Max, nice, you have picked my two fav watch brands (so we don't hurt each other's feelings (05:40)). Bought a MUT for my wedding some 20 years ago and a KS 4502-7001 from some 50 years ago ... both are absolute winners! - Cheers
Love the video! I got a good chuckle when you said that you don’t think a moon phase has much practical application in modern day life. As far as I know, it’s the only feature of a watch that my phone doesn’t cover. Aside from all of the joy a nice watch brings of course
I do think the comparison between these two brands is much more applicable than, as you mentioned in another video, between Rolex and Grand Seiko. They're both in their own elegant space doing their own unique thing that no other brand seems to touch, like JLC's Reversos, or GS's emulation of nature. You really can't go wrong with either.
I completely agree. I think the JLC wins if we are looking for the 'de facto' dress watch and it would be my pick as well. The GS on the other hand is a dressy watch drifting off into sportiness, which is also a very relevant category but not what I'd be looking for for a wedding or the like. Good review! Have a nice week :)
The JLC is something you'd wear to to a low-key formal event, where you don't want your watch to stand out, whereas the GS is still formal but when you want to wow anyone who sees it.
great comparison of two really beauty watches. I used to loved that JLC (super clean and stylish), but thinking about what i understand and what i like to wear as a dress watch..., it is too big and i really prefer manual movement because probably only will be used a few days each year. The Omiwatari has a very attractive and strange dial colour but looks perfectly fit in my wrist and not only in a wedding day. For that use i would choose something like tank, reverso, gold iwc from 50´s for example, and for everyday watch (office) the JLC is too much serious in my opinnion. Great Channel!!
Holy cow, this is a terrific review. I've owned the Grand Seiko Omiwatari for about 18 months and still love it, for all the reasons mentioned. (I did immediately replace the strap for a grey nubuck one, fyi.). But I admit, that JLC calls to me and haunts my horological dreams, though. Can't go wrong with either!
I love both my JLC Reverso Duoface and my Master Control Calendar Moon phase. Those are my two go to dress watches. I wear my green GS more as a daily wearer. Love both brands, probably my two favorite at the moment.
Great idea to compare the most elegant masters of horology. I couldn’t decide and went for both. I own sbgw231 and Reverso duoface… couldn’t be happier.
My go to dress watch?? Jaquet Droz Grand Seconde. The watch feels "silky" and sooo smooth and the movement... perfection. Gotta love analigator strap pure class.
One watch challenge...I've had my Omega Speedmaster 38 (current gen) on wrist for about a month, which is probably the longest I've ever worn a single watch. But speaking of this video, I'd argue that the Speedy 38 with it's polished center link bracelet and dial, is more like a dress watch rendition of an iconic sports watch than a sub 40mm sports watch...definitely one of those checks all the boxes versatile daily wears for me...as for this video, agreed on all counts. Awesome content!
Grand Seiko are amazing with their Spring Drives and all that polishing but the JLC is much more attractive to me, I'm probably not old enough to appreciate them. Great film work max, they look so professional now. I'm off to write a quiz to bore some WatchCrunchers so see you on the WC👍
Max, once again, thanks for another great vid. I agree with your JLC choice over the GS. Do note I own several GS pieces and JLC is next on my list. Per another video I watched of yours - the Cartier Tank, I recently ordered and received (20MAY2022) my own Cartier Tank Must XL and love it. I have worn this watch for 30 consecutive days and I find myself constantly looking down at it. From a horological point of view and all the Cartier Tank brings to the watch world, the Cartier Tank needs no introduction. Therefore, IMHO, this is the ultimate dress watch.
Awesome review Max. Thanks. Can we shrink them 2 or 3 mm in the drier? 😮 The good thing about the GS is that it looks a bit smaller than the JLC. For me, it’s the JLC hands down, even though I love the color and the look of the GS’s dial. It’s pronounced jayjehr le cooltr as if you’re saying the watch is cool but with a tr at the end. (Forget about the silent e at the end). I know French is complicated. Especially Swiss French. 😂 Thanks again for all the good videos.
Both are superb watches from two great manufacturers. TMHO the size should be 36 or 37 mm, which I find more appropriate for a dress watch on an average size wrist. Great video (content and photography) as usual. I also appreciate your pleasant and calm tone.
Great video :). One use in modern times for the moon phase. If you are a kayaker, and you like to go into and out of harbors, or anywhere the tides create currents, based on the moon phase, those currents are going to be stronger. I suspect their are other uses, but that's a modern time practical reason to care about it :)
This is the best face off ever. My head immediately said JLC before I even watched the video, it’s the watch to impress others with. But, as soon as I saw the Spring Drive movement it makes all other movements appear pedestrian, and the stutter from the JLC secondhand becomes an irritation, I know it shouldn’t, it just does, like a buzzing fly, I hate the Rolex movement even more 😂. The case aesthetics goes to JLC for its slim profile and looks less bulky on the edge of the cuff. Yes, the JLC.
Cool video :) thank you for sharing. i chose a JLC as my dress watch and would probably chose it again because i like the design and complications. That said the SBGW231 (entry level GS) is still on my list
I'm not into gs at all but when I tried on the sbgw231 l instantly feel in love with it. That watch felt special and I actually prefer that watch compared to the higher end grand seikos.
What a hard comparo as both watches are spectacular but 100% agree with you on all counts on giving it to the JLC! Already have the spring drive so the next purchase will be the Reverso. Love your commentary btw….keep up the great work!
Great comparison-I'm smitten by both of these. I've seen the GS at a local AD, but haven't had a chance to see the JLC in person. I must admit that I do find the "useless" moon phase" complication very appealing. That might be the difference maker for me. I note that many comments suggest that the GS leans slightly sporty: what contributes to that? Is it finishing? Case shape/size? Something else?
Though being a fairly conservative guy and loving Jaeger Lecoultre company’s history, I will go with the Grand Seiko. The perfect sweeping from the Spring Drive is so mesmerizing that it makes any mechanical movement look positively agricultural in comparison.
I have an older 37mm JLC Moonphase Calendar in pink gold that was given to me by my father in law. I think this is the perfect dress watch and I love my sports watches.
Yeah, the JLC dress watch has a more timeless design. Unfortunately, Grand Seiko changes their dials so often, that you have to worry that it will look dated after a few years.
The idea was the king here and you smashed it again, Max. Won't argue with your findings but probably it's more what you are wearing to the formal occasion that would make the decision with these glorious pieces. Navy blue suit- GS. Black tie - JLC. At the price point I'd want the more versatile GS in a collection rotation. And you are right - smaller, dressier watches are making a comeback! Put something gorgeous on your wrist.
Thanks for the vid. Definitely enjoyable! But although the price point is the same between these two, I kind of feel like it’s comparing apple’s to oranges. They are quite different overall and I do think they send very different vibes. The GS is definitely sportier and IMHO is a more well rounded and wearable watch. The JLC is however the perfect wedding day watch or “big gala” event watch.
I like JLC, especially their high complications and the Reverso (one of my faves of all time!) but out of these two…it’s an easy win for the GS, for me anyway.
To call it a tie on the dial and hands, one needs to be in a darkened room with a blindfold on to miss the utter superiority of the GS 🤥 But why trust me or WarchCrunch....? Just read the universal opinions of every watch officianardo on every Forum and platform who proclaim that GS has taken the art of the watch dial to the next level.
I love the JLC Small second ultra thins. My only problem is that they don't make them with a metal bracelet anymore and they only make them in 40mm. I don't wear anything with a leather strap; I can't stand smell and feel of leather. I almost got the previous generation Master Control Ultra Thin (Q1358120) with the steel bracelet. It was almost perfect -- almost because but it was too big at 40mm. If only it had been a 34~36mm it'll be the watch to die for.
I know I will get flack for this but the GS dial looks like the water damage to my ceiling before repaired it. I am sure in the wild that GS dial is fantastic I have a JLC Master Control Hometime and I love the silky smooth silver dial similar to the Moon dial and its handset on the Hometime having a faceted hand set with one side polished and the other brushed giving it a 3 dimensional look when hits the light I have had my JLC since 2004 and love this watch. Btw a moon phase is very handy complication if you are a fisherman as knowing the right moon phase wil tell you which day will make the best fishing
The fact you can pick up a used Grand Seiko SBGW231 here in the uk for about £3k kinda makes every other possible dressy option overpriced as a competitor, to be fair this holds true against a new one at £4k too
I love them both having GS Spring Drive SBGA293 and a JLC Master Geographic. They are dress watches with different purposes and IMHO one is not better than the other. They complement each other and not to compete with each other in any way. I do have other dress watches such as a Ming 17.03 GMT, Montblanc Salmon automatic, Longines Heritage Tuxedo, Cuervo Y Sobrinos Dual Time Prominente and a few more
I do hope we see a switch to more dress watches. I'm tired of sports watches, hell I wouldn't wear a luxury sports watch playing a sport anyways. Or doing anything risky with it. For me there is no contest, as a brand JLC wins. Between these 2 in a vacuum though, I'd still pick the JLC. That wild GS dial just doesn't present as dressy to me.
Very nice and refreshing presentation of these two fascinating watches. But you kind of lost me when you mentioned that the spring drive movement gets the winning point. Sure, it's a smart move from Seiko to merge the quartz technology with the mechanical movement. But besides the nice sweeping seconds hand, the cost to produce the spring drive movements must be far less than for example, the movement of the JLC you displayed. My guess is that Seiko created the spring drive movement to be cost efficient. Just having a close look at the advanced finishing and overall build of these movements, it's quite clear that the JLC is far superior. Anyway, that's my view on it. Otherwise, great presentation, thank you for the content!
I’m not on watch crunch yet, but I have had one watch for more than 2 years now, my amazing Omega Seamaster 300M with the silver dial. It’s durable and dressy when needed. No qualms whatsoever
Lol I agree with everything except the dial. Even you mentioned that the dial itself stood out as a winner for GS made it seem like a cop out :P. Even the micro shots of the JLC show more imperfections than on the GS too. Otherwise I can totally agree with all else.
There's just something about that JLC though. It has a more timeless design. In 20 years it will still look amazing. Grand Seikos are beautiful too. But they are constantly changing models and dials. So maybe in 20 years that GS will look dated. When I see that JLC dial I think decadent, elegant, refined, etc. Like something that would be worn by a Prime Minister when attending a banquet at the Royal Palace. Its biggest strength is how subdued it looks
10 years ago I would have said JLC. But I think GS in the under 50k space is at least equal and the finishing might actually be better. The complications on the JLC’s are more interesting though.
My definitive dress watch is over I inherited, a vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony in 33mm.. I don't know the thickness, but it's thin as hell. Simple, clean, silver dial, hour and minute hands, manual wind. A bit boring, if I'm being honest. But, none the less classic and the poster child of what a dress watch traditionally is. I really don't wear dress watches or rather I pretty much never have an occasion to dress up in such a way as to really need a dress watch to go with it. But, glad I have a fine watch for one just in case. Btw, I've not opened it, but some day out may have a JLC movement inside. Oh, and between these 2... If probably go GS. The spring drive is too cool. More brands should leave the PR indicator in the back. Just makes more sense to check in the rear and leave the front clean. I mean you're never going to need to check the PR while on wrist.. it should almost always be topped off if you've been wearing it, right?
In the dial department it's not close for me ......grand Seiko hand down . Movements well the jlc looks better but the spring drive is more accurate . Case grand Seiko hands down
The GS and JLC are worlds apart on hands and dial. Hell even had my Patek and GS under a loupe and the Patek was destroyed. I would say though on a dressy watch a champagne or ivory dial is much more suitable(pun?)
I like the Grand Seiko design language better. That's personal taste. And movement and finish wise, i guess nobody denies the greatness of Grand Seiko anymore.
Certainly Cartier is in the running, but I do love G.S. as well. Especially in the specialized, dressier/strap watch. Until there’s an adjustable clasp on a G.S. bracelet, I won’t plunk down money for their sportier offerings. 39.5 Planet Ocean has that role.
The ice blue dial color of the GS rules it out due to its lack of versatility IMO. It cannot compliment attire as well as the JLC. The ultimate dress watch for me is the Patek Phillipe Calatrava w/small seconds, stick indices and guilloched hobnail pattern.
I’ve got to admit, the Omiwatari is my dream dress watch, it’s all kinds of beautiful… and on top of its beauty, the spring-drive butter-smooth sweep of the second hand gives it the edge above others for me.
To me, dress watches mean "old world." While the GS is a banger, nothing gets more old world than JLC moonphase! One of my ultimate dress watches is the AP ultra thin cal 2003: a fragile 1.6m "thick"! I like to compare it to my BB and laugh at the thiccness disparity lol.
JLC for the win as a pure dress watch but I would go with the Reverso. I am not a formal guy, so no dress watches for me and so for me it would be the GS Snowflake . As a one, go to watch, it’s the Omega Speedmaster Professional 3861 hesalite for me
Interesting you gave the win to JLC for dial and hands. I've handled both watches in person and I think GS absolutely trounces JLC on these. It's not that JLC's are bad, but I've only seen competition to GS in this area from the likes of Patek in recent times.
@@WatchCrunchOfficial whep that was a brain fart, sorry, I meant tie! Either way, I love the JLC dial and hands and indices but I do think the hands and indices on the Grand Seiko are truly special compared to almost everything at their price point
I just purchased the JLC ultra thin date used for a great price. Love the watch very calatrava like. The noise does take getting used to though. Apparently the rotor ball bearings makes intervals between servicing longer - so that’s a good thing!
Join the discussion at WatchCrunch: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/dress-duel-omiwatari-vs-ultra-thin-10699
What is the size of your wrist btw? 6.25inch for me, wonder if the jlc would run large? I’m loving the blue dial version
Max, nice, you have picked my two fav watch brands (so we don't hurt each other's feelings (05:40)). Bought a MUT for my wedding some 20 years ago and a KS 4502-7001 from some 50 years ago ... both are absolute winners! - Cheers
Would have given you a like but found the judges were biased. Haha gave you one anyway!
Love the video! I got a good chuckle when you said that you don’t think a moon phase has much practical application in modern day life. As far as I know, it’s the only feature of a watch that my phone doesn’t cover. Aside from all of the joy a nice watch brings of course
I do think the comparison between these two brands is much more applicable than, as you mentioned in another video, between Rolex and Grand Seiko. They're both in their own elegant space doing their own unique thing that no other brand seems to touch, like JLC's Reversos, or GS's emulation of nature. You really can't go wrong with either.
Thanks, yeah these 2 just made sense in my head
I completely agree. I think the JLC wins if we are looking for the 'de facto' dress watch and it would be my pick as well. The GS on the other hand is a dressy watch drifting off into sportiness, which is also a very relevant category but not what I'd be looking for for a wedding or the like. Good review! Have a nice week :)
Cheers my man! Appreciate you 😉
The JLC is something you'd wear to to a low-key formal event, where you don't want your watch to stand out, whereas the GS is still formal but when you want to wow anyone who sees it.
great comparison of two really beauty watches. I used to loved that JLC (super clean and stylish), but thinking about what i understand and what i like to wear as a dress watch..., it is too big and i really prefer manual movement because probably only will be used a few days each year. The Omiwatari has a very attractive and strange dial colour but looks perfectly fit in my wrist and not only in a wedding day. For that use i would choose something like tank, reverso, gold iwc from 50´s for example, and for everyday watch (office) the JLC is too much serious in my opinnion. Great Channel!!
Holy cow, this is a terrific review. I've owned the Grand Seiko Omiwatari for about 18 months and still love it, for all the reasons mentioned. (I did immediately replace the strap for a grey nubuck one, fyi.). But I admit, that JLC calls to me and haunts my horological dreams, though. Can't go wrong with either!
I needed this video…thank you!
I love both my JLC Reverso Duoface and my Master Control Calendar Moon phase. Those are my two go to dress watches. I wear my green GS more as a daily wearer. Love both brands, probably my two favorite at the moment.
I would love to own both of these and have this debate every day as I look into my watch box
Haha, luckily for me, I'm returning the GS to my buddy 😅
Great idea to compare the most elegant masters of horology. I couldn’t decide and went for both. I own sbgw231 and Reverso duoface… couldn’t be happier.
Great comparison video brother! I really respect both of these brands, so it’s super hard to chose..
Some day you won't have to 😉🤙
@@WatchCrunchOfficial 😉
My go to dress watch?? Jaquet Droz Grand Seconde. The watch feels "silky" and sooo smooth and the movement... perfection. Gotta love analigator strap pure class.
One watch challenge...I've had my Omega Speedmaster 38 (current gen) on wrist for about a month, which is probably the longest I've ever worn a single watch. But speaking of this video, I'd argue that the Speedy 38 with it's polished center link bracelet and dial, is more like a dress watch rendition of an iconic sports watch than a sub 40mm sports watch...definitely one of those checks all the boxes versatile daily wears for me...as for this video, agreed on all counts. Awesome content!
Thanks Logan, enjoy that speedy 😉
glad you included the specs on the latest JLC, the 70hr PR. Also the JLC comes in 36mm as well with the same 70hr pr
Great! I didn't know that, will check it out 👍
Grand seiko spring drive movement is a watch engineering marvel.
They are both truly magnificent. I can’t choose which is the nicer.
Grand Seiko are amazing with their Spring Drives and all that polishing but the JLC is much more attractive to me, I'm probably not old enough to appreciate them. Great film work max, they look so professional now. I'm off to write a quiz to bore some WatchCrunchers so see you on the WC👍
Haha, thanks Morgan! You are the official "WatchCrunch quiz master"!
Great video. Which is likely to retain its value more? That could be the tie-breaker
How does this kid only have around 30k followers?? His videos are top tier imo and extremely useful.
Haha thanks Dan, let's go! ☝️
Max, once again, thanks for another great vid. I agree with your JLC choice over the GS. Do note I own several GS pieces and JLC is next on my list. Per another video I watched of yours - the Cartier Tank, I recently ordered and received (20MAY2022) my own Cartier Tank Must XL and love it. I have worn this watch for 30 consecutive days and I find myself constantly looking down at it. From a horological point of view and all the Cartier Tank brings to the watch world, the Cartier Tank needs no introduction. Therefore, IMHO, this is the ultimate dress watch.
Thanks Ron, your collection sounds quite strong! 😎👍
Awesome review Max. Thanks. Can we shrink them 2 or 3 mm in the drier? 😮 The good thing about the GS is that it looks a bit smaller than the JLC. For me, it’s the JLC hands down, even though I love the color and the look of the GS’s dial. It’s pronounced jayjehr le cooltr as if you’re saying the watch is cool but with a tr at the end. (Forget about the silent e at the end). I know French is complicated. Especially Swiss French. 😂 Thanks again for all the good videos.
Both are superb watches from two great manufacturers. TMHO the size should be 36 or 37 mm, which I find more appropriate for a dress watch on an average size wrist. Great video (content and photography) as usual. I also appreciate your pleasant and calm tone.
There is a 36mm version of the JLC.
@@Hans-Georg_Buddne It's only available in one dial colour?
Great video :). One use in modern times for the moon phase. If you are a kayaker, and you like to go into and out of harbors, or anywhere the tides create currents, based on the moon phase, those currents are going to be stronger. I suspect their are other uses, but that's a modern time practical reason to care about it :)
This is the best face off ever. My head immediately said JLC before I even watched the video, it’s the watch to impress others with. But, as soon as I saw the Spring Drive movement it makes all other movements appear pedestrian, and the stutter from the JLC secondhand becomes an irritation, I know it shouldn’t, it just does, like a buzzing fly, I hate the Rolex movement even more 😂. The case aesthetics goes to JLC for its slim profile and looks less bulky on the edge of the cuff. Yes, the JLC.
Yeah spring drive is king in my book 👍, but the JLC is pure class
Cool video :) thank you for sharing. i chose a JLC as my dress watch and would probably chose it again because i like the design and complications. That said the SBGW231 (entry level GS) is still on my list
I'm not into gs at all but when I tried on the sbgw231 l instantly feel in love with it. That watch felt special and I actually prefer that watch compared to the higher end grand seikos.
What a hard comparo as both watches are spectacular but 100% agree with you on all counts on giving it to the JLC! Already have the spring drive so the next purchase will be the Reverso. Love your commentary btw….keep up the great work!
Cheers Jeff 🍻
i treat my SBGM221 as a daily, but it's also a dress watch. Would like to see you review the SBGM221 one day!
Awwww hell yeah!! I’ve only just clicked to watch but I LOVE the concept of this content… feels very “now” #lessgooooooh
😊
Great comparison-I'm smitten by both of these. I've seen the GS at a local AD, but haven't had a chance to see the JLC in person. I must admit that I do find the "useless" moon phase" complication very appealing. That might be the difference maker for me. I note that many comments suggest that the GS leans slightly sporty: what contributes to that? Is it finishing? Case shape/size? Something else?
The sheer amount of confidence you put in the word "subjectively" was peerless.
I tip my hat to the JLC, it's just looks right and has the classic proportions to me. Thanks for sharing another gr8 vid.
Pure class 👌
Though being a fairly conservative guy and loving Jaeger Lecoultre company’s history, I will go with the Grand Seiko.
The perfect sweeping from the Spring Drive is so mesmerizing that it makes any mechanical movement look positively agricultural in comparison.
Yeah the technical excellence of spring drive is hard to argue.
Where's the strap for the JLC from?
I have an older 37mm JLC Moonphase Calendar in pink gold that was given to me by my father in law. I think this is the perfect dress watch and I love my sports watches.
Both beautiful but I would go with JLC personally for a dress watch. Just love their collection and design language.
Yeah, the JLC dress watch has a more timeless design. Unfortunately, Grand Seiko changes their dials so often, that you have to worry that it will look dated after a few years.
You have chosen wisely, Sir.
Love them both - but here it has to be the JLC. The GS seems to be a brilliant cross, between sporty and dressy though.
The idea was the king here and you smashed it again, Max. Won't argue with your findings but probably it's more what you are wearing to the formal occasion that would make the decision with these glorious pieces. Navy blue suit- GS. Black tie - JLC. At the price point I'd want the more versatile GS in a collection rotation. And you are right - smaller, dressier watches are making a comeback! Put something gorgeous on your wrist.
Cheers Chris! These 2 pieces seemed like natural competitors in my mind 🙌
@@WatchCrunchOfficial 100%. Although the SBGK007 is my new crush. Tried one on - weak at the knees... :)
Agree both fantastic 👌 thanks for your honesty thoughts usual 🙏🤜🤛
Cheers my dude 😎✊. Hope you are well
Another great vid spoilt by UA-cam’s excessive advertising.
I’m into the GS. Just love that baby blue
It's so mystical 😍
I own a JLC Geophysic 1958 limited edition and absolutely LOVE it! Gotta pick JLC over GS any day.
Thanks for the vid. Definitely enjoyable! But although the price point is the same between these two, I kind of feel like it’s comparing apple’s to oranges. They are quite different overall and I do think they send very different vibes. The GS is definitely sportier and IMHO is a more well rounded and wearable watch. The JLC is however the perfect wedding day watch or “big gala” event watch.
Yep, seems like we are on the same page 😊
A one-watch challenge, how fun! I guess that my average is a week, maybe three.
I like JLC, especially their high complications and the Reverso (one of my faves of all time!) but out of these two…it’s an easy win for the GS, for me anyway.
Can't go wrong with that 👍
To call it a tie on the dial and hands, one needs to be in a darkened room with a blindfold on to miss the utter superiority of the GS 🤥
But why trust me or WarchCrunch....?
Just read the universal opinions of every watch officianardo on every Forum and platform who proclaim that GS has taken the art of the watch dial to the next level.
but what if we compared this JLC to the sbgw231?
Is this not based on a smaller wrist ? What about the 18cm wrist person???
Where did you get the straps for both watches?
Delugs
I love the JLC Small second ultra thins. My only problem is that they don't make them with a metal bracelet anymore and they only make them in 40mm. I don't wear anything with a leather strap; I can't stand smell and feel of leather. I almost got the previous generation Master Control Ultra Thin (Q1358120) with the steel bracelet. It was almost perfect -- almost because but it was too big at 40mm. If only it had been a 34~36mm it'll be the watch to die for.
How about Credor V JLC??
I’d have to buy both. The moon-phase comes in handy for fisherman and call centre workers ( all the weirdos phone in on a full moon )😉😂
I know I will get flack for this but the GS dial looks like the water damage to my ceiling before repaired it. I am sure in the wild that GS dial is fantastic I have a JLC Master Control Hometime and I love the silky smooth silver dial similar to the Moon dial and its handset on the Hometime having a faceted hand set with one side polished and the other brushed giving it a 3 dimensional look when hits the light I have had my JLC since 2004 and love this watch. Btw a moon phase is very handy complication if you are a fisherman as knowing the right moon phase wil tell you which day will make the best fishing
100% agree with you, astute observations.....but I am a JLC fan!!!
Yeah JLC is hard to beat in this category
The fact you can pick up a used Grand Seiko SBGW231 here in the uk for about £3k kinda makes every other possible dressy option overpriced as a competitor, to be fair this holds true against a new one at £4k too
Yep, sbgw is the goat
I am about to pull the trigger on a SBG231 it is a no brainer
Citizen have some lovely dress watches, with 100 meter WR, just out.
I love them both having GS Spring Drive SBGA293 and a JLC Master Geographic. They are dress watches with different purposes and IMHO one is not better than the other. They complement each other and not to compete with each other in any way. I do have other dress watches such as a Ming 17.03 GMT, Montblanc Salmon automatic, Longines Heritage Tuxedo, Cuervo Y Sobrinos Dual Time Prominente and a few more
Great taste!
I do hope we see a switch to more dress watches. I'm tired of sports watches, hell I wouldn't wear a luxury sports watch playing a sport anyways. Or doing anything risky with it. For me there is no contest, as a brand JLC wins. Between these 2 in a vacuum though, I'd still pick the JLC. That wild GS dial just doesn't present as dressy to me.
Yes the JLC makes the GS look like a Richard Mille 😆
I have the highest respect for GS but I have to say I will always pick JLC. Got my hands on one years ago and it changed the way I look at watches
Both watches are great!
Most definitely! If their own ways
As somebody who's experienced an Omiwatari, as much as I love it, it's REALLY stubby on my 8" wrist.
I'd love a JLC but the seiko wins for me on this one. That Seiko is epic.
It's an amazing piece 👍
agreed!
Very nice and refreshing presentation of these two fascinating watches.
But you kind of lost me when you mentioned that the spring drive movement gets the winning point.
Sure, it's a smart move from Seiko to merge the quartz technology with the mechanical movement.
But besides the nice sweeping seconds hand, the cost to produce the spring drive movements must be far less than for example, the movement of the JLC you displayed. My guess is that Seiko created the spring drive movement to be cost efficient.
Just having a close look at the advanced finishing and overall build of these movements, it's quite clear that the JLC is far superior.
Anyway, that's my view on it.
Otherwise, great presentation, thank you for the content!
I'll take the GS, that watch is gorgeous, simple yet so elegant.
I’m not on watch crunch yet, but I have had one watch for more than 2 years now, my amazing Omega Seamaster 300M with the silver dial. It’s durable and dressy when needed. No qualms whatsoever
Lol I agree with everything except the dial. Even you mentioned that the dial itself stood out as a winner for GS made it seem like a cop out :P. Even the micro shots of the JLC show more imperfections than on the GS too. Otherwise I can totally agree with all else.
There's just something about that JLC though. It has a more timeless design. In 20 years it will still look amazing. Grand Seikos are beautiful too. But they are constantly changing models and dials. So maybe in 20 years that GS will look dated. When I see that JLC dial I think decadent, elegant, refined, etc. Like something that would be worn by a Prime Minister when attending a banquet at the Royal Palace. Its biggest strength is how subdued it looks
10 years ago I would have said JLC. But I think GS in the under 50k space is at least equal and the finishing might actually be better. The complications on the JLC’s are more interesting though.
The GS had a far nicer handset and dial! I want my dress watches to be conversation starters. They should stand out! I'd take the GS any day
I love JLC. Cartier Santos is also awesome. Also Bell & Ross. Those that cost beyond $10,000... I must wait.
The world first sports watch is the Cartier Santos, not the Reverso.
For dress watches I like my between 35-37mm
My definitive dress watch is over I inherited, a vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony in 33mm.. I don't know the thickness, but it's thin as hell. Simple, clean, silver dial, hour and minute hands, manual wind. A bit boring, if I'm being honest. But, none the less classic and the poster child of what a dress watch traditionally is.
I really don't wear dress watches or rather I pretty much never have an occasion to dress up in such a way as to really need a dress watch to go with it. But, glad I have a fine watch for one just in case.
Btw, I've not opened it, but some day out may have a JLC movement inside.
Oh, and between these 2... If probably go GS. The spring drive is too cool. More brands should leave the PR indicator in the back. Just makes more sense to check in the rear and leave the front clean. I mean you're never going to need to check the PR while on wrist.. it should almost always be topped off if you've been wearing it, right?
Well, omega does with its CK859 😉 but a moon phase is a nice touch om a dress watch
Haha, yeah that thing is very cool, got to play with one recently 👍
GS for me. I don’t ever want/need a true dress watch.
Most people don't these days, but it sure is pretty 😍
In the dial department it's not close for me ......grand Seiko hand down . Movements well the jlc looks better but the spring drive is more accurate . Case grand Seiko hands down
The JLC Moon phase hands down.....because I own that same watch :)
A man of great taste 😉
The GS and JLC are worlds apart on hands and dial. Hell even had my Patek and GS under a loupe and the Patek was destroyed. I would say though on a dressy watch a champagne or ivory dial is much more suitable(pun?)
JLC all the way, moon phase is a great plus. Also JLC makes this model in black and in blue dials.
Jaeger lecoultre has an absolute higher level.👌
I like the Grand Seiko design language better. That's personal taste. And movement and finish wise, i guess nobody denies the greatness of Grand Seiko anymore.
Yes design is very personal. GS seems to be your ticket 👌😁
Certainly Cartier is in the running, but I do love G.S. as well. Especially in the specialized, dressier/strap watch. Until there’s an adjustable clasp on a G.S. bracelet, I won’t plunk down money for their sportier offerings. 39.5 Planet Ocean has that role.
OK, judge. But I'd choose the GS. It's simply lovely. ✌🏾
The backdrop on the Seiko is simply breathtaking. The colour. The ridges like waves...frozen!
Hard choice Jlc and grand seiko are both unique and beautiful but in the end I’d go with the grand seiko!
Nice post
Thanks Dave
absolutely both☝🏻☝🏻🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
😉🤙
The ice blue dial color of the GS rules it out due to its lack of versatility IMO. It cannot compliment attire as well as the JLC. The ultimate dress watch for me is the Patek Phillipe Calatrava w/small seconds, stick indices and guilloched hobnail pattern.
I prefer small gadas but if I went for a dress watch id want the moonphase. The gs is still sick.
The GS is almost gada 😆
I’ve got to admit, the Omiwatari is my dream dress watch, it’s all kinds of beautiful… and on top of its beauty, the spring-drive butter-smooth sweep of the second hand gives it the edge above others for me.
That JLC is so beautiful, so elegant. For a dress watch, JLC all the way.
To me, dress watches mean "old world." While the GS is a banger, nothing gets more old world than JLC moonphase! One of my ultimate dress watches is the AP ultra thin cal 2003: a fragile 1.6m "thick"! I like to compare it to my BB and laugh at the thiccness disparity lol.
Old world is a great way to describe it 👍
Though I enjoy several do-it-all watches, I prefer watches that are more specific to my tasks.
Shrimp ceviche watch 😉
I prefer the jlc but without the moon-face. Just simple 3 hands.
Ultimate dress watch - Patek Calatrava 6119R
JLC for the win as a pure dress watch but I would go with the Reverso. I am not a formal guy, so no dress watches for me and so for me it would be the GS Snowflake . As a one, go to watch, it’s the Omega Speedmaster Professional 3861 hesalite for me
Can definitely get away with a speedy in a suit 😉
Interesting you gave the win to JLC for dial and hands. I've handled both watches in person and I think GS absolutely trounces JLC on these. It's not that JLC's are bad, but I've only seen competition to GS in this area from the likes of Patek in recent times.
It was a tie on dial 😉
@@WatchCrunchOfficial whep that was a brain fart, sorry, I meant tie! Either way, I love the JLC dial and hands and indices but I do think the hands and indices on the Grand Seiko are truly special compared to almost everything at their price point
I just purchased the JLC ultra thin date used for a great price. Love the watch very calatrava like. The noise does take getting used to though. Apparently the rotor ball bearings makes intervals between servicing longer - so that’s a good thing!
Yeah they can be had at quite a discount 👍
You should compare Jaeger lecoultre with Patek philippe. Jaeger lecoultre has a higher brand and is much more valuable 😎
JLC didn’t come into existence until 1921 when J merged with LC.
The Seiko wins on dial based on originality alone
Those guys are constants looking at nature with a magnifying glass 😉