The new Lake Suwa is a slap in the face to Lake Suwa Limited Edition owners. GS has shown disrespect to LE collectors and also a lack of restraint and creativity with this model. When they release 80 models a year, you’d think they could have held back on a watch nearly identical to a LE model. GS should release less watches and fix long-standing problems like the bracelets, end links, and clasps. I’m disappointed Chris is supporting this move by featuring the watch in a weekly video.
GS is to blame for this insulting marketing blunder. Agree with your assessment about the 021, but don't be too harsh on Chris. He's just trying to do his job -- sell the watches GS sends LT and other ADs. The real problem is that instead of taking the time to think about genuine innovation, GS is now just recycling many of its better dial designs, merely changing the colors and then concocting silly fairy tales about what the "new" dial signifies. ". . . clouds in the early morning in the middle of winter, touched with mist exuding from an exfoliating birch tree half-way up the northern flanks of Mt. Awati overlooking the north shore of a roiling Lake Suwa when the temperature plunges after movement of subsurface magma because of a divine dragon's belch . . ." Really? Come on Seiko guys! You're killing us, . . and the goose that's laying the golden eggs.
I have the white birch spring drive. This looks very similar but with a different face. The 9RA2 movement is my favourite. 5 days reserve. After wearing it for several weeks it is still accurate within 1s. I am not as impressed with my Hi-beat. Thanks for all your reviews.
Love the 9RA2 movement for sure but for the 25 - 30% hike on the cost of admission, no thanks. The more new Grand Seikos I see these days, the more I appreciate the old ones.
Once again, such a truly stunning dial that plays with the light in all the right ways. The evolution 9 collection is definitely worth trying, as the design cues, such as the 22mm lug width lend more towards a sportier aesthetic, throwing it slightly towards the fabled realm of a 'GADA' watch. Trying the classic 44GS pieces like the snowflake back to back with this new line truly emphasises this point, with the GS feeling much dressier. The evolution 9 definitely has a more masculine appeal but it's worth trying both to see how it works on a personal level.
What a gorgeous piece! This might be my very first Grand Seiko Spring Drive! ... I don't know how many times I've said that very sentence. Thank you for sharing another fabulous video with us. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Saw your review of GS and the spring drive which compelled me to buy one this week ... HOWEVER ... Grand Seiko - Quality Control and Company Response TBD!! Heard so much about the Grand Seiko line and the Lake Suwa watch. The Spring Drive truly is in theory a great innovation and the sweeping second hand is impressive to look at. Quick run down: Bought one in Japan from authorized GS dealer and two days later found that the 5 day claim was inaccurate because it stopped after less than one day. Yes and the rear case back power reserve showed that it was full. Just two days and I never even sized or wore it yet. I immediately took it back to GS dealer that has offered to send it in to GS repair center to see what happened. This is somewhat concerning because list price is over 9K and you wouldn't expect this to happen to a Grand Seiko! I told the GS dealer if it requires opening up to repair I want a new replacement because this is brand new/never worn. So how would you feel if you bought a new watch and immediately it needed emergency care? Let's see how Grand Seiko responds to this "hopefully anomaly" and do the right thing because if Im the manufacturer and its an internal issue I would surely want to do the right thing and replace it right away. So far a bit disappointed to say the least and your viewers should be aware of this issue as well if they are considering this model.
So a dark navy blue dial and silver accents in place of the SLGA007's sapphire blue dial and gold accents. As an owner of the original, this release doesn't change how much I enjoy my own. The exclusivity of a limited edition never did much for me. If anything I'm glad others can join the club. That price, though -- a little hard to swallow.
I own the 021, it is so dark you need direct sun to see the dial as anything more than flat tuxedo navy - the press photos lighten it . The bracelet is heavy and uncomfortable and has no micro adjustment and pulls hair. $9100 well spent.
Are you suggesting i dont buy it? I havent seen it in person yet but i was going to hunt for it in April when i visit GS boutique in japan. Thanks for the user feedback 🥰
@@ryangochuico See it in person first - the photos are either using very bright lights or touched up. It is a dark dark navy and looks like a non-textured dial except in very bright light at an angle. The curved nature of the crystal makes it hard to show the water pattern. I tried to show it to someone indoors and they could not see it unless i used my phone light at a sharp angle. I took off the bracelet - too annoying ( if you ever had the old seamster heavy lead-like bracelet it is a similar lead feeling while still pulling hair and being unadjustable past the half link with the tiny screws ( I would have prefered pin and collar) it took over an hour to size with my jeweler's tools and loop.
@@jayoungrn the dark dial that you describe is actually what i prefer since i want a black evolution 9 GS in spring drive and i think for now this is the closest available to my preferences. I own the 2018 omega smp on bracelet and it is a non tapering 22mm wide heavy thing, but it doesnt really bother me much. My arm is hairless (dem asian genes) so i guess i wont have to worry about the bracelet pinching hairs. Thank you for your reply. Im excited to go see it in person as soon as i could.
@@ryangochuico i can tell you that even trying 021 in a BT make you see true color of the dark dial as you can still see texture of dials in a shop with bright light. But once you wear and go outside in a normal or boring daylight time, your 021 will just dead and almost show no texture and turn 95% black with 5% blue. If you ever try out 007 you will find 021 is disappointing. The bracelet to me is fine the only thing I complain is no fine adjustment as you were told. I would rather wait for another EVO 9
Typical GS. They can make a hell of a watch, but are notorious for just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. Their identity is at risk as they continue to overplay LE's, continually change directions, and then back-stab the previous buyers. They need standard colors and dials, ANNUAL colors and dials, and then break the molds on them. LE should be reserved for truly special pieces that are not going to just be copied later.
i hope they will start start to put their 9RA2 movement in their "Elegance collection" cases. I really like the look of the elegance cases and especially the dual curved sapphire crystal.
Sorry, but I can't help but think that the release of the 021 cheapens the original Lake Suwa 007 LE. The 007's gold accents and vibrant blue dial is a much more attractive time piece. BS move by GS.
Wow am I confused. How can these really be compared beyond the marketing of Lake Suwa and “if you missed the 007, now’s your chance, kinda, sorta.” Which, while I enjoy GS’s nature influences and attendant design protocols, a “morning breeze?” dial? Come on. Too many other GS beauties for me to get jazzed on this. Nice video segment though!
Great video, as always! These comparisons are really helpful. Where have you been hearing bad word of mouth about the 9sa5 movement? I'm curious to find out more.
I saw some when i did a google search. I think it was discussed on forums like watchuseek and watchcrunch, although the number of complaints are not that many they do still exist and that's the concerning part-specially when i myself expect GS to make no mistakes due to all the hype users and reviewers have about them.
The other question is will Grand Seiko marry their 5 day spring drive movement and their GMT module soon? All my GS are GMT, a complication I like to use.
As a SLGA007 owner and hearing all the complaints online of this new 021, I say why do you care so much? I consider myself an enthusiast. I love my 007. Why should I care if GS puts out a similar piece that other enthusiasts enjoy? I can't hate on the brand for that. ....and did you see that new Grand Seiko SLGC001 Chronograph! This is why I love Grand Seiko.
Great review and comparison. The limited edition Lake Suwa was nice, but I prefer this one without gold. Someday a 9RA2 (likely), 9R31 (most likely), or 7R14 (much less less likely) will make it into the collection. Cheers!
My main everyday watch is a 2013 titanium Kinetic, SKA214, a very attractive, modestly-priced watch, with a dark-grey dial and gold accents, which keeps very accurate time and weighs a mere 78g. I am very, very tempted by the titanium SLGA019. Are the gold accents on the SLGA007 preferable? I'm undecided, but I don't like heavy watches.
Funny how this dark blue dial is a “nice surprise” but in the review of the SLGH009 the dark dial was a disappointment. And you’re bashing your own inventory by talking bad about the 9SA5 movement? Interesting marketing approach.
It's a surprise because it looks black and the texture appears when you tilt it at a certain angle... Sorry if I upset you in some way, but you have the wrong idea
Now if they could just make a comfortable bracelet with some micro adjustment. I sold off my small collection of Evolution 9 watches because these bracelets are just plain terrible. Super heavy and clunky always reminding you that they’re on your wrist. This is not the type of association you would expect from a brand that prides itself on attention to detail.
I used to be a huge Grand Seiko fan but the brand is so out of touch now. They’re nauseating with all these daily releases, limited editions, and blowing their load on dial inspirations. Frankly, Grand Seiko has simply become the most annoying brand out there these days.
@@Littletreasury oooh. I prefer dark. Thank you again sir. Getting closer and closer to finalizing my decision on this piece. Will know once i see it in person.
Your review of this watch was one of the basis i needed to make my decision to get this piece. Finally bought one in Wako Ginza GS Boutique. Looks so great in person and I love the 2 in 1 dial color and texture you get from this watch depending on angle and lighting. ❤ thank you. ❤
Hope GS slows down on their release and invest in improving the clasp of their bracelet. We need tooless on-the-fly microadjustment
21 likes --- will pass the feedback along!
Correct , no adjustment on them ,they say every year the clasps are getting better??
THIS.
The new Lake Suwa is a slap in the face to Lake Suwa Limited Edition owners. GS has shown disrespect to LE collectors and also a lack of restraint and creativity with this model. When they release 80 models a year, you’d think they could have held back on a watch nearly identical to a LE model. GS should release less watches and fix long-standing problems like the bracelets, end links, and clasps. I’m disappointed Chris is supporting this move by featuring the watch in a weekly video.
GS is to blame for this insulting marketing blunder. Agree with your assessment about the 021, but don't be too harsh on Chris. He's just trying to do his job -- sell the watches GS sends LT and other ADs. The real problem is that instead of taking the time to think about genuine innovation, GS is now just recycling many of its better dial designs, merely changing the colors and then concocting silly fairy tales about what the "new" dial signifies. ". . . clouds in the early morning in the middle of winter, touched with mist exuding from an exfoliating birch tree half-way up the northern flanks of Mt. Awati overlooking the north shore of a roiling Lake Suwa when the temperature plunges after movement of subsurface magma because of a divine dragon's belch . . ." Really? Come on Seiko guys! You're killing us, . . and the goose that's laying the golden eggs.
Right, I'm just reporting the news lol
Yup, bunch of money-grabbing bastards!
I agree with several people below. GS needs to slowdown and focus on bracelet development.
I have the white birch spring drive. This looks very similar but with a different face.
The 9RA2 movement is my favourite. 5 days reserve. After wearing it for several weeks it is still accurate within 1s.
I am not as impressed with my Hi-beat.
Thanks for all your reviews.
Thank you for the feedback, and I will keep the reviews coming!
Yes! The review is out. Thank you!🥰
My pleasure!
Love the 9RA2 movement for sure but for the 25 - 30% hike on the cost of admission, no thanks. The more new Grand Seikos I see these days, the more I appreciate the old ones.
Once again, such a truly stunning dial that plays with the light in all the right ways. The evolution 9 collection is definitely worth trying, as the design cues, such as the 22mm lug width lend more towards a sportier aesthetic, throwing it slightly towards the fabled realm of a 'GADA' watch. Trying the classic 44GS pieces like the snowflake back to back with this new line truly emphasises this point, with the GS feeling much dressier. The evolution 9 definitely has a more masculine appeal but it's worth trying both to see how it works on a personal level.
What a gorgeous piece!
This might be my very first Grand Seiko Spring Drive!
... I don't know how many times I've said that very sentence.
Thank you for sharing another fabulous video with us.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Saw your review of GS and the spring drive which compelled me to buy one this week ... HOWEVER ...
Grand Seiko - Quality Control and Company Response TBD!!
Heard so much about the Grand Seiko line and the Lake Suwa watch.
The Spring Drive truly is in theory a great innovation and the sweeping second hand is impressive to look at.
Quick run down: Bought one in Japan from authorized GS dealer and two days later found that the 5 day claim was inaccurate because it stopped after less than one day. Yes and the rear case back power reserve showed that it was full. Just two days and I never even sized or wore it yet. I immediately took it back to GS dealer that has offered to send it in to GS repair center to see what happened.
This is somewhat concerning because list price is over 9K and you wouldn't expect this to happen to a Grand Seiko!
I told the GS dealer if it requires opening up to repair I want a new replacement because this is brand new/never worn. So how would you feel if you bought a new watch and immediately it needed emergency care?
Let's see how Grand Seiko responds to this "hopefully anomaly" and do the right thing because if Im the manufacturer and its an internal issue I would surely want to do the right thing and replace it right away.
So far a bit disappointed to say the least and your viewers should be aware of this issue as well if they are considering this model.
So a dark navy blue dial and silver accents in place of the SLGA007's sapphire blue dial and gold accents. As an owner of the original, this release doesn't change how much I enjoy my own. The exclusivity of a limited edition never did much for me. If anything I'm glad others can join the club. That price, though -- a little hard to swallow.
I own the 021, it is so dark you need direct sun to see the dial as anything more than flat tuxedo navy - the press photos lighten it . The bracelet is heavy and uncomfortable and has no micro adjustment and pulls hair. $9100 well spent.
Are you suggesting i dont buy it? I havent seen it in person yet but i was going to hunt for it in April when i visit GS boutique in japan.
Thanks for the user feedback 🥰
@@ryangochuico See it in person first - the photos are either using very bright lights or touched up. It is a dark dark navy and looks like a non-textured dial except in very bright light at an angle. The curved nature of the crystal makes it hard to show the water pattern. I tried to show it to someone indoors and they could not see it unless i used my phone light at a sharp angle. I took off the bracelet - too annoying ( if you ever had the old seamster heavy lead-like bracelet it is a similar lead feeling while still pulling hair and being unadjustable past the half link with the tiny screws ( I would have prefered pin and collar) it took over an hour to size with my jeweler's tools and loop.
@@jayoungrn the dark dial that you describe is actually what i prefer since i want a black evolution 9 GS in spring drive and i think for now this is the closest available to my preferences.
I own the 2018 omega smp on bracelet and it is a non tapering 22mm wide heavy thing, but it doesnt really bother me much.
My arm is hairless (dem asian genes) so i guess i wont have to worry about the bracelet pinching hairs.
Thank you for your reply. Im excited to go see it in person as soon as i could.
🙄
@@ryangochuico i can tell you that even trying 021 in a BT make you see true color of the dark dial as you can still see texture of dials in a shop with bright light. But once you wear and go outside in a normal or boring daylight time, your 021 will just dead and almost show no texture and turn 95% black with 5% blue. If you ever try out 007 you will find 021 is disappointing. The bracelet to me is fine the only thing I complain is no fine adjustment as you were told. I would rather wait for another EVO 9
Typical GS. They can make a hell of a watch, but are notorious for just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. Their identity is at risk as they continue to overplay LE's, continually change directions, and then back-stab the previous buyers.
They need standard colors and dials, ANNUAL colors and dials, and then break the molds on them. LE should be reserved for truly special pieces that are not going to just be copied later.
Word.
I love this watch, its the best colored Suwa imo
I hope GS adds a micro-adjust and quick-change system soon.
Ha.... Ha.... Ha
i hope they will start start to put their 9RA2 movement in their "Elegance collection" cases. I really like the look of the elegance cases and especially the dual curved sapphire crystal.
Sorry, but I can't help but think that the release of the 021 cheapens the original Lake Suwa 007 LE. The 007's gold accents and vibrant blue dial is a much more attractive time piece. BS move by GS.
Hi Mike, the good news is that they are so different in real life that you have nothing to worry about IMO. The LE may even go up in value now.
Wow am I confused. How can these really be compared beyond the marketing of Lake Suwa and “if you missed the 007, now’s your chance, kinda, sorta.” Which, while I enjoy GS’s nature influences and attendant design protocols, a “morning breeze?” dial? Come on. Too many other GS beauties for me to get jazzed on this. Nice video segment though!
Thank you for the feedback!
Great video, as always! These comparisons are really helpful.
Where have you been hearing bad word of mouth about the 9sa5 movement? I'm curious to find out more.
I saw some when i did a google search. I think it was discussed on forums like watchuseek and watchcrunch, although the number of complaints are not that many they do still exist and that's the concerning part-specially when i myself expect GS to make no mistakes due to all the hype users and reviewers have about them.
The darker model is Titanium with pin and collar. The one with gold GS is steel with screws.
The other question is will Grand Seiko marry their 5 day spring drive movement and their GMT module soon? All my GS are GMT, a complication I like to use.
I am waiting for a SBGM211 with a green, structured dial and spring drive. Power reserve to be hidden at the back
As a SLGA007 owner and hearing all the complaints online of this new 021, I say why do you care so much? I consider myself an enthusiast. I love my 007. Why should I care if GS puts out a similar piece that other enthusiasts enjoy? I can't hate on the brand for that. ....and did you see that new Grand Seiko SLGC001 Chronograph! This is why I love Grand Seiko.
GS needs to be in the know, because they don’t know where to go regarding their brand right now.
Great review and comparison. The limited edition Lake Suwa was nice, but I prefer this one without gold. Someday a 9RA2 (likely), 9R31 (most likely), or 7R14 (much less less likely) will make it into the collection. Cheers!
I quite like the gold on the SLGA007, but I do wonder if it is unnecessarily gilding the lily, so I'm now very tempted by the titanium SLGA019.
My main everyday watch is a 2013 titanium Kinetic, SKA214, a very attractive, modestly-priced watch, with a dark-grey dial and gold accents, which keeps very accurate time and weighs a mere 78g. I am very, very tempted by the titanium SLGA019. Are the gold accents on the SLGA007 preferable? I'm undecided, but I don't like heavy watches.
Like the dark dial better.
Thank you for sharing! Many people do!
How many of these can they make? Good lord.
Seiko: challenge accepted 🤣
I'm wearing my Tag Heuer Carerra day-date. Got it a few days before my first kid was born! Gotta mark the occasions right?
Funny how this dark blue dial is a “nice surprise” but in the review of the SLGH009 the dark dial was a disappointment. And you’re bashing your own inventory by talking bad about the 9SA5 movement?
Interesting marketing approach.
Yep! It's called being honest :)
@@Littletreasury it’s called being inconsistent and contradictory actually.
I stand by what I said, maybe you misunderstood --- the texture is a surprise on the 021 not the dark dial.
@@Littletreasury yes, it’s a surprise because the dark dial makes the texture less obvious. No misunderstanding.
It's a surprise because it looks black and the texture appears when you tilt it at a certain angle... Sorry if I upset you in some way, but you have the wrong idea
Absolutely not happy that they took a limited edition and made it unlimited. Luckily the LE blue looks much better imo-at least from the video.
lack of micro adjustment is a big minus for me
Now if they could just make a comfortable bracelet with some micro adjustment. I sold off my small collection of Evolution 9 watches because these bracelets are just plain terrible. Super heavy and clunky always reminding you that they’re on your wrist. This is not the type of association you would expect from a brand that prides itself on attention to detail.
Try titanium?
Lake Suwa? More like Lake Sewer! What is going on with this brand?
Back up what you say there bro! GS is forever baby!
Pam 1033 , thanks 👍🏴🙏
An easy pass on this one. Dial just kinda plain. Perhaps in person its better too see the details. SBGA427 on the wrist today.
Very nice 427, thank you for sharing!
I used to be a huge Grand Seiko fan but the brand is so out of touch now. They’re nauseating with all these daily releases, limited editions, and blowing their load on dial inspirations. Frankly, Grand Seiko has simply become the most annoying brand out there these days.
Can ayone confirm if this is the same shade of blue (midnight blue) as the sbga375? Thank you
Hi Ryan, it is definitely a different shade of blue. The 375 is lighter
@@Littletreasury oooh. I prefer dark. Thank you again sir. Getting closer and closer to finalizing my decision on this piece. Will know once i see it in person.
Your review of this watch was one of the basis i needed to make my decision to get this piece. Finally bought one in Wako Ginza GS Boutique. Looks so great in person and I love the 2 in 1 dial color and texture you get from this watch depending on angle and lighting. ❤ thank you. ❤
Capt'n Cook Ceramic - since I scratch the heck out of my watches 😂.
Nice! Thank you for sharing!
Almost perfect, needs easylink
Remember, even Rolex ain't perfect!
*addition
Fixed, thank you for pointing out!
Nope. Better in titanium, and hate that lopped off hour hand, and can't justify the cost.
I don't want them to fix the bracelet and clasp issue. Then all the comments would cease overnight.