Grand Seiko Spring Drive Diver SBGA229 Luxury Watch Review

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

I'd take this over any 43-44mm Rolex Sea-Dweller. Short of a ceramic bezel insert, this Grand Seiko diver has it all; distinctive character, engineering, hand finish, and durability., Moreover, its character stands out from the mass of Submariner clones in the crowded dive watch segment. Best, Tim

[@ProfessorPesca]

You’ve successfully made me covet this watch Tim. I wouldn’t have given it a second glance before but the details that you have picked out in this video are compelling.

[@JungleEddie]

This is a richly appointed and highly accurate amateur diver. The Sea Dweller was originally designed as a hardcore diver and is still capable of any underwater environment.

[@AlexxxxxSaysHi]

japanwatchconnection spring drives are recommended to be serviced every 5 years but you'll find the vast majority of owners on forums haven't had them serviced for 10 years or more since they simply don't need it.

[@theonlyredspecial]

I had one and loved it. but unfortunately after a year I get bored of most watches, resell to get something new - I lost quite a lot of money - the second hand market for Grand Seiko is not very good sadly. This is why people buy Rolex - they are a good solid watch, you can wear them for a year - as they go up in value and you can often sell for more than you paid. Its not quite as simple in the real world - unless you want to buy a watch to keep forever.... then yes, absolutely Grand Seiko all the way.

[@praetor47]

@@AlexxxxxSaysHi riiiight... those are just sorry excuses for "i don't wanna pay for the expensive service, so that next owner takes care of it when i sell it". been there, done that (at the receiving end of it). i also own a fancy diver with a fancy movement that is better than a Sub in pretty much every measurable way... except residuals and service cost

[@macbattle7833]

Few watches are as accurate as a common cell phone. And yet, the money I've spent on cellphones over the years could easily purchase this watch. I am enamored with wristwatches, particulary these Spring Drives with their forward thinking engineering and their handcrafted excellence. An elegant, understated timepiece that can't access FB...and that's fine with me.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

That's an amazing analogy! Thanks for your feedback! - WatchBox Team

[@mgmmaze]

That's it no more cell phones for me after reading that

[@taazen74]

I really like this watch. I wanted a Spring Drive GMT, but this is just perfect. I think this is a winner for me, and a must buy. A great working, sport, everyday watch for sure.

[@spalkin]

At 8:02 you got a subscription. That was simply a PHD explanation of the spring-drive movement! I'm writing it down...

[@rammohan1991]

Garbage

[@matty00926]

These reviews are amazing. I hope to own a GS one day. Would love to see this on a rubber strap.

[@rafayz9033]

these reviews are staple when I consider any watch. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@siongheeleong8078]

That bright even lume is the cherry on top of the icing of this very delectable watch.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I appreciate you using the term "back EMF". Many reviewers use incorrect terminology there.

[@Hollyrock712]

Hi Tim, I bought this watch but the older version. Beautiful watch ! I love GS.

[@AbdulRWatches]

Hi Tim, I heard from several friends that own both this and Rolex Sub, and all of them say that the GS is much better movement, keeps better time and also goes under the radar, but everyone mistakes it with the sub anyway. I wish Seiko made more colors from this watch, a green or red ones would be fantastic. Best, Abdul

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

If people think this is a Sub, their opinions don't matter! I do believe that the Spring Drive caliber will keep better time. In the Rolex's favor, it's a far thinner watch, wears well on smaller wrists, has a more robust bracelet construction, and features a ceramic bezel insert (this one is ADLC). Check out the titanium version of this watch, the SBGA031/SBGA231 and the SBGE015/SBGE215 for examples of Grand Seiko sports watches with more color. Best, Tim

[@AbdulRWatches]

I totally agree, I would get the Sub, if i had to choose between both due to the aesthetics and size. But then again i choose a Red Tudor Black Bay Heritage over a Rolex Submariner (but i got a Rolex DateJust with the money difference, so 2 watches instead of 1). Best, Abdul

[@ripperx444]

WatchBox Reviews I love Grand Seiko. I bought the new high beat diver (blue) last year and wound up selling it because i couldn’t get over the cheap clasp. Seiko needs to stop reusing parts from their lower level wstches. That’s one thing GS still can’t get right. Overall amazing watch and the 9S85 is one of the most accurate movements ever. I’m sure this sprinfndrive is nice also. I’ll have to check it out

[@jdstarek]

I’m an owner of both brands. Tim nailed it. The Sub wears much smaller, the bezel is more durable and the bracelet/clasp is far superior. Yes, the GS clasp is super engineered, but too much so and becomes too clunky for desk diving. That and the resale factor. That said, I do love the dial, furniture and movement of the GS...that’s why I own both. Full disclosure, I also have a Tudor BB...and wear it more than the other two. I like the way you think, Abdul.

[@slavakim25]

I couldnt stop staring at the second sweep... Never seen anything like that.

[@xfiles0082]

Beautiful review for this very beautiful watch. Thank you.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Your Welcome. Be sure to check in often, we do 4-5 watch reviews per day!

[@MaxBongiorno]

Hi Tim, What would you rather have the GS or new sea master 300? Thanks

[@Soda480Place]

Fantastic watch review, really appreciate the service you provide.

[@TD-uq6lq]

Hey Tim, do you know of any information regarding how spring drive fairs against magnetism? Be interesting to know if the movement is susceptible to magnetism and how seiko handle this.

[@pmtips4482]

Incredible review! I just can't help thinking the hands should have been polished. Why matte? Polished hands give the wearer many more visible angles than unpolished. Thanks for the review!

[@collaberatorzseanhuang8952]

I love the smooth second hand. I'm not familiar with a spring drive movement. Is it as long lasting as a mechanical movement ?

[@ipariszalonna]

I'd imagine the mechanical part of the movement would last a longer time than a movement with a traditional escapement since there's no impact on an escape wheel by a pallet fork and the balance wheel is basically just rotates in one direction constantly.

[@omonteso]

It can last, but recommends service every 3 years or so vs 7-10 for omega and Rolex respectively

[@jameslawler2011]

This is a cracking watch, great value and I would have no problem buying but comparing it "on par" to a Sea Dweller is ridiculous, they are nor even in the same league

[@None12445]

SG kicks rolex in the BA... DAMN! I’l buy a GS any day, sorry rolex, your watch is now just a name....

[@adehall8504]

What material are the applied indices made from Tim? They look like white gold... ?

[@youngdoan3465]

Hi Tim. How much for this one on brand new. Thanks

[@GapBahnDirk]

I would like to see screws for the bracelet links on the SS version and a ceramic bezel. Regardless, this will probably be in my collection at some point after I acquire the GMT with the sapphire bezel.

[@ripperx444]

These used to be 3750 pre owned!! Prices gone up

[@jeremeymiller3406]

It’s funny in this one you see how deep the detents are in the bezel and how easy it is to grip when your hands when they are sweaty and wet but in the Rolex SD43 comparison you said you could see how it would be difficult to grip with wet or sweaty hands lol. You picked the right winner Spring drive, zaratsu, Lumibrite > Rolex Is there any kind of coating I have some Seiko’s that have dia shield is that utilized here?

[@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173]

Never forget that Tim is a salesman.

[@flintm6945]

Seiko desperate needs a 40MM Diver to compete with the Sub. This is more of a Sea Dweller competitor size wise...though not performance wise.

[@charlesmiller6281]

Only thing I don't like about this watch is the new dial, which is better than the old dial, which is what I have. Oh well. I have had the pleasure of wearing it some 6 years, so I got that going for me.

[@Hollyrock712]

I also own the older version…. I think its more unique… beautiful watch

[@charlesmiller6281]

@@Hollyrock712 Mine's the Limited Edition with the deep blue dial, #64 of 200. In 7 years I have never seen another, not even in stores. I don't know how much more unique you can get. And yes it is a beautiful watch. I've even had women tell me its beautiful, and guys who don't care about watches get caught admiring it. One time the Porsche sales manager kept sneaking a look every time he thought I wasn't looking until he finally asked about it. You know he's seen a lot of high end watches, but not this one! 😁

[@Hollyrock712]

@@charlesmiller6281 nice. Definitely hold on to that one!

[@AntonyThorburn]

Seiko for me.

[@samuelgray7122]

The Grand Seiko Titan!!!

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Sounds like an amazing TV show or Comic Series "Grand Seiko Titan" has a nice ring to it! - WatchBox Team

[@samuelgray7122]

@@the1916companywatchreviews that's my nickname for the watch I'm hoping it takes off in the watch community! I feel like it's a deserving nickname lol.

[@jpcough6591]

Definitely feel like I should check one of these out. Also, hi Tim :-)

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Hi John! I highly recommend these. Hopefully, I can add a review of its titanium twin, the SBGA231, in the near future. Best, Tim

[@jpcough6591]

Excellent! I'm a mechanical purist, but these are definitely intriguing. Love your reviews! Have a great weekend!

[@sgkmurthy5232]

whats its cost..?

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Hi! You can check this out at our website: www.thewatchbox.com/shop/pre-owned-seiko-grand-seiko-spring-drive-sbga229/ Thanks for watching! --Team WatchBox

[@priestly33]

I really like the movement. I ABSOLUTELY love the band and clasp. Maybe the best dive clasp on the market. But the bezel... I cannot stand it. I feel like it looks cheap and not well executed. I just dont see a $6000 watch when I look at this. And I blame the bezel for that.

[@priestly33]

That being said if they redesigned the bezel and made a blue version I think I would pull the trigger and buy one.

[@Dynamisk913]

wish it came a bit smaller

[@sofrech1991]

Are the bezel inserts on these still anodized aluminum? I feel that, as ceramic becomes more ubiquitous and is viewed as the more luxurious option, Grand Seiko is losing customers by sticking with the old-style dive bezels.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Yes, it's still ADLC, which is a tough but deposited coating. I don't think Seiko is losing customers on that basis. This is $6,000 U.S. watch new, and the money goes into dial finish, case finish, bracelet finish, movement engineering, and hand assembly of the movement. You can get an Oris for under $3,000 with a ceramic bezel, but it won't have all of the other features that I described. Grand Seiko set its priorities in shooting for a price point, and I can't disagree. I would no prefer a more mechanical finish, printed dial, or a conventional automatic movement if that were the price for a ceramic bezel. Plus, you can always replace the ADLC bezel insert during service. Best, Tim

[@STIjojoSTI]

If you have a 6.75” wrist? Would this be too big?

[@PK-mx7nf]

I would say yes. I have same size wrists and would never wear 44mm. All preference of course.

[@PK-mx7nf]

Also the 50mm lug to lug is a lot for your wrist size. It would most likely protrude. It's too bad really, I like this piece a lot and the spring drive is a super cool innovation.

[@AR-rk9nn]

Probably could just don’t let it droop down to the bottom of your wrist

[@canonyeo4286]

This watch is much better than sub in every aspects. If u own both u would know.

[@canonyeo4286]

I have the latest Hulk, Batman, Daytona, and Airking adding to my earlier collection. I have many more Grand Seiko and Seiko among my 80 pieces of collections. I know what Tim is talking about.

[@sureshkarpane9573]

Canon Yeo a golden reply👍. Rolex' aren't bad but I hate how the y manipulate the market by creating a fake hype with the good old demand and supply trick

[@canonyeo4286]

Suresh, totally agree.

[@titojose1559]

Dat Sweep

[@Mint-cb2vc]

this or Omega PO 8900?

[@fansofst.maximustheconfess8226]

BOTH.

[@bigslacker666]

The movement is amazing, it's hard not to love that perfect second hand sweep. Too bad it's 44mm and too bad the styling so closely resembles any 'ol $150 seiko diver so closely.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

These are cropping up with QC issues that they should not have.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

400 dives here...believe me, no SCUBA diver wears a "diving" watch...they're just for armchair divers so you can stop talking about the supposed diving features on this watch like they actually mean anything!

[@Mark-sd7fc]

Jonnie Bangkok Ya you’re right most dive watches should be called vacation swimmers, and I believe this is the finest vacation swimmer available anywhere!!

[@ocezam4829]

You say "it wasn't until 2005 that we saw an "automatic" version of Spring Drive". Really? All Springs drives are automatic. The difference is Spring Drives do not have a mechanical escapement. They are regulated with an internally (no battery) quartz oscillator. There are many benefits to this, but it would be a waste of time to post them here. About nine out of ten "Reviews" of Spring Drive do not understand the technology. Your review is no different. WAY too many experts on youtube posting garbage about topics that they do not understand. Please move on to another topic. Horology isn't something you understand.

[@simonechiesa5284]

Chillout man 😂

[@EscapePlan97]

Everything on this watch is way too bulky. The aesthetics are just off.