My Biggest Watch 'Collecting' Mistake! Grand Seiko SBGA373

[@pclayto3]

"hi, I've got a 5 grand watch, want to have a hold of it?" are words I would never say to a stranger let alone a drunk one.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Those words will never pass my lips again…

[@Soul_of_a_Robot]

I think I would've went Grand Psycho if that happened to my gear... Oh my.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Brilliant!

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

I think this is the worst I've ever felt watching a watch video. Knowing all the pride you have in that watch and having to see that person do that 1st hand is unbelievable.

[@toddpower4674]

I would have been like John wick when they killed his dog

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Me too

[@jaydunluan7095]

.....or John Rambo.

[@Robert-bv7of]

Yeah, there are a lot of disrespectful people in the world. My cousin’s husband said he wanted to try my camera and asked my how much by Leica camera was and I said around $6,000 for the camera body only and another$3,000 for the lens. Then he started throwing the camera up in the air and said, are you getting worried? He thought he was funny. Lesson learned, lot of jerks around.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Wow

[@nerychristian]

Sounds like an idiot. That's why I would never let someone handle my watches. I learned the hard way. I took of my watch at work in order to open some boxes and setup some computer stands for coworkers. Not long afterwards, one of them grabs my watch and starts looking at it. Luckily nothing happened to it. But there are a lot of people out there who never learned etiquette about touching other people's belongings

[@AnthonyLauder]

Your story of a drunken man smashing your watches reminded me of an experience of my own from a couple of years ago. I have a couple of relatively expensive watches in my collection, but rarely wear them because of a fear they will be damaged when I go out. In fact, I wore one of them (which cost over 4000 GBP) one evening, when a drunken idiot punched me in the back of the head, for no reason, knocked me to the ground, and was chased off by passers by. When I got off the ground, feeling quite dazed, my first thought was "I hope my watch is OK". Fortunately it was, but it really got me thinking that I much prefer wearing my cheaper watches, where I don't have to worry about if they get smashed up. My two fancy watches haven't had any wrist time outside of the house since.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Shame…shouldn’t be made to feel you can’t were them….

[@nerychristian]

Maybe you shouldn't hang out in places with drunk people

[@hgr.7857]

💯 That's why there are Steeldives and other value proposition clomages brands. AND G-SHOCKS. Can't go wrong with a square G-shock

[@javaman4584]

I've never seen better video of a Grand Seiko than what you showed here. It's beautiful.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thank you

[@MichaelG1986]

The story of how your GS got damaged is painful to hear. Glad you were able to get it back close to its former glory. Both are beautiful watches.

[@glenh4971]

Absolutely beautiful watches. Thanks for sharing that experience. People see these beautiful watches but they never hear about the bad experiences that can be had when owning them. I appreciate it.

[@chrisc475]

Glad you got it repaired Gary, that watch is exquisite. Your close ups and when you turn the watch a bit to capture the light really show how incredible GS are. Good grief I want one.

[@ILikeWatches2]

They are breathtaking…in the shop when I first saw it I literally did a double take and knew immediately it was the one for me

[@digggert]

I love my SBGA373. The finish on the case, the hands, the dial is breathtaking.

[@rayintheforest]

What a beautiful watch that GS is... The Credor is gorgeous too. Sometimes you can only know things in hindsight, so don't be too hard on yourself. It was totally worth having them fixed and serviced for that price.

[@ILikeWatches2]

It’s made for a good story which I’ve told a few time now…

[@rickjason215]

There are so many a-holes in the world. I have a Snowflake, I bought when it came out about 10 years ago. I love it. Your watches look good. I am surprised they were able to straighten out the case.

[@mell3109]

I think I would have gone nuts. Nobody would have thought that someone would be so arrogant to smash 2 watches together, your heat must have dropped but glad you got it fixed. There was a post on watch crunch when a member was wearing a very nice watch and his mate asked to see it, before he knew it, it was getting passed around the table. He got it back with a huge ding, gutted but with a story I guess!

[@ILikeWatches2]

I was in a state of shock at the time which is why I didn’t react. I couldn’t actually believe what I’d seen

[@BetamaxBabe]

Peter Kotsa has a video about that happening to his Aqua Terra. He also had it fixed.

[@kbarnbrook4993]

A friend told me, her husband collects Rolex watches, so he some how managed to buy himself a Rolex in perfect condition, it turns out very similar to one his work colleague has, except the work colleagues watch was scratched, anyway he decided to show his colleagues his latest acquisition, then proudly put it back on his wrist, then looked at close up, a little bit later, to find his work colleague had swapped the watches over. Some how he eventually got the watch back, even though the other guy was acting innocent to his claim.

[@steaknzp7855]

I’m not sure this was done with malicious intent, I think it’s just a case of a non-watch person who didn’t know any better. Lesson is to not let someone who isn’t aware of watch etiquette handle your precious belonging.

[@nerychristian]

​@@steaknzp7855It doesn't matter if he isn't a watch person. Any time someone hands you something valuable, you should treat it with care. Whether it's a laptop, a phone, watch, pen,.. it doesn't matter.

[@robh.2400]

It's always good to see nice watches restored.

[@bch1309]

Both your watches are magnificent. Grand seiko can only be fully appreciated when you see it in the "flesh."

[@BetamaxBabe]

I remember your original video about your GS and wondered what became of it. I'm glad you had it and the Credor restored. They look stunning, so it was indeed money well spent!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thanks!

[@alanledzep1967]

Excellent video. I have the exact same Grand Seiko and I never get tired looking at the dial. Cheers from Canada.

[@anthonycampbell8307]

The Grand Seiko is stunning, and the repair cost sounded affordable compared to the value of the watch. I don't think I'd even wear a GS to the pub as I know how clumsy I am when I'm drunk let alone anyone else 😀

[@mikeg6008]

Outstanding choices for grail-level watches!

[@bevboakes8982]

Hi Gary, remember your old videos well. I think we all had a chuckle on the story about the drunk in the pub, a big learning curve for us all. Now look at how it’s tuned out,money well spent and the Credor. Two cracking watches enjoy them which I know you are going too.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thanks Bev, hope you are well!

[@bevboakes8982]

All is good hope everything is good for you also

[@JanAnders-kh8cs]

The Credor really is an exceptionally beautiful watch - fully agree with your decision to invest a bit in it. I hope you'll enjoy it for ages.

[@rodsalvador3608]

This is probably the best look at the champagne dialed GS's on YT. All the other ones don't really capture the depth of the color changes. Thanks!

[@michaelbradley6488]

What a beautiful watch....The Credor is also just stunning.

[@pablogomez-acebocalonje7158]

Worth every penny, both services….amazing, beautiful pieces…. Both…I am jealous !

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thanks…

[@darryllongley4025]

I got the 373 Its a stunner Paid £2600.Second hand two years old and absolutley mint. Wear it daily and still looks mint Never take it for granted Stunning watch

[@dunderhay9169]

Money well spent! I am so glad you will be able to enjoy wearing your Grand Seiko again, I have a Datejust that I don't wear after an experience with the service department put me right off the watch, so I know what it is like. The Credor looks good too 👍

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thanks!

[@timotheusn.h.nakashona1001]

I just can't take my eyes off the Mondaine wall clock, masterpiece of a watch.

[@aaronbiddulph1442]

Glad you finally got the grand Seiko sorted. It’s such a stunning watch!

[@jacc88888]

So glad you got the GS repaired. They’ve done an amazing job with the restoration. Definitely money we’ll Spent and a lesson learnt hopefully!

[@TheSpritz0]

MATE- Due to seeing so MANY fights in public houses I wouldn't even WEAR a good watch to one, it is easier getting away in a Chippy but still I would never ask anyone for their opinion or take off my watch... better to hide it!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Lol

[@turk914]

Yeah, not to be insulting, but going to a place where people go for the purpose of getting plastered and handing them very expensive watches doesn't seem like it was ever going to have a good ending. I mean the guy who banged them together is a t**t, but did you expect less?

[@dgb6355]

Two beautiful watches, thanks for sharing.

[@Peter-2704]

I remember that video you made after the numpty bashed them together. My heart broke for you. Glad that you can now start wearing it again.

[@Zotrax1946]

No one but me is touching my most precious and loved pieces. No one. A herd lesson to learn, for me too..

[@davidkean6985]

So sorry to hear. I know you respect good craftsmanship and design. It is never fun to see them damaged.

[@forrestkimball6477]

At the end of the day you learned your lesson and you know not to do it again. You got it fixed and it looks fantastic

[@GalsWatchChannel-bu3fv]

Love the Credor, honestly would spend 500$ for an original strap and buckle, it’s pretty much on par with other luxury brands such as Cartier and Omega straps, and it’s certainly deserve a nice strap. But yeah, great watch 😅

[@ILikeWatches2]

Maybe one day….if the budget and tax man allows

[@teeKeri]

Absolutely wonderful GS ♥

[@KenTwenty7Ten]

Beautiful watches mate! And I can definitely relate to doing something daft and damaging my watches as well (Although in my case I was the fool who had too much to drink). You live and you learn!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Lol

[@Box_13]

Wow, that is a cart full of horse pucky that you had to pay VAT on sending watches you own out for service. Super glad you are happy with the results. That GS is spectacular.

[@ILikeWatches2]

I was billed by Seiko U.K. so Vat is chargeable sadly

[@JS-ev4xc]

You never give up, if i were in your shoe, i will only wear beater or affordable watches from then on. It is too painful to go through the heart-broken experience.

[@shanephillips8735]

Handing a luxury watch around a pub of drunk people, err, You are a much braver man than me! Is brave the word I'm looking for?

[@gazzertrn]

Thats what i thought ,if someone did that to mine i would have cried .Then swore and cursed them after 😂

[@shanephillips8735]

@@gazzertrn to be honest I would have lost my sh*t

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Helm, nice lume. I got lucky and won the last Helm Lottery for 50 of the wait listed. My Titanium Vanuatu should be coming soon.

[@shanephillips8735]

@@drbobsnightmare2521 very nice, I also have the SS Vanuatu, but must say I would like the weight saving of the ti

[@raymondrichardson6061]

I recall those videos. 4 years ?.... Holy Moley 😮

[@ElOscar5]

It really hurts to hear this story. I can well understand your pain. But now the watches look beautiful again!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Yay…..but Xmas is cancelled 😂

[@fieldwalker]

Great watches - love that champagne dial, got to own one myself. Apparently one of, or perhaps the straight up, the most difficult to make of all GS dials.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Yes, a lot more steps in the production of this dial

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

I'm happy to see that you got your GS fixed. Now you can actually wear it and pretend that horrible night at the pub never happened.

[@ILikeWatches2]

yup, no more feeling sick every time I think about it

[@perfectwrist23]

Both look great! It was money well spent to preserve and cherish the Grand Seiko, seems fair value. Complete lunacy to let anyone down the pub handle it if he's not a watch lover. Never seen a Credor up close. How about a video? The movement explained and close ups of the amazing handset, seems impeccable

[@DerNeueGeist]

I have SBGV205. Strangely this dial becomes extremely soft and elegant especially in rainy weather.

[@nickbrooker1411]

absolutely love GS finishing - your watch looks amazing - only improvement i would wish for is a tapering bracelet and decent micro-adjustment.

[@violinmke]

I remember that video. So I have been with you for 4 years.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Almost! I started in Dec 2019

[@chrispenn715]

Money well spent on the service, it's a lot but I think good value 👍

[@mattys1467]

Two fabulous watches

[@nselleck0309]

Thats terrible those guys at the pub.... Glad you have it back in pristine quality. Like both of them.

[@InGratitudeIam]

That is beyond sad to hear. Not everyone thinks the way you do, Gary. You are a considerate and thoughtful gentleman. Sentient comes to mind. So, you bring not one, but two extremely expensive and delicate shiny objects into an establishment full of drunk people who think cracking heads together is fun. The combination of alcohol, a**holes and nice things is never a good idea. At least you didn't have to fight them to get your watches back. Or, did you? I hope you presented the repair bills to him. Even if he refused, at least you let him know just how much monetary damage was done.

[@ILikeWatches2]

I do look out for him but never to be seen again sadly….

[@billgrisenthwaite3874]

the credor is classy and simple. however the GS is beautiful (confession I do own a GS),the champagne dial is top notch

[@ILikeWatches2]

Yup agreed

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

Both are super cool dress watches

[@brianmsahin]

Glad you got them fixed Gary and both of them are absolutely beautiful. Lesson : Don't give your watch to a drunk in a pub ! My lesson : Don't show your new phone to a drunk in a pub. She dropped it in a pint, before the days a phone was water resistant. In her defence it was accidental and as I had insurance they replaced it anyway! 😂 Btw, an experienced engraver will be able to put Credor on the buckle 😉

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

No WR? A pint never hurt me none, aside from that one DUI a couple decades ago.

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

I guess the crown was out, huh?

[@РакРва]

Handing a Berny or Steeldive could be rather safe, but I'm so sorry about the real situation with those rare and insanely good watches.

[@woodbar]

Listening to that story this morning, I had to pause the video at the point the guy was smashing the watches together as it made me feel sick!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Yeah, you can imaging how I felt

[@SeikoLeaks]

thank you for sharing your experience. I definitely won't be handing someone a watch. all it takes is 1 clown to ruin it

[@JamyRyals]

Love the champagne watch, what a beauty

[@MyRetroWatches]

Why did it need a new dial and hands?

[@ILikeWatches2]

The original ones were damaged, dull and I think the hands had been refinished by hand by the previous owner

[@ILikeWatches2]

Of course they’re always going to try to sell you extra stuff but I was happy to have the new dial and hands, now looks mint

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@ILikeWatches2 they are still stunning mate. One hell of an expensive dial. Hope to see it in person one day

[@RampartPh]

Beautiful watches. But the credor doesn't stir my loins, so to speak. One has to got to choose the peeps one hangs around with , especially when alcohol is involved. Similar thing happened to me before but it wasn't a watch that cost me.

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Seikopaths unite! I had to put on my sbdx023 mm300 to watch the video.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Lol

[@dylanharrington744]

What kind of a muppet, bangs 2 metal and glass items together like musical instruments? I would’ve been devastated too Gary! That Spring Drive looks Beautiful now, try and enjoy it properly.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Properly….lol…I will

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

They have done amazing work, just a damn shame you had to get the GS repaired due to the neanderthal

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Would love to see the original video where your watch got damaged. Link?

[@ILikeWatches2]

It was lost when my first channel got deleted sadly

[@edmunddantes4757]

I remember watching that vid.

[@durbanpoison100]

That GS is my grail too! Beautiful watch that! You've got me curious of Credor now haha that's a little gem of a watch!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Their watches are surprisingly affordable on the second hand market

[@John-P]

I was a subscriber when the Pub incident happened, my memory of it was just beginning to fade and now you've brought it all back....seriously, both watches are looking tip top, the GS is a grail watch of mine along with the JLC reverso, both of which I'll never own, do Seiko only do this work in Japan?

[@ILikeWatches2]

They do some work on Seiko in the U.K. but all GS and Credor go to Japan

[@Julianpms]

I'm sorry it was such a painful experience, but I'm 100% with you in investing in a factory reconditioning of a watch that is dear to you. I did the same with a 1981 Omega Constellation Quartz Chronometer my parents gave me when I was 21. Having that overhauled by Omega in Switzerland probably cost as much as the watch was worth, but that and a new bracelet gave it a new lease of life. It too is a keeper.

[@mrkitewine7700]

Lovely watches, I have a skinny wrist and whilst I can wear a solar tuna, skx and monster (due to short lugs), I really struggle with the 40mm Grand Seikos, particularly the 44gs case with male end links. I guess that’s a good thing as otherwise I’d be about 4K poorer.

[@Stanjara]

Try to find King Seiko. Used or a vintage one. Looks better than either of these.

[@iancatlin5985]

Beautiful watches - I have a similar GS myself - can't fault it. Very interesting on the pricing - I may send mine for service based on that 😀

[@ILikeWatches2]

I thought the service price was good actually

[@iancatlin5985]

agreed - quite reasonable! @@ILikeWatches2

[@NiallDempsey-jp7fl]

Beautiful piece I really love their champagne sunray dialogue grand seiko do this dial with their 9s64 movement?that's the hand wound movement you'll find on the sbgw321 gorgeous little watching seriously thinking on pulling the trigger on but if they did it with that champagne sunray dial!?🥳

[@honeybadger9672]

Good man Garry, a real man admits their mistakes. It takes a truelly real man to lay bear all for the world to see. Respect brother, a very engaging story with a happy ending at least. Thanks for sharing 😊❤

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thanks! Happy to share and make a fool of myself…just another day really 😂

[@Pete...NoNotThatOne]

Watching this, listening to your misfortune, glancing at my Snowflake safe on my wrist…. I felt every slight bump when you described the incident. Glad to say, the refurb looks great!

[@ILikeWatches2]

Enjoying your snowflake? I found it too light

[@Pete...NoNotThatOne]

@@ILikeWatches2 Yeah, the weight can be off putting, but I find it’s perfect for the summers in South East Queensland. If I want something heavier, I’ve got about fifteen divers, several Speedys, a couple of Loriers, etc. looking at the champagne dial and katana case on yours, though… if that had been around six or seven years ago when I got the snowflake, I might be wearing something different.

[@danieljones3683]

Both watches are awesome but the Grand Seiko is my favorite. A Grand Seiko with the spring drive movement is my grail watch. I'm just not sure which style I would go for. Not that it matters I can't afford a GS right now anyway

[@ILikeWatches2]

Save up for this one, the flat surfaces with sharp edges looks amazing IMO

[@michaelsorchantte3857]

Lovely watches,why were the dial and hands in such bad shape that they needed replacement?

[@ILikeWatches2]

Not sure, no idea what the previous owner did….

[@grahamliggat7193]

Gary v glad you are happily back in with your GS - I’m still saving up … one day! How is your Superior doing for accuracy? That’s another watch I would love to own … one day! V best G

[@ILikeWatches2]

It’s great, running perfectly!

[@chrisc475]

Beautiful watches Gary. How about a SOTC video, be interested to see which ones (of the many) you have you think are worth keeping.

[@ILikeWatches2]

I’ve sold all but around 20 watches…had a tax bill I needed to pay! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@chrisc475]

@@ILikeWatches2 Oh well, it'll be quite a short video then 🤣. Shame to hear that, the tax authorities have crazy levels of entitlement to enter property, seize assets etc so definitely don't want to annoy them!

[@nextonthewrist]

GS is a lot cheaper than the Breitling service centre costs 😬😅 well played Gary, so nice you can properly enjoy that damaged beauty again.

[@johnholkham2420]

Very nice watches Gary nice to see someone who’s brought a watch not as a status symbol but for a genuine love of the watch without thought for how others will react . Gary proving there are other luxury watch brands worth investigating. Ps perhaps wear your Casio to the Pub next time. Hope your not like some well known KZbin watch guys who pronounce a watch a keeper then sell it 2 weeks later for the next ‘ keeper’.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Had it 5 years and I’ll have it another 5 for sure

[@Shri_V]

Finally you made an update on these watches...good to see them restored to their former glory...almost! Which one are you giving away ;-)

[@ILikeWatches2]

Lol…..I think it was your previous comments that prompted me to make the video

[@Shri_V]

@@ILikeWatches2Hah, glad to be of service! That GS looks insanely good now.

[@greggmelissawindrim6783]

Money well spent on two great watches to get them back to all most new, Life lessons are something we all have to go through.

[@tacomn]

Nice looking GS dial. How do you like the Credor vs GS?

[@ILikeWatches2]

GS easily but different watches…

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

To put this into perspective. My Milgauss GV black dial, was sent back to Rolex for a Full Service and refinish. Apparently need new hands, crown, plus a new GV crystal. £1135 including vodka n tonic

[@andycoomber6159]

Hi Gary, what was the turn around time for the GS work, and the Credor as well? thanks.

[@PaulewingStHelens]

Your Grand Seiko is stunning. I think I would’ve committed murder that day. Glad you got it sorted

[@ssnerd583]

I have come to the conclusion that I cannot spend any serious money on any watch unless and until I retire. I DO really crave a Grand Seiko...but....it would break my heart if something happened to one I owned. If some clot had bashed my GS, they would have got bashed.

[@bendunn21]

I was just wounding where did you get your green watch display thing, as I’ve been looking for one like that myself! Thank you and keep up the good work with your videos I really enjoy them!

[@L.A.C_Santos]

You could very well have these two watches as a perfect two watch collection. Enjoy!!!!!

[@Desperate4changing]

Those prices to fix the 44gs were reasonable!

[@DM-rc4yu]

How does a watch that costs that much and isn't even very old have a dial and hands in such condition that they need replacing?

[@ILikeWatches2]

I think someone had mistreated the watch…

[@Tom_Kowalczuk]

I wouldn't say they are mistakes. Mistake was taking GS to the pub ! (G-Shock instead maybe?). Both look amazing but that Credor is on another level. At the end It wasn't as expensive as I thought it might be.

[@ILikeWatches2]

Good to know….love Credor, so underrated

[@normanswift5048]

I'm a recent subscriber and your pub story made me feel sick - literally! I sold my SBGA373 earlier this year. I agree about how stunning the dial is but the case was such a scratch magnet and I'm very careful with my watches. I wasn't going to Cape Cod the finish either so I had to live with them and it got to me in the end. I could have sent it off as you did but it would frustrate me when I got the first scratch after getting it back. I also found it a bit too bling on the bracelet and wore it on a blue GS alligator which toned it down a bit. I've still got a SBGM221 GMT which I love - that dial is pretty special too and for some reason the non 44GS case doesn't seem as prone to scratching. Anyway, I look forward to more videos!

[@rafaelalbarracin9278]

Te felicito con el Grand Seiko has tocado el cielo con las manos 👍

[@ILikeWatches2]

Thank you!

[@murph8411]

Did the GS have the same brushed effect on the case sides before or are the horizontal brush marks different now? Is it also my imagination or can you still see a slight change on the edge/transition between brushing and polishing where a dint has been? Very sad but I’m sure we all have stories about someone asking to see something and dropping it or damaging it at some point. Live and learn I guess.

[@ILikeWatches2]

They’ve finished it the same…it’s not quite as good as factory but it’s still good

[@1stamendmentmedia464]

I already have a personal policy that my watch does not come off my wrist, this just reinforces that.

[@sjonny-depp]

How can someone do something like this man!!!!!!!??

[@ILikeWatches2]

Alcohol….

[@sjonny-depp]

Stupid people all over the world no RESPECT for other peoples belongings glad to see you happy again with the watch now!@@ILikeWatches2

[@antonylaing2499]

The biggest hassle with Grand Seiko is the high cost of parts and lack of availability, they often have to be manufactured to order as there's none in stock and refinishing work is done in Japan. Whereas for a Swiss watch a new bezel is in most cases, an off the shelf item so little point refinishing the old one if it's damaged past a certain point and the case repair could have been done locally. Despite being a GS owner, I've yet to recommend the brand to anyone else, as most people will find that Swiss brands are better supported for parts and servicing, hold their value better and work out cheaper overall when mishaps are factored in. That said, my first GS, an automatic, is now over 10-years old and shows no deterioration whatsoever in amplitude and time keeping across multiple positions on a timegrapher and in real life conditions on the wrist - it is performing by all measurements as well as a freshly manufactured watch.

[@nigelhammond8417]

Was that Chisholm Hunter at Bluewater?

[@ILikeWatches2]

Yup….was indeed

[@crossbones8956]

Where is the best place to buy a GS online, new or used? USA based. Thanks! Great video!

[@buckcampbell4292]

Was replacing the case on your GS not an option?