Grand Seiko Sakura Kakushi - SBGH341 - 62GS Hi Beat

[@shinma989]

Some people dislike the bracelets and some love them so I found out for myself with my SBGX261. Yes, finding that sweet spot that is comfortable no matter wrist swell size takes some fiddling with bracelet links but once you find it you can simply enjoy a fantastic, comfortable bracelet. The bracelet and clasp are now some of my favorite aspects of the watch.

[@JustMeTalking]

I have two Grand Seiko's with titanium bracelets, and neither of them are a problem.

[@clo2715]

I take it off the bracelet. Grand Seiko's should be worn on straps so the case designs and zaratsu could be appreciated.

[@watchboxer]

The dial texture pattern of this watch is very unique and very beautiful

[@UltraDoug]

I have the SBGA467, essentially this watch in steel, black dial and power reserve. The bracelet (which I was worried about due to all the criticism) is easily one of the best bracelets (aside from lack of micro adjustment) I’ve ever worn. Looks great, milled clasp, beautifully finished, soft curved edges, etc. it’s just a great bracelet IMHO and I’ve worn many.

[@AJB1702]

I wouldn't be upset if I could only have one watch for the rest of my life and this was it. Great video, Bruce.

[@deaanscottv1]

I have sold my entire collection and chose the SBGH341 as my one-and-done. However, I was very close to just buying the SBGX261 because it is such a bargain and that 9F movement is seriously cool!

[@ryangochuico]

I own an sbgp003 and an slga021 and i'm not sure why people are complaining about the bracelet. It is comfortable on my 7 inch wrist. Microadjust appreciated but at its current form, still wearable and comfortable

[@orehman8696]

The green version of this looks stunning

[@yashbinda4521]

havent watched the vid yet but saw the thumbnail if you know anything about grand seiko you would know there ceo has said that they know about the problem with the bracelets and are working on it, give them some time bcs knowing them the bracelet is gonna be awesome

[@BruceWilliams]

Hope it comes out soon

[@phildo864]

Can you link to the CEO saying that?

[@jamespalsson746]

When GS makes a decent clasp, I'm in

[@zacharyparis]

Nothing wrong with the clasp. It’s sleek and integrates with the bracelet when closed. If you want some quick adjustment feature or something then you are going to get a bigger, bulkier clasp. You can’t have both.

[@jamespalsson746]

@@zacharyparis look at JLC Polaris or VC Overseas clasp. It's both sleek and with micro adjustments. But tbh, I wouldn't mind a "bulkier" clasp like the Datejust

[@ericmoss8344]

@@jamespalsson746 also look at IWC and Glashutte Original clasps... slim and sleek w/a very nice micro-adj feature.

[@fifaboy18]

​@@zacharyparisit's "kind of" sleek. There's still quite a substantial lip when the bracelet is closed on the wrist. Although I will say the newer bracelets on the Evo9 cases have solved this problem

[@josephburton3232]

I remember I lusted after the snowflake spring drive for years. I finally had the chance to check one out at an AD while I was on vacation. The second I picked it up I instantly fell out of love with it. It was too light and felt like a cheap, plastic toy. The bracelet, as many have mentioned, also needs a lot of love. For that price point, I expect an on the fly micro adjustment and tapering.

[@bobnewby9129]

Was it titanium?

[@BruceWilliams]

I am generally not drawn to titanium as well.

[@josephburton3232]

@@bobnewby9129 Yeah, the snowflake is a titanium model. That's why it feels so light.

[@brokenchains]

That is a beautiful watch, it’s amazing how similar my Seiko Sarb035 is in case and dial minus the snowflake ect

[@BruceWilliams]

035 is a classic!

[@brokenchains]

@@BruceWilliams thanks for the great video content!!

[@SamrayGTR]

Epic GS! Always love your reviews Bruce!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thank you brother

[@shamunahmed7587]

I love the bracelet on my Grand Seiko. Not a problem to me at all

[@gigar9000]

I really don't understand the whole issue with the bracelets, it never bothered me, and we have lived many years prior without them. It was never really an issue before.

[@jimoathout7543]

Neither do I. I have 2 GS and put them both on VlGreen straps. I just don’t understand all the fuss about the GS bracelet😂. If you don’t like it, swap it out for something else!

[@lihanou]

The clasp is crap.

[@JuanSegarra-td6yr]

I bought a gmt blue dial and it’s such a beautiful watch but I work outdoors and my wrist expands throughout the day and the bracelet doesn’t have a glide lock or tfit. I find myself wearing my Rolex submariner more.

[@Ae073001]

I've had many GS's, and my complaint hasn't been with the bracelets, but the clasps. GS does such a great job with their offerings, it's curious why they don't pair their bracelets with clasps that contain luxury level microadjust. There are so many microbrands that do, and I'm sure GS would do a wonderful job. I'm sure they have a reason, I'm just curious what it is.

[@ImmortalGaming96]

The clasp would be more bulky if you put a microadjust

[@Awkwardfruitfly]

Seiko. Please make a 36-38mm spring drive with no date 🥲

[@meandertaker]

This! 💯 agree

[@phildo864]

Im pretty sure they have a few models like that

[@meandertaker]

Grand Seiko has the likes of the SBGY007 and SBGW299, both of which are under 40mm, but Seiko so far only has above 40mm spring drive movements I think?

[@phildo864]

@@meandertaker mine is a 39mm and I thought they had some 37mm ones too? I have the sbga427

[@phildo864]

@@meandertaker oh, I just realized you specified only Seiko and not Grand Seiko.

[@samnova450]

Love the GS brand. Which is considered better high beat rate or spring drive?

[@chia-mingyang5804]

For me always Spring Drive better

[@billcore6295]

I own a 2024 snowflake and there is nothing wrong with the bracelet 😊.

[@JustMeTalking]

I own a 2023 Snowflake Spring Drive and there is nothing wrong with the bracelet.

[@drnick40]

What watch enthusiasts are asking is tapered bracelets with a screw connected links and clasps with on the fly micro adjustments. Not a big ask considering the fact that even Omega started to offer such a bracelet on their new Aqua Terra reference. And Tudor has been doing it for some time now. Otherwise I love my “Snowflake”.

[@JustMeTalking]

@drnick40 I disagree. A watch collector has enough watches to change the whole watch for the occasion, rather than rely on one watch for year round. I have Summer watches, Winter watches, every complication combination for every consideration. The bracelet sized for seasons, the strap ready for the environment. Carefully selected like a horological precision weapon. That's what I told the Wife, anyway..

[@jeremydahm2124]

My buddy is GS fanatic. I don't get the criticism. They are super comfortable and look classy and original.

[@Emaratilfy]

Even sub $300 microbrands offer clasps with on-the-fly adjustment.

[@jeremydahm2124]

Beautiful watch. Id love to have this in my rotation . Adjustment in a bracelet is sort of mandatory for me at above 3k. Spoiled by Tudor, IWC, Rolex, Omega.... Everyone else! Cmon GS.....

[@SaltyWatchCollector]

I'm such a Grand Seiko lover but won't buy one on a bracelet till they do noticable improvements. For now I only consider purchasing leather strap options

[@marcocastagnetti7086]

That's what I use to say, before I owned one for me there more than good enough, if you look at the good points and accept it's japanese design philosophy there not bad compared to Swiss or German they are just a different manufacturing approach.

[@JoaquinIsaiahNg]

I think I already got the GS experience with my Seiko SJE073. Same beautiful dial, zaratsu polishing, and on a thinner case height at a much cheaper price.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

SJE073 is a nice watch but it's still not at GS level.

[@JoaquinIsaiahNg]

@@chia-mingyang5804 Looks every bit to me maybe except the movement finishing.

[@stephengarratt8027]

If I'm in an Authorised dealer that stocks them I will gravitate there. Luckily for me I prefer straps than bracelets so that's never an issue.

[@gabigolz]

The descriptions match the level of quality. I think that if you take all those descriptions away it’ll actually reduce the experience somewhat. Everyone is trying to do textured dials and only Grand Seiko actually makes it work beyond what anyone else can ever achieve including the most expensive watches out there.

[@yz8096]

GS Dials speak for themselves. They don't need cheesy inspirational narritives on what inspired the dial color/texture. What's next? A blue dial inspired by the tarps gracing the homeless encampments on Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia? As far as the bracelets, they are OK but I agree a better clasp with micro-adjustments is in order.

[@itsacookie1]

The clasp needs to be updated to include on the fly micro adjust. The bracelet could use a jubilee treatment or something unique like the Vacheron Overseas bracelet and should have an aggressive taper for the style of watch. But the reality is, ALL (non sports) GS look so much better on leather. If you buy it on a bracelet, immediately take it off and put it on a casual leather band.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

Even Rolex, only professional divers have glidelock. Easylink is basically useless.

[@itsacookie1]

@chia-mingyang5804 I'll take any form of tool-less micro adjust. In the modern day it's really only used for swelling wrists due to heat or activity.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

@@itsacookie1 Easylink is 5mm. It's too much for wrist swelling in hot weather.

[@itsacookie1]

@@chia-mingyang5804 I would rather have a 1-2mm loose bracelet when my wrist swells than a 2-3mm too tight bracelet.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

​@@itsacookie1I have tried easylink a few times when I needed and it always turned out to be too loose. Sure too tight is definitely not comfortable, but too loose is also annoying.

[@ericmoss8344]

Grand Seiko makes some beautiful cases and dials! My personal reason for not owning any so far... Cases tend to run pretty thick (they've been slimming them down some on newer versions), Lack of lume on the dials (personal preference... also adding more lume on some newer versions) and the biggest is the lack of on-the-fly macro-adj on the bracelets. These are expensive watches and it seems like they mostly care about "new" dial colors more than anything else. For me personally, once I got a watch w/a nice on-the-fly macro adj bracelet.. I won't own anything that doesn't have this feature. Unless it's a classic watch.

[@spyrop.8428]

I love GS for those mindblowing dials, extreme attention to detail, movements, history and tradition. And generally I don't mind their bracelets. But I just don't like the wrist presence at all, those case shapes looked dated to me when I tried on a few at the AD. Watch after watch, their styling just kept giving me those vibes of (much) cheaper watches from the '80s for some reason. On a closer look of course you can immediately tell it's a high quality watch, but that first impression kinda ruined the experience for me. Your mileage will probably vary of course, these are tremendously popular watches for many (and very valid) reasons.

[@julianread1996]

A great bracelet, but this is subjective. It all depends when you want/need in a bracelet. That fact is this is a hand finished bracelet with some lovely details that is well built and will last me forever. For me that’s what matters, but there are areas where it could be improved. The areas where it could be improved I do not care about. All depends on what the person values.

[@fredstahl2823]

I owned a Snowflake that lived on a rubber strap - miss that watch! I could careless about a nature Haiku and more about a complete watch at the price point: that means a great bracelet. GS has a fleet of engineers. Please put your talents into taper, micoadjustments, clasps (yep I've owned a Titanium GS diver with the same clasp as my beloved Marinemaster 300m) and screws for links . I own a Grand Seiko SBGE255 GMT because of the look, feel and somehow the bracelet feels best

[@WatchUnwind]

My wrist fluctuates a lot. Every day I adjust my Rolex easy link open and closed. Sometimes multiple times a day. For me a micro adjust is an absolute need to have.

[@Kingbeardtv]

First thing i did when i got my GS was to get a leather strap. Bracelet still in the box. Wish they could sell the new bracelets with micro adjustment on their website.

[@timchan334]

Still holding out on GS until they make a 38-39mm with 20mm brushes taper bracelet with micro-adjust

[@marcocastagnetti7086]

I have left many comments on GS braclets & clasps (stupidly) based on not owning one, but and it's a big but (now) I have one I find them more than acceptable, comfortable low profile non bulky. If you want it more like Swiss or German then just buy them in the first place, it's japanese design philosophy they are not worse they are just different in manufacturing.

[@drnick40]

Most GS watches look like the good old “Snowflake” with a different dial. A fantastic Spring drive or good mechanical movements which are not exceptional in comparison to the best of Switzerland. IMHO GS should focus on improving their bracelets and case designs in order to match the beauty of their dial styles. And adding a lume to these nice markers and hands would help the versatility too. An artistic inspiration for their case designs from legendary brands like Vacheron Constantin or Cartier could help.

[@Dialandhands]

I’ve tried these on and the bracelets don’t bother me too much. Yes they can be improved but that’s not what you’re buying a grand seiko or even seiko for that matter. Seikos bracelets have been and probably always will be lagging behind it’s something I’ve accepted.

[@keyanmoine6162]

Yeah the bracelet for me is not a problem and i own a GS. The clasp however is really subpar, I'm lucky that i got a perfect fit but it’s still by far the worst part of the watch

[@bigj324]

Yes, but you want to feel comfortable wearing the watch that you paid thousands of dollars for. What good is a great looking dial if you don't like wearing the watch.

[@BruceWilliams]

Not a dealbreaker to me. It would just be nice for some improvement

[@nickturner6243]

Japanese person/tokyo resident here. if youre unable to read/hear the descriptions in japanese just shut up about it

[@charleschen1555]

Which GS is at 0:50? Thanks.

[@BruceWilliams]

SBGD202 (one of their precious metal pieces)

[@user-vv1qm5dj9c]

Honestly, is there a KZbin review handbook with stock comments? The GS bracelet is well-made it’s just not to your liking. Got to retire this over-used gripe.

[@imarasnothere]

Why are their (beautiful) watches so damn thick

[@watchtrendz6515]

I miss your hulk :(

[@weeklywash]

Literally waiting with money on hand for an on the fly micro adjust.

[@d.stiefel869]

So glad I’ve sold off most of my Grand Seiko’s. Took a beating on them, but glad those turds are out of the collection.

[@Andy-ys8sj]

Well you don't sound like a nightmare of a customer do you

[@Jay-xr3sb]

Why buy more than one if you didn't like the first?

[@d.stiefel869]

@@Jay-xr3sb Fell into the hype at the time. Had a gigantic collection of 50+ watches. None of the GS’s made the cut at the end of the day.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

@@d.stiefel869 hype? You must have countless Rolex GMTs and Tiffany Blue OPs that have taken an even bigger beating. Buy what you like, not what's hyped

[@evh4611]

Micro adjustment clasp is needed

[@safarit678]

It's beyond me wht grand seiko keep ruining their watches. 12mm+ on a 39mm watch is just too tall. It's a date only watch so how big is this movement? Also could do with hand winding if that will shave off 1mm.

[@mikehayes3014]

For a brand that’s all about attention to detail, it’s sad that they can’t even taper a bracelet let alone provide micro adjustments 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@simonwright6882]

I've had the sbga415 now for 3 years. It also has the 62gs case. I love it but it would really benefit from an adjustable clasp as I have had to add and remove links a few times now.

[@PocketUau]

Every titanium GS I've ever handled has had a bracelet significantly worse than anything found on watches under $500. The tolerances and finishing are just not good

[@wildbuck6574]

It's the clasp. I own a 224270 and an Sbgh273. The bracelet on the GS is nice it just needs a better clasp and needs to fit in case better. Gaps around lugs. Still very comfortable. I was underwhelmed by the bracelet on my 224270.

[@benediktcaestecker]

-- I LOVE GS but for a 62 family indication I expect the crown at 5 ( not at 3 o clock) -----

[@bobnewby9129]

1:09 Someone won't watch a video because the GS marketing department uses nature references to describe their watches? Wow. You either like the dial or you don't. Who cares what GS says the inspiration is?

[@kresimirpleic]

That was my comment. The reason I wrote it is because for a number of years now, I've been hearing about those stories made up by their marketing department and while they were perfectly fine at first, it really got to the point where I don't want to hear about it any more. I'd rather hear yet another story about how a Speedmaster was worn on the Moon. I'd even rather spend an hour listening to the sound of sparkling water in a glass. Seriously. Grand Seiko make fantastic watches. I have easily watched HUNDREDS of Grand Seiko related videos on youtube. But they are becoming a meme at this point. Don't get me wrong, It's not like I'm upset or something, but hearing yet another story about a ray of summer sunlight hitting a droplet hanging from a blade of grass while a bumblebee is farting nearby really sounds like Chat GPT - hence my bullshit generator comment. I love Bruce's videos and watch pretty much all of them. I also love Grand Seiko, just not their clasps or their marketing team. But I'll even take their clasps over their marketing team, haha.

[@bobnewby9129]

@@kresimirpleic Understood. I find the marketing worthy of an eyeroll but I'll just skip over that to get to the actual watch because some of these dials are breath taking. The marketing that most annoys me is the Rolex Explorer Mount Everest story. So many words dedicated to something that didn't happen.

[@kresimirpleic]

@@bobnewby9129 Haha, yeah, the Explorer story is also a great example. Or how Richemont is trying to paint the history of Panerai. I agree, it is best to cut straight through the fluff and get to the actual watches. Cheers!

[@jeejkee6471]

You are exactly right. A GS is next on my list. But I’m now used to the adjustable clasp on my Tudor black bay. GS really need to update theirs.

[@quarters-eye8922]

Grand Seiko bracelets really need to improve.

[@jchong416]

All GSs look the same. Fix the proportions, thickness and bracelets. They get so much right but just need to fine tune the product

[@jacks3735]

Not having an on the fly micro-adjust clasp in 2024 on a watch above 300$ is just lazy as far as I'm concerned. If San Martin can do what they do, there's no excuses for anyone else.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

Even Rolex, only professional divers have glidelock. Daytona doesn't have it. DateJust doesn't have it. Needless to say Day-Dates.

[@jacks3735]

As I said, lazy.​@@chia-mingyang5804

[@BruceWilliams]

@@chia-mingyang5804 PM Daytona's have it on oysterflex now

[@greenerick]

No lume not interested