Is the Grand Seiko Spring Drive the BEST Movement? Spring Drive vs Hi-Beat 36000, Which is Better?

[@JustBlueFish]

Shop watches including the brand Grand Seiko: www.exquisitetimepieces.com

[@WrongTimeWatch]

I had four Grand Seiko watches, and now i have just one, which has a spring drive movement. It is so mesmerizing watching that smooth second hand sweep.

[@JustBlueFish]

If you’re gonna have just one, that’s not a bad choice.

[@julianc.1811]

Spring drive all day. Everybody does mechanical watches, at all levels. Only Seiko has spring drive, it's their signature technology. Plus, the smoooth second hand and accuracy are big advantages (for me).

[@JustBlueFish]

Smooth sweep for the win!

[@jollyrob]

I wish more people would add the important (for me) to their opinions.

[@bwcastillo]

I couldn’t agree more. If you’re gonna pony up the dough for a GS, I feel like you almost HAVE to get spring drive. Or even quartz for that matter.

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

@@bwcastilloAll of their movements seem amazing, but I personally totally agree with you. Can’t go wrong, but I want the spring drive.

[@watching_nyc]

Whilst it may be their signature tech they position high beat as the flagship mvt according their pricing.

[@EdwardBruceRehfeld]

The spring drive movement is the reason I bought a Grand Seiko, and I love it. Gorgeous fit and finish, looks lovely on my wrist, and the silky smooth sweep of the second hand is indeed mesmerizing. I also love the power reserve complication. I love that it combines the best of both worlds: the "soul" and spirit of a mainspring, rotor, and mechanical gear train; and the precision of quartz regulation. I have many great quartz, manual, and automatic watches, and asking me if I'd like quartz, mechanical, or spring drive is a bit like asking me if I'd prefer ice cream, flourless chocolate cake, or apple pie. My answer to both questions would be, "Yes." 😀

[@JustBlueFish]

The power reserve is nice I forgot to mention it I think but I agree.

[@ahmedmorir3658]

Welcome back, we missed you. I think the spring drive is the best movement out there

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks! I posted a vid last week too in case you missed it. I’m gonna try to get back to making videos more regularly.

[@GilbertRose-u1u]

Thanks Guy. I DO love my Spring Drive! Mine gains 1/3 of a second each day, every day. It is the evolutionary equivalent of going from a prop airplane to a jet! -and that sweep is mesmerizing!

[@JustBlueFish]

Good stuff! That’s accurate!

[@cedarcanoe]

I just decided for the 36.000 bph, and against the spring drive, purely for maintenance reasons. I live in Sweden and sending it to Japan for maintenance is not an option given the import tax (equivalent to 1.500 Euro) I just paid to Swedish customs to import it. I can already imagine the trouble with customs if I were to send it to Japan for maintenance of the spring drive movement.

[@JustBlueFish]

Good point that makes a lot of sense for your use case. And like I mentioned there’s really no bad choice, heck I want one of each!

[@toms8517]

Check with your AD. I know that the UK Seiko Centre now services Spring Drive movements.

[@ryanshredz9743]

Except you’re probably gonna still end up sending it directly to Grand Seiko when it needs a service since most local watchmakers won’t be familiar enough with or want to work on a modern Grand Seiko hi-beat movement… At least a Spring Drive watch should go for a very long time without needing a service. Anyway, they are both amazing and world-class movements, own them both.

[@ProtomanZ]

There are official service centers in the eu. For movement servicing it probably isn't necessary to send it to Japan. Also the hi beat has a proprietary escapement so I doubt there are many local watchmakers who will service those as well.

[@alexandersimpson3638]

@@ryanshredz9743you don't pay duty on the value of the watch again if sending to Japan, as you're not selling it. There's likely to be some tax payable, but that's on the cost of the service. The watch is not subject to customs, the tax should be levied by the service centre. This is called a duty paid declaration, so is not subject any import tax when being returned. I've personally not serviced watches unless they start to drift on accuracy. I've a SW220 movement which to date is less than 3 seconds a week fast and it has not missed a beat in nearly 13 years. I cannot see the Seiko movement needing much in the way of servicing.

[@Dadication3]

Wearing my snowflake as I type. Thank you for your excellent explanation and comparison review. My snowflake is so good, it is so accurate staying on time for almost an entire month, it feels incredible, the sweep is mesmerizing, unless you’ve had one on, you may not be able to make the best choice for yourself. It took GS many years to complete the spring drive movement, which is inspiring for me as an RN, to always do my best for my patients. I have adjusted the bracelet to a perfect fit and find no issues with the bracelet as it matches the lightweight minimalist vibe of the watch, and I like having the short clasp that fits so well with no extra holes for microadjust. All that said, being a GS fan as a result of the snowflake, I’d love to have the titanium high beat version that is in your vid.

[@JustBlueFish]

Enjoy that Snowflake it's a keeper for sure!

[@mattsa]

Thanks for such a balanced and thoughtful comparison. I have an automatic GS and planning to buy a spring drive. They can live side by side! I have a large mechanical watch collection but my most worn work watch is my Seiko Astron GPS. Had it for 9 years. It’s great having 100% confidence in the time and date. And when you travel it’ll change to the local time after pushing a button or two. Looks great too! I am surprised how little coverage the Astron gets.

[@JustBlueFish]

I’ve never had a chance to check out an Astron, they’re interesting but just not available anywhere near me that I’ve seen. I’d like to do a video on one if I can get the opportunity.

[@Dadication3]

Agreed on the Astron awesomeness.

[@corneliubogdan]

I have the snowflake for 3 years now and it is a keeper. I do wish to get one of these hi beat ones also.

[@JustBlueFish]

One of each definitely sounds like the way to go!

[@chia-mingyang5804]

Definitely Spring Drive for me because it's unique and way more accurate and reliable.

[@JustBlueFish]

Maybe both, now that I've been thinking about it? haha!

[@blueridgeocean]

Has it been proven to be more reliable? When you say reliable are you talking ruggedness or longer service intervals?

[@chia-mingyang5804]

@@blueridgeocean Both

[@scottsj4625]

The Spring drive is amazing for accuracy and love how the second hand never seems to pause at all. It is mesmerizing to watch it. It is too expensive for me right now but I can't help but admire the movement. I had a friend who had two of them one was the spring drive and the other was a high-beat movement. Neither one had micro adjusts which I think Grand Seiko dress watches really need to add to get a good fit. It is not cheap and you would expect micro adjustments on the fly for the price they cost. Thanks for the review, GUY. I hope you are doing better. :)

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it!

[@SteveGong]

I've admired mechanical watches since I was a kid but never felt the pull to actually own one until I discovered the Spring Drive.

[@gregs.8895]

Spring Drive seconds hand sweep is absolutely memorizing. Don't have one at this time, but one is eventually on the list. Just have to get through the others first.

[@Z-S-H]

I think the 36k mechanical movement is amazing and a work of art but the spring drive for those of us that love technological innovation the spring drive is just the epitome of watch making and is beautiful in its sweep. Grand Seiko is amazing no matter what you cannot really go wrong with one and if I was investing in a luxury time piece a spring drive GS would be what I would spend my money on.

[@JustBlueFish]

Agreed, and thanks for watching!

[@penny0G]

The spring drive is a nice innovation in the watch world. They are high quality watches made with mostly old school techniques and materials it could be serviced and maintained for decades no problem. I think the addition of quartz for accuracy is brilliant. I'd love a spring drive

[@JustBlueFish]

Thank for watching I appreciate it!

[@Valera_Scotland]

Just looked up images of Naples. You are so lucky to live there! What a gorgeous place. Scotland needs that weather, but if it had it, our population would go from 5 to 20 million

[@JustBlueFish]

Come visit some time!

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@JustBlueFish would love to! I have a friend near Chicago and want to visit him But that's miles away!

[@ryanshredz9743]

Simple answer: both are world-class movements. Own both.

[@JustBlueFish]

Both is the right answer!

[@stevecombs7749]

I have the SBGA407 (Skyflake) and I love it! The Spring Drive is a wonderful hybrid of mechanical and quartz. Already have an Aqua Terra with its coaxial escapement 8900 and a 16610 Submariner so I really wanted something different and this was my perfect fit. I love all aspects of it, not just the Spring Drive. Btw… love the classic Bones Brigade boards! I wonder if Mike, Cabs, Lance and the others are still looking for Animal Chin. Have you seen him? 😜

[@barryvercueil2346]

It's Spring Drive for me!!!! Cheers

[@JustBlueFish]

Good choice!

[@az7az7]

I own several of both and the spring drive is more accurate and longer running, for sure. My hi-beat is off 8 seconds per day and spring drive, none, really. However, I always seem to prefer to wear my hi-beat. Not sure why - emotions, not objective preference. I suppose I have my phone if I really need an exact time.

[@JustBlueFish]

Nice, it's good to have both for sure!

[@Kurazaybo]

I like springdrive and have wished to at least get to try it some time. But it seems to get more expensive each year and the models, somehow less diverse. The first models were not branded Grand Seiko and had a more modern (and perhaps austere) design and aesthetic. The models available now are in the narrow spectrum of Grand Seiko and I wish they were available in more sporty, perhaps even playful designs. The chronograph and diver models have busy, unusual dials mainly because of the mandatory power reserve indicator and are thicker thanks to the spring drive movements. Only a few years ago they released a thinner movement with the power reserve on the back. I would like to see thinner, sportier or even casual designs. If we get crazy why not a womens watch. At this point I am closer to being 50 and over, which seems to be the market they are aiming for. It's like Seiko took the automatic movement into the future but was afraid of breaking with tradition.

[@BenMwatches]

Went with the newer high beat In the white birch Love it

[@JustBlueFish]

The white birch, nice choice!

[@billcore6295]

Yes SD is the best movement ❤❤❤. I do own a snowflake but also own a VC, several Omegas and a few Rolexes (blah)…. My Omega globemaster has the second best in my collection… no not the VC but the polishing of the case on my 56 is absolutely amazing and only GS touches it

[@JustBlueFish]

Well said! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@JasonCheungNY]

Synced my Snowflake a month ago. In that time, it gained 2.5 seconds. That's insane accuracy even when compared to other quartz watches/clocks.

[@JustBlueFish]

that is insanely good!

[@4by_yotaguy373]

I've had a Seiko solar quartz for 9 years (it was a gift), and the only time I adjust it is twice a year for daylight savings. Each time it's 10 secs ahead. It's the only quartz I own, in a box full of mechanicals. It's not high-end or desirable to most, but it's been good.

[@altbinhax]

Thanks for your great review, and accurate description of each technology. The spring drive is the culmination of quartz/mechanical marriage and deserves its place in horology. Aa an owner of a snowflake I can say that GS achieved the greatest perfection of watchmaking. GPS and electronics have prevailed but the springdrive is unrivaled as the culmination of watch technology in the late twentieth century. It may survive the apoclaypse.

[@jeholloway2]

I like the spring drive however I fear that repairs and maintenance might be daunting so I would go for automatic hi beat.

[@blueridgeocean]

This is how I rank the main wrist watch movements from most to least favorites. Mechanical, spring drive, automatic, smart watch and quartz. [I may rate the quartz higher when considering marathon quartz watch]

[@rickjason215]

I bought the Snowflake when it first came to the US. I took off my Rolex and it became my everyday driver. I have bought several great watches, but the Snowflake is still my favorite.

[@poppipop75]

Hello anyone heard of a Precisionist? Best accuracy plus 10 seconds gain or lost a whole calendar year! Oh yeah and the sweep hand is so MESMERIZING!!!

[@poppipop75]

😂

[@rosssimpson6268]

There are Seiko Cals that claim that accuracy too. I have several with the 8J41 cal rated with that (and there are plenty (more than 25) others rated that accuracy. Also others 'only' rated at +/- 20 secs/year. No mesmerising sweep hands in my collection though! I'm not a fan of 'chunky' watches (of any brand) and they don't suit my skinny wrist either.

[@Leftystrat]

Spring drive are great but you can’t take to any watchmaker to fix-adjust if required, it’s just logistics servicing issues I don’t want to deal with imho😊

[@TimRobertsen]

Spring Drive all the way! (although I've never owned or seen IRL one:p) I'd also want a 32 beats pr. sec quartz watch. I don't know if anyone makes them, but it certainly would be a cool oddity

[@JustBlueFish]

I've never heard of a 32 bps quartz, that's interesting. I'll have to google that.

[@TimRobertsen]

@@JustBlueFish Neither have I, but it would be really cool! I'd bet it would eat batteries! Heheh:p The highest that I know of is Bulova, with their 16 bps.

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

Spring Drive has a much of a soul as any other mechanical watch. The components are put into place, and the watch is lifeless until it is wound what's that energy is release, it drives the drivetrainand that sets things into motion.

[@Gumby56]

Ok, I'll say it. Buy both!!-

[@JustBlueFish]

This is the way!

[@daletaylorjr.4786]

If i were limited to only one Grand Seiko, i’d have to go with spring drive. If not financially restricted, i see a few od each i’d like. 😅

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching and for the support Dale!

[@tab3Gator]

Spring Drive = fewer services due to decreased friction. HB = more services due to increased friction

[@JustBlueFish]

Good point. Thanks

[@InGratitudeIam]

You were definitely fair in your presentation, Guy. Tough choice. Both of these Grand Seikos are beautiful! Which type of watch survived in space during one of the Apollo missions? :)) Ten seconds per year (or month) is tough to beat. It's great seeing you again!

[@JustBlueFish]

Thank you for watching and stick around I should have more videos coming in the coming days and weeks!

[@georgegardiner1888]

Hi how long will movement last 10. 20 years?

[@SeggiesCinema]

If you value ultimate accuracy and technical innovation, the Spring Drive is arguably the best movement Grand Seiko offers, if not one of the best in the industry. If you appreciate traditional watchmaking and the art of high-frequency mechanical movements, then the Hi-Beat 36000 is a strong contender. Neither is objectively “better”-it depends on what resonates with you as a watch enthusiast. Grand Seiko gives you the luxury of choosing between modern hybrid precision (Spring Drive) and high-frequency mechanical craftsmanship (Hi-Beat).

[@MrAkaroc]

what model is this watch 6:39?

[@osvynizer]

SPRING DRIVE ALL THE TIME ALSO MASTER OF PUPPETS AND TOOL!!!!! ONE OF THE BEST BAND EVER

[@Miroslaw-rs8ip]

The Spring drive is great however service is a problem since it has to be sent back to Japan and it takes a long time to get back.

[@dmks2146]

I went for the 9f and haven't bought a mechanical watch since. the accuracy has spoiled me.

[@JustBlueFish]

Nice, enjoy it!

[@JuanSegarra-td6yr]

Love the workmanship of GS, but the bracelet don’t have Tfit glide lock. For $6000 plus is not right. I bought the gmt but gave it to my daughter’s boyfriend

[@RobLewis3]

For me, watches are a blend of tradition and accuracy. I can appreciate the spring drive. It's a work of genius, maybe one day I'll have one, but it's not a traditional mechanical, and that makes it worse to me. Even if it's smoother and more accurate. I can also appreciate hi beat quartz like on the Bulova. Iirc it ticks 16 times per second. Really cool. But not mechanical, and therefore worse, to me. If I only cared about new technology and utility, I'd get a smart watch. Watches are a space where I allow myself to be a traditionalist. Partly this ties into the history of watch making and partly it ties into the nature of the industry. Older things that stand the test of time being seen as better, family heirlooms being passed down, etc.

[@michaelblunt2506]

I loved my spring drive diver right up until it broke! 3 month turnaround Japan repair and it’s a no for me..

[@JustBlueFish]

ouch 3 months is pretty rough, I hope it's all in tip top shape now!

[@michaelblunt2506]

@@JustBlueFish No I ended up selling it as lost confidence in the GS line.. hey great work on your channel. Been watching your videos for year. Great content.

[@DoveSharma]

Im waiting for grand seiko to make their first non-ugly watch to add a spring drive in my collection.

[@Koishishibaman]

Two very different calipers. Have a sd sbga111 that runs at 0 sec a day. A sbga429 that runs at plus .5 a day. Outstanding accuracy. Really like watching the lime green second hand on the 429. Fun! Also have a newer high beat 80 hr GS. Beautiful movement to look at. The second hand does sweep smoothly for mechanical. The accuracy? Plus 6 sec a day. Hmmmm. I have old 4R divers that run at plus 3. Think i am a little disappointed in the gs hb accuracy. I have zodiacs that have been factory regulated....plus 1-2 sec a day. Just got an older omega ti seamaster. 14 yrs old. Low beat at 25500 rate. It is the 8500 movement. In 5 days it is running at about minus one second. Impressive! Why does my new gs hb not run at a few sec a day?😠 I have a 50 yr old hb king seiko that runs at plus 2-3 . That is very cool.

[@JustBlueFish]

Wow great accuracy on the SBGA!

[@Anirossa]

I'd take a 9F quartz over mechanical with GS

[@Dnooch74]

I have both and the spring drive is by far the most accurate. Spring drive is accurate to +.20 seconds a day, everyday. My high beat is way faster at +8 a day. Look online and you’ll see that many have GS high beats running at +20 per day and way beyond. I am so disappointed in this highly regarded and advertised high beat. I can’t believe how much I paid for my white birch and the movement is over engineered and apparently unable to be regulated. Buyer beware!

[@suvidhvongpunsawad4]

Youarerightiamveryhappythatiacquired asbge285 spring drive

[@WristWatcher]

Spring Drive is the most accurate mechanical movement in the world.

[@AdAce21]

yes.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching!

[@darrenfry4695]

S.D i.m.o is the best movement in the world at the moment.

[@Dialandhands]

Personally, I’d try to get a spring drive if I ever buy a grand seiko. The autos are fantastic but I want it because you can’t buy that kind of movement from any other brand.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah it's very unique and that's cool.

[@jke4ting1]

Why wouldn't you just buy a high accuracy quartz?

[@morgan97475]

I'd love to have a GS with spring drive. But I have a rule of only on watch per brand. As I have a Seiko 5, should my rule keep me from getting a GS?

[@JustBlueFish]

Nah you can have a Seiko and a Grand Seiko they are effectively different brands.

[@morgan97475]

@@JustBlueFish youre not helping me save money

[@GreenWaterCartel]

People aren't subscribing because you keep whining about people not subscribing...get it together...and everyone knows hi-beat is the move.

[@kelvin.008]

And have to service it in Japan.. no thanks 😊

[@JustBlueFish]

It’s not the end of the world. Just wear a different watch while it’s away.

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Does the Hi Beat sound like a "helicopter"?

[@FollowerofChrist232]

Thanks for the video. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ❤ John 3:16

[@vladradu9966]

Why pay thousands for a quartz watch when you can buy one for $50?

[@watching_nyc]

I’d argue the dual impulse escapement in the 9sa5 is equally impressive and arguably more cutting edge than the spring drive tech. This is obviously very subjective but both are extremely well engineered. After all, GS did win the men’s GPHG prize for the white birch after it was initially released.