A Grand Seiko on a budget | Seiko SPB167 Sharp Edge review

[@yoinkhaha]

Yes, Seiko can make these elements you complain about better, but then the watch will be way more expensive. Maybe what you would prefer, but there are people who want something more afrordable while still getting the cool hemp leaf dial, refined case, sapphire crystal, 70 hr power reserve etc. There are more customers looking for this at 800 euro than would be willing to pay twice as much for some of the refinements you desire. Price is everything. One small aside about the logo, it happens fairly commonly in Japanese design that the hemp leaf pattern is interrupted by some kind of overlap or block, for example the obi on a kimono.

[@balesjo]

It's strange how the things he complained about the most are the things I like about the watch. And you're right, they could have addressed the things he mentioned and more, but expect the price to climb. At $1000 USD, it's still not the most expensive watch in the Presage line.

[@kleongleng5706]

Better quality means higher price If one dun mind higher price go for the GS

[@lamentate07]

@@balesjo Seiko fans often underestimate how expensive it is to make dials on this level. Costs have to be cut somewhere. None of the micro brands they compare Seiko to are on the same level at similar price points, and Citizen's aesthetics are mostly bland/boring. Seiko are in their own league.

[@haideral-baldawi2857]

I have the SPB165 (white dial). I understand the criticisms of the logo on the dial, but it is much less prominent on the while dial than the darker coloured dials. It is an eyesore, but it's not very noticeable on the white dial. Also, I don't see what the big deal is with the bracelet and clasp. Sure, the clasp isn't a thick and chunky piece of metal, but it is solid, secure, and gets the job done. Overall, I love it, and am able to comfortably live with the minor quirks it has.

[@timemeasured9137]

Agreed! I have the SPB203 and 205….love them both. Considering getting the 165.

[@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999]

As for me I actually like it that is on a separate pad.

[@thapananawapramote955]

I own spb165j and I fully agree that the logo on the white dial is less eye catching I also like the bracelet and the clasp. It's an improvement from a normal seiko lower price range (seiko5, monster, etc). But at the same time, it is not too chucky which translates to light weight.

[@timemeasured9137]

Seiko has really stepped up with this Sharp edged series and the SPB divers. All amazing watches with GS DNA. Are they perfect, no. But they are so close to perfect that you just have to keep them.

[@doods0602]

You said it yourself, mate. They have the capability to do so but they wouldn't, and it's all about market positioning. It's still a 1k usd watch which can be had for 700ish. And these so called "cutting corners" is nothing new especially when positioning your line up to a target market. If they address most of the negatives you have mentioned then this would slowly go up to the luxury ladder which I dont think it aims to do. It's simply a quality watch that reflects Japanese culture and that's where Seiko gets my respect- they don't pretend to be something they are not. Longines is capable of creating quality clasps as well on their Hydroconquest but chose not to. Looks cheaply made... even a bit cheaper than this Seiko IMO. Swatch wouldn't to give people an impression that it's competing with Omega. Positioning and target market. This is what brands do 🙂 Still a beautiful and quality watch nonethless. I love my red version.

[@jeid3822]

Which do you think the better to get seiko spb 249 or seiko spb 167❤😊

[@muammertalhaoglu911]

167

[@Sizzle_Bear]

Stop comparing every watch to a Grand Seiko or Rolex. It clearly isn't because it doesn't say Grand Seiko or rolex on the dial. This is what every watch channel is doing. Click bait

[@amiranmeshvelishvili207]

As a owner of this watch (the same color) I can say that fully agree with mr. Oleg, clasp is cheep and jingling, doesn't gives the feeling of secure lock, "seiko" applied on platform and you see it every time. But the wathch is so good looking, comfortable (17,5 sm wrist) and matches "smart casual" style, that it replaced my other watches in every day wear. Спасибо за качественный обзор.

[@Watchmade]

If you check the Citizen NB1050 also with sapphire, 100m WR and Miyota 9011 movement BUT with 38mm case size for half of the price that Seiko is asking here, with a much better finishing / Duratect coating, you will probably chose the Citizen. Comes in three color variations, white, black and blue and is a 2021 May JDM release from Citizen. So very much unknown.

[@seejayfrujay]

Not to mention reasonably priced titanium cases as well.

[@DrKrFfXx-0]

1060, yes, it is better than this Seiko. The 1050 lacks refinement. Just seing as it's missing the 3 hour applied marker is just a start. And we don't even start mentioning the dial.

[@lamentate07]

Not even close. The Seiko looks more elevated, has better polishing and a more textured dial.

[@timemeasured9137]

At 39mm, I thought it would wear small like the Sarb033/035, however to my surprise these wear more like 40-41mm.

[@tracephoto1823]

I’m actually considering the SARX089 in red. It’s not as reviewed and recognized, but I just love it….and I’m not normally a ‘red’ guy. Something about it though. Also, the bracelet would be replaced with a leather strap and I don’t mind the logo at all, so I think it’ll be a winner. Great vid!

[@brett2396]

Because of how these new Seiko Presage/SARX models wear, I’d still recommend the Sarb series for smaller wrist people. That watch wears much smaller. Even with the increase in price, you can find them under $600, even under $500 if you really look around. There’s not many dressy everyday watches like the Sarb under 40mm under $1000. Even over $1000, it’s not easy to find.

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

Sarx055. It's just a much better version of the sarb

[@Martaine70]

@@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95 It's nothing like the Sarb and is 44mm.

[@thorrmer8493]

Just got the Seiko with White dial, amazing watch

[@isbestlizard]

I really like the duller steel colour, reminds me of titanium, but with the weight of steel and the scratch resistance of HARD steel

[@DarkPa1adin]

btw, your blue sharp edge looks different from all i've seen. it is a bit darker blue. waiting for their custom dial sharp edge limited edition lol.

[@dandc2011]

Interesting that you say the dial looks better on camera vs in person. Personally, I feel that in camera there are details that just don't get picked up visually like they do when you hold it in your hands.

[@harri4208]

i have a presage sharp edge and absolutely LOVE it! most beautiful watch you can get for under 1000 dollars.

[@jaer.6540]

I agree with everything here and the reason I sold both of mine.... It just felt way too big

[@Oliver-nt8pw]

I find it very weird and unjustified how much trashing seiko gets here in the comments. The video didnt had such a negative tone. The biggest drawbacks were personal preference of the name plate. I think its very wierd to judge the watch based on the bracelet thats clasp might not be perfect. You can just get another strap??? done? Also very unfair to complain that why is it not better, while not showing an example for 1000 dollars that does this much better. You cannot argue that Seiko is capable of doing this in the 5k$ segment, so why they dont have the same at 1k$, obviously there might be actual production costs, not just that they are villains hungry for money. Complaining about strap quality especially while wearing a Rolex. Hmmmm..... I do agree however with the choice of show case back. It's not an amazing looking movement, would be better and perhaps more comfortable to have the back from metal, and even have the watch more thin.

[@lamentate07]

Exactly. It actually looks far more expensive than its price point, so the fact that it has a few small problems/shortcomings is hardly a concern.

[@markplayford5836]

Hi Oleg, yeah I’m a sucker for a nice dial too. I 100% agree with all your comments the male end links bother me (another reason it does not wear so good), in spite of it’s dimensions. The finish I do love though you can see it’s a Seiko miles away as the polishing is next level, almost GS standard. I just bought one of the new cocktails as I loved the dial so much and that has its faults too. Overall I still think the Presage range offer great value for the money (the shippo dial one is really something), and like you say if they gave you everything the Grand Seiko’s may not exist!

[@simonwright6882]

My issue with this piece and many others is when they design a smaller case to suite a smaller wrist and then put male end links that protrude past 50mm.

[@rob45x]

Reminds me of my sarx055. Miss that watch.

[@balesjo]

I've wanted this watch for a long time. However, I started reading about the Orient Star Classic and Contemporary line of watches. While they don't have the drop dead gorgeous dials of the Presage line, I noticed the case looks like the Sharp-Edged design, and the bracelet looked like the same one as on this Presage, only the clasp is a bit larger and offers more micro-adjustments which has been a criticism of this watch. Quite a few sites claim the Orient Star compares to the Seiko Presage line, including a higher level of finishing. In addition, the movements are made in house strictly for Orient Star watches. I noted that the movements have a bit more decoration than the Seikos. Best thing is that the Orient Stars run several hundred dollars less than the Presage Sharp Edge. I've had one Orient watch before and really liked it, so I'm considering giving an Orient Star a place in my collection.

[@drloch]

I would trade that in for a new Alpinist 1959 reimagined. Just take it off the bracelet, put it on a Perlon strap and you will have a beautiful smart and casual, GADA watch. And the Seiko logo is applied! No signed crown though. Perfection is hard haha

[@carlosmobellan9443]

Hi Oleg thanks for your review! The case reminds me of a Samurai

[@ShiTingHuang]

I have SPB309J1,this model has a better logo on the dial! Thanks for sharing👍

[@aubsta1]

The raised Seiko logo application also bothers me

[@marcelodietrich8674]

Great review, and fascinating perspective. I can absolutely understand & appreciate your sentiment. Thank you!

[@Thiago-qt3tw]

Great Video! I own a Seiko SARX055 (baby snowflake) and, in my opinion, it looks much superior comparing to this Sharp Edges in terms of finishing and materials, and both have the same price. I know you also had and reviewed a SARX055 so, I am curious about something: Why did choose this sharp edges instead the baby snowflake? Thanks Oleg!

[@cameron4994]

The sarx055 is a watch I wish I knew about when it released. I'm hoping they do an updated rerelease of it in future (Seiko likes to do that)

[@Michael-ge5ft]

Nice review, but I think the cons of the watch are reasonable. Different price points have different features. For example Rolex could have put the same clasp from the sub in the op but chose not to. In any case I enjoy this watch and have the white dial

[@starfighterusscv-6693]

Great review. I like the SPB217, but I think I'll save my money for a spring drive or Omega.

[@marcoferay5751]

They should have done a version with the martini dial 😍

[@UltraDoug]

Since the bulk of your negatives deal with the bracelet and I’m more of a strap guy, this is major go for me….with the red dial. Thanks for the review 👍🏼

[@SwissOnZ]

The brown one looks like a cookie.

[@iangraham705]

Is it fair to criticise a watch that does have features such as sapphire and a signed crown because their other cheaper models don’t? By that logic they can’t really win….

[@juancarlosbotero6526]

Very good review , honest and insightful . 100% agree.

[@andreaiacolina]

The very first time that I saw this watch at my Seiko's AD I thought exactly this, a GS on a budget. My favorite variation is the green dial with golden hands. Not perfect for sure, but very nice anyway.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

The dial is everything these watches have to offer. I rather buy two different coloured Cocktail Time watches as the dials are amazing. I very rarely keeping watches on a metal bracelet as I favour textile or leather straps anyway.

[@seejayfrujay]

The business with the Seiko logo can't be unseen. That would bug me a lot.

[@ssiipp7848]

"Thats right, a Seiko with a saphire crystal" Uh, many Seikos have saphire crystals dude...

[@jeditrek]

Good review and video. Despite the small dislike elements, I quite like the the look of this watch and can see a place for this in my collection. I think I will look at this watch. Thank you for the good review and detailed thoughts and experience!

[@chi1057]

You raise some good points Oleg. Seiko deliberately cut corners and use cheaper options such as hardlex, unsigned crowns etc when they don't need to and whilst charging a premium. The new Seiko 5 replacing (or not) the SKX is another example. They don't seem to make watches for the consumer anymore, more for profit whilst using their past reputation.

[@BryanO92]

Oleg, I believe your secret link is a fake. Compare photos from a reputable dealer. The big giveaway is the sloppy word mark, it should be a high polish. The power reserve doesn't look right either.

[@jeanrogershu]

Exactly the same feelings : i litterally felt in love with the green dial version last summer. The dial and the wrist (almost a grand seiko) are incredible. But, the more i look at it, the more i tell myself that the rectangle around the SEIKO logo is a mistake, the loom too. What a pity, they could have made the nicest 1000$ watch. 9/10.

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting review. Enjoyed it. keep up the good work on your channel. Regards, #WR4K

[@XHobbiesPrime]

Yes, yes, nice watch. More Oleg please!

[@johnny6171]

Bond is 1 of the cutest animals on the internet!

[@MrFredrictai]

The raised logo platform made the watch look "cost-saving". Also not a fan of the sharp edge dial. They look good at first but they remind me of my old pair of flip flops. The excitement wears off quickly.

[@jimmyschiel3863]

I don't know about Grand Seiko really, I just believe for the money an Omega or Rolex is a better choice. Seiko is fantastic though and this watch has potential.

[@saboss]

Best choice is Vostok

[@jimmyschiel3863]

@@saboss true I love Восток and ПОЛЕТ, I have an eye a Poljet Chronograph love Mother Russia 🇷🇺

[@seavee2190]

Bro, you do not like the watch, why did you buy it? You need to sell it.

[@rioriggs3568]

Sweet, but I feel the same way about the logo plateforme, it makes the watch look cheap.

[@derekshearer9049]

I keep looking at seiko hoping to see something I like. Not yet...

[@davidcoleman2796]

I have a old sarb035. Look for one pre owned .

[@rangorango7545]

Aye buddy, i like it, that dial is eye catching, and lol ..a signed crown ..imagine that ..btw..I bought a 37 mm seiko DX quartz, a few mm thick, vintage seiko..its beautiful..just curious if u have heard of it ..

[@mrlocorio4291]

Bro. It's "really bug you", "really bugger you" means something else completely

[@scottsj4625]

The same thing I hate with Seiko and even Grand Seiko dress watches. (LACK OF MICRO ADJUSTMENTS) This is a turn-off for me as the weather here is a yo-yo and my wrist sometimes needs more room. Most of us have wrists that expand a little when it gets warmer. I know you can swap it out for something else.

[@dhhjsjzjzjjhsjsjh]

I love it

[@stevefox8605]

Yeah, bracelet on my Willard is sh*te, but it's definitely a keeper - a signed crown doesn't bother me at all. Sharp Edge series aren't my style, way too flashy for me. Cheers Bond (& Oleg!) 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Vess_Iossifov]

I like the review in general but the small few elements I dislike made me to dislike the video... It could have been great but the author did not put enough effort to appreciate what he has. Pity, it was almost a like

[@darrensmith6999]

Hi Mr Bond Hi Oleg (:

[@icalexander]

I love my SRPB41J1. That said I look at the sharp edge series and all I can think is OK so I'm paying an extra $700+ for a bracelet with a milled clasp, a slightly better movement (mine comes in around +7) and a different dial. Pass. My blue moon looks like a better value overall (it's bracelet is quite good, I finally swapped it out for a Hirsch Rainbow Lizard strap a few weeks ago) and for what I paid $325 from an AD nothing is going to touch it for a dressier piece. This seems nice but at $1000 is a huge miss.

[@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999]

Very different watches. The shape and the thickness of the case is a result of a much more complex design and work. The polishing is more fragmented on the case/bracelets/indices/hands. The hands and indexes are more refined. The bracelet is an upgrade. The clasp is an upgrade. The mechanical part is an upgrade. Whilst I understand you love your SRPB41j1 ( I also have several Seikos in the same price range ) but compare the two together I think is a mistake. Or if you do, compare it next to each other in person.

[@icalexander]

@@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999 Not really, already done this. I don't see much reason to pay the extra cash.

[@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999]

@@icalexander So you basically disagree, that all the above listed are not better? Or you don't see the difference?

[@icalexander]

@@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999 I don't see the value difference no. In the end most people are going to swap the bracelet for some form of leather strap, the movement is slightly better but that much and ok so the dial has a bit more work in big deal. I don't see the price premium being worth it. Frankly find me a better watch for $325 than the blue moon then we'll talk.

[@csongormartonszutorisz-szu3999]

@@icalexander I don't argue with your buy, for 325dollar Seiko has excellent offers in the presage segment as well. Value for money great choice. My point is, they are in a very different league, it is in 1000dollar segment where it competes with the Tissot powermatic/ Mido or many of the small quality brands like Traska etc... It has the trait of "do it all". - WR check - 70+ Power reserve check (for me, who wears weekday one piece, but change for the extravagant ones in the weekend it is just excellent) - Good bracelet + clasp - Can wear with any outfit - Case finish and measurements top quality As an extra: - Almost zaratsu polishing - Very high finish of indexes - Perfect QC on alignments If you say, that you don't want to spend 1000$ for a watch, because you are happy at the entry level, I perfectly understand. But to state that the two watch is same quality and for the same purpose but one is cheaper is blatant. The devil is in the details.

[@carloslee2663]

Hi, i LOVE tour Chanel, can you speak about sinn watches?,im from Madrid Spain, see you soon in a mes review

[@201950201950]

What bugs me about this watch is that it's a $1,000! It must be the sapphire crystal .

[@mattc3929]

The sharp edge is the exact opposite to the completely curved Willard.

[@japd7897]

The hand's tips are not aesthetical.

[@jimmysegg1728]

i am on the same boat with this watch. was excited about it. then saw it...and ...not for me. the seiko name looks awful tacked on. the base is nicely shaped and good dimensions for me. the signed crown should be on my prospex dive watches that are at or above the same prrice . good review

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

This watch does nothing for me @ $1000 I would go for a Hamilton

[@crvols]

I can never understand why you would pay so much for a watch that many micro brands replicate or exceed for 20% of the price? Is the name worth overlooking the quality short commings? Not to me.

[@waynesellers4078]

Some watches just call to you. The blue dial single crown alpinist does this for me but I know it is not good value.

[@crvols]

@@waynesellers4078 I get it, the only Seiko I ever owned was the original Alpinist but. Sold when prices jumped. You buy what you like and I do the same.

[@VadUlich]

Grand or None Grand it is still Seiko

[@Портретвстекле]

Лучше, продать.

[@davidcoleman2796]

Can't beat my Seiko sarb035. They were made so much better ( sarb035/ sarb033 ) JDM . 6r 15 movement. These new seikos are just to big . I'm not buying anymore seikos. The are costing to much for what you get now . Buy a good San Martin watch . Lol

[@bunyawikaisuksakul]

That SEIKO logo is really killing the aesthetic of the dial 😫😫

[@ep7164]

This Seiko movement is really very bad : unstable

[@syedmohdfasihnaqvi155]

Disposable unrepairable movement. Keep that in mind. Seiko clearly mention on their website that if repair parts are not available they use some substitute parts and if those are not available they will return the watch back unrepaired. And thats for all seiko watches. Only thing that keep me away from seikos

[@bariti86]

I never heard of a seiko watch not being repairable. Especially these lower end ones. There are so many around that you can find parts anywhere. They are easily serviceable and reparable by most watch repair shops. They are also exceptionally reliable movements. They may not be chronometer level accurate out of the factory, but they keep working. I have heard about many 20+ year old SKX models that have never been serviced and still working. So if that is the only thing keeping you away from seiko, I would not worry much about it.

[@Ktrb]

1000$ watch and the bracelet still looks like it was designed for a different watch.

[@DuxEtRex]

I'm done with Seiko. They piss me off. Thinking cheap bracelets and QC issues give them the right to go more up market.

[@dedave]

That clasp is a disgrace on a watch of this price. The tinny nature and lack of adjustment holes make me wonder if the lack of quality extends to the whole watch.

[@woonfaseng8737]

this watch is not worth the money really....just buy a better looking presage Cocktail time old sunray design , at roughly half the price only. it sells for over 1thousand Singapore/Aussie Dollars! WTF???

[@joseoliver534]

I can t believe people buy seiko???for me? Seiko never!!!

[@TheXxsylarxx1]

why?