Grand Seiko’s First Automatic Chronograph With An Eye-Catching Display - SLGC001 Tentagraph

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In this video, I share my detailed thoughts on the Grand Seiko Tentagraph SLGC001, the very first automatic chronograph from the storied Japanese brand. What do you guys think of the Tentagraph?
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0:00 - Introduction
0:55 - Background
2:25 - Movement
6:14 - Wear & Case
9:00 - Dial
10:26 - Final Thoughts

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I need your help in determining the next winner of our bracket style tournament! Be sure to vote in our Best Watch Under $4,000 bracket poll here: forms.gle/YCEFNsiVJrnYQvVo8

[@allanmunken]

no European Contest again !

[@urhhoney]

plz always include more wrist shots. especially if you do live put on while talking.

[@Gixer750pilot]

They seem to be doing very well

[@bobcalvo1680]

Have it. Love it. My parents gave me a blue faced Seiko upon HS graduation decades ago. I ordered this last year as a worthy replacement after Watches and Wonders and have enjoyed it since June. I have no complaints on the size and it wears light because of the titanium.

[@handsomejack7484]

We need more grand seiko content 🔥🔥

[@YuhNinja]

bro, 1/3rd of his videos are about Grand Seiko....

[@QuickQuips]

Yep. Watchfinder is also amazing with its macros of the Snowflake.

[@tonib5899]

Horology at its finest. They don’t just look beautiful, they are also exquisite in finish and are so finely tuned. Bravo

[@dimekoza]

As a mechanical engineer, I love GS watches, for the reason that they might not be as flashy and representative on the outside like the Swiss brands, but when looking at them from a technical standpoint, I find them way superior. They seem like they are made for engineer-type people who can understand and appreciate the technology used. On a totally unrelated note, could you tell me the name of the font you use in your videos when displaying wrist size like at 7:15 ? Thanks. Keep up the high class content.

[@watching_nyc]

An old module slapped on a newish mvt is far from technically sophisticated and adds unnecessary thickness. That doesn’t sound like sophisticated engineering to me. At least Rolex uses a mvt (41 series) that was built from the ground up to function as a chronograph. It’s also much thinner and is more robust to drops and shock. Don’t get me wrong, I used to own a white birch and like the 9sa5 mvt very much but this is a lazy release.

[@gordtulk]

Great presentation as always. Congratulations on becoming a GS AD - you earned it.

[@philippestrickler3461]

Well done . I must say : "this chronograph "is beautiful . When you design a new watch and the competitors are Rolex, OMEGA, BREITLING, ZENITH, BLANCPAIN and more, there is no room for any mistake. Grand Seiko has produced a great watch.

[@jonchang_bpre]

I just purchased one of these in Tokyo. I have two GS pieces (a Hi-Beat diver and the Evolution 9 GMT) and have looking at the Night Birch on and off since it was first released. But when I saw the Tentagraph in person, I had to try it. The Tentagraph is near perfectly balanced on my 7.5" wrist. Depending on the light, the dial is sometimes black and sometimes navy, but it's always a fast read even with the sub-dials. The Titanium case gives a more restrained presence on the wrist, despite the size, with just the right amount of zaratsu vs some of the dressier models. The accuracy has been +3 seconds a day pretty consistently, with the chronograph running non-stop. The matching seconds hands sweep gives the dial a choreography that only a chronograph can have ^_^ I've fallen hard for Grand Seiko over the past year. It will be hard to top this one in my collection.

[@cristian6S65]

Grand seiko it's the only luxury watch brand that makes me feel like I would actually get a good value for money. They really put a lot of effort into inovating their movements and finishes, unlike most luxury brands in the same price category, which are happy producing lazy watches and putting most of their money in advertising.

[@noncorporeal1024]

The graphics that you provide are Absolutely Fabulous. The help immensely with your voice-over. Thank you for this superior production.

[@Lebon996]

Sweetest perfection. Sometimes its hard to appreciate just how much engineering goes into these Grand Seiko's. Must have a bunch of real boffins on there production line.

[@Lebon996]

@@SodapopTheOutsider Ha ha 😂, so sorry I forgot this word isn't universal. Very best wishes to you from the UK.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

If only GS could improve their bracelets then demand would skyrocket!

[@Lebon996]

A couple of people have commented on this. Hope that they do.😊

[@QuickQuips]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHLWgHqQnt5mb9k Hodinkee went inside their factory.

[@mikesb69-87]

Wow......Grand Seiko is a high end luxury brand that definitely deserves to be in the spotlight!

[@mariosenestraro4161]

Love it! Grand Seiko is definitely one of my most liked brands. 🥰Great review as usual, thanks TB team😎

[@molarrr]

Definitely a spectacular watch, having tried one on in NY it fits perfectly, the specs don’t tell the whole story. It fits better than many other watches I’ve owned. And the new evolution 9 bracelet for me fits perfectly and is excellent.

[@Uncle_Dave_Dave]

Seiko is the greatest, and most bestest, and most mostest

[@luxelist]

Arguably one of the best from GS yet. Great production and presentation as always.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Teddy, you are uniquely suited to answer this puzzling question. You mentioned that it took 9 years to develop the movement in this watch, so Grand Seiko (which I do own in my collection) knows how to make luxury watches that compete with the best in Switzerland & Germany. However, the Grand Seiko bracelets are considered to be "cheap". Why can't Grand Seiko make bracelets that are premium and do not bring the image of GS down?

[@Apekuz]

If I may offer a piece of the puzzle. There's a line in the GS website that says "understatement as artistry".

[@clax911]

Great descriptive video Teddy !

[@iainbrown8478]

Superb review of this groundbreaking watch and caliber. Baldassarre is exceptionally good at explaining the technical aspects of watches without ever getting irritating (no mean feat).

[@ragnaroker85]

Congrats on becoming a GS AD. As a Seiko fanboy this is definitely on my list of must haves as chronographs are my favorite complication. As always you continue to provide some of the best if not already the best watch content out there.

[@aspOLmeR]

This is a nice watch with only one problem - it looks ugly af

[@TotallyAHumanNotADog]

White Birch Hi-Beat is my grail watch, but this is a very close second. Grand Seiko finishing is incredible.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

As TB rightly points out, this is real movement innovation. And chronographs are a mudda fudda to make. Ignoring practical considerations (ie, my credit card limit), this is a massively impressive watch. I expect the Seiko Group will, as they always do, refine the tech and make it more accessible to more consumers. Until then, I work to pay off my credit card debt…

[@Rapaway1]

😂

[@beardedtravelguyreviews4692]

thank you again... I keep sharing you with my friends

[@JB_Hobbies]

Excited for this. Hoping they design a few other styles for this chrono package. Starting off with a traditional sporty style makes a lot of sense, but I am hoping they can eventually offer it in a pilot watch style and in a dressier style, too.

[@jacobschmitt7033]

loved the lofi intro music!

[@ejbuhner]

Insightful video and confirms my aspirational piece - one day (hopefully) 😅

[@peterjamesmacneil]

Audio sounds great on this video Teddy.

[@Cody___]

AYY another Grand Seiko video 💪💪

[@mikekimmitt7907]

Damn, really enjoyed and appreciated that explanation of the movement Teddy, nice work, I must be a nerd, I guess 😢

[@colinstu]

What a stunning story and piece.

[@eduardoquesada6270]

Great presentation. Looks like a well crafted, great-looking chronograph. Refreshing to see the smooth-faced sub-dials, without concentric circular troughs.

[@aspOLmeR]

Nice watch, the only problem -it looks ugly

[@StevenPociengel]

Love GS and that it's on the site now! I'd be picking one up if I didn't plan on doing that when I'm in Japan this fall already.

[@MrKkramme]

I love mine - I have a relatively small wrist but it feels great! Quality design, engineering and presence! ❤🎉

[@omerturk9462]

15,5mm thickness can be used as a self defense tool

[@SpencerCookertin]

The 13.4k price is absolutely hysterical. That bracelet is unforgivable at that price. You can buy a Rolex and a Tudor with the same money.

[@philorgneopolotin8762]

Yeah that’s insane. I was curious until I heard the price, assumed a little over half of that like $7-8k. $14,000+ after tax is bonkers. Edit: just looked it up, almost 15.5mm thick, jesus no thank you.

[@oleg274]

I agree. GS as usual focuses on technical part and finishing, but not product overall. The watch size, thickness, bracelet and clasp is too long list of bad things for $13k watch

[@DeeEllEff]

Bravo, GS! The tentagraph rulez

[@lrbrown]

I love it when Teddy gets nerdy

[@CrownRider]

Just picked up my Tentagraph from the GS boutique in Paris. It is stunning and impressive. Can't keep my eyes from it.

[@speedntktzlastname2182]

Fit and finish is amazing. Glad you became an GS AD. 🎉

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Grand Seiko's development during the last years is really astonishing! With their new movements they're really upping their game. Yes prices have increased as well but they're still deliver a LOT for the money compared to their (mostly Swiss) competitors. I own three GS (each with a different movement technology) and especially my 'Black Birch' with the new 9SA5 movement. It's just a stunner to look at! Imho they should now focus on their dimensions. Even their movements are really great and durable but probably due to the last fact they're also pretty thick. This leads to bigger cases and overall to thick / big watches. Having such a great mechanical movement in a much slimmer case would be awesome. Really looking forward to their upcoming years on the market!

[@alexchiu2254]

I brought my white birch 2022 december. I only wore it for a month. It went back to japan for the second time for warranty. The watch runs 19 seconds fast straight from the department store in japan. Luckily an authorized dealer near me helped me sent the watch back for warranty. I kinda feel bad for them helping me out. They also help me polished my bracelet from me falling and scratching it up. The light polish from warranty is not the same as it coming striaght from the factory. I'm a little disappointed, but I really like how the watch looks and wears. Hopefully I can get my watch back soon. It's been another 3 months since it went out for warranty again.

[@MTCBKK]

Same for me and countless others (also see the white birch thread at watchuseek) and in the end it ended up being 13 seconds per day too fast. This caliber unfortunately isn't very accurate and GS service seems unable to calibrate it as I've been through this with 2 different 80 hours hi beat already and they were still way too fast after the adjustment. I would suggest to enjoy the watch regardless of this or else you'll go crazy 😂

[@alexchiu2254]

@@MTCBKK it's funny how my Kurono Tokyo keeps better time than my Grand Seiko at 3 second fast. Only running a miyota

[@SquirrelRIP]

Smart video and a great looking watch 👍

[@alexkavakeb3412]

Love your work Teddy. You are one of very few Purists in the industry.

[@wistaban]

A beautiful and complex watch.

[@ryanthomas9306]

I have an 8.25 wrist and the seiko speedy 41 fits perfectly This is a big hunky watch

[@Kaushikawickramage]

Stunning!

[@Robert32064]

Thanks for another great video, Teddy. This watch is very innovative in function and very beautiful (though derivative) in design. The size and price make it a no go for me, but I can see this selling like crazy.

[@watchboxer]

Professional and detailed introduction, good design

[@HenryDarr]

Beautiful time pieces ! Would love to have these in my collection 💯

[@deantran1971]

Hi Teddy, not sure whether you already discussed about the next level up from the Grand Seiko, the Credor, especially the eichi ii. It is a piece of art!

[@jorgerobles628]

IMHO, and after been an owner of 19 Omega Speedmasters, two Zenith, an Ebel and a Movado chrono all equipped with the El Primero caliber, and more than 130 other chronograph watches from many brands, including 9 or 10 Seiko with calibers 6138/6139, and last but not least, an Advanced Amateur Watchmaker who serviced all my Chronographs, this Grand Seiko is just an Improved El Primero Movement design with that vertical clutch, unto which a Modified Omega Speedmaster Professional dial (the opening between 4' and 5' for the date, and the hour markers' design as modifications) have been applied. And that Seiko Dual Impulse Escapement has very large similarities to Omega's Co-Axial escapement made by George Daniels(RIP), that also has a dual impulse function, but with a 36k VPH. No More, No Less. Yes, I greatly admire the finish, vastly superior to the Rolex, and slightly better than the newest/latest Omega models, almost at PP or A. Lange and Sohn levels, and even more so when it has a Titanium-made case that has been polished to mirror and a beautifully finished caliber- all that is AWESOME!!!! But I still stay with MHO that this is really a Super Homage of the Universal Nature of, IMHO, the best watch ever made- THE Omega Speedmaster Professional "Moonwatch", period.

[@gs2162]

Get nerdy Teddy! We're here for it!

[@moonfleet9537]

I’m a big chrono fan and this one is simply amazing. Just find it a bit big…will need to try

[@delfingarcia8590]

grand seiko movement outstanding product of ingenuity, the real "chrononeter!"

[@curtiswood8010]

Great video as always. This watch is an amazing achievement, and I cant wait to check this out in person. Not that my opinion makes any difference, but on-screen at least, the dial feels 'heavy', with a lot going on in such a little space. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but slightly narrower hour markers and a slightly smaller hour hand might help?. Grand Seiko always does an amazing job, so it will probably look perfect in person.

[@ricardoezequielneira1795]

I agree , but i wonder if that heavyness isn' t speaking about heavy engineering , work and quality , all in heavy manners in a good way.

[@curtiswood8010]

@@ricardoezequielneira1795 totally fair point that I didn't take into consideration.

[@SopwithTheCamel]

First time I have seen a chronograph that I would buy.

[@behonestwithyourself3718]

That's a sick watch. Damn.

[@markriobr]

Never liked Seiko, but this one got my attention. Really nice piece

[@michaelcoles2149]

I want to see a like hour long video of Teddy and Nico discussing Grand Seiko. one says the movements are special, the other says they aren't, but I feel like Nico's experience is with older GS's? either way I'd love to watch them talk it out.

[@Pete63]

Lovely!

[@Dazulolwarrior]

Kinda tempting, but i am set on the Zenith Chronomaster Original

[@markgilbertson1564]

A much better looking watch.

[@jussil5762]

I really like the look of Tentagraph and would buy it but it is too big for me. And I have 18,5 cm wrist.

[@DrBob0910]

Beautiful watch but too large for my 6 3/4 wrist. Thanks for the educational video. Saving up to purchase a Grand Seiko and Glashuette Original from your team.

[@erikewald7264]

Love it! Wish it were within range for me...

[@qmarkett]

I appreciate how in depth you go into the engineering and craftsmanship

[@FernandoLopez-zt8qo]

Would never be able to afford this…but can appreciate it from afar.

[@JohnDoe-kh3ti]

A very intriguing first foray into automatic chronograph by GS! I look forward to what they may be able to achieve in the future, this one is still far too large for me, I'm sure as time goes on they will be to size it down to maybe a Daytona level of thickness at least.

[@saiiiii8683]

I’d watch a Teddy Baldassarre fashion oriented video. Dresses really well, super clean and elegant. Would love to know where you get your clothes from

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

He shops at Costco.

[@reezevlog]

that watch is so handsome… killer watch !!❤

[@AndreasHolmgren85]

I want a review on grand seikos quartz watches :)

[@ShepProudfoot]

Look! GS can make a date window matching the dial😏

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

Beautiful watch. Seems similar to my Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph

[@YOutsider]

GRRRREAT vid. nerdy as it needs to be.

[@joshuadavid2534]

Absolutely beautiful. I just wish it was $3700.00 cheaper.

[@louischua3651]

IMO, case diameter can further reduce to give it more proportion, somehow, the 3 sub dials feels squashed with plenty of room around it. A reduced case diameter may help to give it more proportion.

[@droid1appmkr]

Loved the presentation, especially how well you broke down the technical aspects. Would love to own one eventually. A goal to shoot for, indeed. Keep up the high quality content, Teddy! It is appreciated.

[@rictusmetallicus]

At a glance it has a striking semblance to my Pagani Design PD-1701.

[@Marc_prime]

Great video. Case looks similar to the Sharp Edge case, am I wrong Teddy?

[@entertainmentyoutube3606]

HOLY COW THATS NICE

[@MrBundy91]

If they'd make a smaller case dial I'll think about it

[@brittle1]

My one criticism is that ugly date at 430. Can GS make a Tenagraph please?

[@metallusmelandril7380]

Damn they need to do some more >39mm watches!

[@Gigantor-fq4rr]

This is the successor the 6139 deserves. I'm hoping for a Pogue-flavored Tentagraph later this year to really pay homage, 55 years hence. Not sure anyone at Seiko will read this - but let's make it happen!

[@gordtulk]

Needs to be smaller. Can’t imagine this is a big seller in Asia.

[@ThisHandleWasTheOnly1Available]

I think so too. Even in North America and Europe, it's mostly Asians buying these watches.

[@user-vk9ff9gr4x]

I know, all these hi end Seiko are insanely large. It doesn't make any sense.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Cool watch, grotesque price. I wonder how many of these they'll sell.

[@dwb2016]

Hey teddy, have you been to the Seiko museum in Tokyo? I have been meaning to go for years and finally made it, such a cool experience, connecting the company history to Japan and even how measuring time itself has changed. I'm sure they would love to host you!

[@photoshutter]

Wow! 400 parts, imagine how much service will cost!

[@markgilbertson1564]

Exactly. And figure in the depreciation.

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

That is the reason I've never underestimated chronographs, and how complex they must be to design and manufacture for companies. It's also why I'm hesitant to purchase any more than the 1 I already have. I'll just admire from afar.

[@paulbellas8797]

own it. Afraid to wear it. Most expensive purchase I've ever made on a luxury item. Wear it around the house and savor it like a new pair of shoes. Staring at the dial and looking at the movement brings a smile to my face. Keeps great time. Bought a jewels loop to look at things up close. Call me crazy but I really love this watches' impeccable quality and am developing quite an emotional connection with the watch.

[@austin73]

The only chronograph I want more than a speedmaster, is the Tentagraph. 😍

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Is it beautiful? Yes. Is it well made? Yes. Would I wear it? No. I love GS, but this is a big boy. You'd have to really love this watch to buy it.

[@MeestroDavid]

Considering Seiko was the first company to bring an automatic chronograph to market, it's definitely surprising how long they waited to make one for Grand Seiko. This does seem truly impressive and worthy of the GS brand, but the chunky dimensions are in conflict with the elegance of the design.

[@Jtjustintimberlake]

I think Grand Seiko are great watches. Definitely have the best dials on the market. Personally I would go with the their everyday sports watches before this one. However the technology behind the Tentagraph is great

[@philliplivingstone5336]

This is a stunning watch and wears so beautifully on the wrist. The innovation, technology and finish is amazing and unsurpassed.

[@JustMeTalking]

I own one... 🇬🇧 ❤ Love mine 😊

[@mariomatias3066]

looks better than Daytona and Moonwatch and has a date function

[@ru2yaz33]

Nice

[@Doesin]

Are the letters/numbers recessed on the ceramic bezel? I worry stuff/gunk getting stuck in them.

[@CaerEsthar]

Gorgeous looking watch. Wish it didn't have the ugly offset date function.

[@jokeassasin7733]

I wonder if that date is as hard to read as the one on the Seiko SSC813.

[@JohnMaffa]

Did I miss the inevitable comparison between the Tentagraph and the Daytona? I like the Tentagraph, but from a price perspective it seems higher than it should be to get my attention