[4K] The All New 2020 Grand Seiko Green Dial GMT SBGE257 - Analysis & Review | Hafiz J Mehmood

[@HafizJMehmood]

Correction: 3:37 - While the Crystal does have internal AR coating; there’s no anti-reflective coating “EXTERNALLY” on the crystal.

[@Wvk5zc]

good to know. Hate to see scratch mark from the outer AR

[@jimmyv.495]

The GMT hand does the 2nd time zone. The rotating bezel is for a 3rd time zone which 99.9% of people have no idea how to use.

[@aventibonsonlopez9206]

Absolutely

[@BL-hj7hi]

Yep he got this part wrong it he review. I have a non-rotating bezel gmt and it 100% tracks home when I travel. Strange statement from the reviewer when most gmts don’t have a rotation bezel.

[@jamespalsson746]

We want to rotate the bezel because we want to rotate the bezel, it's a satisfying operation

[@ghettotraveller2027]

@@jamespalsson746 agreed, that's the only reason almost all my watch have a rotating bezel, for stress release

[@phillippugh2161]

@@jamespalsson746 then buy a dive watch duh ......

[@johnnychin]

It's the one hour jump feature on the hour hand that makes Seiko/Rolex's GMT watches a great travelling watch, not the rotating bezel. You calibrate the GMT hand to your home time, and when you travel you jump the hour hand to the correct time zone without messing up your minute and seconds. I think you misunderstood how to use a GMT watch for travelling. The rotating bezel is only useful for tracking a 3rd time zone which MOST people don't even need.

[@mrtzah5610]

Yep, my first thought too. Surprised about the oversight.

[@steveyrock1]

It's amazing how many people in the watch community don't know how a True GMT works.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Tudor has that also

[@gmshadowtraders]

You will find that people generally suck at math, lol. But in any case, you just add or subtract the hours in your head for travelling and you're done, lololol.

[@johnnychin]

@@gmshadowtraders It's not about "being good at maths"; It's the convenience. You don't want to do mental arithmetic every time you check the time with your watch especially when you travel to places with massive time differences. Furthermore, imagine you're in your hotel room sleeping for next morning's flight. You wake up and checked your watch but in your sleepiness and tiredness you forgot to calculate the time difference and go: "great I have a few hours left". Next thing you know is that you missed your flight. That is why a "true GMT" is still one of the most sought after complication.

[@massivewillie]

You put a lot of effort into these videos and it shows, top quality as always Hafiz!

[@EverGamingWithStyle]

Absolutely loving the quality of the content you're producing at the moment. Keep it up!!

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

No need for a rotating bezel on a GMT like this with a jump hour function; set GMT hand to home time and leave it alone forever! then use jump hour hand to track local times while travelling as needed

[@antonioau_gb89]

the rotating bezel can use for 3rd time zone, but I doubt there are many people in need to track 3rd time zone

[@SirMopy]

@@antonioau_gb89 exactly... that’s why I don’t understand why he said this has no GMT function and makes no sense that the bezel isn’t rotating... I got the feeling he doesn’t even know how to properly use a GMT..

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

​@@antonioau_gb89 It's true that not many people will need to know a third time zone, but I would also say that it actually *isn't* true that a rotating bezel allows you to "track" a third time zone. Rather, at best, it's used as an aid to *calculating* a third time zone as a one-off. - In order to determine the third time zone, one must rotate the bezel away from one's original setting, thus temporarily "losing" one's original GMT hand setting to do a manual calculation. Then you have to remember to move it back to resume tracking your original GMT hand time zone. All this just to "help" you add or subtract a few hours from your current time zone. - This procedure always struck me as incredibly clunky, requires that you know offhand how many hours forward or back to move the rotating bezel to calculate the new time zone... why not just look it up? In my view it's an essentially useless "function". Rather pathetic actually. Bordering on false advertising.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Fair point. I’m used to rotating my bezel on GMT watches to follow the time zone, rather than moving the GMT hand. And it is more convenient and practicable too especially when you remember that the date on this GS GMT is also changed via the same jumping hour hand. Probably didn’t use the best words to explain it in the video - what I was getting at is that in the times where GMT watches with both jumping hands and rotating bezel is almost a norm for GMT watches, it’s a bit of let down for me personally to see a 2020 GMT model come out, but rotating bezel taken away, especially when it’s still available in the same watch at 44mm case, and the price on this new one with less features is actually higher than the old one with rotating and lumed bezel. Needless to say that both the old and the new models also have the same movement, dial layout and case profiles. Thanks for watching.

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

@@jananilcolonoscopu4034 good points

[@kamehamehajim]

So make it thinner, remove power reserve indicator, improve bracelet quality and drop the price down a grand or two, that would be a hit and a must in a collection. For now it’s just niche... Also I’m surprised by those finishing flaws for all the praise GS is getting.

[@luispadilla2212]

With all those changes we would end up with an Omega Aqua Terra with better warranty,better loom and better water resistant. Wait a better movement too.

[@hetorakel3477]

@@luispadilla2212 Two months ago I bought this GS and an Aqua Terra, they're both gorgeous.

[@adamk972]

Power reserve looks good, is the sign of GS

[@QJHKI]

@@hetorakel3477 which one do you like better? I'm planning to buy one of them...

[@luispadilla2212]

@japanwatchconnection Ignorance is difficult to get rid of. Enjoy what you like regardless of your pick.

[@duncanchiu3659]

I don't understand how you can't use this as a second time zone just because the Bezel doesn't rotate? You can still set the gmt hands to a different hour if the day to represent a second time zone. Just no option for a 3rd time zone due to lack of rotating bezel

[@THEBUDDIES_RBLX]

as always your reviews are truly immersive and comprehensive from the stunning macros to the distant wrist/body shots. also appreciate the timekeeping accuracy info notwithstanding its limitations depending on wrist wear, winding, etc. can't help but feel this seiko reminds me of the tudor black bay 41mm in its tubby proportions.

[@dnlmoretti]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels on KZbin

[@ruvarkus]

I actually like not rotating bezel on gmt, as I can be sure I didn't accidentally rotated the bezel and will read wrong gmt time

[@kt10208]

Love your videos mate. The details you go into is unmatched on KZbin. Always explain the pros and the cons. 👏🏼

[@quetz666]

This video shows the beauty of this watch flawlessly!

[@timmcdonald5335]

Hafiz an important detail you have missed is that this GS can be found discounted by up to 30% which makes this GS a a bargain.

[@michaelbishop9157]

I am really glad they've reduced it to 40.5mm but that 14.7mm is just far too thick for me. That's 1.2mm more than my Panerai. Shame because I love the look of the blue SBGE 255

[@chancebanana]

The fact that the whole bezel is ceramic (unlike the ceramic inserts on other watches) may explain why it is fixed.

[@neoth8647]

That is a good observation, watches like the Sub and GMT master have ceramic inserts in the bezel instead of it being a one piece ceramic. It's definitely could be the reason

[@alesj.4046]

I'm obsessed with watches and I watch videos on them a lot, so I have an idea what I'm talking about. You, my friend, make by far THE BEST videos I've ever seen in my life. Watchfinder used to be my benchmark on this topic and I thought it doesn't get any better than that. You have proved it does! Great job, thank you for another wonderful 13 minutes, you made my day. Greetings from Slovenia :)

[@rywk4225]

agreed, watchfinder used to have the best videos and i consider Hafiz’s videos on same level, but Hafiz voiceover with useful non biased details is what i prefer over watchfinders circumstantial/pretentious voice over, plus his accent is way cooler, imo of course

[@luispadilla2212]

Watchfinder has better stories and more information but the quality of of this videos is to fall in love with.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much. It’s feedback like this that drives me to do more and better :) As per above comment, I agree watchfinder has a lot of information and history - I love their content myself. My reviews are normally very objective and focused on the specifics, aesthetics, performance, dimensions, QC/QA, and brief history (if any) of the piece in the video. From how it started and I made my first video here; I, in my reviews, answer the same questions I myself used to have, when I was looking to buy something. Thanks again for the support.

[@odarpxela]

@@rywk4225 i agree. Although I enjoy watchfinder vids, the narrator tends to stray from the main focus which is the watch itself. More often than not, he just rambles on and on with run-on sentences filled with metaphors just to make a single point. I get it and appreciate it too, but I prefer this no-nonsense commentary.

[@muldune]

After viewing your fine video I put my SBGE257 dial under a 10x lighted loupe. On my example, I find a nearly flawless dial. The only correspondence to your dial is the indexes of the power scale not coming to the edge of the painted arc, but they are consistently distanced from the edge, leading me to think it is intentional. I find no nicks, scratches, stray paint, or dust. The watch indices are flawless as is the date "18". I'm sorry you got a less than excellent example and disappointed that GS did not do its usually high quality work on your watch.

[@zoltrix7779]

I love this watch, however, I agree, they need to blow Rolex out of the water. The minor imperfections are not really an issue normally, but it is not just not acceptable for GS. The bracelet is clearly not good enough. The non rotating bezel doesn't worry me at all, I don't need to track three time zones on a watch. I do love the spring drive however, along with the beautiful second hand, that is what makes a GS special.

[@davidc5191]

While you've said it before, that there's no such thing as a perfect watch, or any product, it's still disappointing to see all the watches' flaws you expose under your macro lens, whether it's Grand Seiko, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, etc.

[@niwa957]

As with your Rolex/Tudor review, you made me want this watch so bad.... Great effort, just discovered your channel, great work, especially the macro shots showing the truth... Keep going.

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

The GS green reminds me of the shade of green of a Jaguar sports car. The Hulk is more like a Christmas jumper that looks sweet for a while until you feel you had enough of Christmas and the novelty has worn off. The GS seconds arms movement is fantastic, I always envisioned time as something that floats by rather than ticking in one second iterations. I'm going to need to procure one of these puppies despite its 'flaw's, great review Hafiz!

[@delfingarcia8590]

Revolutionary movement that beats all chronometer claim!

[@QJHKI]

I was superbly hype for this watch, but now I kinda thinking to get the omega aqua terra instead. The spring drive was such a huge plus, unfortunately other aspect not as much. Wishing other brand could use the spring drive movement or create similar smooth movement

[@PhamNikita]

Unsubscribed because you do not know how to use a GMT watch.

[@goemboeck]

Now that's a beautiful watch, ans the spring drive is the sexiest movement man has ever created.

[@billkokkinis9803]

Another great video. You should have 1 million subscribers!! 👍👍

[@vinayakk9284]

A really excellent video Hafiz. The hard work that you put into your content truly shows and it is amongst the best that I have seen. Grand Seiko (GS) are going to need to maintain their legendary workmanship if they are to beat their competition. The dial faults seen under your macro are simply inexcusable for a GS watch. It clearly shows a sense of complacency that has probably crept in at the GS QC in the case of this piece. I suggest if possible to review any of the 60th Anniversary Models from GS. Some of them are truly stunning in person. With specific reference to the Limited Edition SLGH003, GS has taken a big leap with this one - new 9SA5 movement, new case size, new bracelet and new dial aesthtics. This maybe the blockbuster that GS were waiting for. I hope that you would be able to review it sometime soon. It would definitely be a treat to see it under your unparalleled macro. Keep up the great content and all the best!

[@craigowill]

Wonderful detailed review coupled with incredible cinematography. Great macros, and how did you follow that sweeping hand 🤯👏🏻

[@Newtypenewtype]

Having owned 7 GS' and no longer owning any, if I had to pin it down to one thing that did it in for me, it was the height and bulbous nature of the cases (all sports models, not the 44GS case) that threw me off. I get that it's part of the aesthetic and aids in durability and longevity, but as soon as I got my Sub (GS to Rolex convert, funny enough), I realized why so many complained about the case thicknesses of GS watches. If only they could carry over their 9F quartz cases to their other movements, I'd still own all of my GS'! Finally, I've been waiting for a smaller GS diver, and with the flurry of smaller watches there's no doubt in my mind we're finally getting one (maybe next year), but in my head I already know it'll have the same thickness "feature"...

[@raddude3858]

You make the most enjoyable, informative watches videos on the internet period. Keep it up!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@spencerstein8525]

Another great video and I 100% agree with Overlord above. I bough an SBGH269 last year. The watch is stunning. BUT after a few weeks I noticed the hands were misaligned and it was running almost 10 seconds fast per day. When on the hour the minute hand was past 12. So I sent it in for service. When I got it back there was a huge white spot on the dial. So the AD sent it in again. GS said the dial was damaged. GS service damaged the dial! So back to the AD and back to GS service. No new dials until November so they send it back to me until the dial comes in. Now the spot is gone but they still say it’s damaged. Under a loop I can’t find the damage. WTF? BUT now it’s running 6 seconds slow. I am still waiting for an explanation from GS. I wrote a very respectful letter to the GS USA President and never got any response at all. So, not only is GS quality slipping but we can add horrible service to the mix. Never again will I buy from GS.

[@raff1971]

Hafiz, first of all your videos are top notch. Like them because you go through these watches with incredible detail. Tell me, did the hands line up properly? You have done other gmt gs models and found the hands dont line up properly. Did this show up hear. Dont think you mentioned that in this review. Keep up these great reviews. 👍👍

[@HafizJMehmood]

Hi. Thanks so much. Hands lined up perfectly on this one so yeah that’s the improvement I’d say.

[@mikep197]

I don't understand why you say you can't read a second time zone with this watch? You call it only an AM/PM indicator. This watch features a "jumping" hour hand allowing you to set the main time to your local time, while leaving the 24 hour hand set on your home time, thereby giving you the ability to read two time zones at once. Beautiful photography work as always. Love your videos.

[@edgy8481]

Great production as always . I have the same wrist dimension as yours so your reviews are quite relatable.

[@shaheenevans]

Very disappointed on quality and QC for GS brand and price point - keep up the honest reviews

[@maximl8820]

I have a blue version SBGE255. A stunning watch

[@BattleForTheHotel]

Have you seen any quality flaws on your watch?

[@maximl8820]

@@BattleForTheHotel Hi, none at all

[@fecardona]

Love your perfectionism! Subscribed!

[@adamk972]

Again bro what a great honest review, your opinion really matters for most watch lovers! Now I'm even more convinced that SBGA407 the SkyFlake is the best dial of GS till now👍

[@Pg91357]

The reason the grey line of the power reserve being thinner than the black and white is to make space for the hour market at 9.

[@carlgomez7077]

Outstanding Video! I was not planning to leave a comment, but you truly deserve for the excellent presentation and detailed descriptions of this GS piece. Great work. I am a fan.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

This is the most detailed review of this GS reference I've come across. Great work!

[@MrThrustSSC]

Very detailed review. Despite the flaws I really want one. The very dark green colour is (for me, you mentiond it as negative) the absolute best about it. My car also has a very dark shade of green that seems black in the dusk and green in the sunlight. I would love to have a watch with a similiar feature.

[@JamesMaccarone]

Great review and I love the photography! For what it's worth, I have this exact watch but do not have any flaws in the dial or printing under macro. Also, pictures and video don't really capture how beautiful this piece is. The way the light plays off of the hands and markers is amazing.

[@lingogringo]

As others have mentioned, the production quality of your videos is top-notch. Your candid thoughts are also appreciated as they make for an objective review. Thanks, for sharing your wrist size, which will help in decision making going forward. A few review requests if and when possible: Vacheron Constantin Overseas (4500V) GS SBGA413 Glashütte Original SeaQ GP Laureato 38mm Thank you and keep up the wonderful work!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Many thanks. I’ve done a couple of vids on VC4500 already. Pls search in my albums for VC. Cheer.

[@rlinhares]

Most complete watch reviews channel.

[@tomkhong9828]

The only problem with GS is the thickness

[@saschap6632]

How thick is this one?

[@QJHKI]

@@saschap6632 14.5 mm, it's in the video

[@Gartenriese87]

Killer production value. Hat's off!

[@badmanneil]

Great Video! Beautiful Watch!

[@travellife7553]

Your videos are gorgeous. You should a behind the scenes to show how your lighting and technique of shooting the video

[@sdamico555]

great video. But look at any Rolex or Omega with that much mag and you will find flaws as well. Just seems harsh to call it sloppy compared to 99.9% of watches made today which could only hope to be half as good as Grand Seiko

[@HafizJMehmood]

Seems you’ve made a judgmental call without checking my Rolex or Omega reviews. Maybe look at them before judging. Thanks.

[@melvynl8456]

Good job. I feel some live footage of handling the watch will be good

[@HafizJMehmood]

There’s a clip with watch handling from 3:34 to 3:50 if that helps.

[@mdes1584]

could someone explain to me how he thinks its not a true gmt watch? guess ill wait for your video admiring a rolex explorer II and all its glorious functions.

[@nububun]

Right? I had to listen to that part of the video a couple times to make sure I heard him right. How do you review a watch without clearly understanding how the complications are meant to work? Couldn’t watch the rest of the video after that.

[@steinbeck1805]

Wonderful review of a stunning watch, even acknowledging what were letdowns to you. Thank you. As if my wish list wasn’t long enough already!

[@beenyroy]

You do some great videos.... Thanks for the hard work

[@rowlandb169]

Shocking to post a pretentious review like this and not even know how quickset GMT works...... Embarrassing

[@jimmyv.495]

Far superior fit and finish than Rolex. Not even close.

[@fire_watch7735]

I've owned and love GS in addition to many other brands and I'm relieved that you are providing an unbiased objective look at the brand which has been missing amongst other channels. GS is far from flawless and unlike many other KZbinrs assertuin of near perfection, GS's QC and customer service will definitely leave customers disappointed at times. Anyways, looks like a cool watch with the exception of the thickness, QC issues, and lack of lume but in terms of case diameter, maybe GS is actually listening to their customers finally. Cheers

[@marclevesque2402]

What are you talking about, not a true GMT? Cannot track a 2nd time zone and only an AM/PM indicator? Do you not realize the extra hand can be set independently to the hour and minute hand? And the hour hand can be moved forward and backward without affecting all the other hands?

[@Marius_Sangue]

Excellent video. A real pleasure to watch. You just convinced me to buy this watch.

[@petespurgeon7217]

The Watch Narrator nails itt, second hand & spring drive wonderful, the rest needs improvement to take on Rolex, if so. Thanx.P.S.

[@vishaldev13]

Excellent review. TL/DR - Reduce the thickness by 1.5mm and add a rotating and lumed bezel.

[@tthien93]

As much as I love gs and Seiko, I couldn't wait for your honest macro shots. Let's hope GS recent popularity haven't made them more lax on quality control

[@bobj8877]

Great video, and very fair analysis. That said, I think you have a misunderstanding of GMT watches with local jumping hour. That feature should have been shown in the video. The statement about not tracking two time zones is incorrect, as this watch actually funtions just like a Rolex Explorer II, with the local jumping hour hand. A rotating bezel is used to track a 3rd time zone, not a 2nd one. Anyway, great content as always, but thought the constructive criticism would be helpful to your reviews of future GMT watches.

[@LQSnake]

Id like to see the rolex version of these.. especially on the critique section... it there's any...

[@jamesjohnson1866]

Outstanding content as always mate 👍🏻

[@treznich]

Another great one Hafiz, the quality of your content is amazing. Have you thought about doing a review on one of the plain Jane classic watches in the Grand Seiko collection? I’d love to hear your opinion of the SBGM221, it’s not a limited or special edition but the design is classic and the value is amazing. Thanks again, can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@ProdigalGil]

Reviewer needs to understand "Home Time" and Local "Time". When I travel, my local time is set once off the plane (1st crowd pullout), where the home time is never change. The concept of GMT I always find a bit useless because i still need to check my phone what the country GMT+ Hours is. Also, becuase I live in UK, GMT = Home time, so my local and home is always the same. I actually used the Home time as my 2nd country time, i.e., I work with colleagues in the U.S., so my home time is New York time.

[@danisheverblue]

Great video. Could you do a review of an IWC Portuguese or big pilot. I don't think I have seen you post an IWC before.

[@christ6874]

Do you have copywriter experience, by any chance? Your opening scripts are totally original! Love them 👍

[@HafizJMehmood]

I don’t :) I just put together my thoughts and it’s great to hear they make sense. Thanks so much for the feedback :)

[@zeussugi7936]

Hafiz your videos help to choose watch while staying inside. Thanks !

[@opturanordic2376]

Great review! Love your videos

[@mariusz8751]

Great watch, great review. Good job Hafiz.

[@boysom]

Great video as always. What macro lense did you use to shoot the detail of the dial?

[@conort5410]

Great video as always 👍🏻 I was finally considering pulling the trigger on my first GS but I think I will hold off for another while after watching this. Keep up the good work Hafiz 💪🏻

[@stuartniven2401]

Great review! Thank you!

[@SunsetSheen]

Unbelievable how much these macro shots expose the lack of quality in some of these pieces. Fantastic content as always.

[@robboyer6448]

Really a beautiful piece. Not sure where I am on the spring drive movement...

[@MrUukkii]

Seiko Watch always more beautiful than Rolex

[@steven8733]

Video Spettacolari,complimenti ☺️👏🏼

[@shaheenevans]

Considered and through view of a modern GS, unfortunately just too thick to fit under my shirt cuff

[@neilmartin7776]

Fantastic video. I was looking at purchasing one of these, but seeing the sizing on the wrist it obviously wears much bigger than it suggests (the same sized Submariner would look smaller, for example). And I'd seen and loved images showing the numbers on the bezel glow at night - disappointed that this feature doesn't make it to the 40mm version from the (too large for me) 44mm. I guess the hunt for my next watch goes on.

[@keithgibson9801]

Really great reviews. Nice to have a very interesting and honest look at this watch. Keep this up . Gibbo 49

[@werb24]

Do you feel like this is a product that’s being badged as GS but is really made by A regular Seiko division?

[@TheDarthvader123]

Why the crown and date window on 4 o clock...?

[@aranciodarius2002]

ahimè devo dire che il gran Seiko è un gradino superiore

[@1fox3]

Thx for making this, you mention a lot of negatives, which is a good thing.

[@r.j.1456]

Very impressive presentation of this interesting watch which had the ingredients of being a stunner, but lacked some refinement in the end.

[@erythuria]

I mean green traditionally represents envy...

[@sinafunke3449]

Hello Hafiz, I would like buy these watch. Do you know If your Video have change the quality?

[@craigrees7939]

Like the video! Great shots of the watch. Green also represents envy!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Oh - thanks. I didn’t know about Green being representative of envy. Thanks for mentioning :)

[@logwind]

Well done.

[@rjac001]

"Didn't gain or lose a second" over 24 hours

[@hyphenizm]

and? that's a good thing considering the +/- deviations in mechanical watches.

[@RobertBlanchard]

I was so excited.... this was it! And then I noticed... no coin edge on the bezel? so how do you turn the bezel? I mean it has the 24 hours on the Rehuat... and then you said it. What a mistake from GS... here is hopping they realize it, fall on their sword and redesign it with a rotating 48 click bezel.

[@japd7897]

I love the green colour.

[@blainecole5452]

Thank you for a very informative presentation. Your many criticisms of this particular watch are justified. The watch may appear flawless to the naked eye. But the imperfections under closer scrutiny cannot be unseen. It does seem that Grand Seiko has taken a step back in their quality control.

[@blainecole5452]

@japanwatchconnection : Would you want to be the proud owner of that 1 example?

[@zanef28]

Nice new size but to be honest I much prefer the bigger 44mm hi beat GMT

[@MTCBKK]

Just came here to add another comment to the list of comments already made about this: of course it's a true GMT watch that shows two different timezones. Other than that, nice videos of course, just a bit puzzling coming from you.

[@mchoch4576]

You make some great videos, but the question is , Did you keep it or sell it, My opinion it's still a beautiful watch and easily found where Rolex has let their dealers sell to individuals who resell for profit and the regular guy like me has to beg a dealer for a watch at retail, which I refuse to do. Again thank you for your opinion.

[@asadpetkar3921]

Brilliant review!