch
I kind of see it as a plus, that non-watch-people don’t expect it to be an expensive watch. 🤷♂️
I could see that!
I would measure the radio frequency and also voltage coming off of the watch. Seems like they have an electro magnetic source inside the watch to generate power.
That would be interesting if it can be measured.
Interesting! I have a voltage meter. Could be a cool short to put out there
@@HarrisonElmoreOh yeah. That would be something unique. Google Trifield for EMF and RF.
I am thinking about selling my Cartier santos for this.
Welcome to the Cult! - Tentagraph & Snowflake owner
Next on my radar is
- Shunbun
- Omiwatari
- Katana
Hahaha I feel welcome! Nice duo!
Regarding brand prestige, the unrelenting consumerist pursuit of status is little more than a fatal hamster wheel best suited for abject fools and the chronically average.
I wear a chronograph so that my OCD doesn't get triggered by a large second hand sweep😂...
2 weeks from now… “Why I Sold my Grand Seiko!”😂
For 6 grand a time date better not have any negatives….
i heard they scratch easily
People who know Seiko is a "cheaper brand" also know GS is not. Normal people have no idea what Seiko is in general. It's just snobbery.
If you like it wear it. Who cares if normies don't know. It's more of a "if you know you know". I respect a guy with a Grand Seiko more than a guy with a Rolex because he didn't buy into the name but appreciates the design and craftsmanship.
I agree! I try to be exhaustive in the cons whether I believe them or not
As a previous owner myself of the SBGM221, I believe that the difference between Japanese and Swiss watches is like the difference between Japanese and German or Italian cars. Japanese cars are made very well, and they are a great value but they lack the luxury component and the flare that German and Italian cars have. All these cars sell for different reasons cuz people cannot live without cars. However watches are more like luxury jewelry otherwise we should all wear smart Apple Watches which are more affordable and accurate at the same time, or better just simply use our phones to tell the time. The problems with Grand Seiko is the lack of elegance although they come with very nice dials, but decorating movements and design wise they are way behind Swiss watches. This GS you’re wearing is supposedly a dress watch however the bracelet is terrible, and the thickness is just shy of 13 mm. Those watches are as thick as a door knob. Decorating movements is absent and the price is not worth what you pay for when you know you’re losing half of it if you ever want to sell it.
I was watching the video and thinking why on earth would one buy a GS. It’s a watch I would consider if it was the same price as apple watch nothing more. It’s a japanese watch. I am saving up for a DJ2. Would never buy a japanese watch for that much.
if anyone saw it and was like "meh seiko" I'd just say let me see the second hand sweep on your rolex/omega/whatever. swiss watches are good but overrated. japanese denim is better too.
They depreciate heavily
... for those that can afford to own them. This does not matter.
I have tried to love GS for years and years but just don’t love their cases and bracelets. Their dials are wonderful and movement impressive, but I can’t form a bond with any of them. I’m glad for others that do but annoyed that I can’t 😂
Titanium also sucks. To my monkey brain at least. It’s just not substantial enough.
But ... in the end... it's still just a Seiko ...
I give it 6 months until you sell it