I have the earlier version with the crown at 3 o'clock and black dial. Amazing piece. It sparkles like a diamond. And the orange gmt hand makes it pop.
Thank you for this very nice video. I have the same GS SBGN029 since the beginning of this year, and I really love it. The accuracy of the quartz movement is amazing (+1 second in 9 months). "Set and forget." I have been wearing it on two business trips and during my summer holidays. The bracelet and the casing show almost no signs of wear or scratches. My other watches, including Omega and a Rolex, are much more prone to scratches. It's definitively a keeper.
By coincidence, I picked up my first Grand Seiko just this week: the SBGX261, an entry level quartz model. Aside from the cost, (entry level GS is about the top end of my watch budget these days) the biggest selling points for this model were its size and simplicity: 37mm, simple 3-hander with a date window on a black dial. Once I swap the (very nice) bracelet for a strap, it's going to make a perfect dress watch. I agree wholeheartedly with your point about what you get in a quartz Grand Seiko for the price. By "sacrificing" the romantic aspect of a mechanical movement that would come in a Longines or Oris in the same range, you get a watch that is literally in the same level of materials, construction, and finishing as a Grand Seiko that's 3-4x the cost.
Looking at the same 261, seems like a no brainer, good for 50 years, no maintenance just a battery, accuracy that no mechanical watch could offer. They say could be discontinued soon, trying to find one here in Montreal. Hopefully soon I get my hands on one. 🤞
@@1999zrx1100 There was an issue this year with getting anything with "coin" style batteries imported into the US. I dunno if that applies to Canada as well, but as of this month they're shipping again. If you know of a GS retailer in/around Montreal, I highly recommend seeing what they've got in stock. Even if they don't have quartz (I had to order mine) any 37mm GS model will give you a good idea of how it's going to look on your wrist. Good luck!
Enjoyed that Andy, and the long form was good. Enough time to explore the watch and discuss it,and backstory and context always help, we're not shortchanged. Keep up the enthusiasm.
Great looking watch. When i was looking at a daily driver i came close to buying this watch. In the end i went for a brand new Omega Constellation 36mm in quartz.
Hi Andy. Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your channel. Your presentation and level headed comments are just a pleasure to hear. Especially considering the tendancy for a lot of watch content to be lead by "drama queens", and sometime dodgy characters. No names of course, but sure you know who they all are. Anyhow, yours is a breath of fresh air mate, so thank you. As to Quartz. Not againat them personally. My first proper watch, so to speak, was the now discontinued Breitling Colt 44. Lovely blue dial, decent bracelet, and a superb "Super Quartz" movement. I used to reset it for the clock change every 6 months, and over 6 years I had it. It always gained two seconds in 6 months! That was a £1700 watch in 2012. Since then had various mechanicals. Latest being the Sub non date. Thats so far very accurate, about +1 a day 12 hours on wrist, 12 hours resting crown up. But do still very much respect the now seemingly virtually gone Breitling Super Quartz technology. Sounds like your Grand Seko is similarly excellent spec? Regards.
I’m looking at the SBGX261, some just won’t touch a quartz watch, these GS’s are a work of art for the money, @ $3,000 cheaper then a mechanical version I’m all in. 👍
I for one like the long form videos. I also really appreciate the laid back, information dense presentation style. Def keep it up. I'm in the market for a grand Seiko, the evolution 9 GMT (SBGE283).
I was planning a trip to France and Italy last year and bought one, but chose the slate version as I put a premium on having an "under the radar" watch for travel. I also took a modern Pepsi with me and wore that most of the time, feeling very safe in most of the places we traveled to. Oddly enough there was only one encounter over a watch and it was with my SBGN027. We were walking through a very crowded alleyway in Venice and there were people going every which way. I kid of about 25 came towards me in a group and got very close while pointing at my watch. I was a little taken aback, but the moment was over fast. I wondered if he were a spotter for someone. Anyway, no harm was done and I was really surprised that it was noticed at all. Alls well that ends well. Great watch! I think our tastes are very similar. Probably our budgets too. LOL.
Great video, I realized watching your video what a wise decision you made by getting a quartz gmt 😊. I own a GS snowflake and love it. I have several luxury gmts but a quartz one maybe better, just picking it up and go is a great option. I have a few quartz watches, omega and credor
I’ve always liked this watch and it is the GMT I would buy if I actually travelled further than walking from my living room to my kitchen. It’s very similar in price and looks to the Longines Zulu Time, which would arguably be better for fondling while sat in the UK. I just need an excuse to buy this one!
Thank you, Andy-very nice review. I have a GS Spring Drive and it is a solid, classy performer-gains one third of a second every day consistently. I think of GS as a Japanese JLC! The model you have/reviewed is beautiful and I would buy it today if it had a moveable bezel, making it an elegant tool watch for me. My tastes are simple: If I am roughing it I wear my Sinn; if I am dress casual out comes the GS. Being retired I never wear my Rolex (in a box for my son). Thanks again for your nuanced review-Cheers!
I got the Blue alpinist gmt, stuck an aftermarket or steel bracelet on it for a third (or quarter in the sales) of the price. Same look, and you feel just as super posh wearing it. You can only feel so good about shiny possessions, before the self awareness and self loathing kicks in.
Just got the call for a Rolex Air King and im still grabbing for my GS GMT Quartz most of the time. I think GS Quartz watches are the best Value in the Luxury watch world imo.
Great review Andy. Good looking watch. The bracelet has always been a bit of a let down compared with the quality of the dial. Has the bracelet improved ?. Thanks.
I’ve got the one with orange gmt hand and the 3 o’clock crown, had it 6 months and exact time still. Gets daily use and is a good work watch for me. I’m going to join that GS 9 club , what’s the cost please?
I much prefer this longer style of video, even if it was a 25 minute video I’d watch it all the way through. We’re all different so I guess some people truly have the attention span of a fish, that’s why so many people love Tik Tok
I got a SBGJ239 last year. I found it beautiful and perfectly finished. Unfortunately, I never clicked with it. I sold it a couple of months ago. I lost a lot of $ in the process. It was nice to try it, but it is not for me.
Hi, Thanks for your videos. You help me (in the past) to buy mi FOIS. Regarding this GS, would you choose this watch instead the Longines Zulu Time in 39mm? Thanks in advance. Javier.
That's something you'll have to weigh up yourself. I think both are excellent and both should be available with a level of discount. Honestly, do a side by side in your local watch AD to compare. You'll be surprised how well finished the GS relative to the Longines.
Great review. I was to buy the SBGN027 this week, but the Seiko boutique guy surprised me with the last available SBGN003. The latter is for 3,400€ and the former is €100 more. And he is willing to sell me the 003 version for €3000. What do you think I should buy?
I’ve been lucky to purchase the previous gen SBGN003, with the better looking crown at 3 o’clock. 2 seconds fast over 6 months, better than Seiko’s own spec. Pretty much the perfect travel watch. And what can one say about a brand that gives you a tool to pick the wax from your ears ? 😂
This is a great review. Interesting to find your channel. The bracelet is not going to measure up to the bracelets offered by Rolex or Tudor, but it’s still a very good bracelet, this is an absolutely fantastic quartz. The finishing on the watch is as good as you will find on the Rolex equivalent.
I love my SBGN019. You change the date 5 times per year and the time 2 times per year. That gets old. I could live without the date although it is handy on occasion. It is super balanced on the bracelet. I do not like it on a strap.
Just picked up a cheap SBGX263 - the movement is incredible and not a normal quartz as it’s serviceable. Don’t get me wrong I would always choose a Rolex over a GS but I am mightily impressed
@@f.kieranfinney457 I own 3 normal Seiko, and been to the GS boutique many times. Not impressed for 5-10k! As for my normal seiko I’m thinking of selling them. As a kid growing up I knew of the price quality advantage of seiko, but after having seen their qc and lately their prices increases, I’m very disappointed. I’ll never buy another seiko in my lifetime.
Great review. I was to buy the SBGN027 this week, but the Seiko boutique guy surprised me with the last available SBGN003. The latter is for 3,400€ and the former is €100 more. And he is willing to sell me the 003 version for €3000. What do you think I should buy?
I bought a SBGN003 last year from the Grand Seiko flagship boutique in Paris, for €3400. If you can pocket one new today, full guarantee for €3000, pull the trigger. It is a fantastic watch.
I’m a big fan of the long-form videos. I’d be happy to listen to you talk watches for hours.
I have the earlier version with the crown at 3 o'clock and black dial. Amazing piece. It sparkles like a diamond. And the orange gmt hand makes it pop.
I will be getting the same (the earlier version) later this week. Looking forward to it. :)
@@jefftrump1 it's a beautiful piece and love it on the bracelet.
Thank you for this very nice video. I have the same GS SBGN029 since the beginning of this year, and I really love it. The accuracy of the quartz movement is amazing (+1 second in 9 months). "Set and forget." I have been wearing it on two business trips and during my summer holidays. The bracelet and the casing show almost no signs of wear or scratches. My other watches, including Omega and a Rolex, are much more prone to scratches. It's definitively a keeper.
Really informative, this video helped me to pull the trigger on the black variant of this watch
Lovely watch. Incredible all rounder + superb tech behind the 9F
I enjoy your videos, Andy. Really great vibe. I am interested in GS and would love to get one eventually.
I have the 027 state black - love it :) your video a year ago helped my purchasing decision
A nice looking watch, I've got a few Grand Seiko's all are springdrive and I enjoy wearing all of them (not at the same time).
By coincidence, I picked up my first Grand Seiko just this week: the SBGX261, an entry level quartz model. Aside from the cost, (entry level GS is about the top end of my watch budget these days) the biggest selling points for this model were its size and simplicity: 37mm, simple 3-hander with a date window on a black dial. Once I swap the (very nice) bracelet for a strap, it's going to make a perfect dress watch.
I agree wholeheartedly with your point about what you get in a quartz Grand Seiko for the price. By "sacrificing" the romantic aspect of a mechanical movement that would come in a Longines or Oris in the same range, you get a watch that is literally in the same level of materials, construction, and finishing as a Grand Seiko that's 3-4x the cost.
Looking at the same 261, seems like a no brainer, good for 50 years, no maintenance just a battery, accuracy that no mechanical watch could offer.
They say could be discontinued soon, trying to find one here in Montreal.
Hopefully soon I get my hands on one. 🤞
@@1999zrx1100 There was an issue this year with getting anything with "coin" style batteries imported into the US. I dunno if that applies to Canada as well, but as of this month they're shipping again. If you know of a GS retailer in/around Montreal, I highly recommend seeing what they've got in stock. Even if they don't have quartz (I had to order mine) any 37mm GS model will give you a good idea of how it's going to look on your wrist. Good luck!
@1999zrx1100 You won't regret buying one, I've had mine for 18 months and it's an absolute gem. Mine's also accurate to less than 5 seconds a year!
Enjoyed that Andy, and the long form was good. Enough time to explore the watch and discuss it,and backstory and context always help, we're not shortchanged. Keep up the enthusiasm.
...nice, chilled presentation..refreshing......on the GS..great piece for the $...questions the need for an Explorer 2?
I recently purchased a sbgn007 and love it. Fantastic and slim. I love the fit and how it feels, even the bracelet.
Great looking watch. When i was looking at a daily driver i came close to buying this watch. In the end i went for a brand new Omega Constellation 36mm in quartz.
Hi Andy. Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your channel. Your presentation and level headed comments are just a pleasure to hear. Especially considering the tendancy for a lot of watch content to be lead by "drama queens", and sometime dodgy characters. No names of course, but sure you know who they all are.
Anyhow, yours is a breath of fresh air mate, so thank you.
As to Quartz. Not againat them personally. My first proper watch, so to speak, was the now discontinued Breitling Colt 44. Lovely blue dial, decent bracelet, and a superb "Super Quartz" movement. I used to reset it for the clock change every 6 months, and over 6 years I had it. It always gained two seconds in 6 months! That was a £1700 watch in 2012. Since then had various mechanicals. Latest being the Sub non date. Thats so far very accurate, about +1 a day 12 hours on wrist, 12 hours resting crown up. But do still very much respect the now seemingly virtually gone Breitling Super Quartz technology. Sounds like your Grand Seko is similarly excellent spec?
Regards.
I’m looking at the SBGX261, some just won’t touch a quartz watch, these GS’s are a work of art for the money, @ $3,000 cheaper then a mechanical version I’m all in. 👍
I for one like the long form videos. I also really appreciate the laid back, information dense presentation style. Def keep it up. I'm in the market for a grand Seiko, the evolution 9 GMT (SBGE283).
I was planning a trip to France and Italy last year and bought one, but chose the slate version as I put a premium on having an "under the radar" watch for travel. I also took a modern Pepsi with me and wore that most of the time, feeling very safe in most of the places we traveled to. Oddly enough there was only one encounter over a watch and it was with my SBGN027. We were walking through a very crowded alleyway in Venice and there were people going every which way. I kid of about 25 came towards me in a group and got very close while pointing at my watch. I was a little taken aback, but the moment was over fast. I wondered if he were a spotter for someone. Anyway, no harm was done and I was really surprised that it was noticed at all. Alls well that ends well. Great watch! I think our tastes are very similar. Probably our budgets too. LOL.
The new Seiko Prospex 1965 looks good.
Great review. I have old 9f watch. Pretty accurate +2sec per 6 months.
Great video, I realized watching your video what a wise decision you made by getting a quartz gmt 😊. I own a GS snowflake and love it. I have several luxury gmts but a quartz one maybe better, just picking it up and go is a great option. I have a few quartz watches, omega and credor
I’ve always liked this watch and it is the GMT I would buy if I actually travelled further than walking from my living room to my kitchen. It’s very similar in price and looks to the Longines Zulu Time, which would arguably be better for fondling while sat in the UK. I just need an excuse to buy this one!
Thank you, Andy-very nice review. I have a GS Spring Drive and it is a solid, classy performer-gains one third of a second every day consistently.
I think of GS as a Japanese JLC!
The model you have/reviewed is beautiful and I would buy it today if it had a moveable bezel, making it an elegant tool watch for me.
My tastes are simple: If I am roughing it I wear my Sinn; if I am dress casual out comes the GS. Being retired I never wear my Rolex (in a box for my son).
Thanks again for your nuanced review-Cheers!
I own an olive dial GS automatic GMT. It is a great watch.
I got the Blue alpinist gmt, stuck an aftermarket or steel bracelet on it for a third (or quarter in the sales) of the price. Same look, and you feel just as super posh wearing it. You can only feel so good about shiny possessions, before the self awareness and self loathing kicks in.
Huge difference in build quality between GS and Seiko. They aren’t in the same league.
Just got the call for a Rolex Air King and im still grabbing for my GS GMT Quartz most of the time. I think GS Quartz watches are the best Value in the Luxury watch world imo.
I find the Rolex and Omega model designations much harder to interpret and recall. Thank goodness for the nominated nicknames.
Thanks to Quartz Revolution !!! Love that QZ GS !!!
FYI, my 9F85 is on track to lose less than 5 seconds a year. I’ve been tracking it almost daily. Incredible!
Running slow?
Great review Andy. Good looking watch. The bracelet has always been a bit of a let down compared with the quality of the dial. Has the bracelet improved ?. Thanks.
It’s not terrible and better than I was expecting. Seems pretty solid.
I’ve got the one with orange gmt hand and the 3 o’clock crown, had it 6 months and exact time still. Gets daily use and is a good work watch for me. I’m going to join that GS 9 club , what’s the cost please?
I much prefer this longer style of video, even if it was a 25 minute video I’d watch it all the way through. We’re all different so I guess some people truly have the attention span of a fish, that’s why so many people love Tik Tok
I got a SBGJ239 last year. I found it beautiful and perfectly finished. Unfortunately, I never clicked with it. I sold it a couple of months ago. I lost a lot of $ in the process. It was nice to try it, but it is not for me.
Silly boy. 🤔
@1999zrx1100 🙄😂. Never again... I learn from my mistakes 😉 .
Rob Brook is no longer with Grand Seiko but yes GS9 really look after their members.
If you're only going to get one GS then surely it's got to be a Spring Drive?
I like the longer videos if that helps
Can you come visit the Brietling Bull Ring botiqe , would be a pleasure to show you around ❤
Hi, Thanks for your videos. You help me (in the past) to buy mi FOIS.
Regarding this GS, would you choose this watch instead the Longines Zulu Time in 39mm?
Thanks in advance.
Javier.
That's something you'll have to weigh up yourself. I think both are excellent and both should be available with a level of discount. Honestly, do a side by side in your local watch AD to compare. You'll be surprised how well finished the GS relative to the Longines.
Great review. I was to buy the SBGN027 this week, but the Seiko boutique guy surprised me with the last available SBGN003. The latter is for 3,400€ and the former is €100 more. And he is willing to sell me the 003 version for €3000. What do you think I should buy?
It’s a tough one, but ultimately down to personal taste and budget.
I’ve been lucky to purchase the previous gen SBGN003, with the better looking crown at 3 o’clock. 2 seconds fast over 6 months, better than Seiko’s own spec.
Pretty much the perfect travel watch.
And what can one say about a brand that gives you a tool to pick the wax from your ears ? 😂
Dealt with Guy a couple of times.. yes nice fella.. Touchwood?
This is a great review. Interesting to find your channel. The bracelet is not going to measure up to the bracelets offered by Rolex or Tudor, but it’s still a very good bracelet, this is an absolutely fantastic quartz. The finishing on the watch is as good as you will find on the Rolex equivalent.
I love my SBGN019. You change the date 5 times per year and the time 2 times per year. That gets old. I could live without the date although it is handy on occasion. It is super balanced on the bracelet. I do not like it on a strap.
Very nice watch, but why is it so thick when it has quartz movement?
@@Wrist-rolls probably has something with the GMT complication. I have a GS 9F non-GMT quartz watch that is only 10.5 mm thick.
Also 20atm wr, it wears super thin for a gmt watch
Fantastic watch but to me the previous version SBGN005 looks better and has better lum. Not sure why GS decided to change it.
Lve GS but the bracelets always put me off!
@@nickbrooker1411 have you tried one? I have many Rolexes and I sincerely believe the GS bracelet wears better.
Sorry, but by objective criteria .............. quartz beats mechanical. Now let the flaming begin.
I bought two grand seiko and never got shit 😂😂😂😂
Where did you buy them?
@ one at the GE boutique and another at n authroized dealer
I am afraid its impossible for me to get past the strange logo and lettering.Seems to be a Japanese idea of Olde English.
Could be worse. Could have Christopher Ward & their logo on it! 😂
@@KeepingWatchUKor the new Bremont logo 😂
GS used this font in the 60s because it looks cool.
@@zeussugi7936 This is only my humble opinion but I dislike big logos and lots of text on a dial,cool or otherwise.
Just picked up a cheap SBGX263 - the movement is incredible and not a normal quartz as it’s serviceable.
Don’t get me wrong I would always choose a Rolex over a GS but I am mightily impressed
I really like these but cant get over the cost to be honest, would rather have a Seiko 5 Gmt for 1/10th of the price, maybe!
@@superdario2425 not in the same league.
Cool review, i like the spring divers ,but the price I'll just stay with solar .
Too expensive, ugly lugs, lousy bracelet, polishing is a scratch magnet! You could have another quartz for less price than that…
Each to their own, for me it’s an absolute beauty
@@Dr_LK Agree.
You’ve never owned one I see.
@@f.kieranfinney457 I own 3 normal Seiko, and been to the GS boutique many times. Not impressed for 5-10k! As for my normal seiko I’m thinking of selling them. As a kid growing up I knew of the price quality advantage of seiko, but after having seen their qc and lately their prices increases, I’m very disappointed. I’ll never buy another seiko in my lifetime.
I love mine
Great review. I was to buy the SBGN027 this week, but the Seiko boutique guy surprised me with the last available SBGN003. The latter is for 3,400€ and the former is €100 more. And he is willing to sell me the 003 version for €3000. What do you think I should buy?
I bought a SBGN003 last year from the Grand Seiko flagship boutique in Paris, for €3400. If you can pocket one new today, full guarantee for €3000, pull the trigger. It is a fantastic watch.