5 Grand Seiko Watches We Think Changed Watchmaking

[@UzairW]

I'd buy a Grand Seiko over any Rolex any day of the week. The sheer quality and craftmanship with GS id off the charts, for a fraction of equivalent Swiss watchmakers. Also a huge plus of this video: a return to the pure Talking-Hands, no face malarkey as with other recent Watchfinder videos. Love this classic watch review format!

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Trick is to buy both not one instead the other

[@Chiller11]

The thing is one can actually walk out of the store with a Grand Seiko without feeling like you have to take a shower after satisfying the slimy proclivities of the Rolex AD.

[@simonwright6882]

I did buy gs over a rolex. The sbga415 was my choice and it is very special. I went on to buy a rolex and 7 months on I am now selling it.

[@saphna2095]

don't necessarily agree with the first take, but for sure with the second!:)

[@Tikkaspecial]

Yes, you can walk in and buy one but it is instantly worth half of the price you paid. The definition of overpriced.

[@Murph_82]

Just received my brand new spring drive skyflake.. absolute belter watch 👌

[@mtnvalley9298]

I took delivery of my first Grand Seiko today from Japan, and I got an SBGJ273 for my 60th birthday. I've learned since I bought it that the Japanese celebrate the 60th birthday with a party known as 'kanreki' where gifts that are typically red in color are given to the celebrant. Great coincidence! Also, the lunar new year starts today with the year of the Dragon, my birth symbol. What a fun day to enjoy my first Grand Seiko and it's everything everyone says it is. Stunning!!

[@bcgarrels]

I own a Shunbun. I bought it two years ago, and candidly, it is my favorite watch in my collection. It is truly a fantastic watch and fantastic value. Best money I even spent on a watch. Hands down.

[@Zion-18]

No one makes a more beautiful watch anywhere close to the price point. I've toyed with buying a Rolex twice and went with a GS both times.

[@wowlsj]

Same story, both of my GSs are my first and second favorites. I just pull up my wrist and just get lost in the jewelry and craftsmanship of it...

[@rooklift4094]

One of your best videos, Andrew. The Evolution 9 Hi-beat movements and upgraded spring drive movements are excellent too.

[@imadhartleben]

Love nkuwan the way you show it! You really focus on showing off the bag. I don't think any other KZbinr can show off bags in as much detail as you.

[@sukhvindersingh4158]

I wore my SLGA 001 into 3 renowned Swiss watch dealers in 3 continents. When they saw my watch, they told me there was nothing in their shop that would interest me. Its on my wrist more than the rest of my collection only because of its fit, subtle appearance which only the wearer and watch aficionados know. If you want to buy only 1 watch, make it a GS.

[@Michael-Gill]

I'm a one watch guy, on my 6th year wearing an sbga231. Virtually every day it's on my wrist; only taking it off if I'm headed out someplace where you don't want temptation. Shower, sleep, work, play for 6 years. Still 4-5 seconds accurate per month. I still randomly pause to stare at the spring drive sweep every now and again.

[@JonasTykesson-n3u]

The no date Grand Seikos have always been my favourites, I've had my eyes on a SBGX341 for a while now.

[@skzion2]

GS is the only brand from which I'd buy quartz (maybe that's because everyone else treats quartz as garbage).

[@Marshal77]

Whats up with that Credor watch at 11:30? Seems out of place

[@thenexthobby]

I’ll take one of each, thanks. These are the kinds of watches owners will never fully see from a finishing or overall quality standpoint. Just stellar.

[@fishead61]

Just received my first Grand Seiko this week, the SBGW301. This watch is undeniably impressive, especially in terms of finishing and craftsmanship. I am so very pleased with this purchase and look forward to enjoying it for years to come.

[@kiljaeden7663]

I went to Japan last year. Came back with a Shunbun. I didn't intend to buy a watch while I was there. It just kinda happened.

[@ShamrockRagEll]

Great, congrats! I’m in Japan right know thinking of buying either a shunbun or omiwatari. The white birch looked a little dull to me, especially in the bracelet department. Any thoughts here?

[@kiljaeden7663]

@@ShamrockRagEll I preferred the bezeless design of the Shunbun as well as the automatic movement over the manual wind. The dial of the Omiwatari looked a bit of a flat blue compared to the ever-changing pink to silver of the Shunbun. Plus the Omiwatari cost about 25% more.

[@kiljaeden7663]

And yes, the bracelet isn't great due to the lack of micro-adjust but it's not that bad tbh there are some good strap pairings out there.

[@ShamrockRagEll]

@@kiljaeden7663 thanks for your thoughts. What do you think of the white birch/ lake suwa in comparison to the shunbun?

[@jonathanblanco3100]

I love grand Seikos. Such beautiful watches and so well executed. That last one is amazing, but so expensive. I did consider the shunbun but i ended up getting with the white dial omiwatari. I love it. great video Andrew. I love this channel and your own one "andrew morgan watches"

[@rodsalvador3608]

I have the Summer hi-beat and love it! Looking forward to collecting a Shunbun and a Mt. Iwate GMT. Those blue Mt. Iwate dials are underrated!

[@tripvire]

The 9F movement with a STAR ⭐

[@FirestormAA]

Just acquired 2 pieces of GS.... snow & sky flake. Is extremely beautiful & wear really well. Love it will likely looking to.collect more GS.

[@syedzaidi6387]

Took delivery of the pink limited SBGA497, love the finishing on it

[@silvaanosvs8783]

Brilliant video. Interesting and well spoken, with gorgeous watches zoomed in on. And about Seiko, which is the most important factor. 🤗

[@TheFlyingFishy]

Weaking Seiko, is wearing Honour. Wearing Rolex, is wearing Cash.

[@Chiller11]

Wearing Rolex to most owners is wearing a douche bag flex.

[@TheFlyingFishy]

100 percent agreed@@Chiller11

[@mtnvalley9298]

So glad my first high end watch is a GS.

[@bobdenton1]

Remember, *All You Need Is Cash* 💷.-The Rutles, 1978

[@ryannorton1278]

The dial execution really is something else. I understand not everybody likes the various textures, but the hands and indices are amazingly finished

[@googleuser6972]

Credor macro seen during the Omiwatari 😊

[@rashakor]

I saw that too, it confused me for a few seconds

[@Dugger1991]

White Birch should be mentioned!

[@actnaturally388]

It’s funny you say that because when the White Birch was launched everyone thought it would replace Snowflake as the icon of GS, however so many years later Snowflakes is still the icon. The White Birch is a brilliant watch I’ve tried it on many times and it is definitely on my list.

[@Koishishibaman]

Ended up trading my shunbun in on a black birch. Other than the cost, like it much more.

[@mohammedislam8992]

I love GS. There is connection you get with their watches you simply don’t get with others. You can simply wear it and everytime you admire it, it makes your heart flutter

[@Edmonton-cp1mc]

Thank watchfinder, I brought my first GS Shanbuun because of this video.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

GS quartz movements are the bees knees, the cats pajamas some have said

[@wowlsj]

Re: your ending comments; how about the SBGA373. Champagne dial and on a dark alligator stap. Chefs kiss 💋

[@barneyrubble9309]

Snowflake is my daily...just about perfect watch and i even like the power reserve.

[@gordtulk]

It’s my weekday watch. Really enjoy it.

[@speedmaster6781]

Same for me. I sold my Datejust.

[@kiljaeden7663]

As the power reserve is modelled after a Japanese fan I look at it now more as a motif than a function.

[@Chiller11]

I’m taken with the GMT from the Elegance Collection SBGM221.

[@robertlock6041]

Me too Chiller...

[@aran.j_]

Shouldve included the Kodo and hi-beat.

[@chriscon8463]

I’m not a big quartz guy, but I believe I’d love & wear a quartz GS.

[@patrickhartmann1540]

GS = my next purchase. Be nice if they came out with more sub 40mm spring drives. A SBGA427 w different dial would do nicely. If not, I’ll need to save hard for an Omiwatari

[@waterfordrs22]

I would highly recommend their mechanical offerings, such as the SBGW231, SBGW267, SBGW293, SBGK007 are all great. Yes the spring drive movements are great, I prefer the manual wind better, but all their movements have horological interest

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Those are great watches indeed. It’s just that I have lots of great watches with mechanical movements, but none with spring drive. 😊

[@Koishishibaman]

I own the dark side twin. Sbga429. Really a nice SD watch. Never used, or sized the bracelet. Bought a green alligator strap from strapco. Pops with color. Matches, kind of, the second hand and power indicator. What? A GS with green hands😂

[@BaoMeista]

Snowflake gang assemble!

[@TeethOfTheFae]

I'm going to purchase a Shunbun from my AD within the next few months. I tried it on last week and was blown away. As beautiful as the dial is in pictures, it can only truly be done justice on the wrist. You won't find this level of finishing and attention to detail from a Swiss brand unless you're prepared to pay significantly more.

[@lambamthankyoumaam]

I have had it since 2020, it is my most worn watch because it is easily the most comfortable and beautiful. The only thing I miss from it at night is lume. I have seriously considered the mistflake and other evo9s for this reason. Still have zero regrets, the dial is stunning, the weight is stunning, and the time keeping is dead accurate.

[@CrownRider]

As a proud owner of the Shunbun Cherry Blossom spring drive for 2 years now, I think the Tentagraph will add satisfaction with technologies such as High Beat by a dual impulse escapement, two spring barrels, automatic winding and chronograph functions. All amazing features in one watch.

[@BasedHadrian]

I just wish Grand Seiko would improve on their bracelets both aesthetically and the feel. The only let down

[@Chiller11]

Yes I know. So much attention to detail on their dials and cases but then a less than stellar bracelet. Why?

[@BasedHadrian]

@@Chiller11no idea. It’s fine to some and they say the feel is great but compared to other high end brands I disagree. You can spot an AP or Patek or Rolex or Cartier or omega bracelet from a mile away and know it’s got an aesthetic appeal and feel that’s worthy of the watch it’s paired with. Grand Seiko the bracelets look the same and don’t feel too different to a $700-$1000 Seiko. Plus they look different finishing wise to the watch case sometimes idk.

[@matthewdale956]

This has been a problem since 2010 and something I’ve heard many people say….tbh I thought the bracelet was ok when I tried one on but nothing special,also I was they would change the annoying product codes ,just call it sunbun or whatever 😂

[@rashakor]

I own a snowflake which my daily. The only reasons I would hesitate for a second GS is indeed the bracelet which is junk compared to the Seamaster I also own. On second thought, i also dislike those fat hour markers and stubby hands on some of the high beats.

[@trevorberisford7111]

Sbgm221...understated, perfect.

[@Redtale1106]

If Grand Seiko would only make a spring drive diver with a ceramic bezel no date or date with no cyclops but in a manageable size and thickness. Maybe one of similar proportions /water resistance of the rolex sub. Then sticking with the nature theme calling it the blue fin tuna! It would contend if not beat the current rolex sub. Prove me wrong!

[@hunterhagan3974]

The last watch, SBGD001, should be call white noise

[@LQSnake]

slga019 , the revered titanium lake suwa is also quite the gist of their best of the best lineup.

[@mickyfinn9331]

The new challenger is the SBGJ249. ShoSho I have the ShunBun sbga413 but the ShoSho is magic Bought A dark blue original GS alligator strap and clasp while in Japan last week and it’s transformed it into a beautiful dress watch.

[@letspsychology5240]

Dials and movements seem amazing. Bracelets and clasp not so. As Graham gooch once said of New Zealand when Richard Hadley was playing: “it’s world class at one end. Ilford 2nds at the other. “

[@levterterian8219]

Simply magic, especially the last entry.

[@billbrecht707]

Great video!! Thank you Andrew!

[@brianjolly7906]

Nice, although I would have thought the SBGM221 GMT would have been on the list, a true classic and mainstay of GS’s line up

[@RJW998]

SBGA407 Skyflake for me ❤

[@dimasakbar7668]

I really believe that GS Hi Beat caliber needs to be mentioned and celebrated in in itself, especially in the Birch dial

[@selvanga2962]

What is the cost, & where it is available? Pl reply

[@MrKkramme]

Great video ❤ Thanks 🙏!

[@julbor9002]

Love GS! I cant help myself, but i always hate the look of the bracelets sadly. would love them to change those up a little!

[@Timetrends-n5t]

Can't believe you didn't mention the 8j56, superior to the 9f range

[@WatchDanReviews]

It’s just the best watch company out there. When the rest of the world recognizes it the price of their watches will go up, so if you’re on the fence it’s probably time to buy one soon. I absolutely love mine and I wear it more often than any other watch in my collection. If you value quality, 100% total vertical integration and attention to detail that rivals any of the most expensive Swiss brands, then Grand Seiko will be for you!

[@chowda4u]

I don't mind the power reserve on the front of the snow flake, but would like it positioned at the 9 o'clock and turned counter clockwise 45 degrees to give it better counter balance to the date window at 3 o'clock.

[@ShamrockRagEll]

Omiwatari vs Shunbun - what do you guys think? I am in Japan right know and may bring one of those two home.

[@austin73]

Great video. I'd argue, Spring Drive is not a quartz movement. Quartz movements are electric stepper motor movements. Spring Drive is a fully mechanical movement where the mainspring 100% drives the gear train and motion works. It is regulated by quartz via siphoned energy from the rotor.

[@loweewolwed9834]

The Kodo Constant Force Tourbillion is no slouch either.

[@Seaward1224]

GRAND SEIKO EVOLUTION 9 HI BEAT GENBI VALLEY GREEN 40MM 40mmGreen SKU: SLGH021G One and one watch that you will never see on another wrist also!

[@MotorcycleMumbling]

You need something with the new Hi-Beat movement 9SA5. I'd say the White Birch / SLGH005.

[@Koishishibaman]

Think GS watches are special. Have a quartz similar to the one you have one the list. Tough watch! I owned the sbga413 shunbun for a couple of years. Beautiful watch, but never bonded to it. For me, not enough contrast between the hands, and the dial. Too hard to read most of the time. Thought about trading or selling it for a while. Was thinking about one of GS SD ti divers, but went a different route. Ended up trading it in on a high beat black birch. Other than the extra cost, a better watch for me. Now I am looking at older classics. Sbgx033, sbgr017. Think I am getting into some vintage watches now. I would love to have some hand wind GS. Mechanical, or SD would work.

[@JaySmith-pv2mw]

I got the SBGA413 Shunbun last summer. Every time I wear it I just stare at the dial and the absolutely smooth second had sweep. I way overspent BUT I don't regret it a bit.

[@kennethgrisham9409]

Think my next pick up will be the SBGX341

[@bambammartin1556]

I’ve had my snow flake about a year. I wear it a few days a week. I’m also careful, and the entire thing is scratched to hell just from daily use.

[@clintonshiells3095]

I would have included the SLGH005, especially given the 9SA5 movement, to say nothing of the dial, case, and bracelet

[@reezevlog]

i just bought a JR Nagoya Takashimaya Limited Edition (35pieces worldwide)…SBGA487….

[@ChrisFastM3]

Surprised they didn't bring up with White Birch, because of the new design language, killer movement that took 9 years to develop and striking dial.

[@MERKAMGCLK]

Now I'm going to have to go home at lunch and put on my GS SBGV245.

[@D3Vlicious]

Surprised none of the watches with the Dual Impulse Escapement, especially the White Birch, made this list.

[@twl8053]

Was planning for a Watari or Shanbuun when I was in Japan a few month ago, got a SLGH013 instead. I hope that Shanbuun transparent caseback doesn't has that huge ugly GS sticker on it, Watari looks good upon close up but everything seem small when u wore it on the wrist, feels very underwhelming.

[@mikejenkins6904]

The Kodo (but I guess you couldn’t get hold of one to film it😂).

[@maplehedgehog789]

oh ya, that's a good point. He probably just didn't have any high end friends to hook him up with that high end piece. True true true true true, no doubt no doubt no doubt no doubt

[@claudioviniciocottoarechav8751]

You just left out the most important (and beautifull) SBGM221 Any way, it's also my personal likeness...

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

SBGD001 is extraordinary beauty.

[@mightya]

Imagine aGS with a Tudor t-fit clasp.

[@JasonCheungNY]

Be warned. The Snowflake (or most other GS watches) will end your watch collection. Everything else just feels meh in comparison.

[@DodyChai]

You’ve clearly never worn a Lange before.

[@matthewdale956]

Where’s the white birch ?

[@Mildredminx]

Love the Elden Ring shoutout!

[@ejayh.8360]

I just don't understand why GS gets so much diss from other watch collectors, I did not take GS seriously before but I did not hate them either, I was open to giving them a chance. I saw one in person, and I damn, the quality was top notch.

[@GapBahnDirk]

Ah, Grand Seiko! 👍👍

[@nealdranoff6426]

A model that doesn't get the love it deserves is the Mt. Iwate.

[@BeardyMacBeardFace]

Is it really a quartz movement if the quartz functionality is not moving the movement, but rather slowing it? 😉

[@dtchua]

I wonder why there is such negativity regarding the power reserve of Grand Seiko on it's dials.. yet I don't hear the same negativity on other watches with power reserve indicators on their dials such as on Patek Philippe or A. Lange & Sohne. Is this just nitpicking?

[@Jkan2001]

GS are great but the bracelets are not to up par with the big boys

[@JamesAlexander14]

At last a video without the promotion of Rolex. Grand Seiko certainly knows how to produce beautiful watches. Less pretentious than Rolex,and better build. What is not to like?

[@meicao6822]

We don’t buy watches solely on value. . . Same can be said for other luxury goods such as hand bags and cars

[@graemearmstead9237]

My White Birch is very beautiful.

[@wowlsj]

Craftsmanship, I mean even the hands are capped! Who does that.

[@WatchDanReviews]

5:32 you can see the unfinished underside of the second hand. Still looks clean!

[@nekeke1]

Impressive!.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Grand Seiko makes relevant watches, and so many of the legacy brands like Breguet, JLC and Blancpain don't. That's the difference, and why Grand Seiko is in the ascendancy.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Too many recycled GS dials recently 😢

[@michaelh.1627]

The Omiwatari is pure class. Perfect in its simplicity.

[@skzion2]

It is, isn't it? That simplicity can only be achieved with great labor and patience. Btw, take a look at the back. You will find an almost subliminal texturing of the openings and observed components.

[@WilliamInternational]

I think it’s way past time to discontinue the snowflake, that would be their best marketing move right now. FOMO.

[@5DMy]

I really wish you could go back to the old style of watch reviews...

[@vktravellog1242]

One warning I have is GS US service center is really awful. They tune their watch using +8/-1 and my watch new was running + 1-2 sec a day and it came back running +6-12 seconds a day. Their service is crap! For a watch costing 7k I expected the accuracy to be about +2 sec. in comparison my 4R movement in a $270 watch is at +8-12 sec a day. I will never ever buy a hi beat GS ever again!

[@galang4377]

Same sentiments here owning a white birch hi beat, although the specs would say +8/-1, it’s awful to see the watch so advanced after a few days. Spring drive though are very reliable.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

SBGY003

[@OwnedRL]

I love the videos but I always laugh when I see bro holding the watch in his left hand and motioning his right hand as if he's talking over it.

[@RayMelville]

You lost me. 5 GS watches that changed watchmaking and no mention of any Evolution 9 watch with the gorgeous and innovative 9SA5 movement? 4 Spring Drive watches, 1 Quartz and no mention of a truly mechanical high beat with 80 hrs reserve watch like the White Birch? Something is seriously wrong here.

[@RightWingRadioShow]

Hi beat is terrible at kerping time. Evo 9 has oversized bracelets.

[@cetterus]

Shame SBGV245 was made out of soft metal. Otherwise beautiful piece IMO.

[@Lyndalewinder]

Its better watching the hands

[@PabloTBrave]

So sad they put so much effort into dial, moment and finishing and then get the tea boy with a 50p budget to design the bracelet and clasp which they then high polish wtf . Love the watch heads but unless you want it on a strap which is a good choice its a no the watch is the whole thing .

[@Diderot68]

I am quite tired of GS direct or indirect ads. I don’t think they have changed watch making world at all. I won’t buy one.