Seiko vs Grand Seiko: Sarb033 Against SBGX261

[@steve8510]

The 'black hole' in classic size... perfection

[@mtmatt6111]

A very thorough well done review. I have the Sarb and it’s the perfect size for my seven-inch wrist. It incredibly comfortable for every day wear, has a great power reserve and it’s made like a tank. Got mine directly from Japan about seven years ago for about $300. Highly recommend it for the money.

[@ChaPPie01]

is not exist anymore for that price not even close!

[@zzxxenith]

The gaps on the clasp for both watches are not an oversight its to stop the catch scratching the bracelet during use.

[@p5ychonaut]

GS must be better. Smth has to justify the price difference. But as for the money Sarb is a wonderful watch (event now with a price increase). I love the clean, elegant look of Grand. Could be a perfect "grab&go" EDC.

[@limaalphacharlie]

I can almost see the GS second hand do a 1-2 movement every time it ticks. It's like a du-dun, du-dun, du-dun vs tick-tick-tick. Either way, both watches are beautiful. I have the same sarb, I bought it cos at the time, I thought the 6R15 movement, the battery life, the dial, and lume was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Plus it's a black dial! The frame on the date wheel is aesthetic.

[@nickgee7291]

Finally! I've been looking for this exact comparison! I thought it would be obvious to find a video like this but it's not that common and this video is really HD and factual! I enjoyed watching it ! Thanks!

[@theknightswatch]

Glad I could help!

[@dannemannen18]

The black colour on the GS is very very nice irl. Kind of a onyx colour. Love it.

[@georgehiphopforever]

A big seiko fan here most of my watches are Seiko i have the sarb, a vintage GS model sbgf009 and i love it very much,and lot of other seikos,my only complain is that lot of models are very big for my small wrist...

[@zouki42]

It is. Gs are quite big in general. And automatic GS are quite thick also

[@ref6122]

The Sarb 033 has a incredible ,complex , multifaceted case design, almost unheard of for a watch at this price point.

[@theknightswatch]

Robert Frank the case is very cool but at times I feel it’s unnecessary. There’s not much visual interest when just looking from the top down and it is quite a thick and chunky piece in general. Cool case though.

[@nerychristian]

@@theknightswatch The SARB035 has the better dial. I love the creamy dial.

[@theknightswatch]

80's Nostalgia Guy not a big fan of cream dials myself. Not quite as versatile as white in my opinion.

[@africanindiaspo2895]

I wanted the Grand Seiko because it looks stunning but I did not have the money for it so I got the SARB033. And honestly speaking I would feel robbed paying thousands for the GS when I could have a Breitling Navitimer or a Longines Zulu Time for a little bit more.

[@Lanciarules]

Gs is thinner simply because it is a quartz watch: it does not have a rotor that add thickness

[@jeffreylim3011]

I own the GS but in white. The watch looks much more impressive irl than on pictures

[@pkn5607]

Very nice watches! I have a SARB035 which has the benefit of a less reflective looking crystal (compaired to 033). Something that wasn't touched on was the anti-reflective coating on GS. Also the GS is slimmer because it's a quarts. Thanks for sharing your review!

[@SORA44600]

i own the sarb but i definitely prefer the GS

[@blakslee720]

Something I just noticed here, that I also noticed on my San Martin bb58 and srpg05, the end links. On “nicer” watches, the end links have that middle section that sticks out. On cheaper pieces, and therefore bracelets, that middle link is on the bracelet, and loose. Idk how, but the notched end link seems to contribute to a cheaper feel value the protruding end link. That being said, my marathon GSAR has a notched ending, stamped clasp and I really don’t like the bracelet…that was $1600

[@Lion_ofJudah]

I just got my SARB033 at 550$ from Japan, such a beautiful piece :)

[@siddeshpachkawade9382]

I mean, to be honest the anti reflective coating of the GS causes the dial and the overall watch face to pop much more - a reason why the SARB033 is dull - its lacking AR coating on the crystal, however aftermarket ones should be available. Mod that crystal and get a uncle president bracelet :D insane value for money

[@dmks2146]

Nice comparison. I have a sarb and plan to have a GS in the future. Love the japanese design. I find it understated and flashy at the same time. The only thing that I wish for on these is a taper to 16mm. btw. on a recent trip to Japan I wristchecked a lot of the nicer dressed salarymen. It was like 60% Rolex and 40% GS.

[@theknightswatch]

DmK S a nice taper would be perfection! Nice to see that grand seiko is appreciated so widely there!

[@lemchejunior761]

First! Absolutely love these videos. Keep them coming!

[@theknightswatch]

Lemche Junior thanks man will do!

[@blakslee720]

Your demo of the polishing around 8:14 nails it; that’s what we need to help the buying decision. Overall, your breakdown of these watches is excellent, giving us all of the design differences that add up to why, when you’re holding both watches, you can immediately tell the quality difference, but maybe can’t explain why, on the spot. I haven’t seen anyone hone in on that without generic b-roll and soliloquy.

[@tsuyus]

GS's black is more black. I like GS Black.

[@canonyeo4286]

I have a dozen of GS, and I have the 033/035. They're all keepers. Also, just bought the new Zen Garden with similar size for less than $400. Very nice addition.

[@theknightswatch]

Canon Yeo love the zen garden. Definitely want to see that dial in person.

[@canonyeo4286]

@@theknightswatch it's the markers. Even GS doesn't has them. Wears like the sarb.

[@mplsmnpi]

You should show your gs, make a short video

[@planetdee3587]

My money would be on the Sarb. Just much better value for what you get in my opinion.

[@Lanciarules]

Not at all: the grand seiko will need a service once in 50 years...

[@leyay7540]

I'm quite agree with you. The GS just shines distinctively better and oozes out higher-end feeling. When I saw the Credor Eichi II in my hand, I just felt that same way even stronger. That's the major value of these handcrafted pieces.

[@theknightswatch]

Leya Y exactly! It really is hard to quantify or express but man does Grand Seiko shine haha!

[@leyay7540]

@@theknightswatch Not all people care nor be able to feel the details. However if they can, actually you don't need to explain too much about the brilliance of GS.

[@theknightswatch]

Leya Y very true. If they don’t get it they don’t get it. But if you do there’s a lot of beauty there.

[@medroastt9888]

Overall design, size and proportion I prefer SARB033. On a good quality leather strap it's a killer. But fit, finish and details of course GS wins.

[@nordikstark6854]

Hello i m your new subscriber no 559 . nice watches by the way hello from Romania

[@theknightswatch]

Nordik Stark thank you and thanks for subscribing!

[@harri4208]

wonderful review. right on spot. your SARB have the same "problem" as my sharp edge. the glass reflects in a way it looks a bit milky in comparison to that grand seiko but also to my cheaper seiko selection, which is crystal clear.

[@harrybilsonia]

would be interesting to compare this sbgx261 with black rolex in 36mm 126000

[@theknightswatch]

Agreed! If I had both I definitely would. I do think that would be a case of gs feels dressier and Rolex feels sportier and cleaner. No bad option of course, but price is definitely a factor

[@harrybilsonia]

@@theknightswatch I did compare them in person at some point, and you're right. Quality wise they are pretty much the same but they do give very different vibes just because they are so different in their respective design elements other than the bracelet style and black dial (but even the glossiness is completely different I'd say).

[@shipmate3577]

If you are looking for an unrecognized daily watch, just get the SARB. Save your money for a Rolex, Omega, IWC, or Panerai (buy Rolex retail, the rest used or grey market).

[@theknightswatch]

Shipmate fair point. I just prefer the quality that grand seiko has over those over brands. Omega especially vintage is very nice

[@ocb05]

Grand Seiko is way better than them.

[@TheChadWork2001]

Both nice. I would buy either and both.

[@snackyxchan]

Had the sarb, i wasnt impressed after i got it, the glare on sapphire ruined the watch, the indices started looking ugly, the more i looked at them, the braclet was bad, but i should have known you get what you pay for. I have a KSK Spb279 right now but looking at the sbgx061 as next purchase

[@aussie8114]

In pretty much every shot the GS dial looks more clear. I guess the crystal or coating must be better. The GS is my choice.

[@shawnlavigne9069]

At 11.2 the sarb is quite slim for an auto. Now that you show it, I can see how superior the gs polishing is. The case of the sarb is oyster like, but somewhat unusual in shape with the stepped/brushed portion at the top. Having owned a rolex air-king 114200, I much prefer the sarb. Your gs is a very nice watch.

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Sarb 035 owner. Love it.

[@theknightswatch]

As you should it’s a great piece

[@adidas7525]

Amazing stuff again!

[@theknightswatch]

Bap Gia thank you! Much appreciated :)

[@LeoVinteler]

Hi there, great review, as a fellow watch guy I must say that GS is very impressive. How do I get ahold of you, a contact email.. Cheers.

[@irreview]

You're a great reviewer, I like the full length of the video. New sub.

[@theknightswatch]

irreview thank you ! I really appreciate it :)

[@FireBlade57]

I had the SARB. I didn't like it and sold it for double what I payed. Now I have a Grand Seiko.

[@theknightswatch]

Congrats I don’t like the sarb either haha. Enjoy your gs

[@atticus6572]

For me (and for once), I prefer the original Seiko over the GS. It looks like a more satisfying, cohesive package.

[@theknightswatch]

Atticus to each their own. I do prefer the grand seiko since I think it looks dressier and is a smaller size. But the sarb is a great watch. I do think I’m terms of symmetry it would be nice to see something at the 6. Thanks for watching!

[@Kairosdex]

Nice video, instantly the grand seiko looks more deep black on the dial. The baby GS stands up well though!

[@theknightswatch]

Herb thanks glad the grand seiko shine comes through on camera too!

[@yousefgeorge3060]

The Seiko is a nice slice of the cake but the grand Seiko with its finish its the whole cake

[@theknightswatch]

Agreed. But some people only want one slice haha.

[@yousefgeorge3060]

The Knight’s Watch, I can only afford one slice

[@theknightswatch]

YOUSEF GEORGE haha nothing wrong with that! Great watches at every price. One of my favorites is the Timex snoopy I use in most of my videos.

[@kurtmarion2799]

Great video! Very well spoken and credible

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@cramir2007]

Hola, tuve el SARB035, lo vendi por ser robusto para mi muñeca de 6.25 pulgadas y empece a buscar diales negros por que se ven mas pequeños y cuarzo para que sea delgad. Desee encontrár esta revision, gracias por hacerla, pero tengo una duda, mediste el lug to lug pero en el GS cual es la medida real teniendo encuenta la proyección de los enlaces finales? Saludos.

[@global.explorer]

Nice hands.

[@anonimushbosh]

0:38 "Why spend more?" You could have ended the video right there and everyone would know!

[@mplsmnpi]

Have the sarb and several grands, the sarb is nice but the grand is special. I think I've only worn the sarb once.

[@ytuser708]

Great review. Very balanced.

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you very much!

[@sahtemehdiavcstarkd8712]

What makes grand seiko so different and much more expensive from their typical seikos? They look similar.

[@Alfonsoltd]

It’s a luxury version that’s handmade in Japan. The movement is more precise, 10s loss/gain in a year

[@tonyr669]

I am telling you right now some idiot opened that Grand Seiko up because that watch would never have left Japan with dust or scrapes or scratches on the dial the hands or the indices.

[@theknightswatch]

Based on how I bought it from an official boutique brand new. That is how it came from the factory

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Great review. Well done comparing the two. In my opinion the GS is nicer but not by much.

[@twinscoupe]

Are you struggling to find the best word when you keep saying “kind of “ ?

[@theknightswatch]

twinscoupe don’t know I didn’t notice. I don’t do these scripted so possibly. I’ll rewatch and take note.

[@sarmadislamictv8433]

Great video sir . Wisely explained crucial matters regarding sarb and GS . Subscribed and appreciated 👍

[@the_9ent]

Both amazing watches. Out of the two I think the GS wins out.

[@theknightswatch]

Agreed!

[@protoman2260]

I have a sarx029 , that’s the closest I have to any GS

[@imranchowdhury4972]

At first I don't understand the term Baby Grand Seiko!!! Is it named for the sake of self satisfaction like Rolex homages? Are you comparing glass to diamond? The SARB033 is indeed a nice watch but it is just a basic automatic watch having a 6r15 movement. Whereas the GS Quartz is an amazing watch, the polishing is so refined that your I phone is easily seen in the reflection, it has an amazing accuracy 5-10 seconds a year!!!! It is thermo compensated movement to adjust with different temperature. One cost you around $300 and another one around $3000, ten times higher. The bracelet of SARB033 is a shit even the watch is not that bad. Please try to avoid macro shots using an I phone, the camera is good but it is far away in the quality of 4k camera. You made this video unnecessary too long.

[@echochambers8418]

Imran Chowdhury as unnecessarily long as your comment?

[@RustyLongPipe]

You sound like a fun guy to be around 😂

[@OscarHanzely]

What is the vintage roles you had in the shot at 16:29 ?

[@garyk8285]

Female end links on some watches don't work as good on larger wrists... for example I have the Sarb035, but with my wide 7.5 inch wirst, sometimes due to the bracelet design the case pops up above the bracelet and looks a little off, still love the watch.

[@theknightswatch]

Interesting. Does it bother you or do you like it because it differentiates between some watch you may have that has male end links.

[@joelstatosky1817]

When someone asks "So your grand seiko is kind of a lexus right?" and you have to explain that a Grand Seiko is made in a completely different factory with different processes. Then the guy with a rolex calls your watch trash and you have to call out the fact that he is just wearing a day date and that his watch isn't that cool. Sorry guys, I had to vent there

[@theknightswatch]

Ya I usually don’t get into those conversations but it’s annoying when it happens. Some people just care about status and that’s good for them but that’s not why I collect watches.

[@joelstatosky1817]

@@theknightswatch . Exactly, It's hard out here.

[@radhikapinjani1305]

Can you post a video about how much would it cost to service grand Seiko, and how often shall it be done?

[@theknightswatch]

I probably won’t. Overall regular grand seiko mechanicals service every 3-5 years recommended but many just decide to wear it till something is wrong. Quartz needs servicing every 50 years and a battery every 3. Spring drive you can go 8-12 years without servicing. Cost for spring drive and mechanical are around 550-650 for standard. Quartz is around 300-400 I believe I don’t remember off the top of my ahead.

[@alexcs1102]

Great comparison! Thanks for uploading.

[@raymondfoo9045]

Grand Seiko has better case proportion.

[@ulissesmosca666]

Not a good idea to compare a mechanical watch with a quartz watch.

[@theknightswatch]

Thanks for the advice

[@xionski]

Dust inside the GS, yikes man

[@theknightswatch]

Nothing is perfect, mistakes happen even on the uber high end. You see rolexes with scratches on the markers and sloppily painted seconds hands to pastels with a small particle of dust. Happens to the best, just matters how/if they take care of it.

[@xionski]

@@theknightswatch Did you try to contact GS?

[@theknightswatch]

I’ve actually sold the watch since but having seen pretty close how the system operates it would’ve been pretty painless to have it remedied. I bough from a boutique so service work turn around town is 1-2 weeks.

[@ChaPPie01]

@@theknightswatch why you sell it?

[@RustyLongPipe]

I’m in the middle of trading my SBGA373G for this SBGX261 plus cash. The case on the SBGA373G just rides too high for me and always feels unbalanced. The champagne dial, whilst beautiful in some light, is really quite a cold boring colour in most light settings and the power reserve on the face was a crap idea. As much as I enjoy watching the spring drive seconds hand glide around the face, this SBGX261 looks like a much nicer watch and will wear a lot better (on my wrist) also.

[@theknightswatch]

Mike J great idea. The 261 is such a great piece. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. It really is the best size Gs makes right now.

[@RustyLongPipe]

The Knight’s Watch yeh I can’t wait for it to arrive. The SBGA373G is the only watch purchase I’ve ever regretted.

[@ahmedmohammed-sj1xc]

What your size wrist please

[@ahmedmohammed-sj1xc]

@@Neil.C57510 thanks dear

[@wristcheck350]

Love the GS

[@Alex-je9eg]

Excellent Review

[@Miguel_C.R]

Gana el SARB033 por goleada

[@davidcoleman2463]

Wow . Good video . I am so happy with my Seiko sarbo35 ( cream diel ). It is a great watch . Why waste your money on a Grand Seiko quartz watch ? That is. Crazy .

[@theknightswatch]

Thanks! The sarb is a great watch but just wasn’t my style, a little too beefy and the lack of refinement bothered me.

[@davidcoleman2463]

@@theknightswatch that is a fair point to make . We are all different.

[@LuisCardoso-bo8yx]

Why waste money on a quartz Grand Seiko? Because it’s one of the best quartz movements in the world, made in house by the brand that introduced the first quartz wristwatch, back in ‘69. Because it’s very well made and amazingly, impeccably finished. Because it makes sense to have at least one quartz watch in the collection. And if one likes quality mechanical timepieces, it’s only logical to have the best quartz as well. One that’s serviceable if needed, that’s heirloom worthy. It really is a fantastic watch P.S. I also own a SARB035.

[@robbienyc3102]

@@LuisCardoso-bo8yx same here, I own a sarb035 and I love it but I'm also thinking about buying a quartz GS...

[@LuisCardoso-bo8yx]

@@robbienyc3102 I sold mine last December and bought a GS SBGX261. I don’t regret it one bit (also sold other 2 watches that I seldom wore).

[@swy9939]

漂亮的日本工藝

[@pas0003]

Excellent comparison!

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you!

[@davidnguyen6951]

Hey im rly new to watches so i hope u could answer me my questions :) the gs homepage states that the 9f62 will run for 3years .. so what do u do after these 3years? Where do u get a new 9f62? And how much would it cost?

[@David-nk7pv]

you change the battery after 3 years

[@boogiemanfunk]

I’m convinced, going to get myself a baby grand seiko. Any recommendations where to buy ?

[@theknightswatch]

Eri mendez if you don’t mind the premium Long Island watches. Other than that you can test your luck with eBay from a good seller or just wait till it pops up on reddit Watch exchange.

[@impact0r]

SARB is a joke. What really gives Grand Seiko run for its money is SBTM217. The attention to details becomes obvious when handling it in person. And it is stupendous.

[@sarmadislamictv8433]

To me , the case design of sarb 033 is more beautiful than that of the GS

[@sbsb4995]

I would go for the GS because it's a Quartz's. Quartz is the way.

[@theknightswatch]

Quartz is just so convenient. It’s going to work for such a long time and all you have to worry about is a battery here and there

[@sbsb4995]

@@theknightswatch you got it mate. It Is robust, it is accurate, it is light, and thin, and most of all, the peace of mind. What's not to love about.

[@H0kram]

@@sbsb4995 The lack of love for imperfection. I prefer mechanical because it's not perfect. I have a couple of quartz in my collection and I'm very happy with them though. I have more of a practical love for them while I have passion for the mechanicals. There is room for both in a collection.

[@liasummers1824]

one is automatic and one is quartz

[@u.u.upatreonrequests8679]

Cool little Ladies Watches these days

[@alexeybarkovskiy9357]

Both are way overpriced. Design is great

[@theknightswatch]

Alexey Barkovskiy i dont think the seiko on the used marker is overpriced. 300 is not bad for what you get! Thanks for watching!

[@Agent-vj3ns]

Sarb is garb. 🫴⌚🗑

[@watching_nyc]

Sarb033 owner here. I really tried to like the watch and unfortunately I just can’t get the emotional connection that my other pieces give me. The dial under strong light looks brown at times and I love that element. Nonetheless it’s a classic for a reason and the price point is very good for what you get. The strapcode oyster helps this piece but unfortunately it’s quite chunky and doesn’t match the dressy vibe of this watch.

[@theknightswatch]

Mark Kosmala ya I completely get you. It’s a watch with a cult following but that doesn’t mean you have to live it. I tried to enjoy it for a while but ended up just moving on to other pieces.

[@hugedickerinokripperino5299]

Plz dont put the watches on that. It will scratch the bracelet

[@theknightswatch]

Hugedickerino Kripperino on what?

[@hugedickerinokripperino5299]

Hard surfaces in general. Like stone

[@theknightswatch]

Hugedickerino Kripperino it’s just a placemat meant to look like granite.

[@hugedickerinokripperino5299]

The Knight’s Watch aaah. Thats a cool mat then

[@itoldunot2fuckwithme]

I gave a SARB033 to my 19 year old son. Purchased it NIB for 350$ so a good start to his future watch collection since my prediction is it will sell for around 1500-2000 in a couple of years from now. PS. No true watch guy wears anything but automatic unless it´s a G-SHOCK. Ever!!