An Evening with Grand Seiko GS9 at Topper Jewelers

A flew to Burlingame, California and spent a few hours at ‪@Topper1940‬ for the Grand Seiko GS9 club event.
Erik Strickland and his collection - ‪@watchcodex9510‬

[@stef.o91]

You are definitely one of the coziest, most heartwarming and soothing, yet so relevant voices of the watch community on yt. Keep up the amazing work, you are doing it the right way, Sir. Love the content and the format.

[@YoureTerrific]

Thanks so much.

[@dpz0930]

“I don’t need people seeing what I look like when I eat” 😂. Sounds like something I would say.

[@YoureTerrific]

I'm very happy-and often prefer-eating alone.

[@bipennate]

Erik's collection for the event is phenomenal 😮

[@YoureTerrific]

Tip of the iceberg too.

[@colintipton3513]

Dude, thats gotta be my favorite video you have made. Going to an event, with the community, showcasing the event and the people in our community. That was a joy to watch. Keep up the great work. Youre a pleasure.

[@YoureTerrific]

Thanks. It's one of my favorites too.

[@pescawaldo]

I see me and my ugly balding head haha. Nice to see you again. Strikland’s watchroll is basically a mini GS museum, they’re literally all on the web archive. Amazing guy. What an event. Haven’t had so much fun in a long time.

[@Not_Mark_Twain]

Topper just rocks. Truly a model AD in an age that does not love ADs. Great video - thanks.

[@subodhchawla]

Oh man, I was at the event as well. Would have come said hi if I knew what you looked like!

[@YoureTerrific]

I’ll wear a name tag next time.

[@bernardolhgc]

Thanks for the awesome report for all of us that are part of the GS9 USA club but live abroad and can’t attend these awesome events. Me.

[@TheCoolkriss]

getting to try the Kodo, damn lucky guy you are!

[@YoureTerrific]

That was a damn thrill.

[@MrGeirSteinar]

Great video, and oh man that Tokyo Lion 👀👍

[@atthelord]

Man I remember attending one of these GS events- they even had a master watchmaker assemble a snowflake for the crowd. Very cool event. Great food too! “A little Seiko for everyone”, -GS9/10 would recommend 🌝🍻

[@YoureTerrific]

Would have loved to see that.

[@wc6502]

I will always roll out for a GS event if they come through town. Joe is an incredible rep for the brand and the people that show up are pretty great to hang out with.

[@SteveFWatches]

Thank you for including prices too 😊

[@jimt7292]

You are the best. And thanks to Toppers and Grand Seiko. :)

[@korathu73]

Very cool video! Recently purchased a pre-owned SBGA283, and there is definitely value in this brand. Looking forward to how they evolve the bracelet/clasp in the coming years. Love their case, movement (spring drive), dial, polished hour markers, and hands. Very clasic style. Keep up the amazing job with your videos, I always look forward to viewing them.

[@renv9231]

I’ve been to Topper, they have an interesting and unique selection of watch brands. When I walked in I was greeted shown a few pieces until a more important client came in, then he just walked away from me never to look in my direction again. That is the world of watch salesman “what have you bought from me lately “

[@stephenbaumhauer2593]

So cool! Thanks for sharing. So many reasons to love, GS. But, I just don't. Still, what an awesome event!

[@DougFNJ]

I have GOT to get out to Topper one day. I've bought so many watches from Rob including a GS Snowflake and have yet to meet him. Thanks for taking advantage of the pleasantly surprising event you walked in on. You ARE terrific!

[@HawkDawgfan]

That store is so cool…I went down there and bought a watch last month and spent nearly an hour just talking to all of them and they were so friendly and personable.

[@michellep2682]

Topper is one of my favorite dealers. I went to the that event. I love Topper events

[@itsdavo5810]

my wrist (with the Ming Kyoto GMT) made it into the video!! great to meet you in person!

[@YoureTerrific]

Great to meet you

[@DamienTanner1]

Really enjoyed that video. Thank you!

[@UltraDoug]

Very cool. I was a 'plus-one' at the GS9 in NYC a few months back. It was a lot of fun and kinda mind blowing. The dials, man.....the dials 😳

[@clintonshiells3095]

This was really fun to see. I‘ve bought a GS in the US from an AD, so should be eligible, but haven‘t yet heard from the GS9 club or been to one of these awesome events. Something to look forward to!

[@Annoyedsince1986]

Laventure!!! Hell yea

[@williamjohnson6588]

The SLGA019 is so close to the perfect watch for me. Just wish there were a dateless version…

[@gg.komorebi]

Thanks for sharing this event 👍

[@konadora]

Also, that AOC is a work of art. What a beauty!

[@ryanjofre]

Erik is a watch nerd Demi-god!!!

[@matslundgren1632]

Oh that Halios Topper Universa…and some other watches!

[@marks184]

I went to a Topper / Grand Seiko event around 2012. Topper and Seiko rented a restaurant and had a Master Seiko watchmaker disassemble ans assemble a spring drive movement while people watched. Very memorable. I have been collecting watches since the early 90's and I can honestly say that Grand Seiko is the nicest watch I never wanted to own. For what they are charging for some of their models I will pass. I have purchased many watches from Topper jewlers over the years. I no longer do business with them. The new Toppers looks like a copy of CH Premier. Doesn't have the character and charm of the old place.

[@lukedavies3732]

Great GS coverage! Cheers

[@spoontastico]

I ❤ Topper, and cameos from Rob and Russ and OT and all my nerd friends!! Fun video! ...And why am I too lazy to complete the GS9 enrollment form? 😅😅😅

[@expertreviews1112]

Top video man! totally appreciate it

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

That lake suwa evo 9 in titanium is a watch I would love to have. Truly sublime

[@fieldwalker]

Great vid, wish I could’ve been there!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Here for the Big Wrist Energy...

[@YoureTerrific]

You know what they say: Go big or go anywhere, doesn’t matter

[@xekret]

Ah, Grand Seiko. A brand I used to love. Owned a couple but don’t see myself ever owning another one. Their price points are insane but the secondary market reflects where they truly belong in the $5-8k range for the Evo9 design.

[@UnseenHero]

I had to stop the video and just say. Holy tuck you got to touch the Kodo Constant-Force. That must've felt cool EDIT: Thanks for that quick interview with Erik Strictland, a lot of great info quick from someone who is knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about the hobby.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Would love to see Grand Seiko Europe put up similar events . Been on European GS9 since Feb 2023 and I am still waiting for even just an email with news from the brand.

[@stavros_katsopr]

"You're early!" Grand Success! LOL

[@timemycollection]

Great video thank YOU

[@timetowatch_francois]

“… this questionable hobby …” oh so true 😏 I hope to get into The Club one day … but not today (those prices!! 😱) Thanks for sharing!

[@romey891]

Nice meeting you!!

[@lawrencel1964]

I love Grand Seiko

[@potgieterares]

8:09 imagine if they made something with that case shape + a textured dial and 9f quartz. Instant buy.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Grand Seiko watches look so awesome but I hate that all their watches are so big. Aside from the sgbw line everything is just so chunky. Maybe one day Grand Seiko, maybe one day.

[@rickjason215]

I have a Snowflake and love it. I bought it with a large discount when it came out. I am not interested in spending 10 grand or more on a watch anymore.

[@qvickstep]

The Tokyo Lion crystal box shape seems quite similar with the new Seiko Astron, could you maybe do a review of those? I think it's kind of a totally new direction for the Astron line. It seems it has been extended to GS as well.

[@itsgarydevlin]

I spot a Zach Pina in the thumbnail. Another great watch reviewer!

[@YoureTerrific]

And one cool cat.

[@Dusty10]

I need big watches and would like a review of them

[@bigiona3938]

I think the “Grand Seiko… Watch) was the SLGA013. Awesome video.

[@YoureTerrific]

Thank you!

[@whywecollectwatches]

Grand Seiko watches are on a different level as the craftsmanship of their watches is spectacular!

[@Ozmeister666]

Different level of ugliness for sure!

[@dd-dd2co]

Anyone could enter that event you stumbled upon?

[@artificialingredient]

When you wear that jacket do you fear the back side of the cuff closure stud scratching your watch bracelet? This is something that weighs heavily on my mind when i wear jackets over short sleeve shirts.

[@erwinvlsqz]

SLGA023 seamaster edition.. just joking great release!

[@woozertoo]

Ah…the ever elusive SBGE-Something.

[@YoureTerrific]

1 of 1

[@dannycph]

Can anybody tell me the name and model of the watch at 10:29 at the top, the guy with the wedding ring ? Thanks

[@user-cm3wd5hk1p]

What watch at beginning? I’m a sucker for grey dials

[@emmereffing]

Topper is great

[@KC-bv9kf]

I live in Dallas and somehow I have bought over 15 watches from Topper. Most drug dealers do not have addicts like me, lol, I think!?

[@konadora]

Does Erik have an updated social media profile? Seems like the one that is linked is either outdated and not updated, or he just never updates any socials. Would love to see his collection!

[@YoureTerrific]

He goes dark for months at a time, but you can see a lot here: instagram.com/eriksstrickland/

[@konadora]

@@YoureTerrific Thanks Evan!

[@stebesplace]

SEVEN INCH WRIST, PEOPLE

[@korovkin]

hey! do you live in San Mateo / Burlingame ?! meetup ?!

[@YoureTerrific]

Portland

[@korovkin]

Meetup?! When you are around here ?

[@korovkin]

I will show you all my Casio watches! You will love it!

[@stapleboss]

Anyone know the model @1:37

[@stevep-947]

SBGV233

[@daniell2217]

If GS ever sort out their bracelets, they’re gonna put Omega out of business. Why would anyone buy a seamaster when there’s an SLGA023?

[@Leartech81]

Topper must have their own security force, eh? Or is Burlingame far enough away from the SF shitshow? I'm a huge Grand Seiko fan, but right now I'm having fun collecting the less expensive stuff. I have a 22cm wrist, so I really like the larger case sizes- currently wearing an Aragon Divemaster 4 in 50mm.

[@james460xvryee]

Love their watches, but they need to improve their clasps. It's like owning a custom 1 of 1 Rolls Royce, but the seats are the same as the plastic ones from grade school.

[@samuraimaster99]

everyone says first. im happy to be EIGHTH

[@justthepip]

I'll take the key, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney

[@YoureTerrific]

P Sherman

[@user-qq8jn5bb4m]

That´s a lot of monkey bling right there

[@wyneedsanacoustic]

Which model is it at 1:37?

[@stevep-947]

SBGV233

[@wyneedsanacoustic]

@@stevep-947 Thanks mate, appreciate the reply!

[@jeffdj1975]

GS is the best!

[@beardsforbirds1858]

Wow, never thought I’d see the day, the SBGA481 is the first GS I’ve seen with female endlinks. The male endlinks GS uses on everything else are the spawn of satan, for me. Maybe I’ll get a GS one day after all.

[@timchan334]

Why GS making these 1990 bigass watches??!!

[@emaeder18]

Casey Neistat looks a bit like you :)

[@YoureTerrific]

We share a bloodline

[@grantchavez9304]

"promo sm"

[@chrono1g]

First

[@YoureTerrific]

First-first?

[@MICHAELZHANGCA]

I don't understand why it's necessary to twist the plot and say you "stumbled on" this event.

[@YoureTerrific]

Watch it again: I stumbled on a different event years ago.

[@d.summers719]

This event Make me wish I didn't sell my Grand Seiko spring drive SBGA001.

[@ads-porewealth96]

you’d have to be mad to spend 11k ish in those stupid big divers that look like seikos

[@HRM.H]

This whole GS9 gimmick is very off putting to previous GS owners.

[@JackoFrenchtonDoggo]

Me and my Sea of Clouds 9F quartz salute you! 🫡

[@yonah3696]

sbga009 sbga211 true love

[@fire_watch7735]

What’s with the hockey puck proportions and the Patek prices. Love your content but GS is delusional🫣 Luxury watches are supposed to be refined and iconic, it’s what garners a big part of the cost, and GS isn’t either for the most part. No big adventures, movies, didn’t land on the moon, not designed by a really famous designers, didn’t make watches in wartime, etc.