Is Pitzmann The New Korean Grand Seiko?

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Apologies for th eobvious joke. This company has a very exciting future ahead of it if they keep making watches this good, but add a bit of sparkle. I mean, don't get me wrong, this is a great watch, but perhaps lacks the vital spark that makes us fall head over heels in love with our timepieces. Cheers, Jody

[@PeterKotsa]

Korean Christopher Ward, well said Jody, couldn't have said it better myself Oh by the way, you will be receiving a letter from my Lawyer for using footage from my videos without my permission😂😘 Love your work Jody as always, be well mate 🥃

[@thegorn]

Take him to the cleaners

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Your lawyer doesn't even like you Peter you're wasting your time with your own lawyer LOL

[@edkwon]

I recently picked up a Pitzmann II, the overall quality and finishing punches well above it's weight, very impressed for their 2nd effort, a perfect everyday wear

[@denisdaly1708]

I like its understated look. Glad to see that the Sw300 is being used. Great movement

[@16rumpole]

I’ll be interested in seeing how Pitzmann performs

[@Razor_Burn]

Wow a Korean brand that looks really nice. Great review Jody and nice to see the shout out to Peter as his videos are good value!

[@simonhudes]

This watch looks fantastic. I'll have to disagree with the lack of character assessment. Yes, the dials are limited, but I think that is in keeping with more of a minimalist style. And the case! I don't think I've ever seen a case quite like this, and it clearly takes inspiration from traditional Korean architecture. Great review as always!

[@jeffone]

I think this is a beautiful watch that ticks every box for me. I do wish there was something more "Korean" about it. Even "Seoul" written in Korean would be special.

[@Cuyt24]

Koreans like to use foreign sounding names to sound more sophisticated. A Korean name would sound cooler. If they used the name Hanyang, which is the historical name for Seoul, that sounds like a cool name.

[@craig2100]

Very interesting, especially in the price range. Nice to see the sw300 movement. Would love to see more.

[@brianbuchert1521]

Looks great but the price tag is a bit high for me! I’ll stick with my orient star for now which can be sporty or dressy but this is a great looking watch!

[@watchyourself5500]

I have blue one. I am loving it! Design. Wearability. Spec. Love all about it!❤

[@roarksjuror4752]

I've been looking at this one for a while. But when I saw it on your Instagram, I held off to see this review. Great video as usual!

[@brianmsahin]

Jody, you have just reminded of a watch I had and lost quite a few years ago. I had a Raymond Weil Beatles commemoration watch, of which they produced many variations. One of them had exactly this dial, obviously to emulate the old phonograph disc and above the 3 marker a silhouette of the 4 lads with a Beatles engraving on the caseback. Quite tastefully done. Anyway put the same thing on the dial of this one and from memory it looks exactly the same. This is a nice watch that brought back a nice memory but as it doesn't Please Please Me, I think.... I'll Let it Be. 😉

[@ben7932]

I came here to say the same thing, I'm not sure mine was a Beatles commemoration but has that exact same face and hands

[@benjaminvis]

Great to see the grey version of the Pitzmann II featured in another review. It makes it easier to pick a colour. It seemed likely, and you essentially confirm, that the grey is the more toned down and conservative colour, making one look harder for that 'soul'. I fully appreciate that you don't just dish up a brand's commercial narrative. Nonetheless, as others have mentioned, it may matter a bit more here. Ultimately, the great majority of the excellently finished details you have pointed out in your video have been deliberately designed like that as references to finishes, styles, and details in traditional Korean architecture. I think the 'soul' therefore flows forth from incorporating all of this (for those who care) with a convincing drive for quality and without creating a cultural pastiche or gimmicky design. This stays a highly functional straightforward sports watch with dressy flourishes (dressy in the sense of GS and dressier than most AT's). It successfully minimises the number of elements to then go on and emphasise these elements for each to become a substantial component of the watch. They then stayed away from further embellishment because, well, it doesn't need it. Of course, who knows which kind of refinements or new ideas they might come up with next.

[@jimmccaig7946]

The CW quote was spot on. I could see the Sealander aspects throughout the video. Nice watch 👍

[@martinkaplan1805]

Thanks for bringing this one to our attention, Jody. I like it!

[@valerin0]

Looks great, nice video and review Jody thanks

[@matthewward3854]

Hi Jody, Another great video with good shots of the watch. Very attractive watch that looks like it is punching above its weight. Keep up the great work. Many thanks, from a wet and windy Hampshire in England.

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the review. Nice looking GADA watch. Pretty good value for the money. I have resisted getting an automatic as I don't want a bunch of winders in the house - I stick with battery powered and light powered watches.

[@rodiow369]

Great review and analogy Jody, "The Korean Christopher Ward" is spot on!, just not quite as desirable as CW but really nice.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

Just checked out their site both the 1 and 2 are beautiful pieces and on the 2 really like the sw300 movement. For about 1k it seems like a great watch.

[@pedroelcato]

I’ve had my eye on the seiko laurel alpinist for a long time but haven’t pulled the trigger because I’ve not been completely satisfied with the movement. I reckon this pittzmann knocks the alpinist into the ropes with a fast one, two. I’m ordering it now.

[@NeoWahNah]

Did you get it? How do you like it?

[@Caution8282]

It looks exactly like Citizen Promaster Tough, but perfect sized. Beautiful!

[@bifflee3603]

A very smart looking watch. Will keep my eye on these

[@BourbonDrinker]

Beautiful watch. My wife was adopted out of Korea so I would wear it to celebrate her heritage.

[@drbop6951]

The hands and dial are fabulous! And a good size crown. A little pricey to start off with but a fab universal daily package. Thanks.

[@Gunthusiest]

Good morning! Another beautiful piece

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

Hey Jody, just an FYI on the Aliexpress sale, Cooper watch and Baltany from your links, both raised their prices during the launch, after watches were added to cart to lock in the price. Real shame they had to do such a bait and switch move. Cooper raised it on launch day from $56 to $107 CAD. I had to drop it unfortunately.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ouch! Shame. Just as well I bought mine a few days prior!

[@jamesblonde2271]

Cheeky baskets

[@James-dt7ky]

Yes, I saw it as low as $47 CAD before they jacked up the price.

[@peterbeck-rasmussen8514]

I find that I have a hard time reaching the same end prices that they advertize almost every time I buy from Aliexpress - however the deviation mostly has been minor, not as blatant as what is described here !! That could put me off the brands entirely .............. thank God I already bought my Baltany Military Chrono last year ! (love that watch !)

[@jamesblonde2271]

@@peterbeck-rasmussen8514 Stupid too, those Coopers are quite cool

[@Drbudweiser]

Thanks for sharing this. I really really want one.

[@thedaveaftertomorrow]

The lug finishing on this almost gives the case a Ming vibe - looks great 👍

[@eggsII]

Really dig this watch. The challenge that I have is where does it fit in the collection? So curious about the movement and build though…

[@ramblin1209]

Beautiful watch. Thanks for sharing.

[@Klingonmastr]

This is a real nice looking watch and perfect for someone with a small wrist. The dial choices are a bit limited as they only offer the watch in grey, blue, and green. It seems like they were trying to keep the price down so they cut a few corners.

[@es-jayjones6595]

Beautiful watch! Two thumbs up. Plenty of character when compared to Tissot Gentleman, PRX or any of the other department store wonders that the watch world get hard over. Bravo. I'm in.

[@HaonProductions]

Pretty thing! Design language reminds me of Second Hour if you remember them, but I suppose both micros were probably drawing from Grand Seiko. Great movement for the price too, but sadly the dimensions of this guy just make it look a little short and squat. I bet if they narrowed the diameter down to 38 or even just 39, but kept the lugs the same length, it would look a lot more graceful on wrist.

[@DouglasRosser]

Nothing like a confluence of great design and great specs. Very pleasantly surprised at that display caseback on a sub 11mm watch.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Looks pretty good I love the side shot with that big domed crystal and high polished chanfers

[@chronos-calculus]

Always enjoy learning about a new brand! (New to me anyway) Great review!

[@apparaoapparao]

The dull colors remind me of my four years living in South Korea. Their long, dreary winters are gray, muted blue, and flat green.

[@Hrethgir]

As the proud owner of a CW, this watch has my attention!

[@thebaldwatchcollector]

Smashing brand, and well placed to go up against entry level Swiss, my budget isn't quite there but would have this brand on my radar.

[@PheasantPluckersMate]

Nice review Jody- nailed it; a fair conclusion on a handsome piece.

[@Claus-L.Mueller]

Hi Jody! That’s a wonderful and restrained watch design! Maybe not the right watch for a summer party, wearing a Hawaii shirt. But definitely perfect for a 9 to 5 office job where you don’t want to flash with your watch. I like it a lot! Best regards, Claus

[@mattclarke8791]

I’m going to go against the grain slightly here but I like it, although I am curious if other colours might be added to the range. I’d probably go for the blue if I was paying for one

[@edkwon]

Currently they have 3 color dial options right now

[@Zephyrdaze1819]

Love these new makers brought to light.

[@plummz]

At first glance I was definitely reminded of a JLC Polaris dial. Be very nice in blue perhaps?

[@morganalan63]

I like it but it doesn't blow me away. I agree with the comparison with Christopher Ward which isn't a bad thing as they make lovely watches too. Also reminded me of the Bulova Precisionist in some ways. I particularly enjoyed the colour contrasts when you showed it on the leather strap.

[@kevinwagner9934]

Looks like my Bulova Precisionist. Not original at all. 👎🏻👎🏻

[@topwomble]

It's well above CW in finishing - but I can see it design wise

[@MrModcat]

I'm glad someone mentioned the precisionist. Totally different thing obviously but I was definitely getting deja-vu.

[@sylvainster30]

This looks like a perfect size for me! I gotta have the date on my time piece 🤷🏻‍♂️ ✌🏼😎👍🏼

[@jaguaralani]

It reminds me of the Bulova 96b158 Precisionist

[@ladykoala208]

I have 3 Christopher Ward watches and they are simply impeccable! This Pitzmann is super impressive. If it was 38mm I would have bought it already. Perhaps version 3 might have smaller versions and a variety of colours?

[@rickhammel9541]

funny, if it were 42mm I'd be all over it!

[@shonsingh2592]

Your videos make me so happy

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ha! 😄 Thanks for watching!

[@kurthuber7757]

Looking over their web site and looking at all their watches, the simplicity is what they are going for. Things like enamel faces, traditionally blued hands, decent Swiss movements without non essential complications, this is nice. Especially at a time when everyone else is adding complications with limited value add and jacking up the prices for it.

[@WATCHingJames]

It looks great. I would love to see this one side by side with a Christopher Ward.

[@findingandvalue]

Impressive! Hope they do a diver or something sporty soon

[@IverKnackerov]

Looks good ..Especially on the leather 👍

[@ElectricShadowsZone]

Great review Jody, apart for the jokes 🙂 How about pairing this watch with an Artem sailcloth strap?

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Beautiful watch love the concave bezel plus the finishing is extraordinary if I had $1,000 to waste I would buy it

[@frankgumball5039]

Are these the guys that make Pitzmans mustard too? Love that stuff

[@GinkgoJoe]

Woah!! What happened on that pocket shot?! You normally have the best pressed T-shirts I've ever seen!

[@BrianHartman]

I have to agree with you, Jody. The quality is there, but the level of detail on the dial isn't quite up to Grand Seiko levels. Of course, you aren't paying as much as you would for a Grand Seiko, but I think they have to put a little more thought into the dial before the comparison is apt.

[@Cam-yu8wy]

Have to admit Jody, did not expect much from this one. But quite happy to see I was wrong, this brand shows some real promise 😀

[@spacecadet6575]

My kind of watch. Like the detail on the dial, the proportions and the sub-$1000 price.

[@tomcruz3774]

I didn't expect to like the dial and polish so much

[@jodiwilson7299]

The green dial looks great. Would rock cream accents.

[@markkuzminski3922]

It's nice Jody, but I agree with you that the "muted" colourways leave it just a little flat. I'd also like to see a nice red / maroon colourway in addition to your suggestions.

[@andysmith1996]

Yes, a red dial would lift it up.

[@Beanerds]

Nice watch , it remind's me of my Bulova Precisionist 262 Hz dress watch , yes mine is in grey as well .

[@AwkwardHorology]

Definitely looks good I like the design. But It does feel little empty for the price!

[@cedarcanoe]

That’s a no-brainer for me. Want one!

[@andreaiacolina]

This is a very nice watch! Not cheap, but the finishing looks great

[@nickwarne]

GS coined the nature-themed dial aesthetic. Pitzmann should certainly take that step, or even one beyond

[@overdraftracing]

Hi Jody! One day could you talk us through the logic of the 20 minute lume test being equivalent to several hours of eye time? I can’t quite wrap my head around what you’re saying. Thanks!

[@JAY61ish]

I like it . But as you say. A couple of bright coloured dials would be cool.. 😊

[@borisstepanyan9611]

Nice video ❤

[@Shri_V]

I think they need a deep glossy black dial option....that would really help.

[@nineteenninetyfive]

In Asia high quality means restraint in styling. That is why it looks like it could use a bit more character.

[@MrBacchus18]

Funny you mentioned C Ward. First thing I thought when you compared it to Grand Seiko was a more fitting comparison would be a C Ward Sealander another Gada watch with 150m of water resistance.

[@paulgoyne6926]

I agree about the character being somewhat lacking. Why would you name a Korean brand Pitzmann? Grand Seiko makes a big deal about where they're from, and I think the watches benefit from it!

[@marcjames3487]

That was my first thought, more important than the watch ! Brings to mind bare fisted thugs in underground fights. Totally opposite to to what they should be promoting.

[@user-yg2dm5sf9r]

Please consider using this shade of grey (or a bit lighter) for the Erebus HAQ. Dark or metallic grey makes it difficult to see silver hands/indices.

[@ThomasMRuth]

This looks a *lot* like my 36mm Omega Seamaster 120, with the concentric rings and applied indices. It's a great look.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ahhh, I know what you mean! Nice watch BTW.

[@johngibson7127]

great review and from the website I think the green dial looks lovely. The hands seem a little wide which takes away from its elegance and its a tad large for that style of watch imho. Definitely a watch I’d love to seen in the flesh so to speak….

[@topwomble]

I have one of the First Pitzmann's - it's amazing and looks beautiful. The Two is... fine? It's wonderfully made on a technical level but the design doesn't grab me like the First did. I'm hoping for more though, if they can really find their niche and get the design right, they will be a force. If you like semi-dress watches, then the First might be for you. The strap it comes with isn't great though - I swapped it out for a blue ostrich from Delugs

[@topwomble]

I should add that the customer service so far has been exemplary

[@frank327]

Very interesting!

[@bobyoutube4037]

Morning jody, spot on review. Dull no koreasma! Doh!

[@dunderhay9169]

Good review 👍. For me, the indices and particularly the hands look clumsy. I like the case and bezel though.

[@guymcredmond6463]

Looks nice. I still don't for the life of me understand why, often, once you start paying more for a watch, the level of micro adjusts seem to diminish, or disappear altogether.

[@petermoore5480]

Looks very nice 😊

[@TinBin-Craig]

Nice watch.. i do like but would like some, brighter colour dials.... cheers

[@peteduran2545]

You’re right. Nice specs for the watch. The dial is what makes the watch boring. Great video as always.

[@atlanticfightclub5213]

I just ordered an interesting Bronze San Martin automatic 37mm Field/Pilots watch for 160 over here in Canada! We shall see how it is, but it looks petty solid!

[@MalintheSamarakoon]

The blue one does look a bit better but I agree with your assessment.

[@heliopijpe]

Beautiful watch, miss a bit of coating on the crystal, other than that, very nice

[@chillausmc]

Smashing good looking watch. I feel like the guy who gets a great product from obscure or not popular companies just to be different. 1000 on a special watch that no one else would have yo

[@birdytiger]

I'd say it's the right set of colours for someone moving up the business ranks throughout Asia. Serious and proud.

[@dazherbert2782]

Just off the title and down to experience of the videos, I'm betting the answer is nope. But I can't wait to settle down and watch 😁

[@nelsongarcia4398]

That dial looks like my Bulova precisionist. Almost identical

[@jowon]

It looks great。

[@ramspencer5492]

Reminds me Traska for some reason. A very simple but elegant TraskA. It's very nice.... Maybe missing a little something exciting.

[@MKGamingInvesting]

I would use it as an Explorer alternative. I want an exploring or do it all watch

[@johnnelson9252]

Accuracy of +1 second per day is outstanding, you got a good one. What do their specifications say?

[@darrenjones2070]

Good looking watch.

[@gregalonzo747]

Nice looking watch. I prefer it on the leather strap. However, I doubt that I would take a chance with this company, at least not yet. As for CW, I love their watches. I have the World Timer.

[@shiznuts]

Just ordered a Lima watch, a brand from Indonesia!