Cheap Seiko vs Expensive Grand Seiko

[@watchfinder]

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[@AngelRivera-fp9md]

I paid $150 for my sea urchin 3 years ago. After some falls, hiting it with everything, water exposure, high and low temperatures, mud, sand, and daily use for work (blue collar job) its still running and loosing just 5 seconds a day. It doesnt matter the price range, seiko never disappoints.

[@trane22j]

My SKX has 4 years I've worked in the vinewood with it, painted, warehouse job, partying etc.. and the only scratch is in the aftermarket oyster bracelet

[@Epiha]

I gave my son my Sea Urchin after acquiring my Seiko special edition PADI diver with blue dial. I missed my Sea Urchin so much I ended up finding and buying another one and wear it every day, while my PADI gathers dust. It's my favorite watch ever. The font size on the bezel is equal to the font size GS bezel, and yet my Sea Urchin has a silver framed day/date window. For me it's one of the most underrated Seiko's out there. Good luck finding one for sale.

[@1968jpy]

I own the JDM Pepsi Sea Urchin and one of my best and all time favorite watches ever . I also own the Padi Turtle 🐢, the SBDC033 Sumo/Blumo and the SKX009. With that said the Sea Urchin being the most affordable is still amazing 🤩

[@nambest5256]

Great review / compare. Could you do a Sinn 104 review?

[@1physics]

Surely the point is that if you pay $15000 and you know full well that it's not much better than a $150 watch, as well as having none of the romance or history of a classic Swiss timepiece, you will be disappointed...or you should be.

[@sylinmino]

As much as I love Grand Seiko, I think they've gotta overhaul their divers. I actually prefer most of Seiko's divers over GS's if we're talking design and dimensions.

[@ProfessorPesca]

Agreed. I’ve got a Samurai and a SPB153 Willard and would be nailed on for a nice GS diver. But they all have those hideous cathedral hands and dull as ditchwater dials. Ironic when GS mostly trades on it interesting/crazy/beautiful dials elsewhere in their catalogue.

[@sylinmino]

@@ProfessorPesca the real irony is that Grand Seiko has such interesting designs and such a steadfast design language in almost every line they make, and then their divers are just Submariner/Sea Dweller knockoffs with worse specs.

[@Ryan-fh9fh]

Agreed grand Seiko really only has good dress watches

[@WouterZtube]

Same here. Wouldn't trade my SLA047J1 for any of the Grand Seiko divers. Just not as clean in design.

[@sylinmino]

@@Ryan-fh9fh they make good sports watches too! The Snowflake and White Birch may look dressy but their specs are sports watch specs. The sports GMTs look fantastic too. Even their chronographs, while acquired tastes, are still super impressive. It's mostly the divers that are a problem.

[@simonwright6882]

The accuracy of spring drive is far better than the specification guidelines. My 9r65 has only gained 2 sec in 3 months. This is the actual level of accuracy. Mind blowing!

[@AbdulHamid-pi9kp]

Typical Seiko. Always under estimated their accuracy. My 6R15 losses 2 sec per day...

[@cy4624]

@@AbdulHamid-pi9kp my 6R15 in sarb was dead on for 7 years beating out all my big boy swiss/German brands.

[@predragjo5977]

What about my 7s26 in SNKL43 that's gaining only 6 seconds a day for 5 years straight, and it's like the most basic Seiko Movement ever. Seiko NEVER disappoints.

[@simonwright6882]

Under promise and over deliver. It is the seiko way 🙏

[@acergraham7801]

"If Invicta were bought out by Patek Philippe, this is what would result." Ten out of ten, Sir, ten out of ten.

[@bryanschairer4375]

I have owned this very SRPD in the video for the last month and it has quickly become my favourite. I enjoy it more than my TAG quartz Aquaracer and similar styled Movado. It looks great, wears great and the accuracy is acceptable. It is mechanical after all. At it’s price point it offers fantastic value.

[@garynico9872]

what color variant did u choose?

[@bryanschairer4375]

@@garynico9872 the blue dial. The very model shown at the video’s open.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I have one too in green dial and bezel. I really love this watch, and yes, I do have a Rolex too.

[@pasquale78]

Mine only gains 8 seconds per day, which very acceptable to say the least.

[@kennetha.1937]

Seiko's divers are iconic. It's hard to beat them for the price, although in the last few years, the prices have REALLY started to creep northward. Should Grand Seiko ever start to release divers with their new 9RA2 or updated 9S automatics in smaller, thinner 39-41mm cases, I think Grand Seiko would start selling boatloads of their divers. Right now, they're just extremely big and thick.

[@chris5k132]

If the Grand Seiko was a 41mm with the thickness of a submariner. It would be the best diver in the world..Its phenomenal

[@leepenney6104]

Yep, spot on. They'll get there eventually as they did with taking power reserves off the dial (not here granted). Whoever designs their watches needs some re-education it seems. Though the new SBGH289 is going in the right direction.

[@kennetha.1937]

@@leepenney6104 I did like very much that Grand Seiko took customers' feedback regarding the power reserve and started implementing them on the back, rather than saving that for their high-end *limited* models that were upwards of $20,000+. The new SLGA009 coming out is an absolute beauty.

[@__silver__]

Which sucks really. Don't get me wrong I'm a huge, HUGE Seiko fanboy, but their noticeable drop in QC for some diver model among some other persistent issue or questionable decision (Hardlex) rubs me the wrong way

[@paulsueb]

6:11 had me laughing til my eyes were running. That Invicta Patek Philippe reference was just amazing. Loved that! 👍🏽

[@harish-vv7mo]

Can you please explain?

[@chris5k132]

The Grand Seiko is the best watch in the world. Well, exaggeration..maybe. but its just as good as the best watches in the world. That's a Fact.

[@kacperuminski1547]

I'd say they're about on par with JLC in terms of quality. Their watches' movements are sadly not near as well finished as PP, VC, Lange and so on, but that would quadruple the price. In terms of just dials, they are unequaled.

[@penne9346]

Not until they make better bracelets.

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

My Srpd21 is my favorite watch, and I’m mostly a citizen guy. I get lost in the textured blue ocean waves on the dial. It’s a joy to wear. I’m lusting over that Grand seiko but I’m happy with what I’ve got right now.

[@jh565bb]

Omega speed and sea masters are a good way to go, if you don't want to spend as much, they can go for 3k to 5k used.

[@mi626]

One of the best finishing lines I have ever heard when comparing two items that are equally good in their own ways, nice!

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

I bought the SLGA001 when it came out and I have no regrets. If you have smaller wrists I recommend wearing it on the silicon strap it comes with which makes it lighter to wear too. It's not the first watch in a collection I would buy but its definetly an interesting watch.

[@cavavision5547]

The final line is borderline epic. As fine as a review gets, although a wearing them while diving sequence, wouldn't be bad. Thanks and best of luck in hitting the 1M subscriptions mark.

[@scottlawton9459]

That’s the beauty of Seiko: you can spend $80 on Amazon for an SNK (my first mechanical was the SNK807) and get just as fine a quality there as you would on a $700+ baby Alpinist. The fact that you can progressively climb the ladder of the brand as your budget allows, without compromising anything in the process is remarkable. It would be like if Ferrari put the same quality and level of detail into an FT86 fighter as a LaFerrari and nobody held it against them. Few brands in any industry can make such a claim. It’s why most of my collection is made up of Seiko and Seiko-powered watches. You read “Seiko” anywhere in the description of the watch, be it made by Seiko themselves or a third party that bought a Seiko movement, you know you’re going to get a solid timepiece.

[@stuboy13]

What would you recommend in a budget Seiko made watch, for the uninitiated? Non-seiko too, if possible. Thanks

[@markhunstein1320]

I really want (well Seiko too but especially) Grand Seiko to put some serious r&d work on their bracelets. Make them taper, make them feel solid and comfortable, give them all toolless quick adjust, and they'll fly out of the boutique displays

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I have four inexpensive Seiko dive Watches. I have three in the $800-$1200 price range… I sold my grand Seiko and lost a considerable amount of my investment… It did not live up to the hype. The sweet spot for Seiko in my opinion is in a three to $700 price range IMO… I won’t be spending any more than that in the future…

[@rong.2457]

I own the Seiko 5 SRPD71 that you have featured in this video. My wife got it for me as a Christmas gift…I picked it out. It’s extremely high quality IMHO. Why spend $11k?

[@Valks-22]

I've had the srpd77 'cactus' for a year, very happy with is as a casual/sporty/watery daily bar the worst abuse reserved for the Gshock. It's an absolute strap monster, and for me it is a great desk diver as much as a real diver. I had it rafting, swimming, sea sports etc. Looses a minute or two per week not being worn daily, would every day or two if not worn. I'll never go near 100m and it was a great first mechanical :)

[@FrostBlackbird]

It's a nice watch. I myself have the gunmetal Grey one. Comfortable and looks clean.

[@Epiha]

Thanks so much for this video, I've always wondered what a SKX level watch looked like under the lenses you use for high end watches. It's amazing how Seiko puts so much quality and mechanical repeatable processes to make a fine inexpensive watch. So amazing.

[@predragjo5977]

They are making them for so long it would be a shame if they weren't high quality. :D

[@thecommenter578]

The regular Seiko tells you the day of the week in 2 different languages. I have a winner

[@lorendbungaran]

05:57 it's just distortion from the cyclops or the frame outline date window just off

[@michaeltabat3283]

10 secs a month is an understatement. I've used my SBGA229 for 5weeks & it only gained 2 seconds! Spring drive is AMAZING! even better than most quartz watches. 👏👏👏 GS!

[@ivanchambers5670]

I love your seiko educational videos,you are so informative.

[@mikeuk4130]

I always look forward to Saturdays, on which my Seiko Diver's has the DotW in lovely sky-blue lettering!

[@jonathananandappa8375]

It's always nice to inaugurate a Watchfinder video! 😊

[@blackbird5634]

I have been a commercial diver for two decades and I can tell you divers wear a Seiko for $300 on the job and keep a nicer one at home in a box to wear when we finally retire. Swear to god the Casio diver's watch at $40 is equally sturdy and takes a hell of beating. And if you try and tell Sport Divers their $3000 dollar watch with all the bells and whistles has NOTHING to do with diving, that it's all EGO, the will prove it to you on the spot!

[@phillippugh2161]

Love love the Seiko coverage keep it up . For $500 you'll get a even better Seiko diver and for around $1000 you'll get a watch that matches Tudor

[@ambroseathello]

Bought the slga001 as my first luxury watch. Took me months to save up for. No regrets whatsoever

[@viv3541]

4:39 - the current scuba diving world record is 332 metres held by Ahmed Gabr of Egypt (not sure where you got 700m from). This is a feat near impossible to achieve for atleast 95% human beings. That makes dive watches (and chronographs) an old world charm. Nobody wears them for the functionality anymore because a $250 dive computer can provide much more crucial life saving data than just time and date. Don't get me wrong, I love watches but it's kinda late for dive watches to be bragging about depth rating with little practical application in the present day.

[@viv3541]

@r2l100 That is the depth theoretically possible with these suits. Nobody has actually gone that deep in them. It's simply not required, and more importantly these suits are almost exclusively reserved for military or rescue ops (those folks usually don't buy $10,000 watches). As a diver myself, let me tell you that even if you manage to strap a 600m Grand Seiko or Rolex to that suit, it would have zero logical use except maybe getting some PR for the brand.

[@stupidocanerosa]

Uhm, in my humble opinion here looks like we're missing the point of making a watch capable to reach those depth... it's not because a person could use it to get -600 meters in person, but for the sake of building capability and fine craftmanship. We all agree that 99,99% of people wearing a "normal" 100m sub watch will never ever go more than a few meters deep. And of course a deep diver will use a life saving computer instead of an expensive watch. But it's the limit that this GS can resist. And it's a hell of a limit. A mechanical watch without escape valve able to manage 60 atmospheres of pressure and still working perfectly... to me it's amazing. Look for Press Channel here on YT. Sometimes they put some watches under a big press underwater and it's amazing to see what happens to watches at 1000 meters deep...

[@techbaffle]

That smooth sweeping hand of the Grand Seiko is mesmerizing.

[@impracticaltactics]

I'm wearing that exact "cheap watch" with the black dial/bezel right now. Great tool watch and very versatile with different straps and bracelets. If you're actually scuba diving (you're not) the water resist might put you off, but the timekeeping is appreciably better than advertised (+/-15sec per day) in my opinion.

[@iggysfriend4431]

The second hand on the spring drive is something else.

[@jojogpt]

I'll put it this way: If I can afford an SLGA001, I will spend some more and get both SRPD71 and SLGA001.

[@sameagle988]

So Andrew, as you were jumping the shark, did you try to look down and see it? I'm always curious about that when I see it happening; did you see fins swimming around or some toothy jaws? Or were you just concerned about sticking your landing? While you are on this trajectory how about a glowing review of a vintage Epson inkjet printer? One of the Seiko watch manufacturing company's greatest gifts to horology.

[@John_Smith2302]

I saw an SRPD pepsi in H. Samuels for 125 squid. I nearly pulled the trigger but, I own a mint SKX007J1. 3:57. Just look at the second hand move. It's sublime.

[@isaiahmoon9840]

I’m not super into watches but I absolutely love finely tuned machines. Seiko’s to me are the Nixon’s for people with a few more hundred dollars. Best bang for the buck, accurate, good looks, awesome customer service. Awesome video great camera work

[@gerriepimm5063]

I’ve always preferred Citizen Promaster but this Seiko is really nice.

[@Cortesevasive]

yeah ecodrive is superior and thinner than those pesky automatics.

[@jonskitch8082]

The beautiful second-hand movement of GS was super smooth!

[@vktravellog1242]

If you want value you get a seiko. If you want perfection you get a Grand Seiko!

[@bungerroyale112]

I adore the SLGA001, one of my favourite GS watches and a dream watch of mine.

[@livedadyt10]

What a great review. Thanks so much, I really enjoy your brilliant humor. Do not ever change That Music!

[@errolmacdonald3256]

I admire the Seiko brand and admire your admiration of it.

[@Tewhill357]

First time I have ever owned a watch presented on this channel!

[@MonkeyDJoe]

Love the closing note! Clever concise and true, I would not sell my SRPD, you get attached to it because it looks really good.

[@ghostindamachine]

@watchfinder; small correction, the deepest human free dive is 700 foot (235 mtrs), the deepest scuba dive is 1089 foot (332 mtr). But I guess that you knew this and want engagement from the audience ;-). Which I am happy to oblige to. That said, I absolutely admire Seiko and Grand Seiko. All be it, I do think they should re-brand Grand Seiko to its historically accurate name; Seikosha - Grand Seiko.

[@umairhusain4056]

Which company are you talking about at 2:53?????

[@joewalsh1054]

I would get a Seiko LX. Right down the middle

[@Chavagnatze]

The Grand Seiko SLGA001 doesn't have a chapter ring because... Seiko knows they wouldn't be able to align it.

[@melomaniacua]

Spring drive Grand Seiko marvelous....

[@tvs5862]

Three of my favourite watches are my SKX007, SRPD71K1 and my (almost) mint Pogue 6139-6005. My SKX is still my daily go to... I'm thinking of getting a snowflake next, unless I grab the new Cartier Tank Must 41mm instead (another great value watch) but there is definitely nothing wrong with a Seiko or two in your collection!!!

[@CartierCrash]

The GS bracelet on this is one of the better ones they produced

[@SuperExadidas]

Very rational comparison. SRPD in an entry level but command the beauty and respect. Hoping you can feature the Honda Cub collab with Seiko.

[@bobzuidema3560]

OMG that sweeping seconds hand... so nice...

[@Chris-oz9qx]

I had the SBGX117...... wonderful watch, but the Grand Seiko divers are not the most comfortable of watches, especially with their chunky clasps

[@eastcoastwatchconnection7949]

This channel needs a million subs. Absolutely top level 👏👏👏

[@omax1023]

I have 3 Seiko's SRPD sport 5's, So I'm going to exchange parts between them, to make them unique and different! All of them have different color dials and chapter rings, so it should be a fun project to take on ......

[@zackrz7]

That closing statement is just beautiful!

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I have the Seiko 5 Sport (SRPD) and I really love it. It is robust yet highly refined. Now my dream watch truly is the SLGA 001. I do have a rare Rolex Datejust as well, so I do love Rolex, but not as much as the snobs who keep Rolex winning against Grand Seiko in their comparisons.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Excellent video. That shot of the GS secondhand sweeping “in place” as the dial “spins” is mesmerizing. I would buy both/either of these watches, but would want to try the GS in person because of oft-repeated admonitions re case size. WF did a similar video with a Presage and GS. This was a good follow-up. We can discuss wherever the comparisons to Rolex are necessary or relevant.

[@incyphe]

I think the continuous sweep is almost too perfect! I prefer GS's hi-beat 36000 movement. :)

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Agreed! I am a huge fan of hi-beat movements. One of the reasons the White Birch is a top choice. But why force a pick? Get at least one of each! And maybe something with an El Primero movement too. Good and shelter are overrated.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Sorry . Food. Dear Autocorrect: I’m getting tired of your shirt.

[@thistleclockworks1292]

Sorry, I didn't hear a word you said any time that GS second hand was locked in sync with the camera movement. Damn, I going to have to watch it again.

[@sotecluxan4221]

Have a Seiko licence built for ~20$ from India. ~25yrs old. I am excited to see, how great those in the vid are....

[@mainlymusicman]

4:55 dial printing not great

[@John..18]

If that GS was 42mm, I'd trade in/up, my smp 300m, but sadly it's not,, ☹️

[@woozertoo]

“Super Army Soldiers”. I see what you did there, nice Extras reference.

[@finesse49]

Can you imagine your GS scraping across a piece of coral? I wonder how many of these ever get wet.

[@WatchUnwind]

Yeah but could you imagine how cool it would look under the sea next to a octopus

[@ashleymalamute]

My Seiko 5 diver is great. My only complaint is the 7s36 movement, specifically the inability to hand wind. I'd happily pay an extra $100 for that feature.

[@randolphcirilo4800]

A 5kx has hand wind and hackable movement .. The actual SKX with screw down crown and ISO certification has that 7s36.. Non hand wind. Gotta do the Seiko shuffle for 30 seconds.. You should be good to hand wind

[@jackster285]

Prefer the SBGH289. Can't stand it when they have the date at 4 o'clock

[@pereirakelvin67]

I love GS tot of getting one already have srpd sekio 5 hulk and a rolex but my favorite is still the sekio 5 hulk. Love the colour to be honest my rolex is much precise after I put them together and check it with my handphone clock.

[@ggndrums]

“Trip to Chernobyl.” 💀 Best scripting. Loved this!

[@astrayproductions]

the close-up shots are qualityyyy

[@AngusMurray]

It was watch finders videos that inspired me to get an automatic watch in 2019, still runs, it's a seiko 5 :)

[@24sadako]

same with me :)

[@jackforgach1637]

I like the Hardlex on my Seiko. After three years of abusing my Seiko Mini Turtle, not a scratch. As where the AR coated Sapphire on my Sinn shows micro scratches. Granted Its the coating but nonetheless.

[@Froobyone]

Nice "extras" deep cut. I admit, I'm here as much for the gentle humour as for the oggleable time pieces. I'm never disappointed.

[@abdullahbatheeb3397]

4:21 This is SUPER COOL

[@glennbeadshaw727]

I like the srpd so much I have two of them the quality is awesome and so is the price

[@TOM-C.]

I don't recall seeing any other watch that has such a smooth sweep on the second hand, and that attribute for me is second on my list of preferences behind appearance. 👍✌

[@adamdanilowicz4252]

Check out the Seiko Prospex LX SNR029J1, it's a good middle ground if you want a Spring Drive but not want to spend $11k.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

The $350 one looks fantastic under the macro! 😸

[@Aries0098]

What's the difference between the two in terms of case polishing?

[@TJMartinek]

Two of my favorite watches. You have to remember though the depth rating isn't necessarily for diving straight down. When doing watersports like jetskiing the pressures exerted on a watch can by much more than the static pressure from diving.You may never hit 100 feet diving but you'll easily exceed that falling off a jet ski wrong.

[@allenkramer8148]

I did not know that. Thank you for this informative comment.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I am a retired oceanographer who have designed, fabricated and deployed a lot of subsea equipment using O-ring seals as used in these watches. I will tell you now that those hydrodynamic forces you mention and how it affects real world water resistance is somewhat of a myth. I have done many tests and experiments on hydrostatics and hydrodynamics.

[@krasnaludek298]

@@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement OK Jacques Cousteau. You’re no expert - never was & never will be.

[@MegaChiefster]

Hi, what is the microphone you use? Your explanations and voice are clear :)

[@dr.merakat]

I own the SLGA003.. the green dial version of the 001... it wears much smaller than the specs would suggest... and the titanium makes it beyond comfortable... its a pure LUX diver.. favorite diver in my collection bar none... one has to experience it on wrist to understand

[@PDC4Life]

Maybe it's my ageing eyes but isn't there quite a lot of debris/dust on the dial of the GS? (and I don't mean the textured finish). Granted these are super close up shots but the Seiko dial looks cleaner. Maybe I'm wrong

[@docreggiefirefox4811]

One of the BEST review...well said!

[@yakumotatsuro4886]

YES, i do want a dive watch YES, from japan YES, with a budget of a few hundred yesterday i've bought the Seiko PADI monster SRPE27K1

[@allenkramer8148]

What a beautiful and informative video. Bravo!

[@piertechinc]

I use my GS SLGA001 as the reference time for my Rolex Sub and Sea dweller. Rolex cant compete against the slga001 for time accuracy.

[@Jeremyisthings]

I think the srpd’s are around $200 now on most sites

[@varanid9]

"....if you could afford the SLGA001, you wouldn't sell your SRPD to get it." True watch collector's outlook in a nutshell.

[@alphacause]

Whether it is at the affordable price range or at the luxury tier, Seiko and Grand Seiko stands heads and shoulders above other watch makers for giving you value for your money. Watches with comparable specs, coming from your standard Swiss watchmaker, would be far more expensive. If anything proves that much of the Swiss watch market coasts on legacy and pedigree, it is the fact that Seiko and Grand Seiko produce superior watches at their respective price points, and yet the Swiss watch market still thrives.

[@Starstreak170]

The new entry level Seikos are bad value. No reason for mineral crystal at $350.

[@T.A.C.S.94]

Yes and no, after sales and support are awful in comparison. Ever had a GS serviced? It can be a very tricky things

[@ekimandersom4478]

Not really. Tissot , Hamilton, Rado, Breitling , Oris are all as good if not better

[@AbdulBasit-in7hh]

What type of bracelet is on the Seiko Sports 5?

[@djmaciiiii]

What is the full model number of the Seiko in the video?

[@nobodysfavourite6953]

Both my SRPDs surprise me sometimes with day change - it doesn't change the day, instead - stays on the same day, but... Switches language. Did I break them somehow? Also, the lume on SRPD83K1 is atrocious, contrary to SRPD69K1s glorious light-blue afterglow that lasts quite some time. Thanks for a great video!

[@dso1986]

If gs ever makes a 40-41mm diver they will have a home run

[@Zotrax1946]

Really liked your point about the irony of the Seiko story , pretty deep. Good one 👌🏻

[@13_13k]

That GS is built like a tank. I like a big,, heavy watch but good Lord that thing is nuts.

[@wolffo999]

my new turtle is fake - only tested to 5 bar

[@finnandrei5745]

I just bought today this Seiko watch hahaha!

[@TucsonDude]

I"m tempted.

[@finnandrei5745]

@@TucsonDude Buy one. Even though it's kinda big in my wrist, it feels nice.

[@TucsonDude]

@@finnandrei5745 Where did you find yours?

[@focusrssteve]

Got one just before Christmas and haven't really taken it off since, didn't go for blue though, I got it in green and loving it.

[@finnandrei5745]

@@TucsonDude i got mine here at Dxb. :)

[@TheDonCucaracho]

The closing line is glorious

[@WatchJapan]

No comparison... The Seiko over the GS any day of the week. And a Rolex JC Deep Sea-dweller over both of those in a heartbeat.

[@karlsenula9495]

With this budget for a dive watch I'd go Seiko but through a dealer/jeweler where I can check QC and alignment (Seiko kryptonite). Now I'd say Grand Seiko is much much better but not the style I'd be looking for in a dive watch.