Grand Seiko vs A. Lange & Söhne Dials | Watchfinder & Co.

Never mind the movement, how about the bit we spend the majority of our time looking at when it comes to our watches-I am of course talking about the dial. With such prestige given to the whirring, ticking bits in the back, the dial is an often-overlooked facet of watchmaking that really doesn’t get the attention-or at least the appreciation-it deserves. So here we have two of the finest, from Grand Seiko and A. Lange & Söhne, to try and understand what makes a truly great dial.
Featured Watches:
Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211G
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 211.026
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[@watchfinder]

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[@cliftonsheldon9134]

The smooth sweep of the GS second hand never gets old.

[@hkyper]

This video quality rivals the finishing of both those watches.

[@jdanielortega]

That 10:20 shot, to PERFECTLY align the second-hand's movement with the camera rotation (whether post or on-set) shows Watchfinder's videos are the A. lange & Söhne equivalent in the Watch Video world.

[@trevormtb9372]

This channel presents watches in the best way possible. I literally couldn't imagine a better narrator or script, or better macro shots that better highlight the care taken to finish the watches. I think the cinematography in this episode is the best yet, too

[@jimsteinway695]

Not only that but NOBODY makes better facial expressions with his right hand than this guy!!!!

[@bobletch7308]

Any time I see anything made by Lange, however simple, my jaw drops in awe.

[@balesjo]

I think if I had the money where I could afford any luxury watch out there, I'd choose the Lange.

[@arapaimagold8088]

See Lang & Hayne watches and your view will change.

[@bobletch7308]

@@arapaimagold8088 Indeed, thank you for bringing this brand to my attention! Have you ever suggested it to Watchfinder for a video?

[@________2705]

as schould.... )

[@betochiwas]

My dream watch is a ALS with a GS spring drive movement

[@markryan3995]

A. Lange & Sohne - magical!

[@zyembla]

Only Watchfinder could make this video. Also, is interesting how brands now will have to start polishing the underside of the hands otherwise they will be EXPOSED here

[@jacc88888]

Yes, good point! I did notice some imperfections on the underside of the GS seconds hand reflected in the polished steel hands. I guess if this video was shown at the GS HQ a new position of ‘underhand polisher’ might have to be created.

[@navajasrs2402]

When I need to try and explain to people why watches so captivate me, I'll link them to your videos.

[@theonlyredspecial]

They won't give you a free watch. Many have tried. You can however buy them from their website for 20% over the odds. 😀

[@insearchoftheperfectwatch934]

I have a friend whose husband is very rich and sometimes she wears his watches e.g. a Heuer Monaco (that she was wearing upside down) and she's one of those people who, all she knows is that Rolex is the best watch in the universe. I sent her one of the videos from here explaining why that's not true, and I don't think she ever even watched the video. Her loss.

[@finickybits8055]

The fact that Watchfinder&Co. is owned by AL&S, and still gives Grand Seiko its props, even “against” AL&S, speaks volumes. My collection is basically anti-Europe, because of the pricing BS. I may have to adjust and make it anti-Swiss, so I can loop in some AL&S pieces and still be true to my heart. Congratulations; I’m now considering GS and AL&S in similar light.

[@peterf3567]

Correct me if I’m wrong but AL&S do not ”own” Watchfinder. They are both owned by Richemont, along with numerous watch brands.

[@kennetha.1937]

Literally everytime as I'm about to head to bed. Watchfinder: "New Grand Seiko video." Well, alrighty then.

[@albertoroveda5135]

For me it’s every time I wake up ahah

[@ZeroSOFInfinity]

That Snowflake.... no matter how many times I look at it.... and try to resist.... the thing keep hearing is "buy me..... buy me....."

[@rickjason215]

You can get it from an AD and get a discount. I believe these watches will go up significantly in price. It’s a mostly hand made watch. You can’t get a hand made watch at what this sells for.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Alex that’s me too.

[@henrycollins2478]

Oh. Watches will talk to you too? That makes me feel better, my family freaks out about it

[@dasi8111]

Do it! Got it 20 % off from an AD last month in Germany. Beautiful piece!

[@WrongTimeWatch]

I agree, and I did not resist. I bought one used earlier this year.

[@jylphoto]

every time i watch one of these videos, I realize how dirty my computer screen is

[@richardbartlett6932]

At 12.13. is that a crack ?

[@jacc88888]

So true! Although in my case it’s my dirty iPhone screen .

[@vktravellog1242]

@@richardbartlett6932 oh shit that looks like a crack.

[@TOM-C.]

Though the Lang & Sohne is gorgeous, I would miss not having the second hand, and don't think it would hurt the spartan design this watch is obviously after. It's the GS for me as it looks great, and has one of, if not the best, smooth second hand.

[@anvi8189]

10:25, that's the most incredible watch video making to date

[@tamimaliraqii]

I was genuinely staring into my screen like.... is this even real?! :')

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

It almost made me cry. Seriously.

[@ZurriyetBlogs]

all A. Lange & Sohne's back is SUPERB !

[@elgatto3133]

Would love to see credor vs lange

[@guille_snapshooter]

tasty

[@SteveKemper]

or Credor vs. Moser

[@sulochanazade376]

@@SteveKemper or Moser Vs Lange...

[@arapaimagold8088]

Lange vs Lang & Heyne, let's see who's the real monster of watchmaking.

[@edak1]

I vote for this also. Minimalism at its finest. I love my GS and I still look at Credor and think "wow"

[@obsession_engineering]

I'd much prefer the GS without the power reserve (especially on an auto) and without the spring drive text. The people who care would already know by the sweep, and when it comes to dial text, less is more

[@TheJunaidHsn]

If that’s what you’re after search up the Sbgh267, its a beautiful watch.

[@mtadc1545]

Or the Credor Eichi

[@sultanr932]

That's why in the rolex there is written how to restore the society after nuclear war

[@liquidtunes]

@@sultanr932 hilarious comment 👏🏼

[@jpdemer5]

@@sultanr932 When you pay that much for "superlative", you want to be reminded of it daily.

[@marvinmittmann801]

I can't stress enough how much i love these 7-10 Min mini-documentaries, which are produced in such high quality that they do every single timepiece more than justice! If possible, would you kindly feature a SBGJ219? A Lange Odysseus would also be rather pleasant.

[@nuld2000]

Oh how I wish I could afford one of these! Either of these, both of these!

[@CoreyWBaker]

The GS isn’t much. You’ll get there!

[@DutchClawz]

100% get the Snowflake if you a re ready. I have one and it is absolutely stunning. Its just leagues above its ‘competition’ at even double the price. I have some other watches and it is just no comparison, absolutely idiotic😂

[@rickjason215]

The GS is probably the cheapest luxury watch. It is attainable, just save up.

[@StephenLeet]

Got my GS for 20% off from an AD, good luck!

[@jubeeju]

@06:53:"That's done with polishing. And not the kind you did to the school trophies in detention". A subtle & amusing way to inform us someone attended a posh school.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

Public schools have the as well

[@enriqueali]

@@Jay-xr3sb in the UK fee-paying independent schools are referred to as public schools. What are called public schools in America (and elsewhere I imagine) are called state-funded schools in the UK. But I agree, I don't see how something as mundane as polishing school trophies in detention indicates a posh background. If a school could afford to employ someone dedicated to doing solely that task, then yes, one might reasonably infer some privileged background.

[@Jay-xr3sb]

@@enriqueali we had litter picking and homework to do in my detention!

[@samzadgan]

Haha! I just put a comment on the GS vs Rolex video saying it wasn’t fair on Rolex, and GS should be compared to Patek or Lange...and here it is!

[@harrybate3620]

Two of my grails in the same thumbnail. This is why I love this channel

[@selectedxil4806]

GS: Dial, Hands, Indices, Case Lange: Caseback, Case execution and Design Language Gs has the capability to do everything in house, Lange dials are not in house manufactured. Gs would be the pick for me, though not going to deny it Lange is a more romantic watch.

[@feloniusdrunk]

I don't like the proportions of the indices or the GS logo.

[@selectedxil4806]

@@feloniusdrunk I am referring to more of it's finishing for the indices. Overall design language wise, the lange is more romantic imo

[@Jay-xr3sb]

The finishing standard is the same for all lange. There maybe a few more exposed parts in different movements not the standard of finish. The saxonia thin is a tad plain and thisnone too big at 40mm. But then you have plenty of alternatives

[@Jay-xr3sb]

The GS case is also too chunky and the bracelet generic. The power reserve also unbalances the dial, put it on the back. Put that dial in a case like the op/aqua terra then I would buy it.

[@selectedxil4806]

@@Jay-xr3sb My bad, I mixed it up with Jlc. Yes, I would opt for the Saxonia thin 37mm instead of the 40mm as the same reason you mentioned. However, if I am in the market for a Lange, my first choice would still be a white metal lange 1, predictable I know, but the golden ratio design of the dial layout makes it one of the most attractive lange imo.

[@Redonepunch]

The Grand Seiko High Beat anniversary dial on the SBGH267 is incredible in person. Saw it at the GS boutique and was mesmerized.

[@krokodyl1927]

I’d like one of each, thank you.

[@arsaeterna4285]

That Lange & Söhne is poetry mechanically, but even among watches

[@TechPanzer]

I love the power reserve indicator and I think all watches should have one. And power reserve indicators on automatic watches are also useful, it helps you to keep it wound up to achieve better accuracy.

[@alvinng5219]

All the more useful in non-automatic movements too. 😃

[@Jay-xr3sb]

@@alvinng5219 I didnt even think about that. Its an auto, why the hell did they stick an ugly unbalanced (but well finished) power reserve on there??

[@manoflego123]

If I'm ever in a financial situation where I can buy a luxury watch, Grand Seiko is the top of my list. I love my Seiko 5, and everything I learn about the company makes me appreciate the process even more.

[@Penny2105]

A. Lange & Söhne is absolutely king here!

[@JLchevz]

Man ALS never ceases to amaze me, and the GS is great too

[@TheLocara]

Jesus Christ, two grail brands in one combo video

[@stevegrisius6145]

The same for me. If I win in the lottery the first two watches I am going to buy will be A.L & Söhne and a Grand Seiko. Slight preference for the A.L & Söhne

[@PlaceboPictures]

Calm down.

[@flynnparish9833]

The triple split enters the chat*

[@TheAechBomb]

I'd get a GS first, but lange is definitely something I'd go for later, just not this one

[@graemebruce9320]

You took the words right out of my mouth!!

[@sean1e100]

Yet again... utterly captivating, particularly on the scripting. You must agonise over those ‘last lines’ for each of the videos. They’re remarkable! Bravo big lad... bravo

[@feloniusdrunk]

I never thought I'd say this after seeing that digital monstrosity they produce, but the A. Lange & Söhne is a thing of beauty IMO. To my eye, it's the difference between art and craft when it's put beside the GS. I'm not particularly a fan of minimalism, but this is the best I've seen.

[@thegraciefighter102]

Amazing how the Lange makes the GS look so pedestrian in comparison

[@sinjon]

Really? I’d take the GS any day

[@craik7]

As much as I love GS, A Lange & Sohne is on a completely different level..

[@PrimeMatt]

The ALS is pure class and beauty! I have Rolex, Omega, AP etc, and Lang are the only watch I have any interest in now.

[@johnoricchio7742]

Please review and give a brief history on Tutima watches ,your videos are truly top quality. Magnificent job on quality,content and production! Bravo to the narrator, excellent job , the quality and tone of his voice is a pleasure !

[@BandrewScott]

Some of these macro shots are so crazy I thought it had to be CG! Well done.

[@phillippugh2161]

The fact that grand seiko can make a watch at a third of the price . And yet still under a micro lens look just as good ....that dial oh baby that dial . Just look at that seconds hand sweep I'm mesmerized

[@gunyoda2356]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin!

[@serkesh]

I've been a fan of you for a long time, and although i find your videos to be very high quality, I don't understand why you haven't upgraded to 4k and/or 60 fps videos already. Even amateur youtubers are uploading 4k videos these days. It would take your close-up shots of amazing dials and movements to the next level.

[@MohammadAWaly]

Great content... I’d love to see something on the history of the Omega Constellation. Seems to be quite a significant piece for them, and the new men’s collection with ceramic bezels are very striking!

[@natanaelfarias249]

my favorite brand is A.lange but, this GS is absolutely irresistible ... in this duel I stay with the GS ...

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

I would choose an A. Lange & Sohne over a Grand Seiko 99% of the time. But this is the 1% situation where I would go for the GS

[@evh4611]

Ja echt hèh

[@palashkale]

The clean sweep of the GS Seconds hand almost seems like magic... It's beautiful in itself...

[@hugomountbatten4017]

Darling I came here for Daniel Wellington. One is so disappointed.

[@jerrypanela]

🤣🤣🤣

[@edjack1993]

Wow. Some of the best watch macro shots I’ve ever seen. This channel just keeps getting better!

[@Asswhooper]

that smooth perfect sweep of the gs is truly mesmerizing ,

[@Sunfade38]

Looking at the dial and movement of both watches is like looking at another world, my friends often ask me why I bother with mechanical watches when there are more convenient ways of telling time. For me, its knowing that there's a ticking heart hidden away from the world that I sometimes get to look at in glee. The seconds hand smoothly gliding reminds me that we're alive at the very tip of it.

[@tamimaliraqii]

Both are gorgeous and marvellous watch companies, but oh boy that price tag on the Grand Seiko tells me that I have hope in owning one someday :') I just want to cry now.

[@Rossatron18]

If GS removed the power reserve dial it would be perfect

[@andyt6819]

Can’t agree more, so pointless on automatics

[@WildCountryLeather]

100% agree on that

[@kevincarter7410]

Ive gotten used to it now after looking at it for a while

[@WildCountryLeather]

@@kevincarter7410 the rest of the dial is a beauty. I just cant get over the reserve marker. Maybe more time with it will fix that.

[@sumfesh8574]

There are so many better power reserve designs - why not run it along the outside of the dial like some a.Lange models?

[@nekeke1]

Lange......omg its movement should be looked at everyday.

[@dinonugget7114]

Calm down its nothing special its just a spinning whell the whole back is covered. Im the biggest Lange fan but i must be real the movement is nothing special on this one and it shouldn't be its 15k $

[@Pwng]

Dino Nugget and a lot of the 15k is the price of gold

[@dinonugget7114]

@@Pwng Yes. My point is just that the movement is nothing special in this one. But worth 15k

[@oneashralph4076]

No wonder Chinese dont replicate those two watch.Literally impossible without bursting their own budget just to make a case finishing.Outstanding

[@ivanlagrossemoule]

They've already been doing it for years mate.

[@Scorpio13]

Yes, China has been copying other countries' things for decades, but this is almost a thing of the past. For example, China is leading 5G and nuclear fusion technology, and the first 6G experimental satellite has been launched and tested. Other countries will start to copy technologies more and more frequently from China in 20 years, just like 500 years ago.

[@IAttackYou]

@@Scorpio13 No one is questioning if China CAN produce high precision machinery/technology. He is just talking about factories making replicas... China do produce fake ALS and Glaschuttes, but you can take one look at the decoration and know it's a fake. Hard to say for other swiss watches.

[@stebesplace]

WF: “Dials don’t get much simpler than this” Credor: “Hold my sake!”

[@GenerationAI2024]

at 0:14 a crack!?

[@canonyeo4286]

Watchfinder's videos are the most enjoyable to watch. Just talk about the beauty. And, the narration - pure class.

[@bhaijaansabka]

Credor to A. Lange would have been a more apt comparison!

[@JogieGlenMait]

I'm a solid Grand Seiko admirer but that Saxonia is way up a different level.

[@st2rseeker]

Really curious: what makes you feel that? It's fascinating to see how minute distinctions make people perceive things much more differently.

[@JogieGlenMait]

@@st2rseeker I see both brands, GS and ALS, more of a quality/workmanship-conscious brand. but I "feel" that ALS Saxonia has taken the simple and classic more beautiful. for me. :)

[@st2rseeker]

@@JogieGlenMait interesting, thanks for the reply! For me it rally depends on which I see in what connotation - love the designs of both companies :)

[@jerieltee]

How bout the Copper Blue? That's the pinnacle haha

[@MrAristaeus]

@@st2rseeker it’s also what’s ‘not said’. These things are always subjective of course, but to me Lange und Söhne have the supreme confidence of understatement. I am a huge fan of GS, but the Snowflake gets a lot of praise for the texture of the dial and the finish of the zuratsu polishing, but in the final analysis these are surface details and the initial appeal falls away with sustained wear, most especially with one annoying ding or scratch... whereas, one can imagine the privilege of wearing a Lange und Söhne with of bit history and patina (perhaps not so much with the Saxonia Thin as a pure dress watch, but certainly with their Datographs!)

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting comparison. Enjoyed it. Regards.

[@jayebirdjb7143]

Both equally impressive, in their own right.

[@Guitarorpheo]

I love the Lange, but I want the Seiko. That dial, the blued second hand, the supersharp minute/hour hands, the pattern under the power indicator. I just love it all.

[@jasonstephens2946]

I would love a A Lange & Sohne. Maybe one day.....Fantastic videos though, as always.

[@Trollygag]

that super macro is savage on every tiny little defect. That one shot something you could hardly even see had a crack on it visible in macro.

[@jacc88888]

Imagine GS and Lange collaborating to produce a watch - with GS doing more of the dial work and Zaratsu polishing and Lange the movement finishing.

[@P4LL3R]

Amazing video as always. But are there any plans to upgrade to 4K? Even if not shot natively at 4K, uploading it in 4K to KZbin will boost the image quality significantly as it's not that compressed.

[@Mizai]

CECT

[@dr.python]

The power of Axis

[@alexk1232]

Missing Panerai

[@EscapementWatch]

2 Brands I love and Adore! Excellence!

[@jlg395]

The Grand Seiko dial is way too cluttered. They need to remove that garish power reserve indicator and unnecessary date function. Why do watch companies seem to think that no one ever knows the date???

[@sophdog1678]

Agreed. The SBGY003 did that perfectly, but was a limited edition.

[@PlaceboPictures]

I agree 100%. The GS Snowflake is a cluttered mess. Give me a SARB035 any day of the week.

[@PlaceboPictures]

@@sophdog1678 Yes, there’s absolutely no comparison between the two. The SGBY003 is a masterpiece compared to the GS bowel movement on display in this video, and the SBGX331 is even better. Like I said above, though, give me a SARB035 and I’ll be happy forever. A truly excellent watch at a fraction of the price.

[@ansarisiregar7169]

How about Credor Vs A.Lange & Sohne ?

[@robertglassburn8912]

The best watch channel in the business, hands down. I look forward to your videos like a kid waiting for candy lol. Just one thing I would ask more videos per week please, thank you it really does help😀

[@jerieltee]

Can you make a video about the Saxonia Thin Copper Blue???

[@markymark3572]

I have been in love with the Snowflake for so long...The day will surely come when I pull the trigger on one. What's not to like?

[@stephenc1337]

The thickness. Also, the relatively large hands and indexes are polished to such a degree that they make it look a tad bling at work. Overall, GS spring drives are fantastic watches, and you would only start losing your interest in them only when you start buying way more expensive Swiss and German.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

My 2 favorite watch brands. I own a snowflake. Hope to own an ALS one day.

[@Sozakh]

There is no match to Grand Seiko neither in case finish nor in movement. Only true watch enthusiasts can appreciate that brand.

[@SP-sl6dj]

Would love to see the SBGW231 vs the Saxonia. As they’re both the simplest, cleanest dress watches from both brands. Considering one of these at the moment but it’s a tough decision.

[@wakawaka1976]

This was very watchable. Well done. I dislike it when he only has one watch and films himself talking with one hand while he holds the watch in the other hand. Having another watch in the other hand quieted that distraction.

[@satoshinakamoto7914]

Grand Seiko vs Lange Sohne I'd like to see a comparison of the movements of both watches. A.Lange & Soehe is next level.

[@siirveinsan]

GS is much better than ALS for this dial versus. Precision in details and the aesthetics is ahead of ALS. I am speaking for these two btw.

[@little_fluffy_clouds]

Lange makes the most beautiful watches out there.

[@yayayaokoksure]

Lange is just so perfect. You can see similar designs for cheap but the Lange just nails it. So clean.

[@chazzcombs]

Both of those timepieces are absolutely incredible. Neither of those suit my taste (I don't need dress watches) but I can certainly appreciate them for what they are and drool over them nonetheless.

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

I'm generally a huge fan of ALS but if you put this one against the Grand Seiko SBGY026, it would be blown out the water.

[@abiromu]

I've been waiting for a video about these 2 for quite a while now.

[@danielgopan]

I recently got the Snowflake Blue AKA "Skyflake" and I couldn't be happier with it. It is a watch that impresses me and thats what's important.

[@yogiyoda]

A. Lange & Söhne looks better

[@martindy3]

The only thing holding me back from getting the GS snowflake is the spring drive metre. The dial would’ve been perfect without it

[@kev-dm5388]

Seiko make SARX055 for frosted dials maybe you could check it out

[@pranaviyer971]

@@kev-dm5388 But they're not the same.

[@notDonaldFagen]

It's also too big.

[@inkhaurt5812]

@@kev-dm5388 SEIKO makes a better version of that SARX with Grand Seiko finishing, and it has better and thinner movement than the 6R15. It's called the SJE073 with a 6L35 movement.

[@hamzamehboob9014]

Spring drive is better than mechanical because it's the grand children of quartz and mechanical

[@vanbrabant6791]

Lange Saxonia: "Einfachkeit ist das Resultat der Reife" (Friedrich Schiller)

[@chun_ting]

You won't regret if you go either one of those.

[@TheAechBomb]

my only complaint is the lack of a second hand on the lange

[@juniortoledo8088]

Great video, as always. Despite the price difference, both excellent watches.

[@lukedudgeon8699]

Is that a crack at 12:12?

[@pranavkamath4329]

Not many who make dials better than GS, there’s a beauty and depth I’ve not seen in many other watches. The Lange is finished wonderfully, and in terms of pure precision is near the top, though GS takes enough care in their dials they’re up there too. Where you can really see a difference is the movement. GS is amazing but Lange is as close to perfection as you could imagine. The spring drive seconds hand makes the win for me though

[@shankhart.mgr.2943]

no matter whichever is your choice man you will love the execution of the art

[@daverobertson3556]

Great video ! Very interesting once again 👌🏻.

[@jimsteinway695]

Love the power reserve on the Seiko

[@L_3_]

10:14 this.

[@gelmibson883]

GS is so cool. Woo!

[@entroheat]

the grand seiko dial is hands down the winner in this video.

[@realdaybreaker8013]

I could stare at the sweeping second hand of GS forever ever and ever

[@ShahbazKhan-wq4lj]

A. Lange & Sohne for me is favourite watchmaker, but nothing can beat that flawless Spring drive.