2 Cheapest Ways to Get into a Grand Seiko | SBGW231 + SBGV243

Grand Seiko prices are climbing, but what if you want to get into the brand at the budget end. In this video we explore 2 options at the 2-4k range that are sure to impress!
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[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Join the discussion at WatchCrunch: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/forget-the-moonswatch-get-a-cheap-grand-seiko-6025

[@a30yearoldspic]

You say the black one can be had for $2000. Do you happen to have a link to one? I've been wanting one for a long time, and around $2000 is what I was hoping to get one for

[@BrandonMenancio]

It’s really hard to beat that 231 imo. Love how the dial has a subtle dome to it. Understated, but still complex! Great vid!

[@coolblack1]

This is the first of your videos I’ve watched and I’m buying in. You’ve got great content, unique perspective, and your well researched. I’m a sucker for entry level stuff so please keep it coming.

[@timmanion7459]

Again , 3 for 3 on the videos of yours that I've happened to watch . So pleased that there's a watch community in the Seattle area that really appreciates this passion.

[@31128]

There's lots to think about here. Most importantly, it's honestly refreshing seeing/hearing a channel that is thoughtful and where you can tell watches are your passion. It's been a lot time since a watch video captured my interest properly like this. The cream dial GS is really something. I don't know the watch, but I've known it's image as the best of the best (without knowing more). There is no Rolex that looks this good, to me. The height wouldn't bother me much. What does bother me a ton is the lack of lasting options for straps, for watches in general. A bracelet rips arm hair and is heavy, and cold in the winter, and sometimes bugs my wrist, with usually poor resizing ease. A leather strap worn every day will crap out after a year, and get gross after 6 months. And for this dress watch, obviously rubber is a no-go. This strap issue has really stumped me because I don't like divers, the only watch style that actually works well on rubber. If you want a poor man's version of this GS, check out the Q Timex 1978 Reissue in 35mm. At least the strap is replaceable for 30 bucks, and the dial is fantastic. Never thought a 35mm Timex would be my favourite watch. See here: theslenderwrist.com/timex-q-1978-review/

[@lemonlime3197]

I was able to get an sbga283 for 3k. Love it. Can’t stop staring at the spring drive movement

[@Alenagracediaz]

The 231 was the one I fell in love with first too! The hands are PERFECT and when the light hits the markers it is so beautiful!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Such simplistic beauty 😍

[@milanchristi7939]

GS are not yet on my radar but reviews like this are moving the brand up my ladder of priorities - especially since I never seem to have a flintstone handy when I need one! Great content and presentation - as usual! Thanks!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, Thanks Milan for getting my silly jokes 😉

[@wafflemon1858]

I used to think that too but I recently went to a luxury watch store in Las Vegas and saw GS on display next to Rolex. They seem to think it's up there.

[@jonathanstoddard2081]

As a die-hard Seikopath (there are regular Seiko, GS, J Springs, Lorus, and Alba watches in my collection) I wholeheartedly approve of this vid! New subscriber earned. 😊

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers Johnathan, just ordered another SEIKO 🤔😉

[@jimmski9908]

Loved the video, love Watch Crunch, and I love Grand Seiko. You now have me thinking about a quartz watch. I could see wearing the black one every day.

[@chrisgrieves1468]

Good stuff again Max. My SBGA373 is my favourite watch and not too much more than the '231. More sporty though. SBGR261 is kind of the auto-with-date version of the '231and sits between. Almost bought that, more stunning than any pic or video will convey. You have to see and handle them to understand what makes GS so great. If you have any kind of collection and the price works for you, a GS is a must-have. Artisanal hand-finished class that nothing Swiss near the price can match.

[@chrishemming9976]

Got one of the 9F sports last year from Japan for like £1600… nice to see them being appreciated!

[@rainydaywatches6508]

Great review, Max! I've been kicking around getting a GS and one of these may be the ticket! I appreciate the price point, and actually like that they're quartz. The hardest thing about buying Grand Seiko for me is the lack of AD's. It's difficult to spend what they're asking when I can't see it in the metal first, or have a place I can drop one off for service if I buy one. I can't wait until we start to see a larger network of AD's in North America. Until then I have to wait until something comes to my neck of the woods second hand, or until I travel where there's an AD, and I still have to worry about repairs and service. The lower price point and lower maintenance of these quartz offerings make them very appealing to someone without a local GS dealer.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes absolutely. Grand Seiko makes an order of magnitude less watches than the big boys so it'll take a bit before they can match the volume and service, but it shouldn't be long 👍

[@paulvon2378]

I just purchased a GS SKGP-001 quartz for $2400 USD - (duty free in Tokyo jeweler) This watch retailed $3200 USD plus tax.

[@chandlercranford5292]

Really interested in GS but I’m holding out for a smaller spring drive model. A 36mm case with a spring drive movement would be perfection!

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

I have enjoyed my SBGA083. 38 mm, screw-down crown, classic looks, etc.

[@nishchalneupane8673]

Credor?

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

No, it’s a Grand Seiko. The Grand Seiko SBGA083. It’s a Spring-Drive model.

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

Sorry. The SBGA083 is 39 mm, not 38 mm.

[@nishchalneupane8673]

@@bobbywatchaddict523 I meant Credor might have the smaller case sizes OP is looking for. But still no 36mm. Credor GCLP995 is 38.

[@NOLASkaGuitarist]

Your macro shots are amazing. Keep up the great content!

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Great video and some awesome options to experience GS. One of my favorite brands 😍

[@dantimber]

The SBGW231 is my absolute favorite dress watch. Stunning

[@MartinStrang]

The SBGV243 looks amazing! besides it is always a good idea to add to your collection a high end quartz for worry free wear. I think this will be the perfect replacement for my Breitling Colt Super Quartz. Great watch who lost a couple minutes in NINE years, at the time of it's first and only battery replacement. My advice, when thinking about a beater, think about quartz, super if you can.

[@mt24Carson]

Great video Max, thanks. Excellent GS choices...strongly considered the 231, though a bit small and do not have a need for a dress watch per se. Owned the SBGN005, a solid, reliable 9F gmt option. Now have the Autumn SBGH273. Another 9F to consider is the SBGP015...nice blue dial, 200m water resistance. 👍⌚🇯🇵

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks David, the SBGP015 has a very cool matching colored bezel 👍

[@neildavid4411]

It’s like you read my mind I’ve been looking at the sbgw231. Great video!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Neil, good luck on the hunt!

[@Rgunt8905]

Use the word inexpensive over cheap. Cheap devalues anything, gives it the poor quality vibe.

[@kerkiraz]

Pedantic

[@jp6202]

No no, it’s grand seiko we know the quality. We need really the cheap word to get intrigued 😂

[@RobBenjamin6374]

Affordable or accessible

[@chuckitaway466]

Povo

[@vincentpun123]

video production quality as spot on as grand seiko styling and detail

[@saul2583]

Really the one that I love is SBGW231, hopefully and soon they will release it with a date, it would be the perfect watch for me.

[@terrymoser2028]

Thank you for your input. A long time Seiko lover, short on finance. I long for a simple GS.

[@khronokraze]

Lovely watches. Great insight here. Although I love having lume on my watches, how many of us and how often have to read the time in absolute darkness.. likely more so in dim setting at the darkest. As such, the excellent polished hands and indices of thE GS catches and reflects enough light to make even in very dim lighting scenarios fairly easy to read. Hey, a quartz watch by GS, even by Seiko, is not a bad way to go since they are maybe the pioneers and leaders of the quartz movement in it's earliest days. And, at least GS grows their own quartz crystals for perfection.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Exactly! Quartz has gotten a bad rep but there's definitely different levels

[@johannbo]

Dude, this video is so good. I've never seen a video that made the 231 justice. Thank you!

[@johannbo]

also, how big is your wrist? @WatchCrunch - sorry, I'm new here

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks man! That's my buddy's wrist and I think his is 7"

[@johannbo]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Ah that sounds good. Mine are 7.5", so I was worried it would wear to small but it looks perfect. Thanks!

[@willl6551]

Nice one, my next buy will be a dress watch (don't have one). It will be a milestone purchase. Currently thinking about JLC Mut Date, the SBGW231, or a cartier tank.

[@robdove8341]

Just bought a pre-owned SGBX343 and am loving it. For me, this tool-watch is the perfect Daily Driver. It took 2 years with a Spring Drive to soften me up for full on Quartz tho :)

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Congrats Rob! Quartz all the way

[@facelessman5362]

We need the id on that red/brown leather strap. Great video as always, amazing quality.

[@robertbest3898]

Thank you Sir.... I was just investigating SBGN005 as affordable GMT. What sells me on that - you touched on - that watch also has a manly case like the SBGV243, which is quite handsome. Thanks for that tip (SBGV243). Some Quartz-phobe comments on the thread... lots of upside with the 9F movements... from a guy who enjoys winding his automatics.

[@kevinranders]

Just picked up the Cherry Blossom yesterday and am in love..

[@soaremicheledavid6020]

First time i see you, great videos my friend! You have a new subscriber.

[@randallhill7979]

Excellent review, thanks

[@drift903]

Awesome review. I have sbgv243 and being after sbgw231 for a while now. Then want to get a SBGJ in summer time. GS have so many attractive watches are my endless list and excitement lol.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

You've got the GS game figured out Wayne 👍

[@LuckyJack99]

Well said and love the Grand Seiko !

[@Mr-Merchant.]

I own a 231. I honestly think it is the best looking watch they make, which just so happens to be priced very well. It's a vintage Omega seamaster and Calatrava love kid.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah I'm tempted to trade my spring drive for one. It's just so classy

[@MegaFclef]

I own the sbgw275 & 277 Genbi Valley watches and I really want to own a 231 or 235 before they retire them. The 231 is a sure fire classic 🏆

[@rajmehta6210]

I own the 231. Works surprisingly well casually not just as a dress piece

[@keepingupwiththejonesy]

I have the SBGV246 Grey Beast and yes it gets a ding here and a scratch there but for me its a proper go anywhere do anything watch with the size, water resistance and quartz.

[@danielrs9214]

GS sbgm221 is one of my favorite watches, definitely on the top of my list for this year.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I love that watch! Another dream dial 🥰

[@timsmith645]

great review....but the holy grail of affordable, fantastic GS is the quartz SBGF021.....believe me, I just landed one and it's incredible value for money :).....but very few around :(

[@jeravincer]

Top shelf content Max 🤙

[@nicklegg61]

Top presentation, well done.

[@gimjyu]

Love the video! I bought a 231 for my wedding last year, it was perfect. It also doesn't look too bad on a more casual gray or tan alcantara strap. Even though my collection is primarily Omega, I can't seem to bring myself to have at least one or two Seikos in the box. For now it's the 231 and the Seiko SBDX001 marinemaster.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Congrats on the wedding and the watch 👍👍

[@wayneskipage7359]

Price irrespective - the SBGW231 is one of the nicest dress watches out there.

[@jaytpaul]

I prefer the SBGW231 over a lot of GS's more expensive watches. To me, this clean/minimalist execution is exactly what I want from the company known for it's finishing. It there was a thinner/automatic version of this dial (maybe a pure white version), I would immediately buy it.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Beauty in simplicity. Hard to get right but they did it here!

[@davidliu323]

What do you think of their SBGX347? It's 34 mm, has a pure white subtly textured dial, and it uses their (mind blowing) 9F quartz movement. It also only doubles up the 12 o'clock hour marker, which to me makes more sense.

[@jaytpaul]

I seriously considered that quartz model repeatedly over the years. I actually love the small dial, the look…. A little conflicted about buying a quartz though (I know its great for since it’s made by GS). It just remains to be one of the watches I’ve never pulled the trigger on

[@kyawnyisoe4392]

SBGW 231 is my favorite minimalist dress watch. SBGM 221 is also one of my favorite.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Oh the GMT is so 🤤

[@skzion2]

This is useful content. Thanks.

[@derekfox6752]

There great watches , I'm considering the quartz movement myself.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

You make a valid point, but tbh what appeals to me (and many people, I suspect) are the Grand Seikos with those incredibly intricate dials like the Lake Suwa, Snowflake, Spring etc. Without that, the brand kind of loses its luster.

[@felipesolari5343]

Thé beauty of simplicity will last

[@leidetai5082]

I have one GS Quartz , an SBGP007 (I think that’s the number). Every time I look at the dial I feel happy and forget that apparently quartz watches are not so cool. Thank you for the content

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

That's the feeling we are all after 😍

[@VanWatches]

These are great picks max. I also like the new sbgx347 and 349. A very wearble 34mm and time only

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Very nice for smaller wrists 👍

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Grand Seiko Quarts is nice. However Max, I've been searching high and low for a very accurate quartz over the last few week. The Longines VHP seems to be the most accurate. And it's half the price. Don't get me wrong...I love the GS. I agree the finishing might be the best I've seen. But, I'm just not sure I can justify 2k on a quartz. Really nice video. Well done. Thanks.

[@liquidtunes]

@@mybrainlikesthings fascinating, thanks for sharing! Where do you get all this information from? I’m looking to buy my first GS and am currently thoroughly enjoying geeking out on the details.

[@Watchtrain]

Excellent video Max. I have been waiting for this one for some time. Never could narrow down my Grand Seiko search until now.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Glad I could help my man 👍😉

[@bloodshot6]

This is going on the personal list 🔥

[@RogerSartet007]

They should make the SBGW231 in a spring drive version too. I think it is the most beautiful Grand Seiko (probably because I don't like date windows on a dress watch, particularly when they're at 3 o'clock. Orient, do you read???). Thanks for the effort put in this video. Best regards from Belgium

[@rickjason215]

I bought the Snowflake at a huge discount when it came out. It is my favorite watch.

[@andrewwei6618]

thanks to your review, bought both 😂

[@peterlam2155]

Great video as always and really enjoyed this as a snowflake owner. quick obersavtion though, does grand seiko not finish their hands at the bottom side to the same level cause you can see some scratches/dust at the bottom side of the second hand. See the reelection at 2:20

[@blethook]

I have the SBGW001 which is the 1st gen of this watch "series." I really prefer watches with solid caseback, so the SBGW001 is perfect for me. Mine comes with its Oyster style bracelet, in addition to the crocodile strap. When on the metal bracelet, the watch looks more sporty and looks somewhat like a vintage Rolex OP. Definitely a keeper.

[@joemack959]

I landed an SBGW001 years ago when they were mostly to be found in Japan. I believe the acronym is/ was JDM (Japanese Domestic Market). It's just stunning. The face up top has the marvelous SEIKO logo , and then GS and grand seiko on the bottom...which IMHO balances the face perfectly. Every once in a while someone stops my in public after picking their jaws off the floor. On an Hirsch Alligator strap with a GS buckle...it rivals the Calatrava no question.

[@joemack959]

*me* in public

[@BlakeJames42]

I appreciate videos like this

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I appreciate people like you 😉

[@charleschiba1532]

Great content!

[@ugabrew]

Another excellent video. Keep it up!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks a million 🙏

[@expertreviews1112]

That quartz is a beauty!!!

[@jcterraillon1369]

Hi Max, thanks for this great review, I particularly like the first watch. I think the strap is gorgeous and suits the watch very well, better than the original black crocodile strap. Do you have the reference of the strap presented here? Thanks in advance for your reply. JC

[@freaksey]

I bought a used GS SBGN005 a few months back for around 2.000€ and I'm really enjoying it and the ease of use of a quartz makes it the perfect "I don't wear a watch everyday because of the pandemic and now possible working-from-home opportunities"-watch. Fix the date every two months and you are set.

[@_Peter_.]

Interesting watches, but I still prefer the MoonSwatch 😅 (for that price point). Thanks for the video!

[@matthewfarrell7807]

Great video. Would you be able to tell me what strap you have on the 231? Looks unreal

[@ynhd7950]

I have SBGW231 but the SBGV243 is really attractive shape and its own character! I want to get 243 either

[@MegaFclef]

I agree completely with the SBGV243, the case design and Hi-Yellow making it a standout apart from their other references. I was fortunate enough to acquire one from a fellow watch collector in near mint for under $2500 total. I am sure the 243 will sell above the retail price in short time . For me it has such an industrial/utility flair (antimagnetic) . It’s my luxury beater, as even though I am careful I wouldn’t mind the look of wear on it. It’s my only 9F watch out of the GS watches I own .

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's such a tough sucker! Glad you got a good one 👍

[@arifazman5057]

Where did u buy?

[@MegaFclef]

@@arifazman5057 I bought from another member of a Grand Seiko group on Facebook, he has a good record of selling with references.

[@arylippelt1735]

Seeing from Brazil. Very nice video

[@phillippugh2161]

I own two GS an have been looking at this model for a while now. I think it's time to add it to my collection . Loom who needs it when your markers are cut like this. Oh and you might want to look at the GS quartz GMT worth every penny of the $3500 I paid

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Great choices still on the low end from GS 👌

[@ashleyslingers2814]

Still enjoying my SBGW231. Class straight up

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

So good 👌

[@joemack959]

Lovely video. Who makes the strap on the SBGW231? thanks, Joe.

[@markhighfill]

My favorite "budget" Grand Seikos are the 42mm SBGR301, 307, and 309. I own the 307. Real deal stainless steel sports watches with incredible dials for around $4500 new.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Very cool, a bit big for me but if you got the wrist for it 👍

[@markhighfill]

Try one on. You might be surprised.@@WatchCrunchOfficial

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

SBGA083 is about $3,500 new. Also, a good choice. Spring drive movement, date window, 38 mm, screw-down crown, classic looks.

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

Sorry. Not 38 mm. It’s 39 mm.

[@MN-de]

Good video, good narrator. U have a new subscriber

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Cheers! Welcome to the channel 😁

[@duncanng7127]

Great content but i dont think you can just say forget about this go for GS because its 2 way different pricetiers

[@dancinglizard3080]

A very underrated gs would be the sbgx347. An absolutely beautiful and one hell of a gorgeous watch 🤤🤤

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice one indeed 👌

[@brad4058]

First Grand Seiko watch is the $10k evo9 Hi-Beat 36k 80hr, gonna work my way down to the cheaper ones. :)

[@dlterm]

I have owned a SBGN005 since November 2019. It has been accurate to + 1 second a YEAR since I took it out of the box.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

These in house quartz are amazing!

[@kennetha.1937]

Had the SBGV245 for a bit, and man was it a phenomenal watch. The bezel was definitely a ding and scratch magnet, though! And the 9F quartz is remarkable. I've owned my SBGN005 GMT for a little over a year now, and it is only -2 seconds since setting it to the atomic clock in January 2021. Great video as always, Max!

[@MegaFclef]

I agree that the flat bezel is a ding and scratch magnet but on my 243 I image it would age very well with the thick horween strap I paired it with .

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@morganthedruid1]

Thanks Max, I didn't really understand your video because you never said MOONSWATCH at all actually. I didn't realise there were other watches. Breath of fresh air to see this video

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

There, now it says Moonswatch 😅. Thanks Morgan, it's all your fault

[@morganthedruid1]

@@WatchCrunchOfficial 😂😂Sorry mate.

[@KristianDowling]

Nice work mate just subbed

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Kristian, welcome 👏😁

[@mohammadabbadi89]

The strap of the SBG231 is really nice ! Can you tell us please where did you get it from ?

[@cedarcanoe]

Coincidence, I am planning to buy the sbgw, I am very close to it in fact. Great video as always, thnx👌👌

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes, it's on my short list 👌

[@calindor19]

Me to and still not buying since the second hand price are horroble low end up buying tudor

[@julio7842]

I have an sbga055 that waterproof 10 bar. Great daily beater.

[@bayflowshow65]

The cheapest way to get a Grand Seiko is to cut down the wish list and save up to get the watch. I want an Omega and a Rolex sports/tool watch before the GS. Oh yeah, I guess I should cancel my trip to Florence, Italy and delay my wish to become a Paneristi.

[@kewlger]

These watches are real nice. I'm actually eyeing the sbgx341 or 343

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes yes, great choice 👌

[@rodbonser]

Yes, yes...all good stuff. But what about that Argus C3?

[@tiagofernandes9210]

May I ask where can I find that black leather nato shown on the Quartz GS? And also that travel case that store 4 watches plus acessories? Keep up with the great work! Youre videos are delightfull to watch! Greetings from a portuguese fan!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thanks Tiago, the straps are from verbalist I believe. The box is hodinkee

[@eijiroinouye4115]

I was talking about these watches at The Patio Thai Cuisine

[@rodsalvador3608]

Would love to hear your take on the Moonswatch! That said, my vote is for the SBGM221. As for pre-owned, the original snowflake SBGA011 is becoming a bargain.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I'm desperately trying to get a moonswatch to review 😅

[@sebjeanty]

Hey Max! It would be cool to see your SOTC

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yes yes, definitely coming soon

[@johnbell1859]

I do love this make,beautiful watches. 🇬🇧

[@FOURTEEFIVE]

hey mate! I think I missed it, what is the size of your wrist? your shots are amazing, great video

[@philipproessler9849]

Does the SBGW 231 have a power reserve indicator/ winding indicator? How can I tell how much power reserve is left and can protect the winding movement?

[@finickybits8055]

Just wired my money to Japan for a SBGE205. That’s basically my grail, it’s perfect for me until they start getting some more interesting complications.

[@lancesay]

always love gs, my dad used to wear this watch back in 1975-1979... if i ever wear a watch it would be gs, but i dont.

[@wristwatchrich3282]

If you don't mind a pre-owned watch, you can get a bargain on an older spring drive that reads "Seiko" at the top of the dial and Grand Seiko at 6:00. These older style watches seem to trade at $1K less than the new style.

[@calindor19]

More get preown since new is too expensive 6k for seiko rather a tudor or omega

[@mell3109]

They should reissue the 245. Great looking watch on the strap. No idea why they removed it from the cataloge

[@yogeshanjan4784]

good talk, Max... SBGX341 is a better contender for this line up.. you should do a video on it