A Casual Grand Seiko | SBGA375 Spring Drive | Review

Stay up to date with Worn & Wound: wornandwound.com/review/owner...
Check out the latest releases at Windup Watch Shop: windupwatchshop.com
Hang out in person at Windup Watch Fair: windupwatchfair.com
"This is a review quite some time in the making. It started in March of 2021 when I went a little crazy. Well, watch-crazy, to be more accurate. You know that mental state when you get obsessed with a watch and can’t stop looking up information about it, the brand, the movement, comparable watches (to make sure you’re correct in your obsession), etc? Yeah, that. Somehow, somewhere, the idea of Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive got deep in my psyche, and I needed to get one. Not wanted, needed..."
Hashtags:
#wornandwound #grandseiko #springdrive #SBGA375
Chapters:
00:00 - Grand Seiko SBGA375
03:48 - Case Design
09:03 - Dial Design
14:16 - Spring Drive Movement
16:11 - Wearability & Style
19:22 - Final Thoughts
Experience Enthusiasm

[@NicholasCFranklin]

Thank you W&W for continuing to cover timepieces without being blatantly shilling to sell product like Big H has become.

[@FluxedState]

Don’t you suspect that Worn & Wound has some sort of business arrangement with GS? Sure seems like it.

[@thachnguyen5836]

True!

[@katshoulders4576]

@@FluxedState We don’t, if editorial is sponsored, we will be more than open that it is. Fact is, we’re all honestly just in love with the brand and have a difficult time not talking about them more 😅

[@lymon800]

@@katshoulders4576 i must say your current tagline "experience enthusiasm" is very well understood, appreciated, and felt. i can see you guys just love watches and love to talk about them. none of that "if it's less than five thousand dollars it doesn't deserve to have a see-through caseback" vibe.

[@lewisjones3345]

Preach!

[@thompsonterry4804]

I’ve not tried a Grand Seiko, but the spring drive has appealed to me for quite some time. The size and proportions of this model suit me, and it looks great. I appreciate the depth and detail of your experiences with this 375. Great review!

[@zachweiss8563]

Thanks! glad you enjoyed!

[@noncorporeal1024]

I was not expecting to view all 21:26 minutes of your video. Not only did I watch all of your presentation, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It also altered my thinking around whether I would like wearing this watch. You certainly made such an acquisition more desirable. Thank you for producing so much more than an "unboxing" video.

[@wornandwound]

Thanks!

[@waterfordrs22]

Definitive reviews you consistently put together, this one is no exception. Thank you for going g the extra distance, there’s a lot of thought behind the content, that matters.

[@NABROWNEBMX]

I have the SBGP003 9F, and you've taken all of the words out of my head in regards to how i feel about it, as well as bringing up interesting points that made me appreciate the design even more. Thanks for the video

[@zachweiss8563]

The 44GS 9Fs wear so well.

[@JizzyNinja]

Really enjoy these longer video reviews - love the watch, thanks for the review!

[@Bigiona31]

When I got into watches not sure I could have imagined how much a case would matter to me. Hands down the 44GS is my favorite watch case. I have the SLGH009 and it’s my favorite piece, for all the reasons you shared. Great video! Can wait to see my GS more broken in over time like yours 😊

[@MDchaz]

Great review. I have the silken sun ray version of this watch SBGA373. I love how the dials change character in different lighting. I love the power reserve complication on the front of these watches. There is no confusing these 44GS watches with any other brand.

[@GyulaHoreczki]

I have this model bought just a few weeks ago and found this review great about the feelings around it, not just the pure specs. To be honest I wear it on the factory bracelet but as per your video I've got the catharsis and immediately ordered 3 different straps that could fit on the watch. I have several other watches, some cheaper and several more expensive but I can confirm, the details and the quality of the Grand Seiko's are way above higher than anyone could expect for the price. One of my best choices recently, I think I'll keep this one for a long period even though the others might be exchanged as time flies by... Thanks for the video, again, great content!

[@olivierblomme6414]

Thanks Zach. Great video. Honest review. Natural you. I been looking to get a spring drive for ages and could not make up my mind until o saw this video. Just pushed the button on one. Thanks to you video. Keep up the excellent work. Enjoy watching your stuff. Wishing you all the best.

[@Ballad64]

Love these w&w long form video reviews. More please.

[@zachweiss8563]

Thanks! they take a while, but we're trying :)

[@donrogan2812]

Great review Zack, as a recent GS owner I now understand the pleasure of owning one. Points you made, are things I continue to discover on my own.

[@zachweiss8563]

Congrats on the GS!

[@jasonfroggett3353]

Wonderful review. It’s a fabulous piece - I’ve owned an sgba375 for 18 months and it’s become my everyday wear. I also have a limited edition Speedmaster, a Sub and a GMT Master II and by a long distance the GS stands out as my favourite. I initially wanted the Snowflake but the blue dial just took my breath away.

[@boldaslion281]

Does it look navy in most situations?

[@richardwarren2024]

4 months later, this outstanding video is helping me pick my first Grand Seiko. Thank you!

[@wornandwound]

Good choice!

[@jacquesn8ir]

Ordered one today and enjoyed your review!

[@gg.komorebi]

this is for me the most iconic watch from Grand Seiko because it has two special features which are the 44GS case and the spring drive movement

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Excellent review. And I'm glad to see that, for relaxing times, Zach makes it Suntory Time.

[@sebastien6483]

This video rekindled my adoration of Grand Seiko. There's a lot of louder brands that steal my attention but after owning a basic Seiko for some time, Grand Seikos are easy to love.

[@MrLuckyace89]

Great review! Mesmerising watch

[@zachweiss8563]

thanks!

[@MyWatchTherapy]

So glad to hear it isn’t super dressy. I am looking for the exact specs he did: spring drive, 44gs case, and not super pricey! Check check and check. Great review!

[@markbeem4467]

Beautiful watch! Great review.

[@jimhim585]

Lovely choice, but I think the SBGA469 is the way to go. It is amazing in person. The deep indigo textured dial with the silver polished markers and hands is mesmerizing. Also, props to GS for still having drilled lugs. The 44GS case with the SBGA469 dial would be amazing. Although, the cases from the SBGA413 and SBGK007 are right up there. Throw on as anthracite or dark green nato and that's good living.

[@mt24Carson]

Thanks Zach for the review. I actually looked at getting this one myself, although ended up with the SBGH273 Autumn Seasons version. Hi-Beat instead of Spring Drive. Great taste in whiskey.⌚👍🇯🇵🦁🥃

[@ivs1110]

Amazing review - 100% agree this GS44 inspired case looks way better on a leather strap than on a bracelet!

[@chia-mingyang5804]

I am a big fan of Spring Drive and after I owned my first GS SD I love them more. So I got a Credor Eichi II and I can't stop wearing it for three years! I understand it's not a technology for everyone, but if you are interested, it's definitely worth a try.

[@ryangochuico]

Great review! I had trouble picking between the sbga375 and the sbgp003 as my first Grand Seiko. If the sbga375 had a black dial, i would have picked it up no contest. Since i already own a spring drive seiko LX, i ended up picking the sbgp003 for its dial color. It also ended up being my first high accuracy quartz watch to diversify my collection of mostly mechanical watches and gshocks. I am very happy with the 44GS case design. The polish is really beautiful! It does come with a price. High polish attracts hairline scratches very easily. This is my most scratch magnety watch of all. 😅 but i still love it. 🥰

[@randallhill7979]

Thank you for the Excellent review. It’s a beautiful watch.

[@edkwon]

Nice review, the SBGA375 was my gateway into GS and I loved that watch, but then subsequently sold it to get an SBGA413 Shunbun, but I missed that design so much I now have TWO more blue dialed 44GS pieces, 2022 is an insane year for the 44GS models lol

[@67tagada]

Very nice presentation. I hesitate between this one and the SBGY 009. I already have a "Skyflake" SBG407. The level of finish and the level of precision of this Spring Drive movement is simply exceptional!

[@chia-mingyang5804]

SBGY009 for 9R31

[@johnmonachelli5256]

beautiful piece top notch review

[@simmysharma6845]

Thats a beautiful watch you have reviewed for us. 👍😊

[@HumainXVII]

That was a really pleasant video to watch. Nice presentation. Thank you.

[@Gartenriese87]

Wonderful review

[@smoothcap1]

Beautiful watch and nice strap combo

[@Peter_WongVI]

Love it!

[@dultanur]

Excellent review on one of my favorite watches of all time! It was my must buy for the longest time (until I tried on the SBGA443 and it was love at first sight). I wholeheartedly agree with all your points and thank you for showing us how much of a strap monster this thing is. I was wondering did you try the SBGH289? How did the smaller size compare?

[@VaishakhRavindra]

Love this take. Exactly how feel about GS having spent lot of time looking at the different models - that the one I get will be a 44GS Spring drive on a classic strap. And the red katana has been released just in time...

[@pigsydney]

It is a lovely watch.Seiko makes fine time pieces that rival the Swiss brands.For relaxing times,make it Suntory time.

[@cedarcanoe]

Wow what an incredible GS ❤

[@theenavybluemonster]

Got mine a few weeks ago. I love it! Only negative for me so far is the 19mm lug width as my strap collection is only for 20mm. This is my first and only 19mm lug width watch.

[@franklongo1643]

Interesting, I went through the same decision process. For me, the textured dial won and I purchased the SBGA469. The 44GS case, although beautiful, doesn’t seem to hold up well to the rigors of daily wear. But I still want one😊. Thanks for the video.

[@Tunnelsnakes]

Looking forward to see more Grand Seikos with hand wounded Spring Drive with power reserve in the back. Would love the SBGA413 in that form, that would be my perfect watch in my opinion. Perhaps they can do a heritage revival series.

[@Dronetothetop]

The best review on this watch.

[@wornandwound]

Thanks!!

[@richardlebon6712]

By far the best watch for the money! 🌟

[@glorysword]

Great review, Zach. Owned and loved this watch but ultimately moved it on for a few reasons. 1) The 44GS case, while stunning, doesn't work in 40mm case size. I think 38-39mm would make more sense. 2) The lugs are quite wide, which is fine when worn on the OEM bracelet, but at 19mm between the lugs, it looked awkward and top heavy when put on straps. 3) The bracelet had no micro-adjustments. 4) I wore the SBGA413 Shunbun far more and ultimately I decided to keep only one, and the SBGA375 had to go... This, in 38mm but with the same indices/hands just shrunken proportionally, and 20mm lug width would've been an absolute winner! I find these so much more pleasing to look at than the new bloated Evo 9 cases. It's almost like Rolex's transition from the beautiful 40mm 16570 5-digit Explorer IIs to their beefy, bloated 42mm 6-digit successors. Just not as refined. I'm sure GS will see the error of its ways and revert back to more classy hour markers / indices.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

I have a SBGW289 and it's 36.5mm case wears perfectly on my 16.5cm wrist.

[@jirikrajnak9047]

Great review, as per usual. Watch is not my cup of tea (I'd rather a Datejust or Air King), but this channel definitely is.

[@ricchrono5907]

I own the snowflake, to me hands down still the best GS, I do wear it as a sports watch / everyday watch and its in active rotation alongside other favourite ones within collection. Very much like you I never worn the bracelet, I have kept it on different rubber straps, mostly grey or navy. My only criticism, lack of Lume, could use at least some.

[@VictorAdameArt]

That's it, I'm getting one.

[@VictorAdameArt]

I got one.

[@dapetik]

What a great review! I may get the same watch. I wouldn't use the factory bracelet either. I'll use canvas, nato, or leather. I really wish GS made something to compete with the Explorer

[@diablomadvanced]

Ah ....japanese whiskey...GS with spring drive...love it Sometimes when i daydream, i wonder what would happen to spring drive if exposed to EMP wave...for example, solar storm that can kill off all things electronics...

[@zachweiss8563]

woah... I'll try to avoid EMPs for now, but good question

[@YongJoonPaek]

I mean seriously, THIS is a review. actually a watch he understands and has used for real on a day to day basis. not just marketing content.

[@greenerick]

Have a Seiko LX titanium spring I know what you mean. Great video

[@Joe-xo3xy]

Hey Zack, you have read my mind, this is one of my grail pieces from GS because it is the only dial in a 44gs that is close to black and houses the old spring drive. The new spring drive is well finished but the architecture sucks with all those bored holes. They better get that flaw fixed. Anyways, make sure you do not let go of it, future collectible in my opinion

[@lymon800]

got here because i still could not decide exactly which GS i would like to get. i've been having a dilemma between the SBGA439 and the SBGA467, but this video made me realize how much more faithful to the heritage concept this SBGA375 is. the dealbreaker for me here is the original bracelet -- i'm really not feeling those polished-lines-on-the-inner-links-thingy (whatever its proper term is). the SBGA439/467 has a more elegant bracelet, but now comparing them to the SBGA375, they're more "standard"-looking too, and do not capture the 44GS essence as clearly. thanks zack for this great video... i now have to think between three watches 😅😅😅

[@wornandwound]

Tough choices!

[@Chrissepisje]

It's nice to see a review that comes from someone who just loves the watch that they have. Very well done. I moved away from the 44GS case in favour of the more conservative basic case on the GS, but you are right, I should try a leather strap once more.

[@bobbyp8443]

Looking at this one, or one of the Soko editions: SBGA471 or SBGH295 for my first Grand Seiko. Like you, it’s been a long journey. Special occasion watch to walk my daughter down the aisle and mark the occasion. Suit is medium blue 🙂. Any advice? I have two tool watches purchased while in the Army that I love: Omega speedy and discontinued Seamaster 2254.50 but the dials and finishing don’t compare. I appreciate your channel and in depth reviews.

[@wornandwound]

You have to go with your gut!

[@justeenabella]

Sbga469 fits your bill!

[@MadMax76er]

The King Seiko KSK has a nice surface area of Zaratsu polishing

[@BrokeWatchFanatic]

This was supposed to be my first GS, but I figured the polished lugs were going to drive me insane with every little scratch.

[@zachweiss8563]

It's a lot of polished surface area, so... yeah, they get scratched 😅

[@joshuagoldstein8170]

Hey Zach! Which strap is this? Pls post a link or info. Thx

[@wblackburn0316]

What brand was the tan nato?

[@MyWatchTherapy]

What is the average retail price?

[@mohamedahmed1023]

Does this have lume?

[@robertl8429]

It's not really casual imho. put it on a metal bracelet and make it an all rounder.

[@oni-one574]

Every day watch, 100wr, no lume... **why!!!!**

[@KeepingWatchUK]

I’d say it was more of a dressier piece tbh. Stick with a Sub or Explorer as your everyday 👍🏻

[@zachweiss8563]

that's fair, though for a non-lumed watch, it's very legible because of how they treat the dial furniture.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

I am happy to give up lume for beautifully made hands.