Hands-On: Grand Seiko GMT SBGM221

The GMT is arguably the most practical complication - and Grand Seiko's SBGM221 is one of the best executions of this dual time complication.
Thank you, Grand Seiko, for loaning us this watch. We're sad to give it back.
For more on the watch, visit bit.ly/3kDUSQE
The watch in this video is on our Rover Strap: theoandharris....
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#grandseiko #watchreview #watches
Today, Christian goes hands on with the Grand Seiko SBMG221.
This modern classic from the kings of Japanese watchmaking is a 39.5mm in diameter steel GMT watch. The GMT as a complication was borne out of the early 20th century, when the new breed of air traveling public needed a way to seamlessly transition between time zones. This GMT, however, is just as much a looker as it is functional. The faceted lugs and Zaratsu finishing are so purely Japanese and so purely Grand Seiko, that those alone could tip the wearer off that they're wearing something special. But it gets better from there, with its ivory colored dial and blued GMT hand creating a variety of colors that give the watch character without being ostentatious. The watch is powered by Grand Seiko's caliber 9S66, an automatic GMT movement with a 72 hour power reserve and 35 jewels, rated to plus five seconds, minus three seconds per day in static positions, and plus ten seconds to minus one second per day in normal usage conditions.

[@BarkandJack]

Such a great watch! Superbly shot and produced video too.

[@SirMopy]

Bark and Jack Adrian! I friggin love your channel and videos!!! You da best!

[@BarkandJack]

B M thanks so much B M 🙌🏻

[@trollse8714]

Their shop is trash but the video is fine

[@MrParadigm1981]

Adrian is a chump

[@bartsplaylists]

A seasoned collector cannot try it without buying it. Simply stunning. If you already have many exceptional movements that are decorated, then this beats out many pateks in style on the wrist.

[@BeastNolan]

Christian - the type of guy to read his Rolex owners manual to his kids at night as a bedtime story.

[@ptjeffs]

This may be the best video you’ve ever done. For 50 reasons. And I’m guessing it took a lot. Clearly worth it

[@HorologyinSanity]

This GS GMT is one of the best. I personally like the older model with the old logo positions, but I don't think photos and video do this piece justice. After experiencing one in person, I was mesmerized.

[@starchild24]

The copy was amazing! From sharing the GS spirit to the GMT function structuring the script, truly one of your best so far guys!

[@charliedunne8027]

This watch is fantastic. I’ve loved this since seeing it in person. GS is really a special manufacturer. This video is also really great. Quite impressed with this one T&H. Way to make a GMT -travel watch sound appealing in a time everyone is staying put.

[@_tgreg1]

Fantastic video Christian & Anna. Love these “moments” videos. They have so much character. GMT’s are a personal favourite of mine and I’d argue till the bitter end that this is one of the best for the money.

[@briantartell2639]

Even the best photography does not capture the full beauty of this watch. Glimmering multi-faceted indices and hands shimmer in all lighting conditions and the creamy buttery ivory dial is awesome. Traditional looks and modern architecture and technology so meticulously melded and crafted in this timepiece. Still my favorite GS. BTW, I noticed you are in NJ. That means you are GMT -5! Paris time is GMT +1! I never travel without a GMT. Regardless, your videos have really stepped up your game. Thoroughly enjoyable!

[@h111551]

I own three Grand Seikos. Although the SBGM221 is the most affordable, it personifies every quality of Grand Seiko watchmaking that makes the brand special. The multiple hand beveled edges of the indices are in and of themselves worth the price of the watch. The SBGM221 is closer to the exceptionalism of great independent watchmakers like Richard Habring as exemplified by my Habring2 Felix than to the mid-tier Swiss watches which are in the same price range as the SBGM221.

[@jimzartman]

That was stunning in every capacity. The production of the video matched the essence of the watch.

[@DilipAndrade1]

Fantastic video. Beautiful cinematography. Gorgeous watch. You know when you see a video taken 6 months ago, where filmed from last year you see people shaking hands and hugging and you think to yourself that's just not safe. All I could think was: you need to put on your seatbelt

[@BaronDeRothschild]

Appreciate the creativity you and the team put into this video.

[@zoobee]

I am enamoured by this watch in the way that you swoon over the most lovely things. I really think Grand Seiko are special. I'm saving up to buy this.

[@Nodinkee]

Jesus. I mean I’ve seen this reference many times before, but its plethora of little details never fail to stop me in my tracks and drink it all in again. Perfection.

[@TheoandHarris]

Couldn’t agree more!!!

[@aucky]

Video production just stepped up a notch! Great job guys!

[@LJScott1974]

This watch is *by far* the single best value watch in the world. Change my mind ☕️

[@plusgood15]

Also lightly used examples are trading well under retail. Amazing value

[@Brown_cheese]

If it isn't a Rolex, it's a shitter. RAAAAAWLEX. Best regards Archieluxury

[@1995pearson]

In the GMT watch category, potentially. Want to go diving with it though or dressed up for dinner? I would add a BB58 and for my dress watch a reverso and I think you then have the greatest value watch collection in the world.

[@yunlongwu8071]

Rolex are more accurate at +2/-2 second a day, with better mechanisms (e.g free sprung balance wheel, double bridge balance plate design) which will keep accuracy for much longer. Better movement finishings ( the unseen parts of Rolex calibres are perlaged) and most importantly retain its value much better

[@Jay-xr3sb]

@@yunlongwu8071 all the seen parts of the GS are nicer than your hidden perlage work. Rolex movements are robust but dated, they dont really make complicated watches. All the money goes into marketing and its so overdone the its given rolex a dounchy image.

[@braidkid]

Absolutely loved this one guys! I have the same watch on your Amalfi strap and it's perfect! Thinking of picking up your Quint strap to match the GMT hand. To anyone reading this, I highly recommend T&H straps. They're far better than Hodinkee straps in my experience.

[@GuardedCrown]

Such a wonderful watch. And, excellent production value in the video.

[@Island606]

I salute this fantastic story story telling 🙌🏻

[@karlomcastro]

The SBGM221 is my one and only GS (for now). I got it over a year ago after obsessing over it for months! Believe it or not, I even got a huge discount. That green strap looks great... Mine is on a tan leather strap. I've never used the OEM aligator stap. Nice work as always, Christian!

[@Sh0SUPERMAN]

What type of discount did you get, any advice?

[@Sh0SUPERMAN]

@kayeem Cee any advice on GS discount

[@karlomcastro]

@@Sh0SUPERMAN... Got 10% off directly from the GS store. I knew beforehand that they can give discounts as I have a friend who got one so I just asked. That's it. Cheers

[@henrymason3031]

Content hitting it out the park again... excellent watch only made better by the strap. Would not buy one without the other

[@tracephoto1823]

Can’t wait to grab mine. Excellent vid. I love how the Japanese styling of their studio and boutiques speak to their design language.

[@thatsbod1041]

Great video - I love it when you talk about watches in this way Christian - put a story behind a watch & not just trot out the history. Awesome 👍🏻. Paris in GMT +1 btw 🤐

[@DilipAndrade1]

Did a quick Google track. It says GMT +2.

[@DilipAndrade1]

To be fair, that might be a daylight savings issue right now.

[@DBravo29er]

Absolutely loved this video. Next level format. Oh and that watch is a stunner!

[@Sammeeee]

Great shots, loved the video

[@briansmith8390]

Great review. I consider this watch my favorite of all my watches, regardless of pricing. Its classic and gorgeous to look at. You captured what it is perfectly.

[@billtodd7693]

Very nice video production!

[@drwindsurf]

This such a beautiful and such a beautiful video - I loved the storytelling and the beauty of presentation 😊

[@quadre2002]

Im in love with this video. And the watch too

[@Pg91357]

Well scripted, shot, and produced! Love this model

[@lv293]

Great video keep up all the good work! I was impressed on how you shot everything. I look forward on seeing the next one.

[@jims4539]

A very good video - thanks.

[@denisranieri1214]

Awesome watch, nice straps, great video!

[@robboyer6448]

Nice review and GS history lesson. Also a great looking watch

[@anthonyperry3699]

Great review, and as always, terrific content! I purchased this watch and paired it with a T&H Type 1 band. Looks and feels amazing!

[@pulsionsmecaniques5574]

Impressive video. A video where you travel while reviewing a GMT watch, mixed with nature and architecture. Well done !

[@Hollyrock712]

Just got this watch… just beautiful…

[@marcosmcc2562]

This is a incredible piece! Love the video, just perfection!

[@joeschlicht]

I recently tried this one on and it's great, but right next to it was the Hi beat version with a more silver dial and I liked that one even better.

[@emanoilstratulat1076]

Wooow wooow what’s going on? For a second I actually thought you are in Japan 😃😃, superb video execution and pfff that dial ......

[@BetterTodaywithJasonCruz]

Nth time I've watched this video. I should really go and get this piece already; the obsession is real!

[@Rosay__]

Very cool! That studio/manufacture in Japan looks amazing. Great design (both the place and the piece...)

[@nickk6556]

Incredible video. Such a great story to sell an amazing timepiece.

[@brillman]

Such a well edited and scripted video. I want this watch!

[@Joe-xo3xy]

tooooooooooo Slickkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You just keep getting better......

[@saladbowl85]

Really love this watch. A GS is on my list. Keep your Rolexes - give me Omega and Grand Seiko

[@danielc4614]

Love the watch and the story telling.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Thanks for the video. Nice watch.

[@marcaaron6512]

It's a really beautiful watch and video. I'd be curious why you picked this one vs the other GMTs in their collection, simply because there are a bunch of 'em.

[@The_Yin_Tiger]

Gorgeous watch.

[@craigdlazarus]

it's a must have for me....thx for sharing!

[@cohan.forcer]

Love this.

[@bryanbjkim9516]

A great video and review! What's the green leather strap? Where can I find it?

[@yorgydick]

Well done. If I didn't already have a GMT watch I'd be buying one now!

[@terryyiatrou2129]

Very good video

[@rodrigobento2784]

Great video Christian. I really love that watch I think Im going to buy it.

[@TheoandHarris]

I support the purchase 100%!!

[@dmantziaras]

Excellent video for an excellent watch... thank you very much Theo and Harris... However, would you agree that the beauty and calmness of this watch deserves a SPRING DRIVE movement... together with the GMT complication...??? I do not have the possibility to tell them... but i bet you do... so, please consider telling SEIKO that this magnificent watch, which immediately drew my attention among hundreds of others in SEIKO's catalog, should also be manufactured with a SPRING DRIVE movement. Imagine, .... just imagine of the uninterrupted, calm, beautiful movement of the seconds hand with the SPRING DRIVE movement in this wonderfull Ivory case and I think that you would agree. I would be the first to purchase it, no doubt. The only thing that they should be careful about, is that they should not add anything else on the case (no SPRING DRIVE indication, no POWER RESERVE indication, no nothing)...!!! I would tell them if I were you...!!!

[@EricCPOP]

This is the watch I love!

[@Hw-xf6gs]

What is that band? You just sold me on this for my next watch.

[@keysncoffee7733]

This watch is so good that I’m now hesitant to finally order it when I can afford it at last… It’s so perfect that I’m unsure if I’m worthy 😅

[@marvyeap]

Hi Christian, very nice indeed. and the strap pairing makes it pop even more. Very very nice. May I ask what strap is it? Is it The Rover from Theo & Harris ?

[@nrbrown5985]

This is one of the best from GS and definitely one of the best under $5k period.

[@jasonsmith1143]

got to be one of the most beautiful GMT watches

[@gobanssibia4057]

That was way too cool

[@BenNS1971]

Fabulous video!

[@donald1983]

What strap is this please? The one in green

[@eliashnmyr7089]

This video is really great!

[@ref6122]

The best GS watch IMHO. I really liked the vibe of this video.

[@lawrencel1964]

Where can I buy that strap

[@Nick-lm5lz]

Greetings .What watch would you recommend for 500$. I now regret not getting that beautiful alpina you suggested. Sadly times are not as great now and my budget is significantly lower. Something different. Thank you

[@ralrosario5087]

How to chamge the gmt time

[@jackster285]

How does this watch compare with the SBGJ249?

[@geckos27]

What a beauty! Video too!

[@caseywhite6930]

You are literally the Anthony Bourdain of watches, and I fucking love it

[@MrParadigm1981]

What strap is that?

[@ryancassidy7076]

What strap is this?

[@chrisperez6881]

Gorgeous watch in every way. I got mine in Tokyo earlier this year. Are you in an Uber?

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Great question! 👍

[@basvanommen7338]

Which GS shown at 3:50?

[@kirancotting6588]

This feels like a mustard video

[@davidb9531]

I don't see any reason why anyone in their right mind would choose a rolex gmt over this, apparently Rolex seems to rob people of not only their money but also their senses

[@superfast30]

Agreed!

[@Treewalker11]

No risk of a misaligned bezel that they can’t fix with this model.

[@ZachBie]

Such a beautiful watch, and I really like it on this strap. But I won’t buy it because of the limited depth rating. I want 100m as a go anywhere, do anything watch.

[@galaga8834]

Is that a GS strap or something else?

[@jongoodman7563]

Good one. 👍

[@Blackbay1010]

Lugs stick out too far ? Anyone think so? The space between the watch and the strap is too much IMO. What size watch is that? 42mm

[@chris_4477]

Lug to lug is 46mm so absolutely not. The lug width is also a well proportioned 19mm. And its a 39.5mm case diameter.

[@plamen2110]

Yes! This was beautiful. The video that is. The watch is not half bad either 😉

[@bjornapyro]

With a better water resistance (and maybe a spring drive) this would be the perfect watch.

[@planetdee3587]

You should at a Seiko to your collection, even if just a SARB033 or 35.

[@mdo5121]

Love this but on my wrist this is a little chunky and thick.

[@braidkid]

@karldelta lol, I believe he was referring to the thickness which is a tad much, but still an excellent watch!

[@mdo5121]

@karldelta the thickness to the diameter ratio.

[@mdo5121]

@@braidkid Agreed I almost bought it in Malaysia still love it...but bought the black dial gmt quartz ..no regrets.

[@mattrud101]

Where is your strap from?

[@reedgrabowski8314]

The Theo & Harris strap shop

[@jntroisi]

This watch punches in twice its price range. The dial is perfection, as it the case and case back. The only improvement could be the water resistance. Should be 50M in my opinion

[@galaga8834]

This is the best GS there is in my opinion. Not too expensive but tremendous bang for your buck.

[@thecooldude4564]

I thought this guy had stated he did not like Seiko watches.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Christian, who was your chauffeur?

[@theophetlhu7784]

Class

[@repotip1]

If the dial were real ivory, this would be the best value watch ever created.

[@minombreesmuerte]

That’s my watch!

[@MultiTictock]

That strap is looking kind of stiff

[@williamstalvey6920]

I wouldn't pay over 1700 for any Grand Seiko, now there Divers, I would pay a tad more. Seiko makes great 1000 m dive watches, 300 m marinemaster and should go back to the original 600m tuna as well as the original 6309.....all this prospex crap getting too cluttery....got 2 leave the X of the dial.

[@Dronetothetop]

Just stop popping up everywhere I go gosh!! Ok ok I'll subscribe you! Satisfied?