I have more elaborate GS references but the SBGM221 is indeed iconic. It offers an ample demonstration of what makes GS special including amazing hands and hand polished multiple beveled indices. If somebody asked me to recommend one perfect GS reference to them, it would be the SBGM221.
This is my one and only GS. I obsessed about this timepiece for months before finally deciding to get one about a year ago. I put in on a tan leather strap and it completely transformed it into a daily wearer. A bit too thick to be a dress watch though. Cheers!
My favourite Grand Seiko. As I own this watch, I can tell you it is very similar to the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch in that it can be worn in the company of anybody, wearing any watch, in any social situation, such is the charisma of the piece.
This watch has a very mature look to it as well as being stunning. Unlike other GS (which they all look amazing), this one looks more at home on the distinguished gentleman (or the person wanting to appear that way) and I think that is a plus for what it is trying to pull off.
Great watch, great design and competitive pricing. The face is a neutral colour and it allows for a lot of strap colour options. GMT is a great added bonus. Having a 7” wrist, I wish the case could be a bit larger (40 or 41 mm). Keep up the great work!!
Thank you for showing us this beautiful watch! I had seen this online previously and didn’t initially like the dial colour. I love the design but it is only splash proof so a no deal for me, although the more I see of grand seiko the more I like it!
I think this is a worthwhile comp - for me the SBGM211 might be the perfect GS outside of the thickness, while a DJ is an enduring icon within the industry with perfect case proportions, an excellent in house movement , and bracelets which lead their price segment . I honestly don’t know how I’d answer , as I’ve had both on wrist with consideration of purchasing in the past 6 months . I likely am leaning SBGW231 tho
Watch Collecting Strategy AB - it is ! Tho the GM221 seems like such an incredible value vs the 231 as it has he GMT/date complication with the additional heat blued hands for an extra 250 bucks .
Nice 👍 watch! Why don’t all watch makers make GMT’s with more water resistance? GMT’s are “travel watches “ and when I travel 🧳 I’m always near or in the water 💧! I picked up a Rolex Rootbeer last year and I look forward to traveling with it once we can travel again!! Best regards and great review.
Thanks for the video AB, what about for the next video the SBGH269 from the heritage collection with the beautiful red dial. Is a limited edition of 900 pcs.
enriqueali I own the 221 and it wears much thinner than the specs indicate. It’s super comfortable on wrist and feels thinner than my other watches with similar dimensions. I encourage you to try it on.
Its got a 2 mm domed crystal so the dimensions on wrist are far more svelte than you'd expect. I've never considered it too thick or wide. This is one of the principle reasons I chose this watch, i also find much of the GS line far too bulky for my wrist.
Like others have said, don't be alarmed by the thickness. It's how it sits on your wrist more than anything. Take the Speedmaster for example, my FOIS is ~14mm but it doesn't feel anything like that when it actually sinks into your wrist. Like others said, this GS is more like 12mm when you take away the crystal height.
One of the most beautiful Grand Seiko watches. The only i don't like is that the watch is 50 metres water resistant. That is the only thing i can think about.
The SBGA293 looks to have the same or near identical case, but it rated to 10 Bar. So I agree, and it seems just lazy. If this was rated to 10 Bar I would really consider it.
Short answer no. I prefer the aesthetics of a Pepsi GMT, but GS in general IMHO is better than Rolex in so many ways (except Marketing). Another great video brother!
I think the perfect GS is the SBGA293. Same case, but a little longer, a little wider at 40, a little thinner at 12.8, 100 w/r. That said, the 221 has the superior dial with that glossy cream as opposed to the parchment dial of the 293. Still beautiful, but that gloss and blue GMT hand.
Nice review of one of my favorite GS models. Just not sure if I would ever get an automatic GS without having a Spring Drive as I love the smooth running second on those.
“The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life. [With his dying breath] Perfect... They are all... perfect...” - Katsumoto (The Last Samurai)
If they made this with a metal bracelet, I'm all in! When traveling, I prefer bracelet just in case my destination is a lot hotter than where i'm coming from.
One question…. At 6:08 you call the GMT hand green. To me, and any other review I’ve seen, it’s clearly a blue hand and others call it blue. What am I missing here?
Lovely watch and a well made video but you said it’s a hi-beat movement and GMT hand is green! It’s GS regular automatic movement and the GMT hand is blue.
This was a very informative video but not what I was expecting based on the title of your video. I was expecting a comparison and contrast with the Rolex Datejust. It was still an ex excellent video.
It's interesting that no Grand Seiko automatic (excluding Spring Drive) has an accuracy rating as high as a Rolex at -2/+2. I wonder if they are and just don't gaurantee it.
this watch comes close to perfection and thats why i love it. there are some thinsg that everyone will want to change, its perfect but imperfect. There are some watches that appear "perfect" but sad to say kinda boring and realize there is nothing that is perfect....making THIS perfect lol
New? Of course Grand Seiko. Vintage? Bought a King Seiko (en route) and a 1601. The Seiko Hi Beats win on horological achievement. The DJ wins on style. Really can't choose between the two great powers of mass produced watchmaking.
Have a normal seiko with unregulated movement 8L35 movement more accurate than my overhyped Omega Seamaster SEIKO for Life forgot all offer watch ⌚ brands
@@watchcollectingstrategy It’s not Grand Seiko its a unregulated seiko 8L35 movement and its that accurate. More than my overhyped Omega Seamaster So Grand Seiko regulate movement's are miles more accurate 🤔 than over hyped Omega 😅 movement's
B S While I obviously continue to respect the GS brand; and experienced their Automatic, Spring Drive, and 9F models, they simply do not come close to the overall quality of the modern Rolex. As is often noted, the major flaws with GS are the thickness of the cases in general as well as subpar bracelets. Their accuracy among automatics don’t come close to the Superlative Chronometer of the Rolex. The Zaratsu polishing of the GS is superb but the Rolex steel is absolutely superior. The handwork of GS dials is equal to and perhaps slightly superior to the Rolex. The value retention of the GS is sub par compared to the Rolex, minus some exceptional models such as the SBGJ227 Peacock and maybe a few others. Those are but a few tangible reasons. The intangible goes 100% to Rolex as well. There is a reason they are the most sought after wristwatches in the world.
M.E.F. Ok thanks! I thought you had a really bad experience with service, or maybe something breaking. I do own Rolex, but never GS. I’ve contemplated on adding one to the collection but was never really close to pulling the trigger. It’s always been like 2nd or 3rd on my list. Maybe in the future I’d still pick one up, probably preowned so I won’t take too big a hit on depreciation.
Grand Seiko is a separate company from Seiko that is superior in every way. Similar to Tudor and Rolex. Get one in hand and compare... you will understand the difference.
What other Grand Seikos would you like to see reviewed? Let us know in the comments!
SBGZ003 🤣
SBGW259
SBGY003 😁
mt iwate vs snow flake
GMT Chrono Spring Drive SBGC203
I have more elaborate GS references but the SBGM221 is indeed iconic. It offers an ample demonstration of what makes GS special including amazing hands and hand polished multiple beveled indices. If somebody asked me to recommend one perfect GS reference to them, it would be the SBGM221.
This is my one and only GS. I obsessed about this timepiece for months before finally deciding to get one about a year ago. I put in on a tan leather strap and it completely transformed it into a daily wearer. A bit too thick to be a dress watch though. Cheers!
Enjoy it in good healthy buddy!
Currently my favorite Grand Seiko. I tried it on at a GS boutique and loved it. Great work, AB.
Thank you Amin! Glad you enjoyed
Amin Reviews I agree. I like this and the other one that’s similar to it.
My favourite Grand Seiko. As I own this watch, I can tell you it is very similar to the Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch in that it can be worn in the company of anybody, wearing any watch, in any social situation, such is the charisma of the piece.
This watch has a very mature look to it as well as being stunning. Unlike other GS (which they all look amazing), this one looks more at home on the distinguished gentleman (or the person wanting to appear that way) and I think that is a plus for what it is trying to pull off.
Great watch, great design and competitive pricing. The face is a neutral colour and it allows for a lot of strap colour options. GMT is a great added bonus. Having a 7” wrist, I wish the case could be a bit larger (40 or 41 mm). Keep up the great work!!
Thank you for showing us this beautiful watch! I had seen this online previously and didn’t initially like the dial colour. I love the design but it is only splash proof so a no deal for me, although the more I see of grand seiko the more I like it!
Thank for watching buddy!
Love love love this watch. It’d be perfect with a spring drive and better water resistance.
I think this is a worthwhile comp - for me the SBGM211 might be the perfect GS outside of the thickness, while a DJ is an enduring icon within the industry with perfect case proportions, an excellent in house movement , and bracelets which lead their price segment . I honestly don’t know how I’d answer , as I’ve had both on wrist with consideration of purchasing in the past 6 months . I likely am leaning SBGW231 tho
The 231 is outstanding!!! Miss mine a lot
Watch Collecting Strategy AB - it is ! Tho the GM221 seems like such an incredible value vs the 231 as it has he GMT/date complication with the additional heat blued hands for an extra 250 bucks .
For me, this case doesn't hide thickness well unlike other designs like the 44GS. I prefer the sbgw235, thinner but same case.
The Hi-Beat movement beats at 36000 bph
Nice 👍 watch! Why don’t all watch makers make GMT’s with more water resistance? GMT’s are “travel watches “ and when I travel 🧳 I’m always near or in the water 💧! I picked up a Rolex Rootbeer last year and I look forward to traveling with it once we can travel again!! Best regards and great review.
The SBGA293 looks to have the same case and is rated to 100m. It seems GS just made a decision not to make the SBGM221 more than a dress piece.
Thanks for the video AB, what about for the next video the SBGH269 from the heritage collection with the beautiful red dial. Is a limited edition of 900 pcs.
Love everything about it EXCEPT the thickness.
enriqueali I own the 221 and it wears much thinner than the specs indicate. It’s super comfortable on wrist and feels thinner than my other watches with similar dimensions. I encourage you to try it on.
Its got a 2 mm domed crystal so the dimensions on wrist are far more svelte than you'd expect. I've never considered it too thick or wide. This is one of the principle reasons I chose this watch, i also find much of the GS line far too bulky for my wrist.
Like others have said, don't be alarmed by the thickness. It's how it sits on your wrist more than anything. Take the Speedmaster for example, my FOIS is ~14mm but it doesn't feel anything like that when it actually sinks into your wrist. Like others said, this GS is more like 12mm when you take away the crystal height.
I have one. One of my most worn.
One of the most beautiful Grand Seiko watches. The only i don't like is that the watch is 50 metres water resistant. That is the only thing i can think about.
The SBGA293 looks to have the same or near identical case, but it rated to 10 Bar. So I agree, and it seems just lazy. If this was rated to 10 Bar I would really consider it.
Like y’all are gonna go swimming with it.
@@Heywoodthepeckerwood i do swim with my watches on
@@hichambenmira you’re gonna swim with a watch on a crocodile strap? Really? Stick to casios and invictas
@@Heywoodthepeckerwood i will do that as well
Short answer no. I prefer the aesthetics of a Pepsi GMT, but GS in general IMHO is better than Rolex in so many ways (except Marketing). Another great video brother!
Nice review on one of my favorite brands AB💯
I think the perfect GS is the SBGA293. Same case, but a little longer, a little wider at 40, a little thinner at 12.8, 100 w/r. That said, the 221 has the superior dial with that glossy cream as opposed to the parchment dial of the 293. Still beautiful, but that gloss and blue GMT hand.
Nice review of one of my favorite GS models. Just not sure if I would ever get an automatic GS without having a Spring Drive as I love the smooth running second on those.
“The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life. [With his dying breath] Perfect... They are all... perfect...” - Katsumoto (The Last Samurai)
Great review but the gmt hand IS heat blued!??!? Not green😂?????
AB another great video. The SBGM221 is indeed amazing...however no Spring Drive, and no lume...thoughts?
I think it's perfect. Love Spring Drive, but mechanical has it's place for those who can't get behind having a hybrid.
Lume not really needed on this. Would dull the hands and indices and run contrary to the point of this watch, which is sharpness and high polish.
Haven't yet seen this video but still waiting for the Seiko Frosty review you said was coming.
Will have it up next week 👍👍
Beautifully stunning piece.
Fantastic review man :)
You should try to get in one of the manual wind Spring Drive models if possible!
Upcoming my friend😁👍
Classic with a bit of edge and sharpness
I simply love this watch. It's my grail one!
It’s the strap that is my concern. An absolutely beautiful dial.
If they made this with a metal bracelet, I'm all in! When traveling, I prefer bracelet just in case my destination is a lot hotter than where i'm coming from.
One question…. At 6:08 you call the GMT hand green. To me, and any other review I’ve seen, it’s clearly a blue hand and others call it blue. What am I missing here?
Lovely watch and a well made video but you said it’s a hi-beat movement and GMT hand is green! It’s GS regular automatic movement and the GMT hand is blue.
“Green GMT hand” ??
My favorite GS.
This was a very informative video but not what I was expecting based on the title of your video. I was expecting a comparison and contrast with the Rolex Datejust. It was still an ex excellent video.
For the case back, can you fix the screws to line up like a royal oak?
It's interesting that no Grand Seiko automatic (excluding Spring Drive) has an accuracy rating as high as a Rolex at -2/+2. I wonder if they are and just don't gaurantee it.
I chose the SBGJ201 over the Rolex OP 36 in blue. I have zero regrets.
A thousand times, yes.
Umm... did you say "GREEN" GMT hand? My man, that is a heat-treated BLUE GMT hand.
I own the SBGM235 limited edition. I find it superior in looks and movement to that model.
The 235 is outstanding!!!!!
It literally has the exact same movement.
The GMT is heated blue…
this watch comes close to perfection and thats why i love it. there are some thinsg that everyone will want to change, its perfect but imperfect. There are some watches that appear "perfect" but sad to say kinda boring and realize there is nothing that is perfect....making THIS perfect lol
Beautiful watch. But don’t like 19 mm lug width.
I've learned to not let 19mm lugs bother me. I usually squeeze in a 20mm
Watch Collecting Strategy Haha. I wish I could but it would bother me too much especially for the price.
@@theenavybluemonster what's wrong with 19mm? It's not even uncommon. Lots of brands and watches use 19mm.
Amin Reviews I love changing straps and mine are 20mm as are my watches.
New? Of course Grand Seiko. Vintage? Bought a King Seiko (en route) and a 1601. The Seiko Hi Beats win on horological achievement. The DJ wins on style. Really can't choose between the two great powers of mass produced watchmaking.
YES!
Yes, yes, 1000x yes! The days of the DJ are over.
This is not Grand Seiko’s Hi Beat movement.
Grand seiko is right there with any Swiss or German watch company.
Great piece from Grand Seiko. I would buy this watch in an instant but I just blew $6k on a travel clock.
I like it
Every Grand Seiko is a perfect Grand Seiko!
Have a normal seiko with unregulated movement 8L35 movement more accurate than my overhyped Omega Seamaster
SEIKO for Life forgot all offer watch ⌚ brands
Enjoy it in good health buddy!
@@watchcollectingstrategy It’s not Grand Seiko its a unregulated seiko 8L35 movement and its that accurate.
More than my overhyped Omega Seamaster
So Grand Seiko regulate movement's are miles more accurate 🤔 than over hyped Omega 😅 movement's
As a 5 time Grand Seiko owner; all sold now.... my singular Rolex remains. Never GS again.
Less > more.
What turned you off?
B S While I obviously continue to respect the GS brand; and experienced their Automatic, Spring Drive, and 9F models, they simply do not come close to the overall quality of the modern Rolex. As is often noted, the major flaws with GS are the thickness of the cases in general as well as subpar bracelets. Their accuracy among automatics don’t come close to the Superlative Chronometer of the Rolex. The Zaratsu polishing of the GS is superb but the Rolex steel is absolutely superior. The handwork of GS dials is equal to and perhaps slightly superior to the Rolex. The value retention of the GS is sub par compared to the Rolex, minus some exceptional models such as the SBGJ227 Peacock and maybe a few others.
Those are but a few tangible reasons. The intangible goes 100% to Rolex as well. There is a reason they are the most sought after wristwatches in the world.
M.E.F. Ok thanks! I thought you had a really bad experience with service, or maybe something breaking. I do own Rolex, but never GS. I’ve contemplated on adding one to the collection but was never really close to pulling the trigger. It’s always been like 2nd or 3rd on my list. Maybe in the future I’d still pick one up, probably preowned so I won’t take too big a hit on depreciation.
I wish it's 100m wr.
first!! great review bud
Hey that’s my job 🤪
Ayyy! You got first 😁
cant get em all @@Babynutter
Ferris K yea yea...🙄
Really like this one… :-)
would if was thinner and had bracelet
I prefer swiss watches!
Nope.
GS. GODZILLA 🐉
Heck Yeah!!
Third..🥺💓
😔😔
Watch Collecting Strategy you distracted me🥺🙉
Absolutely, positively not... It's a seiko with a Grand price tag.....
Grand Seiko is a separate company from Seiko that is superior in every way. Similar to Tudor and Rolex. Get one in hand and compare... you will understand the difference.
@@Ae073001. All owned by seiko group. Same boss same company. Just like Tudor an Rolex.
GS is a more refined and better watch
Of course not. Date just and sub are the best watches in the world.
Date Just and Sub best watches in the world !!?? Of course not !!!
Sascha Rohs I believe for what they cost they are. But it really what makes you wanna invest your money into - what speaks to you.