Grand Seiko - Here’s What You Should Know
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 лют 2023
- Why is Grand Seiko So Special? Are they better than Rolex? Is the quality as good as they say? There's a lot of reasons given why we should buy a Grand Seiko-here are 4 reasons why Grand Seiko's are incredible things you should know before you buy. Here's Why Grand Seiko is better than Rolex
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @themadwatchcollector
#grandseiko #grandseikospringdrive #grandseikosbga211 #whyisgrandseikospecial #whygrandseikoisbetterthanrolex - Навчання та стиль
I recently purchased a Grand Seiko SGBH271 “Rikka” and I have been blown away by the watch. The finishing is on another level and the dial is unreal. You are totally right, you can’t describe how much better these watches are in person than in pictures.
Justamente ese me gustaría tenerlo en verde, aunque tiene un precio algo excesivo
I'm mainly a Seiko collector, I just love the value you get from Seiko and the attention to detail, so I would absolutely fall over myself to bag a Grand Seiko someday. Great video. Dammit MWC, you've tempted me even more now, lol
Stoked to see the snowflake on MWC, and another well done review. I’ve owned mine for over a year, my first and only grail. The smooth sweep, light but indestructible feel, iconic engineering, and unmatched finishing is endlessly inspiring for me, especially as a skiing and mountaineering fan. The watch changes my mood when I wear it. Mine is about 3 seconds or less per month, and hits all the indices perfectly, which adds to the fun.
MWC is right to recommend to go try it on to get the true feel. A bit relieved there wasn’t a MWC wife review…
Hahahaha she likes it my friend! It’s safe!!!!
Yeah, my snowflake was grail for me as well. I saw one that was poorly described on ebay for about $800 under what they usually go for, so I sold my speedmaster reduced and my ball trainmaster eternity to fund it. I really miss my speedy but I'm happier with my collection now than I was before...
@MWC Phew!
They are incredible because they are inspired by the pigeon droppings/gutter leaves/ foggy weather/ raindrop on the windowsill outside the GS office. Allegedly.
*_LOL_* 😂
Absolutely love it!!!!!
Often think that about GS - they’re either very lucky that what they’re inspired by out the window is beautiful, or they ignore a lot (foxes going through the bins in the car park etc)…
Pigeon droppings outside the office are particularly inspirational 😂
Hahaha!
Another top video Russel. I have seen one of the Snowflakes and other GS models a few years ago at Francis and Gaye on one of my visits to the Midlands and you have described them perfectly. The case finishing is off the scale. At the time I couldn't justify a purchase as I'd gone to the store specifically to get a different watch. They are definitely purchased by people who appreciate watches rather than as an investment.
Thanks Anthony! Absolutely my friend
The Snowflake is one of the all time great dials, I just wish it didn’t have that power reserve indicator on the dial 😂 It’s well out of my price range sadly but I’d love to see a more sporty version of the Snowflake with that fantastic Seiko lume on the hands and indeces, no date and the power reserve indicator moved to the back 👍
Another top quality show MWC 🙌
Cheers Gareth!!!!
When I bought my SBGJ237 from Watches of Switzerland, there was a REP from GS in the store. His knowledge on the brand definitely help push me in the right direction. According to him, it takes 20 years to be eligible to zaratsu polishing, not 5. Do with that information what you will! Either way, love GS ♥️
They are beautiful watches, the finishing is amazing. I bought the sbga415. I ran it for 100 days and the 9r65 only gained 3 seconds, just amazing!
Amazing!!!
Holy… Japanese really know how to do their stuff
Had mine for 18 months now. Wear it every day, even to work as a GP. Patients comment on it when I’m checking their pulse. It’s confined my Yacht-master Rhodium to the watch case. Few watches are legendary. This is.
Grand Seiko and Casio two of my top favorite watch brands. They just break boundaries.
Always!!! Not just making what they know will sell but making things that people will like without knowing it!!!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR the silky movement and accuracy of their Spring Drive is so crazy. But don't sleep on their Quartz which are the most accurate in the world as well. Oh what about the dual escapement of their High Beat movements? this maker is just INSANE.
Absolute stunner. Love seeing Grand Seikos! Always keen to see more content on them 🙌🏻😍
Lovely review of a watch enthusiasts watch, by a watch enthusiast that is sooo enthusiastic about this watch, even though it's not a watch he would buy for himself! That's real passion for the art! And a great point about what one would conclude about a Grand Seiko wearer vs Rolex wearer in 2023! I'd love a Grand Seiko spring drive (I hesitate as other watches already fight for wrist time (and the $$s)) but would NOT buy a modern Rolex (I have a circa 1960 Oyster Precision hand winder). Keep up the great (and soooo entertaining) work!
Nice review as always. My younger brother just picked one of these up used. It’s a stunner for sure!
Grand Seiko Dials are a true work of art. They are so well done!
To be honest when I started watch collecting I didn’t care about grand seikos thinking they where over priced but I was so wrong!!
The finishing is second to none. The dials are tremendous. The turn down of the lugs just hugs the wrist too. Handset so amazing and dial markers are also finished to perfection. My word that gliding second hand is incredible. Certainly on my want list, but I want that pink tinged blossom dial. Great review. Imagine a T Fit type on the fly clasp? Perfection
It’s such a no brainer isn’t it man! But if and when they do, it’ll be a much bigger proposition
the Sakura dial is fantastic. It's not a limited or anything but I'll never be selling mine!!
That cherry blossom pink dial is a Japanese stunna!
If it had lume it'd be perfect. Why no lume Mr Seiko? My sarb033 has lume. There's always something isn't there?
Your best video yet!
Love the style and content ❤
I got the SBGA 283 with the champagne dial a few years ago and it's the most lovely watch I've ever owned.
My Sakura chan (a 413) goes into the ocean and goes biking with me. Spring drive is much hardier than a balance wheel for shocks and that screw down crown and 100m matches an Oris divers 65 for swimming. And Ti means you don't feel it on your wrist. Great rundown of features my friend but it's sportier than any of your other mechanical watches 😉
If I could afford a luxury watch then I would pick the Grand Seiko .. Every time.
Love the 36000 BPH and 80 Hour power reserve.
The engineering inside this watch is unbelievable. I love the detail and finish on this watch. I would definitely love this watch in my collection..This watch is pure quality.
Seiko and Casio are my favourite watchmakers.
They both make watches that are superb value for money
Thank you so much for this video, Russell.
Same here, superb value for the money, when I’m not wearing a Seiko, im wearing a Gshock.
Hey Russell, as a “content creator” I really enjoy your videos. You strike the perfect balance of sizzle vs steak.
And as an American who watches BBC shows, I can say your Curt character’s American accent is better than that of most UK actors trying it. Except, ironically, on the “super” inserts. ;)
Keep being Mad.
Hahahaha thank you so much my friend!!! All those 80’s amazing films have produced that voice hshahaha
Great review! Well said. I have a similar problem like you. When can I wear a nice watch like the snowflake? I farm, so dust and dirt is normal. Banging around? Yup! My Nice GS get worn on the weekends. Not enough wrist time. There is one I wear to work. The sbgp015. Kind of a beast!
The spring Drives are special. Love watching the smooth second hand. Have the sea of clouds qtz. Exhibition case back on a quartz!
Huge fan of GS and many seikos. Quality, not look at how cool I am.
Don't want to spend money on a snowflake? Look at a sarx055, 057. Only need a better movement to be GS.
That second hand gliding through is just hypnotic.
Grand Seiko is an absolutely phenomenal brand! I would absolutely love a spring drive, just haven’t found one that I would fall in love with. I am mainly a dive watch guy myself with a similar sized wrist. It would be wicked to see a cheaper spring drive trickle down to mid tier seiko level though!
The model(SNRO51) but it's a controversial move apparently...even though the spring drive did first appear on a Seiko and not a grand... it's gorgeous though and although a bit pricey...I think it's better looking than any grande and the dial is spectacular...check it out!
@@ninosalvati379Same price as the Snowflake tho! I don't the spring drive will trickle to the mid tier. You have to pay over 2k to get an unregulated 8hz movement with Seiko. We will see.
@@Tyler-sl6vg said it was pricey...☺️ Seems that if Seiko did trickle it down...a few GS enthusiasts won't be happy...I know they aren't about this particular model tbh...they may place it in the king Seiko maybe...although I have my own feeling on the king line up
Love it! Another great video Russ. Keep up the good work.
Great video. Thank you!
Awesome review big love from Australia 😊
Russ, I'm so happy that you put this brilliant video out. I couldn't agree with you more. Imho Grand Seiko is a far superior watch, and it is on my list as my ultimate grail. Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend mate.
Thank you Felo for your kind words and continued support!
Nailed it with that review. I'm wearing my Snowflake - but on a leather strap. I couldn't get the fit I needed on the bracelet, which is gutting as it's a nice bracelet. I use a Tudor GMT as my sporty watch, an Omega De Ville as a dress watch and my Snowflake as my everyday wear.
What a 3 watch collection that is mind you! Just a GShock away from being complete and ready for anything!!!!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTORDon't worry, I have several GShocks. No sane watch collector would be without.
@SaintWill thank you Sir. I'm old enough to remember when Rolex cost the equivalent of Tudors today.
Sweet three for sure.
Same here on my snowflake every day, staring at it mostly.
I have my SBGA011 on a ostrich band but it isn't due to fitment issues. I simply didn't want to risk a scratch on the metal band which is cost prohibitive to refinish and replace. Deviation is about 5 secs every 2 months. I rotate wearing it with a Timex Expedition, Swiss Army, St Martin, G-Shock .....Cartier Vermeil, Breitling (2x) and a (Seiko GCBW995) Credor which is kind of a Snowflake little brother and 10mm thin. So I have a good 'nuff rotating set for everyday and event choosing.
I was lucky enough to try one of these on the other day. My God what a cut above in terms of finishing...so light as well! I'm a little bit in love...
Top review! Pop it on a dark blue leather strap and you’ve got yourself an amazing dressy watch. Absolute stunner and no mistaking…😍
Absolutely Adam!
This has been my grail watch for some time now. It genuinely is a thing of beauty.
Great video mate. 👍
I opted for the SBGE205, champagne dial (most technically obnoxious dial they make), GMT, Spring Drive. It’s my grail, and I’m never mad about that spend.
Sweet GMT!
You buy a Rolex to impress other people. You buy a Grand Seiko for yourself. 😊👌
I wouldn’t have said that for our Explorers my friend. I know you had been longing for one since we digitally met!!;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR let me rephrase that… if you want other people to be impressed with your watch buy a Rolex. If you want to be impressed yourself… buy a Grand Seiko. 😅
Don’t agree
Great review. Great watch. I think the bracelet and clasp could be improved but still a great piece
Lovely work sir. You can't go wrong with a GS
Excellent review Russell. GS make one of the loveliest dials. That sweeping second hand is mesmerizing. The GS Spring Drive movement is up there. Your right someone who owns a GS is a true watch collector. Rolex is too fashionable and trying to make a quick $$ today. Especially the ridiculous prices generally only available in grey market at stupid prices.
Cheers Mike ! It’s a shame as I love a Rolex watch! But this is a true enthusiasts brand
@@alfieakaronaldog what if you have a Rolex , GS , an Omega and a Squale????!!!!!! Absolutely!!!! Let’s all have a party!
@@alfieakaronaldog 😭
I'd love a grand seiko. You outline the reasons why very well with this vid, MWC.
Cheers Chris!
A generally underrated watch by those who don't always appreciate the quality in a watch over its status. That dial is a thing of beauty. A good review Russell👍👍What did your wife think of it?
Thank you my friend! It wasn’t really a review of the watch so she never gave one however I know she likes it just a bit too blingy!
I couldn't agree more! Another great video mate - thanks!
JC! Thank you my friend!
I respect these watches, however, for the thick end of six grand, I couldn't get past þhe pin and collar bracelet, the power indicator on the dial and why do we have GS and Grand Seiko on the dial? One or the other please, great video as usual Russ. What did the Wife say??
Cheers Steve! She likes it, but too blingy for her and me tbf!
What is the other dial for lower left of the watch ? Thanks
Like you MWC, I just find GS a bit dressy and I wear a suit every day for work. I owned an SBGR261 briefly and whilst the finishing and dial was mesmerising I found the leather strap and clasp very poor and cheap looking. Plus there’s no lume and whilst the polishing was amazing it did scratch up very easily. And it was running at -9 secs per day and servicing had to be carried out in Japan so I flipped it. I’m happier with a tool watch hence a collection of Speedmaster, Seamaster, Ranger and BB58.
I own both a GS introductory quartz model (SBGX261), and a Rolex Explorer. I equally enjoy wearing both. When I strap either onto my wrist I can't stop smiling.
It really is a thing of beauty, shame about the clasp. Nice one Russ:)
Wow! Great video! Amazing watches from an amazing brand!
I purchased the Grand Seiko Snowflake to remember & honour my late mother Christine … when I look at it’s beautiful dial I fondly remember my beloved Mum … RIP 🙏🏻❤️
This is lovely Darren. All the best to you and your family!
Many thanks Russell, I really appreciate that fella! 🙏🏻👍🏻
Wife gone to bingo then Russ 😢. Big admirer of GS, rumours have it that Rolex are developing a spring drive system. My Oris has lost 5 seconds in nearly two months so hats off to them beating GS spring drive accuracy.
I wasn’t allowed to work on a RR until I had finished my training, just like those Japanese with their tins of Brasso, pity those standards have gone in the uk now
Great review as always 👍
I really want a GS44 heritage model. It's on the horizon.
I have to agree on the statement about the clasps. The entire Seiko lineup needs new clasps. If they can make a spring drive and a hi beat movement you think they could make a modern clasp! It was Rolex first then Omega hopefully GS will catch up soon. We see the early signs on the Prospex LX line.
It’s seems like a very simple problem to fix with the brain and design power those guys and girls obviously possess!!!!
The BEST watch CHANNEL in the world!!
Love Grand Seiko
Best watch made
On it!!! Thank you!
Great Review!!! And by the way, my SBGA285 with the same movement as the snowflake has a accuracy of 3 seconds per month 😉
That is very special then!!!!
I think that all Spring Drive movements in reality are much more accurate than the Grand Seiko specifies
@@gg.komorebi absolutely!!!
I wear my snowflake with just about everything dress it up dress it down. Can one call themselves a watch collector and not own a Spring drive?
I think as long as you’ve seen it up close and handled one of these machines , that would still be good enough. ;)
Stunning piece.
I love mine, rarely wear it though but maybe I should. The only gripe, and it's a very small one, is that it isn't a bit heavier. Great video mate, you mad sod lol
Just got mine last week and I absolutely cannot believe it.
Congratulations!!!!!!
My perfect 2 watch collection = 2 of these. I don't know much about art but these should have a gallery all to themselves.
Brilliant comment my friend! Which ones?
SBGC223 if money was no object. Lovely sport watch and then the very star of this video. I just love the snowflake texture and spring drive creamy motion.
The Snowflake is a legendary watch indeed. At least I actually understand why it's expensive, not like with some other top brands. Thanks for another entertaining review!
That’s a very good point !!!!
Beautiful though the Alpinist Ginza cobble face dial is running this a very close second.
The second hand sweep is what I love about automatics but this is next level.
Big fan of GS and that is one stunner of a watch, another reason to buy a GS is you can actually buy one ( if you've got the money ) unlike trying to buy a Rolex when the AD treats you like something on the bottom of his shoe.
Think that is a huge point!!!
4:20 It's probably worth stressing that there is no battery. The watch is mechanical, only the traditional escapement mechanism is replaced by an electromagnetic brake powered by a tiny fraction of the spring's energy diverted to power the brake and the quartz crystal which regulates the braking power by checking its action 8 times per second. The dial of Snowflake looks even better in real life because it _sparkles_ like real snow in sunlight. This effect is hard to capture on video because it's necessary to use as pointlike light sources as possible (like the Sun which is a small disc in the sky), not softboxes which obliterate the effect.
If I don’t mention there’s a battery…. There’s no battery;)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Haha, good point!
I’m thinking of selling my Rolex sub and getting a GS snowflake, getting sick of my Rolex, sick of people asking…”is that real” 🙈
I love these Grand Seikos, but due to that elephant in the room...the clasp as you mention it's difficult for me to pull the trigger on getting one. I bought the Grand Seiko 9F with the Cordura nylon strap of which is also a problem. Seiko doesn't tell you this, but there is a larger size for their Cordura strap as the factory issued one is too small for some of us large European men, but you have to order separate and averages around $140 USD.
The GS bracelets are indeed an after thought with even the ones on the Presage being better just due to the clasp and having micro-adjustments.
Thank you my friend! I can imagine these watches would look very good on leather straps for sure!!!
I was out in the world and I hear ... "Is that a Grand Seiko?" from a random stranger. Yes, yes it is and I love it.
Awesome!
I can dream of owning such a watch as this.. It is truly a masterpiece of horology. Maybe you could give it as a prize for a competition. Thanks Madman Watch Collector 🎉
1 million subscribers and I’ll do it!!;)
tudor black bay ceramic vs christopher ward bel canto (black version) which one is nicer?
If that one didn't have the power reserve indicator, I would be selling all my other watches to buy it! Great review!
Cheers Mike!
I’d also take the date window out!!! Just all untouched snow!!!!;)
I love GS and some of the Seiko SLA divers. Think when you compare them to other luxury watches......really good value. I own spring drive and qtz GS. Great watches!
Also have a sla043, and a SLA 049. Very cool divers.
Big fan of their watches.
I actually like the power reserve indicator. Different strokes for different folks etc.
@@calvinchann1996 I have an Orient diver with a power reserve meter on the dial and I don't mind it at all.
Too dressy for you you say. Check out the GS sport collection. Every movement you mentioned to chose from. Those 9f quartz movements are insane
In december I went to a dealer to try a seiko presage 60's, just to see if it fitted my wrist. They didn't have the model but they had a shelf of GS and then the seller asked me if I wanted to try one. Who wouldn't ? I tried a shunbun SGBA413. Long story short, I left the shop with a BIG hole in my bank account.
You are making me hungry to buy one! 😁😁
You know it Stephan! When you compare it to a Datejust that is well over the price of this Snowflake????
I feel like something like the SBGN003 or another GMT quartz would be perfect for Russ. He could wear it while working and fits into his personal style. Good size for him too.
Except the 003 is now discontinued and replaced with a 029? 100m more water resistant, crown and date at 4. It’ll likely be my next GS, but I’ll make them wait a few months yet.
@@calvinchann1996 Never buy a 9F grand seiko new anyway. The one I listed can be found for a around $2k USD on ebay with very little effort.
I appreciate the watch and the finish of them like you say is excellent but they don’t do anything for me personally. Thanks for the review though Russ.
No probs at all RAARAA it’s a pleasure to have you watch another show!
Tried one. Lovely dial but it was so light it felt like a toy. I love the new slgh013 though. I have my name down for a datejust 41 but the 13 is on a different level. Damn... The 13 might get the nod.
Titanium on a watch is weird! But this one is the only T made watch I’ll accept! It’s a snowflake!!!!
Good video, I would definitely take a GS over Rolex, but I think I might by a quartz rather than spring drive.
I have owned the SBGN003 and it is awesome!
I don't have a moonphase watch yet because GS haven't made one, but that day is coming soon I hope because I can't think of a better way to display the phase of the moon than behind an exquisite GS dial.
In my twenties and thirties I wanted an Omega speed master, in my forties I wanted a Rolex Oyster perpetual and now in my fifties I want a Grand Seiko recently went to a local watch dealer to try a couple on as I do from time to time. The lady serving me who sees me at the window once or twice a week said this might not be the watch your looking for but I know you like grand Seiko and know about the details but you need to see and try this other model and went and got a 62GS they had just received. I have to say I don't know who was more excited even in awe her or me when we were looking closely at the pink watch face. Maybe when I reach sixty I will get around to buying the watch of my dreams.
Very nice watch. Great finish and dial, also to classy for me. Need a bashing around style watch, can't do it to a grand seiko.
Can’t bash a GRAND SEIKO Kees!;)
This watch is my Grail. It will be the last watch I will ever purchase, and it's the only watch I could imagine going monogamous with. Everything about it is perfection
Fantastic watch, but for me it could never be an only watch. I'd want at least a Diver GMT with good lume. I think the Snowflake covers everything else from daily office watch to dress watch though!
I have my eye (and wallet) on a Grand Seiko SBGC221. I never would have considered a Japanese luxury watch and only discovered this brand this week.
Super!!👌
beautiful watch!
I am a dress, pilot and field watch lover thus this ticks my box!
Not for me. If i was paying £5500 i would expect it not to have a date window. Date windows in my option cheapen the dial.
I know you can buy Brand Seiko's without a date window like the 'Omiwatari' but it's £2000 more.
I have a Citizen titanium diver and even though it has a date window it was (at the time of purchase) 10 x cheaper than the Seiko,
and i wouldn't be too worried if it got a knock.
Good Vid MCW you've covered all the bases.
Thank you my friend! If you look it is very hard to find a luxury watch that doesn’t have a date window!!!;)
I love the Grand Seiko, but the reason I don't own one is that they cost £6k-10k. I've been to an AD and both seen and held and had them on my wrist, but their price is unobtainium.
Great video 👍🏻but Sorry I will still take my Rolex over any Seiko 💪🏼
Fair enough! You could have both?
Yes I accept a fair bit of what you say .. There is something about them that leaves me cold and lack charisma and soul . Accountant that likes cold play comes to mind ..
As long as it’s 1st album Coldplay I’m in!!
It's time for a *Grand Seiko Arnie* now. :)
Oh my god can you imagine!!!!!!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR That would be uber epic!
Grand Seiko certainly on my interest list.
Check out the Knot 40mm sport, finished in the same factory apparently. Got one and the quality is great.
Is that the one with the Miyota Hi-Beat movement?
@@bogrot69 9015 Miyota
@@robertoakes666 Beautiful watch! 👍
This is my grail watch. I really, really want one!
Would like to see more
Good review and great watch, just not my thing. My problem with them: I know the fit and finish is fantastic and so is the build quality, but I find their designs so boring and conservative. I think for the price I just cannot get over that I feel nothing for the designs, and there is no real heritage either. Why pick this over an Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch" for a similiar price? Or multiple luxury, high end watches tapping into dive, exploration, military, aviation, or dress heritage with cool retro looks...that also have excellent fit and finish. It's like an ultra high-end Toyota Camry (if they existed)....all of the quality, all of the luxury, all of the fit and finish, but still shaped like a Camry. Mega expensive granddad watch lol. Ironically, the models I like the most are the base quartz ones, but then I would rather grab a Longines Spirit Zulu time for the price....
Still a good review, just not for me :)
That’s fair enough Jason! Thanks for watching
I totes agree about the Rolex vs GS comment. I really wish the Seiko would upgrade their bracelets.
Is it just me or does the snowflake dial look like they've used some posh cartridge paper for the dial?
No lume....I like lume....can dress watches not have lume? Do dress watches have dates...? Its just too confusing. Great review & I respect folks choices who have bought one. Im a little timid.
It’s another tick for why I probably would never own an SBGA211 . The Lume=SPORT! ;)
SNR029 is an intriguing one.
Grand Seiko is special because it's not only Seiko, but it is grand 😜
Can’t argue!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR The true is that I would love to have one. At least...
Incredible watches for sure. But unfortunately the exclusivity of the spring drive is no longer true as Seiko released a spring drive dive watch.
I wanted to watch the video for your usually last part, wife's opinion. Left heartbroken
One of my favourite "One Day" Watches. For me they top Rolex pound for pound each time. Also, you can actually go into a store and buy one which is nice haha!
Definitely see you with this beauty one day man! Surely with those affiliate links you’d have enough for one now?;)
I really want a GS but since I want luxury watch to be recognized and appreciated (in short, show off) then Rolex it is. They are more popular.
Can't wait to own a beautiful GS.
It’ll happen !
Absolutely beautiful 😍
Seiko IS insanely good! And so is Russell!!!
You are very kind WG! Right back at ya!!!!
definitely one of the watches i'll get