My Dream Grand Seiko Is A Nightmare | Spring Drive GMT SBGE257

Spring Drive GMT SBGE257 Grand Seiko, a standout from Seiko's Sport Collection. Follow my journey inspired by a trip to the Seiko Museum in Ginza, Tokyo, where the dedication behind these timepieces left a lasting impression. This video takes a storytelling approach, offering insights rather than a typical review. Find out why my joy at receiving suck a beautiful watch quickly turned into a nightmare.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @casualwatchreviews
⌚️ Amazon Watch Store: amzn.to/2Ld4Bzs
🎧 Podcast iTunes: apple.co/2KPBd0B
📷 Instagram: bit.ly/3OKK4za
▶️ Facebook: bit.ly/37Rrjtp
▶️ Discord: / discord
Disclosures:
I use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Casual Watch Reviews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@kendallwi]

Man buys watch he's never tried on and complains about the fit afterwards. 🙄

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Do you think that title would have worked better?

[@pioleq]

​@@CasualWatchReviewshahahah 😂

[@zplapplap]

Too cynical of a comment for the earnestness and lack of whining in the video.

[@MaxairEngineering]

Great video and very informative.

[@PeterWilliamson-nn9et]

He works for Rolex maybe

[@wilfredkoopman3320]

I don’t agree about what you say about the watch. Mine wears perfectly fine and I would recommend it!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Why don't you make a upload about it giving the counter argument then? Happy to link it to this one?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

If you want to discuss any topics in this video live, we host a live stream Tuesdays (7:30pm Eastern) and Sundays (4:30pm Eastern). The latest episode is here kzbin.infoF4CeJkIrI0c

[@markwheeler4417]

The first moral of this sad story is always try on a watch, especially if you've never really worn one before and the second lesson is that sometimes man maths can be painful. Let's hope the next GS is more to your liking. Fingers crossed.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep!

[@richardcyr1346]

I have a SBGJ255G in titanium. 44GS case. Extremely comfortable! I was super precious about scratches at first, but then I read a story about a man who wore his Rolex every single day for about 50 years. He loved the watch and wore it! That’s what a nice watch is for!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I bet titanium would be perfect!

[@sergiogarcia9822]

And that Rolex man can get that Rolex serviced for 300 bucks and sell it for at least what he paid for it if not more, totally the opposite of a grand seiko.

[@richardcyr1346]

Haha. You're probably right, but I'll never sell this watch because it has sentimental value, is pretty rare, and feels like a piece of art on my wrist.@@sergiogarcia9822

[@jski718]

I was the same way when I first got my Speedmaster. I brushed every little scuff that I got. Now 4 years later I've worn it every day and it's been beaten up. You gotta just wear them like they're meant to be worn and not care.

[@richardcyr1346]

That Speedmaster is a beautiful watch! @@jski718

[@user-bf6tu2xd9j]

I have had this same problem that you demonstrate in your video with two of my watches and I finally figured out how to resolve it. It is extremely important that the buckle is centered exactly on the flat of the underside of the wrist. If not, the watch will not stay in ideal position and will move around as you wear it as the buckle seeks centering trough your movements. This is especially prevalent with taller and heavier watches. The solution is to make the 6 o'clock side shorter than the 12 o'clock side until the buckle sits absolutely flat on the underside of the wrist. Assuming that the fit of the bracelet is correct, swap links, one at a time, from the shorter 6 o'clock side to the longer 12 o'clock side. As you swap links, use the micro adjustment of the buckle to make sure you have an exact fit and then try to see if the problem is resolved while wearing the watch for awhile as you go through normal movements. This process will be different for all watches and depends on the length of the buckle and links. Once you achieve the proper ratio between the short and long sides, the watch will not move around and it will stay in your ideal position.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for the comment maybe this will work for some people reading this. I didn’t cover it in the upload but I moved links around and even tried it on different straps. I have reviewed hundreds of watches in the channel and only two have wore so poorly as this one did for me.

[@rickyvalenciano7485]

You pick the cheap one than comfortable....

[@Cleatus546]

I solved the problem of proper fit by wearing the watch on my foot.

[@erkanvural3621]

hahaha i did same for my seiko to find correct position exactly like you suggested else. watch is not sitting balanced in your wrist and that mentioned problem occured

[@johnmartin7158]

You make a good point. I’ve got a cheaper 880 dollar brand new limited edition Bruce Lee seiko with black leather strap. Either it was too tight or slightly loose. When slightly loose it wouldn’t centre on my hand and tight felt like strangulation. But I put up with tight and after a few months it’s now centred on my hand near perfectly. I’ve viewed a lot of the Grand Seiko and I’m not exactly enamoured. But I still love my Hamilton Khaki Army watch immensely. Not always is an expensive one better if ya get my drift. As long as a watch keeps good enough time and it’s appealing to me, that’s all I care about. And I love the immense choices and varieties of Hamilton. Cheers NZ.

[@user-op1zq6tj2z]

I sold a troublesome Batman and bought one of these with the profit. It fits me like a glove, it's accurate and flies under the radar a bit. Best of all, its not a Rolex!

[@javedp7846]

Thank you, what a brutally honest review of your journey as a buyer. We have all made mistakes buying watches or cars, thank you for you honest reflections. Thank you for sharing your watch buying journey. 👍

[@knivesandstuff]

my Grand Seiko is 2 years old now.. and while i dont use it hard or heavily, its got nothing near that level of scratching, but i agree. i think you need to baby it to keep it pristine. but its hard to notice the tiny scratches it does have in normal use. the shine overshadows them

[@anteneupitra]

seiko garbage

[@1millionstartups]

Love Zeiratsu polishing but dread scratches until i looked into tegimented Sinn's. They aren't totally scratch proof but very scratch resistant, even in black and with their bracelets. Accuracy = a spring drive, and resale strong.

[@RobLewis3]

Spring drive. Great technology. Seiko and Grand Seiko amazing company, excellent finishing etc. Good at everything. But... the GS watches are so boring lmao. I have to say I think you probably picked the most interesting one. And this is coming from someone who loves (and owns) regular Seikos.

[@christyanthonypillai8891]

I've got this watch for my boys 1st birthday to pass on to him on his 18th birthday. It is Top heavy on the bracelet but i found the solution in swapping out the bracelet for a rubber strap and it fits like a glove now. Its a fantastic watch!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I tried it on a rubber and still didn't work for me. It is a beautiful watch no doubt about it!

[@ET-cj8jo]

You bought this watch for yourself. Do you really think your son will want the watch after you have worn it for 17 years ? Maybe when he reaches 18 buy him a watch that he wants, not your cruddy cast off.

[@AX7razor]

I would never buy a watch with the expectation of a great return value. For me, it would just feel like I bought it as an investment not because I liked it and wanted it. Great watch though, I love Grand Seiko.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I never buy a watch expecting to make money or break even, was not expecting to lose so much on this one however.

[@d3xmeister]

This is one of the most interesting videos about watches I’ve seen maybe this year. Thank you for sharing this experience

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I think I will try and do more of these 'tales of watch collecting'. Thanks for watching

[@darrenlemaistre6966]

At the end of the day it’s a very personal thing. In my opinion you should always try on a watch before buying. As for people saying seiko or grand seiko is just seiko …. Not really sure they know what they are talking about. A lot of people seem to have opinions but not very well informed ones. Too much watch snobbery on Swiss brands I feel…Most Swiss brands are great but Grand Seiko is in my opinion GREAT too.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I actually totally agree! Grand Seiko is good, I'm in that camp!

[@naokimihara1575]

Your video is the most honest and useful review on KZbin. Really appreciate it. I can also feel that you really love all watches even if some of them don't work well for you.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@darrenlemaistre6966]

My grand seiko fits perfectly and it’s really comfortable. Have not got a clue what the dude is on about . The polishing still looks fantastic after a year of use .

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Which dude?

[@grahamliggat7193]

Ouch, wow and thank you. GS and spring drive are a grail for me so really helpful to have that insight before I trip over esp. as they are a little out of reach for me just now (which may have helped me from tripping over w/o seeing this). Like you I have a vintage GS (6246) which I love but I have been hankering after a new one so really helpful to hopefully learn from your experience. Here’s hoping the one you have in the pipeline lives up to your expectations.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Graham and thanks for watching!

[@meshmesh22]

Thank you for sharing the story, the new GS looks much much more elegant and hopefully you fall in love with it.

[@MrBacchus18]

Very interesting video to me indeed because I am looking to buy a Gran Seiko for my 50th birthday (I use that as an excuse). I am thinking an entry level 39mm sub 5k I tried one on last year it fits good. But some concerns I had like scratched up zaratsu, servicing, and maybe reselling if I actually don't like it. Also considering 9f quartz watches also. I'm interested to see what you think of the quartz Grand Seiko.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey! Yep I will try and do a review for next week of the new one

[@chillvill1646]

I have a small wrist 6.75...mine fits great/comfortably...was the clasp centered on the underside properly? I have no slippage what so ever....I'll never part with it....scratch free....mirror polish still today.

[@jetpack9634]

Very, very useful and informative video, thank you very much

[@thehistoryprof6750]

Great delivery ... and educational ... thank you.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@1millionstartups]

Thank you for honest feeling and cost about owning a spring drive. I have a chance to buy a new SNR051 at good discount but I guess I can hold out for an even better deal on secondary.

[@tlpplacement9355]

Great video, bravo. In East Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea), new GS is retailed at about 70% to 75% of list price, depending on the model. A mint, used one, at about 60% to 65% list is about right. You didn't overpay for your GS, at US$4,000. But when you re-sold shortly after initial acquisition, you should expect to get 55% to 60% of list price (minus dealer margin if you go for a trade-in), for a near-mint item. You did alright re-selling it at US$3,500, excludign tax and platform fees.

[@simonlam4137]

Super helpful and honest review.

[@martinkaplan1805]

I get it! For me, after beauty and quality, it’s all about fit and comfort.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

100%

[@kerkiraz]

I bought this because I could not afford the prices. Absolutely love this piece and the quality is insane for the price

[@jeanlefranc3817]

The GMT 9F SBGN003 is a truly cracking watch. Perfect for the smaller wrist, beats the claimed accuracy of 10 seconds per year and flies under the radar when you don’t want to draw attention on your wrist gear.

[@Mikere81]

Great vid and thanks for the info. I have only recently got into watches. I was looking and researching for 3 months. Before I bought my first watch it is a Sekio 5 srpd63. It was a comfortable watch to wear and at a good entry price point in my opinion. I also own a timex scout which is my daily work wear. I continue to look at different watches and vids of reviews. I think my next watch will be more of the dress style. Thanks again for your video

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@pjjmsn]

I appreciate your honesty and integrity.

[@jeremiahlee6335]

I wear titanium cased GS watches, and they are all very comfortable. It’s hardly noticeable. The difference in weight between the stainless steel and titanium watches can make so much difference?

[@andrel.2768]

Thank you for sharing your views. I've always heard people saying GS is not the most comfortable watch, but I have yet to see a good explanation. Today I finally know the reason.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thank you I may do a few more like this.

[@gorillaofjohn15]

sorry to hear that. I think this has also happened to a good portion of us here. It is part of the journey and we learn. And yes, the watch market has slowed down significantly and you are right to say that postings hardly get a sniff in nowadays. The market really was red hot from the tail end of COVID, rose further through 2021 and peaked at 2022. Theres a sharp drop this year.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep! Totally right

[@Meath10]

Always try on. Lesson learned, thanks for the honest review

[@KarimDeLakarim]

You'll love the new one their great 😊

[@davidobrien9362]

Totally totally get what your saying about the balance,I found that as well,as if the watch would,could actually FLIP OVER.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep, it’s a weird sensation. I have had huge watches like the Breitling B1 that have worn better.

[@PocketWatchTime]

Great review Sam. Enjoyed the story… sorry for the hit to the wallet.

[@salembeeman370]

Wow, what an eye opener. Thanks for sharing - I know it's hard to share lessons we aren't proud of - but I'm sure you saved many people money and pain.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I'm an open book... but a few people have been trying to rip at my pages 🤣

[@BenMwatches]

Have owned the GS gmt Quartz you have coming You are going to love it, wears stunningly, at least on my wrist

[@Vox-Populi]

Informative story. I find that my Sinn 104 fits my wrist, in particular the top of my wrist, better than any other watch I've owned.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Im still yet to get a sinn in the collection!

[@kvom01]

I am wearing this exact watch as I watch this. It's one of my favorites, and I bought it new in Japan tax-free with the $ strong against the yen. Best bargain in a long time. I bought mine at Yodobashi Camera in Kyoto on sale at original yen price -10%.

[@keithtao2896]

I have been collecting watches for a long time and aside from a couple of crazy years just passed when new watches all seem to have vanished and used ones selling for unreal prices, preowned watches took big hit on resale. Even Rolex models today with only a handful of exceptions lose substantial money on resale especially when you consider the sales tax you paid and the 13% commission eBay takes.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep, it was for sure a hit! I probably could have held out for more but once I feel funny about a watch it has to go. Less mental stress 😂

[@markcopeman3552]

Not really a rant, just a good tale of sensible advice. My issue is I have an 8 inch wrist ! Many watches I'd like are just too small for me. A 40mm is as small as I go if that's nearly all dial but a bezel kills it. Just about get away with my Longines Big Eye. My sweet spot is probably 42 or 43mm. Always try a watch on if you can you may be surprised what you can and can't wear. Have been thinking about a GS myself. Good warning about that high polish issue, it does scream Scratch Magnet!

[@Time_Passages]

Super useful review. Your shots of the polishing and scratches validated my concerns. I am looking for the very same quartz GMT. Now I know what I should be paying for it used. Thanks again

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Also the zaratsu finishing isnt polishing its a case finishing technique that gives zero distortion, which leads to being able to polish it to a mirror finish, look at other cheaper brands and as much as you polish it the image will still be distorted, minor scratches will polish out with a jewellers polishing cloth,

[@UltraDoug]

Ouch, hard lesson for sure. It seems far more difficult to sell watches these days. Last year in Chrono24 I was able to sell quite easily. These days, selling the same caliber of watch, as you say, doesn’t get a sniff. Lots looking, but just low ballers. Anyway, best of luck on your new GS! Great vid 😎👍🏼

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep very hard to sell now! Thanks for watching Doug!

[@mkyhou1160]

I have had success selling on Chrono24 but you have to be realistic. As a private seller you need to be at least 1k less than lowest price from a dealer. It hurts but that’s the reality. Take your loss and move on. I tried on these GS GMTs at an AD, didn’t like any of them, seem a bit fussy design language in person.

[@resjon7981]

So true I sold around 55 watches last year yet so far this year I have only managed to sell 13 watches.

[@nerychristian]

The economy is on a downward trend. Inflation is hitting people hard. The people who bought watches prior to the pandemic are probably all trying to sell their watches now because they need the money. China especially is hit hard by poor economy

[@a7128]

nice one - now, and important question for you - which EPL team do you support?

[@Number_006]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have a Grand Seiko SGBW231 (paid full retail at $4300) and I know I would lose at least $1k if I sell. I have had it for years now, still love it and so if I did sell, I look at that loss as the cost of enjoying it for years. It sucks when you know immediately it wasn't the right watch for you. But your willingness to share helps us all!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I would like to say "I'm not a number'"... but in this case I was... and it was less than I wanted to be 😂

[@Number_006]

@@CasualWatchReviews Ha! :)

[@JavierBonillaC]

Excellent point of view. Few people talk about how the watch actually wears on your wrist.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I wish they had on the few videos I had watched on this! Thanks for watching!

[@simonelwell]

I have a GS Black Diver - titanium strap and case and the strap (because it's titanium) is too light for the watch - it feels insubstantial and the watch does tend to slide to one side. My solution is to wear it on a silicon strap - better for a "wet" watch anyway and more comfortable on the wrist. It also preserves the titanium bracelet in pristine condition for if I ever want to sell the watch - which I don't plan to do but "just in case". Spring Drive is superb btw.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I would like to test out a titanium Grand Seiko watch. Thanks for watching Simon!

[@stevemoreno6241]

I have this watch with the black dial and bezel. Got it for almost a 18% discount. I love it. I have a large collection of watches and feel this was a good addition.

[@knalworstje7190]

I have the same watch and it is my favorite. It wears better than my Omega Moonwatch .

[@CasualWatchReviews]

That’s cool! Yep, for me they are totally opposite, my speedmaster wore like a glove,

[@spittinvenom9843]

Excellent video and thank you very much for being honest about it without coming across as whining about your own poor decisions, you owned up to it and told the story and it happens to a lot of us

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep! I messed up for sure, lesson learned! Thanks for watching! I’m amazed at how this story has gone viral (almost) for the channel. A negative experience turned into a positive.

[@user-gu6rg8eo5f]

gussl's customer service is top notch. They were responsive to my questions and made the purchasing process easy.

[@structurescience]

Much appreciated tale, sir.

[@winstonchurchill3597]

Very interesting story with a good life lesson. Thanks for sharing.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank for watching

[@nottherealaaron]

This is how I feel when I look at the dimensions of a lot of Grand Seikos. They're stunning, but they're too bulky. I have the SBGN005, the predecessor the SBGN029, and I adore it. It's light and small enough that I can easily forget it's on my wrist. And it's best grab and go watch I own as it never loses or gains significant time. Hope you really enjoy it!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I'm liking mine so far... I will try and do the review for next week!

[@Kenzabukuro]

It's a shame since vintage GS were basically perfect.

[@NinjaNovice]

I'm new to the channel. Thanks for sharing your story....love the details, e.g. the Ford Focus, and first months rent. Most of us can relate. I'm intrigued with the spring drive and finishings of the GS. But like you, I can't find one I really love.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Welcome aboard!

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you for sharing your story Sam. I keep thinking about buying a SBGE001. I will be much more cautious if I decide to pull the trigger on one. I hope your SBGN029 works out better for you 🤞

[@tacomn]

I love my Sbge001

[@ahojnazdar3656]

Which "more robust" Sellita/ETA movement can we get in the same price range as 4R35/4R36 please?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I would check out Christopher Ward as my first stop!

[@ahojnazdar3656]

@@CasualWatchReviews CHW watches are great - no doubt about it. But which of them can be bought for less then 500 USD?

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I would say the equivalent CW vs. a Seiko (of similar quality) the CW would be cheaper. But if you’re just straight looking for a Selitta-powered watch that’s less than $500, I have a few microbrands on the channel that come in under that. Talking mainstream, just off the top of my head I think Invicta make a prodiver with the SW200 in for $300. Maybe not to everyone’s taste but if the argument is around can it be done, It can.

[@Drewinvan]

Wondering when are you supposed to receive the other Seiko quartz model? I didn't see it in your video list.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey! I did actually get one but also didn't really warm to that one either. I talked about it on the livestream and I'm working n a video for it now! Thanks for checking!

[@cuchumino81]

Super interesting story! Definitely food for thought as GS Spring Drives are my holy grail.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Mine too, I am not put off getting one. But I’m going to be a lot more careful next time! Appreciate you watching!

[@Nik-do1wd]

Great video. I was looking at GS for ages - I tried a 37mm on at the watch store and it really wore incredibly well - went to chrono24 and bought a 37mm immediately and haven’t taken it off! I originally wanted a 39mm gmt quartz - which itself was amazing. I do understand issues with bigger watches being oddly weighted sometimes, though I think big watches are getting an unfair bad rep right now.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I do also. I had a massive Breitling B1, it worse amazing, much better than this seiko.

[@VersedNJ]

I have the quartz gmt you shown. Love it.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I'm liking this one so far! Thanks for watching

[@patrickmcdaniel4452]

1st video I've seen from your channel. I like the production style. I have a similar model Grand Seiko (just different colorway) and love it. Fits me great on the original bracelet or on a fabric strap (how I normally wear it). It's one of my favorite watches. I suppose it comes down to how it fits you, which is a very personal thing. Sorry you did so poorly on the trade. I keep my watches so don't really get concerned with trade values.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Patrick, thanks for watching. It was a great watch and in a little jealous of the people who have commented that it fit them well! Welcome to the channel and thanks for watching!

[@antonc108]

What is your wrist size? As a fat guy I can wear 45mm to 47mm easily, but when I got my Springdrive dresswatch I chose the 37.5mm one, its thick but because its 37mm its not that obtrusive to wear too. Somehow that feels more right than the 40 and 42/42mm versions. Maybe like a slightly larger old school Datejust kinda feel. I don't mind the top heavy feel if its a Tuna dive watch... but for a semi sporty, I agree with you.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep my wrist in all the shots was 7.2 inch

[@gksalf10]

I think I understand what it feels like to stare into the Sauron’s Ring…Even though you are explaining how uncomfortable it was, I didn’t pay attention because the green ceramic bezel was too beautiful…

[@waterfordrs22]

I bought an SBGW269 last Decemeber. It has stunning faceted indices. They shimmer like diamonds, absolutely stunning. That is a massive part of their design language and aesthetic. I have plenty of watches with lume, which has never been anything close to reliable for me. My completely un-lumed Grand Seiko is very easy to read in the most faint light where any other watch with typical lume, is as likely to be unreadable. Just the light off a distant tv screen in an otherwise dark room - no problem. No, you cant read it in absolute darkness, but its extremely rare i can do that with lumed watches. My Ball Nightbreaker with tritium tubes is the champion in pitch dark, but it's almost never on my wrist. I would argue that their aesthetic, which isn't for everyone, it's at its best with zero lume. Their manual wind offerings be it mechanical or spring drive are the ticket in terms of proportion.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching and sharing your view on this watch. I have no regrets selling it but love hearing from people who do love theirs.

[@allegedkurd]

Definitely a good example of needing to try it on before you make any changes that could damage the watch.

[@clintonshiells3095]

I have the predecessor of your incoming GS, the SBGN005. It has an amazing fit on my 6.5 inch wrist, so you should really enjoy it.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

It has arrived and I do like it so I think your right!

[@swright5690]

Great honest review and story.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@ncode03]

This man has learnt what I knew at 16 year old, if it's expensive, try it before you buy it.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

You should make that into an upload, there must be a good story there if you were buying high end watches at 16?

[@davidcouzens6287]

I have the panda 50th anniversary with the 44gs case. Its a lovely thing. Wears perfectly even though its quite tall being a mechanical chronograph

[@daviddiegel1239]

Very interesting Sam. I have been intrigued by the same watch but that size and weight are concerning. Thanks for the heads up. I would definitely try one on now instead of buying first.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep try it on, you may find it fits well but as you saw I didn’t like it on my wrist.

[@kevins8971]

I bought a Grand Seiko watch that I didn't try on and regretted it and then proceeded to buy another Grand Seiko watch that I didn't try on. Great to learn from You Tube watch experts!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I’m certainly not a watch expert! The second one worked out much better

[@johnhealey6455]

Great-looking watch!

[@bavedoyd]

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want". Interestingly, I just bought a Squale 101 ATMOS 2002 Heritage model and find that it wears top-heavy and wobbly on my wrist. But here's the thing: I like that about it because I don't ever want to forget I'm wearing it. (Fortunately, there's no issue with the crown biting into the back of my hand.) The off-balance feel is a constant reminder to admire the watch and then roll my wrist 10 or 15 times to keep it wound. It's like being around a person you find attractive to the point of distraction or driving a car with such a great exhaust note that you miss what's on the radio. It takes all sorts to make a world.

[@bobbydazzler1780]

You have a Datejust. What a lot of people don’t realise is that the Datejust has been honed over decades to absolute perfection as a wearing experience. Perfectly balanced 41mm case, super low profile, wider 21mm bracelet with taper. Wears like a dream on the wrist. Then you strap on a fugly thick heavy Seiko. Guess what? Your brain now knows what wearing perfection and balance feels like. Total refinement and sophistication to a bulky boy with zero refinement in the wear. It’s like driving a Mercedes then hopping into a Seat. Four wheels and some seats but that’s where the comparison ends.

[@MasterChronometer]

I feel like I have very similar taste in watches. I really like Grand Seiko, however, I really like smaller sports watches and they don’t really have anything that ticks all the boxes for me. Ended up going with a omega Aqua Terra as it’s more sporty and has lume. Still wonder whether I should have gone with a GS but there’s always next time. Agree about low end Seiko movements, particularly the 6R range, they’re pretty crap for the money.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I agree!

[@Taylod1]

The watch journey is a costly one, I as well would love to buy a spring drive but after watching your video I just couldn't live with the weight. I've been wearing titanium that's treated and I've been really happy. I enjoyed the details of the watch experience I'm sure many watching can relate.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@timothyfoley3000]

Dude, 4R and 6R movements have Touota like toughness and reliability... Jeebus man!

[@kingoftampa]

Been wearing a SBGA413 (titanium) for 3 years now almost daily. Idk about the steel, but the titanium handles scratches very well

[@pokie6087]

So at the price of an SRPD using the 4r36 movement, what would be an example of a better movement at that price point from a mainstream high street brand

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thats the point though, they don’t just put it in that watch.

[@thecameronscott]

That's a handsome watch! Such a shame about the fit and the depreciation hit. Looking forward to seeing how the new quartz GMT wears, thinking about picking up that piece myself

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hopefully will have to completed by the end of the week!

[@robertbien3888]

I have the same watch and I love it. Does NOT feel top heavy at all to me. So accurate. I'm not a big guy either. My wrist size is 6.5". Purchased in Japan.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

That’s cool! I wish I had liked it more honestly!

[@Whizzer_]

Agree on that Sumo - its a banger

[@chrisc6428]

Tried one of these on when I bought my snowflake. Found it didn't sit well on my wrist. This is one to try before you buy

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Its very weird the way it wears on me also. I was really surprised. Only one other watch felt so poorly weighted as this like I mentioned in the upload

[@Isual]

nice review. i just bought a grand seiko spring drive for under 4k with tax included USD. unfortunately, unlike Rolex and Omega's, the cost of a new grand seiko drops precipitously in price; I would say at minimum 20 percent once you wear a brand new/unworn one. I think in this case, going pre-owned is the way to go.

[@A_Noid]

Bought a 9F GS online directly from Japan (lovely customer service even with an online purchase on their part). Even with import duties, it’s significantly cheaper than it is in Canada to buy that watch. Your findings certain match mine.

[@FuquaRomeo]

Sam, I feel so bad that you didn't like the fit. It looked soo good on your wrist. I hope the replacement fits more comfortably.

[@BobLorrimer]

I understand your experience but to try to sell anything immediately after you have bought it is to ask for a kick in the rear! That's life! There is definitely a lesson to be learned over the 'fit' and I have certainly made the mistake of not trying a watch on the wrist prior to parting with the cash. We all have different wrist shapes and sizes. I discovered that several of the Grand Seiko models just looked bulky on my wrist type. However, after some time in a local showroom I discovered that a GS quartz black dial SBGX261G @ £2,000 37mm hugs my wrist like an old friend. I put this down to the lugs which dip down below the actual case back. It looks and feels wonderful . The quartz movement by it's nature is also significantly slimmer. (I have a Cartier de Santos (mechanical) which is equally brilliant on my wrist . The square case of the Santos is curved and so is the crystal which not only looks sophisticated but it is also very comfortable...particularly on the croc strap). I like the metal Bracelet strap on my GS, it is not tapered, but it is silky and secure. I find the clasp neat and nothing like as hideous as the celebrated Rolex clasp. The GS does not extend . Temperature extremes are not a problem in the UK - at least not yet! I have a Rolex Explorer 36mm which is great, it is two tone, and I bought it this year from my local AD at RRP. There is some online chatter concerning how the 'Tool' nature of the watch is subverted by the addition of Gold. Yeah right - how precious some people are! Mine is unlikely to be challenging the slopes of Kilimanjaro any time soon. So this old tool will carry on wearing it - in rotation of course!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for adding all that Bob, interesting read!

[@jeholloway2]

Great story.

[@iancarnell5020]

Disagree about Seiko mechanical movements. The ETA 2824 and Selita version movements suffer from a design flaw on manual winding. The reverser gears lock up if wound manually regularly. If you are a collector this can be a problem. Seiko movements are more reliable if regulated properly.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I actually disagree there but appreciate the comment. I don’t think seiko are more reliable, not the new ones, not in my experience. I have a Vintage seiko that is rock solid. But not the new movements. I have never had one issue with an ETA or Selitta, if you check my library of review you will see me talking about multiple issues I have had with Seikos. I still like Seiko but it’s not correct to say they are more reliable, not from my experience and the number I have reviewed.

[@user-kd2cf9pu4y]

You really didn't do bad at all. If it was me, I would have lost my shirt. I probably would have changed the band and probably would have removed the icky sticker and would have taken $2500 for it. So, it wasn't as bad as you think. Good going!

[@201950201950]

I remove all or perhaps leave one link on the 6 o'clock side. With the flask high on the left part of my wrist holding any heavy watch

[@truxton1000]

The problem with trying a watch on in the shop is that you can't really ask them to size it, remove links etc. So if you are particular with how a watch will wear that would be a problem. Personally I have probably owned over 100 watches just the last couple of years as I am selling semi-professionally. But I have rarely had a watch that I don't like to wear, generally that would be watches that are very large and also very thick, over 15mm. Anyway hope the new GS will work out for you, but the cases look a bit similar to me? Hopefully they are not...

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep, I think even if I had tried it on in the shop I wonder if I would have tried to convince myself I would get used to it?

[@ClementRollin]

I got the "quartz version", and tried the spring drive multiple time : le quartz is way, way thinner, and way more confortable to me.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I think your right! My new quartz arrived!

[@bigiona3938]

All of those big watch resellers lowball like crazy. I inquired about selling my SBGA407 which is in excellent shape and retails for $5,800, their offer was also $2,500. That seems to be the generic response for them. I said no and I’m glad I did as I love the watch and wear it quite often. I let go of a different piece and got a great price on Chrono24. Actually double what my AD offered to buy it back for. Hope the quartz works out for you!!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks! So far so good!

[@GolgoSixty]

Great points. I went through the same journey looking for a spring drive and noticed how bad the weight balance was. In the end, went with the GMT grand seiko quartz and it was perfect

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thats what I ended up doing! And I feel the same! Thanks for watching!

[@threehandhunter]

Great story of your experience, and thank you so much for sharing it with us. I have not gone down the GS rabbit hole(yet) and I think you will help steer me (us) in the right direction. Cheers my friend.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching!