Grand Seiko SBGM221 GMT Review: Perfect Japanese Watch?
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- Опубліковано 16 вер 2024
- In today's video, I present one of the most popular Grand Seiko models currently available: the stunning SBGM221, a GMT dress watch with exquisite looks and even better specifications. Also, with the remarkable 9S66 movement, this watch could be the best value watch available altogether.
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When the AD of the most well known Swiss GMT watch gives you that awkward smile and let you know that we don't want to do business with you, I find it very easy to start looking other places. I've been on the fence for a while on GS, but I was sold already after your intro of this video: "Picture the scene...".
GS AD this Friday! 😄👌🏻
+ In Ko: I can definitely understand that view! As far as I'm concerned, each watch on the market has its merit. However, it seems pretty clear if demand for a brand actively makes buying one an unpleasant experience and the market price is inflated, looking out for something different is always rewarding.
I was fortunate enough to get the now discontinued black GMT Master II (116710LN) back in 2016 when it was quite easy to find in ADs and even got a discount (Those were the days). It's been great owning and wearing it for most of the past 3 or 4 years. Having said that, I also bought the GS GMT SBGM221 about a year ago after obsessing on it for a good 6 months. Just like the GMT Master II, this GS is a delight to have. It gives me moments when I just start staring at my wrist. These two, although both GMTs, are so different yet in a way the same when it comes to being a pleasure having them on my wrist. Cheers!
As a collector of Rolex for 20+ years, the majority of Rolex AD’s will cause the demise of the brand due to treatment of most new and of some their most loyal customers. The customer comes LAST at most Rolex AD’s. It is only a handful in the USA that realize this and do a good job.
My Rolex AD is also GS AD, best of both worlds. I don't dress like a million dollars, dress very casual, baseball cap, and the first time I walked in for a Rolex, they never looked down on. Sad to see some AD don't know how to do proper business.
I purchased this seiko model 12 months ago and I still can't take my eyes off it ! a feeling of complete satisfaction comes over me when I'm I'm wearing it, its just beautiful , ....
This may be my first GS.
Here here!
Was thinking the same thing. Damn it's beautiful.
Snap!
I’m a massive fan of high quality craftsmanship. I have witnessed it before on six separate visits to Japan and with a keen eye for detail the SBGM221is finished in exemplary Japanese fashion.There is Bauhaus then there is Wabi Sabi.The movement which is finished in a practical fashion more than an elegantly luxurious manner is in marked contrast to the rest of this timepiece with a sense of imperfection where nothing is singularly unacceptable yet despite great workmanship the transparent case back allows one to appreciate that there is always room for improvement in life and therefore this is a true to life presentation in that,which one of us regardless of however outstanding our achievements may be ,can claim a perfect life to date?
I’m a big fan of the guy over at watch finder but I always stop by the watch chroniclers unfettered and insightful offerings.👍🏽
+ E Whyte: Thank you very much for such a thoughtful comment. That's something wonderful about this watch: it inspires lots of thought and consideration. The movement is so different to European finishing standards yet has merit nonetheless.
My most favorite grand seiko. There's something about it aesthetically - perfect.
I have the limited edition sliver mosaic dial version and it's a truly stunning watch. Will never leave my collection. Excellent vid as always
I understand that this is more of a dress watch, and I absolutely love the design. However, I just wish it had 50-100m water resistance so I could be more confident wearing it (on a different strap) in all conditions. 9/10 watch and so close to perfect.
The macro's on this video are outstanding.
So excited to see you review this Armand! One of my favourites and a probable mainstay in my collection
+ Engineer Wannabe: Thank you very much for the kind words! It was a pleasure to review and I hope to feature more here in future.
buy rolex to impress others, buy grand seiko to impress yourself
That is just stupid. They are both great watches why make silly stereotypes.
@@bighands69 Rolex is just a brand name. Close caseback & talk about Horology, art of watchmaking?
Please..
I own both to impress myself.
Don’t worry about what other people wrote on your comment. That’s just their opinion just like what you wrote is your opinion. Ha! I know what you are saying though... although Rolex doesn’t impress me either(in my opinion) lol. Let’s just enjoy what we have & what we’ll in the future. Cheers!
Oh look, a "buy a grand seiko to impress yourself" comment on a GS video. How original.
Brilliant review! I’ve had mine for almost 2 years and still smile every time I wear it. Thanks for highlighting every exquisite detail.
Armand just when you think you have seen the best of all watches, this work of art pops up. The aesthetics of this watch are sublime, bravo GS & bravo to you Armand
+ Michael Barry: It really is a stunning watch and, somehow, it doesn't get caught up in all the madness of Swiss watch releases. It's a subtle stunner and was a pleasure to review.
Bro. You had me when you mentioned The True Queen of the skies: the beautiful, the glorious Super Connie.
Even as a fighter guy, that is one of the most gorgeous aircraft ever made, without caveat. 😍
Great production values - hard to do justice to zaratsu polishing with a camera, well done! A beautiful watch with impeccable finish. I'm a huge fan of the Grand Seiko Elegance series. Genuinely, I see nothing that compares from the Swiss or Germans until you quadruple the price. Even then, you'd be unlikely to find anything in steel so well finished.
+ James Howard: Thank you very much for the kind words! It was a pleasure to capture the angles and details of this watch. I agree that these watches are unique. I suppose that it's derived from the underlying philosophy in Japan which results in a different product and, perhaps, a more interesting one for someone interested and serious about watches.
yes ive been waiting for a Rolex for over a year ,,,,,they don't want me as a customer , I just bought one of these ,very happy now ,,,,,,,, bye bye Rolex
Hello Rolex when you get “the call”.
Excellent macro work Armand. A truly stunning watch indeed...
+ Chris Davis: Thank you very much! It certainly is a beautiful watch...
Seiko,s new movements coming out 2020 especially that 80 hour power reserve high beat movement plus it's rapid date change
So looking forward to it it 😀 and Spring Drive with 5 days power reserve
Where do you find more info on the new movements coming out?
@@paulwehner4402 just put grand Seiko new 2020 movements or Google
+ Green Erick: I couldn't agree more - the new movements are extremely exciting. The new features show that Grand Seiko are taking complexity to the next level.
With that being said, I reckon that it will take quite a long time for these movements to begin appearing in more accessible pieces. The stunning finish and careful construction suggests to be that, in their current form, these movements aren't designed to compete in the affordable segment but to conquer the world of Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Sohne. In any case, there's a lot to look forward to!
@@paulwehner4402 You should be able to find a full overview of these movements and how they work on watchchronicler.com
I have one of these and love it. I can’t add anything to your fine video other than to reiterate that if you’re thinking about getting a 221, just buy it, you won’t be disappointed.
i just sold my OMEGA seamaster professional and going to buy a GS
Wow. I plan to keep my seamaster 2018 version but save money for this GS.
The Omega is my favourite cannot let go. 🤣
Why did you sell it?
Completly different watches....
Got mine in Tokyo a few months ago. I never get tired of looking at that stunning face. Get one.
Great review, gorgeous watch but when you need to....catch your taxi, leave the airport lounge for your flight, catch the train, leave the hotel to make your appointment....you set your countdown bezel.
I find the countdown bezel the most vital complication when travelling so I always travel wearing my Sinn 104 over my GMT.
I’m wearing my SBGM211. I find myself always looking at the stunning dial and the mirror finish indices that shines like diamonds. Gets about 70 hours power reserve so that I can switch between watches.
I own one
A good review for an “all you need watch”!
+ Jim Begin: Thank you very much!
Just about to purchase this one…. Have not stopped looking at it since I first saw it. Great review!
Love the detail in your narrative. Very well told! Thank you! 🙏
No hyperbole in this review. This is a piece I own and it is a glorious creation.
Very good video without trying too hard which the mark of a truly knowledgeable person.
getting one come spring, just picked up a Tudor black bay S&G Champagne dial in august, this watch is too beautiful will be my first GMT as well.
Stunning piece - and an excellent video review Armand. Thank you! It's on my wish list for sure!!
A dream watch🥰
With 100m water resistent, the perfect 1 watch collection 👌
With different watch straps, the all in one... daywatch, dresswatch and with 100m, a toolwatch for outdoor.
Just got mine today. Just beautiful
I just bought this watch. Man what a great value.
Great video. Emotions are properly reflected about this watch. Mind-blowing every day watch
the indexes and hands are really beautiful
This is Japanese watch making at it's best love that dial
My Grail Watch. Amazing video!
I am very much looking forward to your review and analysis of the new 9SA5 movement. The 9SA5 introduces a free sprung balance and dual impulse escapement.
i really don't feel an attachment to GS, as a brand, but that is a very nice GMT
Great Review.... thank you very much indeed.
I find this watch so perfect, because it is so beatiful in its simplicity.
However, I believe that this watch (JUST LIKE IT IS in this model) deserves a SPRING DRIVE movement.... and I think so because the look of the watch gives you a great sense of calmness and peace... so does the SPRING DRIVE movement with its continuous flowing move...!!!
Let me tell you, I believe GRAND SEIKO will do it... but I hope they don't write anything else on it (like SPRING DRIVE...) and they don't put any other indicator on it (like the ENERGY or HOURS left...)
It is perfect just like it is now... but a SPRING DRIVE movement will make this watch the EPITOMY of GRAND SEIKO watches....
You could advise them... couldn't you?
This watch is perfect because it just is. It's a tough call between this and the hi-beat version SBGJ217. I do like this dial the best, but it is a Grand Seiko GMT automatic, where hi beat just seems like the way it oughta be. I'll think about it some more. This watch is inside my head though, for sure.
After being blown off at a Rolex AD, walked down 2 blocks and bought this beauty. Thanks, Rolex.. for saving me money and now owning a better built watch.
Such a good and well presented vid
Beautiful GS
It just says buy me !!!
Can i get over the Seiko label on it? Yes i think this is a stunning watch
It's very difficult to argue with the points you're making. At that price, for what you're getting, it's virtually unbeatable. I would, however, have preferred a screw down crown and water resistance of at least 50m. Also, it's a bit on the thick side, and one of the complains I have with GS in general is that their automatic movements are too thick. I hope the next generation of movements addresses this.
This thing is such an instant classic.
I say you nailed it. Fine piece of artistry
I like everything about it except for the thickness. Why does it have to be so thick?
I've no need for a GMT, I just like the 24 hour read it offers, and in a much more attractive package that this provides vs. some unsightly "sports" model. That cream dial hurts it's so attractive. I will be buying this one, but I'm looking at the older models as it has the Seiko applied at the 12 position, and the Grand Seiko, GS logo, automatic, and GMT all above the 6 position. I know it seems a bit more cluttered, but i dig it. Any thoughts on why the newer set up would be better other than aesthetic preferences? Thanks, and nice camera work.
FYI the baseball player shohei ohtani got himself this watch to celebrate his 10 year 700m contract. A proper watch indeed!
Very very nice thanks for making the video
I'm convinced.
Just a beautiful, beautiful watch
If anyone ask me what watch i consider most beautiful it would be my pick. It's The reason why i bought eggshell dial Etarna Heritage. I love it, but this GMT is stunning.
Fantastic video, thank you!
I think that might be my next watch.
Looking to buy this watch soon saving money as this not an essential after mortgage and other normal every day expenses
Lovely watch. I was considering this but got
The SBGW231 instead due to its simple dial, movement and slightly smaller case size to make it the perfect dress watch. Now I’ve heard they are very difficult to get hold of.
+ Vilas Sedov: That's a very good choice and a stunning piece too. I was actually on the verge of buying that piece but, given that I travel a lot and I preferred the unique Japanese-style hands, this piece took precedence. In any case, they're both brilliant pieces. Whilst I don't know about the SBGW231, I know that the SGWM221 has at least a 4 month waiting list with much more than that being common at the present time.
WATCH CHRONICLER enjoy & wear it in good health!
Another excellent video.
I can’t decide between this one and a spring drive sbga293
Not far from pefection. The only flaw imo is the thickness. And I'm not sure about drilled lugs on such an elegant dressy watch.
Drilled lugs for me is nice thing to have
Quick strap changing. And less chances to screw the strap
I much prefer the drilled lugs for strap swaps. Lots of options here
@@briansmith8390 I agree with you in terms of practicallity but I do prefer my dress watches undrilled in an esthetical point of view. To each their own I suppose ;)
Gorgeous timepiece
This is a fantastic watch .
Fantastic watch
Lovely timepiece
Have been eying it out for months and quite frankly if it had decent water resistance - say 100m - I would have bought it already. This is the only reason why it is not the perfect watch. I hope somebody at Grand Seiko is listening
why is 30m not enough?
Superb. I want one
Great video
Compare this with the Black Bay Tudor GMT. Even mine has a date wheel problem. Thinking about buying this Grand Seiko to compare which GMT reins superior at this similar price point.
Very nice piece. I just wish it had a “day” window and I would seriously consider it. It would also help to be a few mm larger, but still very impressive.
Excellent watch for the price .
I have been trying to get a 39mm rolex explorer at ADs and none have any...cant even be on a waitlist. Fine I’ll take my money elsewhere and got myself this GS.
The dial is a bit too busy to my liking, especially on the 24-hr markings and I also don't like its Roman style typeface. Otherwise a reasonably good watch.
This is my type of GMT!
That's my dream watch. I wonder what the water resistance is and if salt water would destroy the in house mirror finish.
WR is 3atm. Not much - the watch would die along with its owner if the plane crashed in the Pacific 🥺
Sven Lancaster I found it scary 😢
great video
i love this watch. i no longer live on the same continent as my family, so a GMT has been appealing to me. if only i had a spare 7k aud to buy this absolutely beautiful piece. maybe one day...
Very elegant case and dial/indices/ hands. But at 14mm, just too thick for a dressy watch
This watch ticks every box for me except the water resistance. Do you have any issues swimming with this one?
Don’t do it!!!
Top tier watch
Pin buckle strap could have included a butterfly clasp
+ Harris Joker: Whilst not a butterfly clasp, this does have a stunningly made elbow deployant clasp with a removable buckle if you prefer to wear it more simply.
@@ArmandTheWatchGuy now that's cool and more simpler.
Beautiful 😊
No lume for the dark?
perfection
I wouldn't buy a watch without lume on 'baton' & bezel to countdown elapsed time
Why are all GS’s so darn thick?!
SBGW235 Japan market please
Honest watch for an honest price
☺☺☺☺
Nice looking...mechanical /elegant
Yes! yes Yes!
I have no doubt on the quality that comes out of seiko, even for their lower end seiko diver. But for luxury high end, there are many things they need to consider. Movement is too small for the watch size and the finishing of movement is not outstanding per se, thus, i think it is better for it to have a closed back. And for 14.5mm, only 30m water resistant? - come one GS, i know u can do better
Good quality watch is for Japanese market only
If anyone is looking to purchase a GS then a leather strap is the way to go only because there steel straps are such a let down.
Tudor BB58 or this GS?
They're so different so it's hard to say but the tudor seems to have better resale and definitely sits better on the wrist
@@hersheysquirt6526 indeed
It's not a perfect Japanese watch as you say, Grand Seiko is a perfect watch.
No angling on bridges? 🧐
Dmitriy Kretov / gotta go to Credor for that.
3atm, 19mm lug width, 14.5mm height, absence of blued screws at this price, unremarkable strap. It's so lovely and yet and yet..... Perfect? No.
That's my realistic grail piece
I don’t see a 14mm thick watch slipping unnoticed underneath your cuff
All GS models need to lose at least couple of mm in thickness
OMG this watch is 14.5mm thick. I can't, for the life of me, understand why GS would not take it a step further and make a sub 10mm watch. GS's are beautiful to look at, but because of their thickness, they don't sit good on the wrist
devilevic well firstly it’s actually 13.7mm thick and that includes the highly domed sapphire crystal. Without out the crystal it is more close to 11-12mm, which is far more reasonable.