An Introduction To Grand Seiko - Collection Overview, Movement Tech & More with Joe Kirk

Written Content: www.teddybaldassarre.com/blog
I recently traveled to New York for Grand Seiko's second GS9 Club event. After the party, I sat down with Joe Kirk, Grand Seiko's Brand Curator, for an in-depth look at the major model families within the collection, a detailed look at some of the brand's incredible movement tech, and a whole lot more. What are your thoughts on Grand Seiko?
Videos Mentioned:
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0:00 - Introduction
1:23 - Grand Seiko Movements
4:25 - Elegance Collection
14:17 - Heritage Collection
19:48 - Sports Collection
23:35 - Evolution 9 Collection

[@PretzelLogic88]

Joe seems like such a fantastic rep for GS-a consummate enthusiast and a nice guy to boot!

[@te86a]

He's great, and super helpful too. I had a question regarding GS and honestly I didn't think he'd respond and not only did he respond but was super nice and helpful too.

[@wc6502]

He definitely is. Met him in person a few times at various GS events and he is awesome.

[@aselkularatne3287]

He is absolutely sincere and seems to be genuine. A pleasure to listen to!!!

[@aross924]

Super nice guy.

[@baxoutthebox5682]

This guy is the best salesperson I’ve seen. An incredible rep for the brand, I hope he ascends the corporate ladder at GS and is given the recognition he deserves. Bought the SBGM221 for myself last XMAS. Now own 3 GS’. It is truly a disease but, I’m happy to be among a sick group of sick people.

[@HRM.H]

Hope Grand Seiko continues to refine and slim down their timepieces ! They have released lovely stuff the last couple of years

[@alexabney7913]

Am ultra thin around drive would be cool achievement to see

[@joshuadarrington.]

They have been getting ever more slim. I think by 2024-25 will be their real coming out year

[@HRM.H]

@@joshuadarrington. yeah i hope by then we will see sub 11mm automatic divers. Grand Seiko desperately needs slim and smaller diameter divers in their line up in my opinion

[@bdegrds]

@@HRM.H nothing wrong with a man's size watch

[@joshuadarrington.]

@@HRM.H mines too. They wear small after a while, but initial specs need to be on point

[@JJPanozzo1]

Joe is an absolute All Star for the brand. I really appreciate your knowledge and ability to deliver the message so eloquently

[@TagmatonDomestikon]

Joe is so knowledgeable and passionate about Grand Seiko. Really great to see employees that know all there is to know about the watches and speaking like they're watchmakers rather than just memorising the brochures. Grand Seiko should take pride in this kind of quality and excellence across their organisation.

[@rtotheizzle]

You can tell he's passionate by the fact that he's wearing a watch on each wrist lol

[@Swiss_Army_Knife1780]

Joe Kirk is the most impressive ⌚ industry representative that I have seen represent his brand. I do not know his background, but his grasp of movements is quite proficient to the point where he can explain complex mechanical engineering in plain terms. Great video.

[@piffCo_]

I could listen to Mr. Kirk for hours. Pure pleasure. And with every year I understand GS better and better. Maybe one day it will find its way to my drawer

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Joe demonstrates what it means to be truly GREAT at your job.

[@SilverStartUp]

I have fallen in love with GS this year. Such attention to detail and insane levels of execution and quality! I have the SBGX259, SBGP015, SBGA465 and SBGN003 and won’t be stopping there! Such a great, under appreciated brand.

[@danray3166]

@@mybrainlikesthings i have the 465 im a sucker for a champagne dial absolutely beatiful

[@konadora]

I saw the title and I was super excited, and then I freaked out because this is going to raise demand for GS even more before I can buy one 😂 but this is a much needed video for all watch fans! Thanks Teddy!

[@skunkwerx9674]

Joe is chill, he leaves very little up to speculation once he has finished explaining the use and process. I just love that.

[@gordtulk]

I’ve worked with thousands of businesses and their employees over the years. I’ve seen Joe Kirk in many presentations including at horological society events. Mr. Kirk might be one of the ‘great hires’ ever. Just a perfect spokesperson for all that Grand Seiko is and stands for in the North American market. My compliments to GS and Mr. Kirk.

[@wc6502]

I think he has almost single handedly made GS what it is in North America. He is everywhere, all the time.

[@gordtulk]

@@wc6502 he definitely influenced my decision to acquire a snowflake this past September.

[@willyforbin58]

This guy is just a Grand Seiko bible, thank you Joe and thank you Teddy. For a while I was thinking about extending my collection with GS, after Omega Rolex and IWC, now I have a better view and accurate idea of which one will be my next time keeper. All the best guys and best wishes to you Teddy for your channel!

[@DigitalPRCourses]

Wow. I mean this Joe guy. “The” most knowledgeable and enthusiastic brand rep I’ve ever seen. What a fantastic video and I never knew that the quartz models were such high end. I always wrote them off as just crappy quartz. Really made me sit up with the way Joe described those. GS is infinitely more interesting to me than any other volume Swiss manufacturer. Joe I hope you see this comment and thank you Teddy for making this video.

[@chrismuz]

One of the best, if not THE best, interview of a watch brand representative I have seen!

[@tasmaniancaptain7768]

Mr Joseph kirk should be elevated to the highest of levels within the grand seiko company, his presentation within the whole branding and his appearance is outstanding ,teddy a great gentleman also watch his segments alot keep up the great work gentleman, il be saving up for a grand seiko as my next purchase

[@Beeker0420]

I always liked Grand Seiko...but after this episode, I have fallen IN LOVE with Grand Seiko! Beautiful timepieces that are so high quality for the money! Thanks Teddy!

[@SilverStartUp]

Yep, once you witness the sheer brilliance of their pieces, you fall hard ❤

[@josezerpa8177]

Thanks again for another piece of brilliant content, Teddy. I enjoyed it thoroughly. You and Joe did an impeccable presentation.

[@hkkyau]

Thanks Teddy, another amazing video with such informative content. Grand Seiko is a brand to nerd out about, because the details are the most impressive part about it. I loved the conversation and the showcasing of all the popular styles as well. Keep up the great work!

[@philippeh1277]

Obviously a sponsored video extremely well prepared. A very good insight into this brand though. Love it.

[@mikederasmo7621]

Excellent ❤video. Iam going to japan November 28th I can't wait to visit the GS in japan and buy my very own snowflake !!!!!

[@James-pl2oy]

Been waiting for this! Glad to see GS is finally getting the recognition it deserves!

[@curtbrown7718]

I could listen to Joe all day! His passion really comes through. And, he seems like a great person. I am now convinced that I need a GS in my collection!

[@bonvivantviveur]

Great educative clip from Joe going into depth of some of GS spectacular movements and watch designs. The finishing touch of GS in general is in my opinion on another level compared to many watch brands. Its getting about time GS receiving the watch market appreciation it deserves.

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Another amazing video, Teddy! Thanks for sharing with us! Just found your channel and I can't stop watching! Cheers from Brazil!

[@vicnyse5315]

Awesome introduction and breakdown into GS. Your combined knowledge and expertise is much appreciated.

[@PaladinJenkis]

Joe is a fantastic rep for Seiko, well done and such an enjoyable episode!

[@cdeaker]

I looked at length of video & initially thought I would have to fast forward… watched the whole thing through & was fascinated. Great video

[@tubingforever]

Literally the only watch brand i care about anymore

[@abhishekananth]

Incredible innovation, engineering, finishing and attention to detail. One of the few watch brands that is innovating on movement technology at an attainable price point (compared to other luxury watch brands). In love with the brand and what it stands for and the story behind every watch and it’s inspiration. Keep innovating and pushing the boundaries!

[@FromNoob2Pro]

Mid-way in, loving every min of this. Thanks for the exclusive and insightful video!

[@okiali6381]

Love this episode. Joe is the man and fortunate to meet him a few times. So true when one thinks of GS the spring drive comes to mind. My 1st GS was the SBGA285 then the Soko SBGA427. Followed up with the quartz SBGN005. Its true I set all my other watches to it. Been torn between the SBGW231 and the SBGK007. Decision decision. Great job Teddy. Keep up the quality work.

[@tarasmathers7423]

So much respect and admiration for you, Teddy, for your overall love and appreciation of, what is my all-time favorite brand and watchmaker. To me, Grand Seiko is just awe inspiring. If given the option to own and wear only one watch, for the remainder of my life ( irrespective of price), my choice would be the SLGH005, handsdown. Cheers, Teddy....

[@eddybax1]

Great video! Love to see you and Joe go in depth in a longer video!

[@mitchmatic8029]

Great Video and thorough introduction to Grand Seiko. Def. learned a lot-and on my grail list now. Thanks Teddy and Joe!

[@96corvette9]

Wow incredible video. This dude has so much knowledge about the brand and is great on camera. Loved watching this

[@dranzerkai6051]

Grand Seiko was the brand that got me into watches in the first place and abandon smart watches. The artistry and innovation captivated me and the fact that at that time, it had it’s fanbase but not a household name like Rolex made me more interested in getting one. I got my grail piece, the Shunbun this year and it was my 4th watch but my most treasured piece I wear. Thank you for this video Teddy! Keel up the great content!

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Oh man I can’t wait until I can get a shunbun. Such an incredible piece, I’d be staring at it all day.

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

Love the Shunbun.

[@A_Tempest]

It's so great to have somebody with such in depth knowledge and passion for the inner workings of the watch, it has helped me learn and gain appreciation for these watches. I'd love to see more of this from other brands as sometimes it's hard to understand differing price points beyond just label.

[@edmiller873]

Absolutely fantastic video! I learned so much more about Grand Seikos than I thought was there.

[@jpvansplunder]

Loved the chemistry between you guys in the first video, love it again here!

[@clintonshiells3095]

Thank you both for a much needed overview of Grand Seiko‘s collection. I now own both 9SA5 and 9F86 watches and love them both. My wife has a spring drive. This is such a unique and captivating product. I look forward to seeing how the brand evolves in the future.

[@SerbanDragne]

The video really ramped up towards the end with Joe really hitting his stride geeking out over the tech in the movements. Good man

[@TourbYourEnthusiasm]

This video has inspired me to get my first GS. I went for the "Shunbun" cherry blossom, the dial is simply breathtaking and the watch wears super comfortably. Joe Kirk is an amazing ambassador for the brand! Teddy, your opinion is the only one that truly matters to me. Keep at it! #GrandSeiko #SBGA413G #PureHorlogerie

[@robertp5123]

Great video, Teddy. I appreciate the knowledge that Joe has with this wonderful brand. The Snowflake…..pink dial is absolutely stunning. The pink is so subtle and an elegant timepiece. Thank you for providing excellent content.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Great interview! It was very informative and your guest was extremely impressive!

[@NateHurwitzBikes]

Wearing my grand seiko right now as I watch this. Great video and thanks for showing love to such a great brand!

[@mattshaffer5935]

I’m drooling over here!!! Thank you for the deeper dive.

[@cylentone]

Beautiful timepieces - and all with a story, which makes them even more fascinating. Thank you for sharing.

[@superfast30]

Great video, Teddy. Absolutely love Grand Seiko!

[@bonsaipiper3773]

Enjoyed this video as a owner of the spring dial from the seasons collection.

[@andreaiacolina]

With this video you read in my mind Teddy. This year will be the year for me to add a GS in my collection, so this video arrived at the perfect time. Thanks!

[@LectioDivina33]

Great video, thanks Teddy & Joe!

[@bto7779]

Talk about loving the company one works for. Great session. The passion for watches was real.

[@Andrew8126]

Thanks for this! So much information, and beautiful video.

[@brandonjoseph3422]

Being a deep sea welder, Casio has always been savior for the last 19 years. After retiring Grand seiko skyflake is my first luxury watch. I bought it in October this year. And it’s December, I bought two more GS watches. I am not a watch nerd by any means, still learning, but being a guy who doesn’t chase status symbols and attention, I think the GS watches are the most reliable and gorgeous time pieces at those price points.

[@robertschriek1353]

This man is not a salesman but an ambassador

[@SeanTTS]

Been really interested in Grand Seiko, but have no idea where to begin with. This video is absolutely brilliant and very helpful. And Joe is really very impressive.. I could listen to Joe and Teddy talking about Grand Seiko all day 😄

[@philw4053]

Well Joe is the real star here isn't he! What a great guy. And such an in depth knowledge of his subject. Great video.

[@watchlover1389]

Joe is the best! Really enjoyed this presentation!

[@kangzta1]

You and Joe were great. Such an educational experience listening in on your discussion of the product lines. Makes me want an sbga211 even more! 😭😭

[@HenryDarr]

I cannot wait to be able to add the SLGA015 to my collection ! Thanks for bringing this wonderful collection to my attention. Stay blessed 🙌🏾

[@zetoch]

40mn of pure Grand Seiko goodness. Nicely done.

[@sumitkar8146]

Absolutely fantastic interview

[@megasoid]

Excellent video, thanks again for all you do here. Very good.

[@mattrdillon]

Love GS and been waiting for this video! 🎉

[@Incognito_alien]

I really appreciate this video and appreciate GS even more now. This is the exciting part of mechanical watches and watch making , the innovation while retaining that heritage.

[@watch_beginer2056]

I really enjoyed this video. Great stuff Teddy

[@adxangeles7842]

It still amazes me every time I see that Kodo.

[@DavidHolliday]

Loved this video. I recently acquired a White Birch 009, the Spring Drive version - what a fantastic watch! Sometimes simplicity is best, even knowing that there is so much technology inside. Great to see a brand rep that clearly knows and loves the brand.

[@timetowatch_francois]

Ohhh those Grand Seiko watches ... 🥰 Thanks for this interview. Great interaction, very articulate and comprehensive 🙂👍🏼

[@franzweckler2288]

Man I could listen to those 2 the whole day

[@daddykool9507]

Thanks for awesome content! Truly enjoyable ❤

[@liranp11]

grand seiko is my dream watch...

[@purrungas2012]

Woww...top of the line video..talk about geeks..thanks for such a great video full of so much info

[@RicardoRodriguezFL]

Amazing video content. Really have a wider, better appreciation for Grand Seiko watches.

[@ElK1LLA]

Great video. Started buying expensive watches in 2021, I'm on number 3 now and 2 of them are GS. Love their dials, movement and quality!!

[@inova11901]

Teddy, your vids inspired me to go from an apple watch to a 60th Anniversary SBGP015 for my everyday. 1 second accuracy in a year. A spring drive is on the horizon. In 1978 I bought a girl an elegant blue face quartz Seiko. The nostalgia was baked in.

[@dgdave2673]

Wow the knowledge of GS, heritage, models and the mechanics of the movement etc by Joe just shows how passionate he is about the brand he is representing and a great representative for GS in USA

[@marcgirard7551]

Fantastic video again Teddy. I have really been enjoying these deep-dives with the brands! FPJ was stunning and this is so cool for the engineering! One thing that would be great to hear from GS is what the servicing is like on their movements. Does a Spring Drive need service? How often? Does Hi-beat need more service than regular? etc.

[@nukiepoo]

Like fine wine, Teddy keeps getting better and better. Cheers, Teddy!

[@HowAreYaCobber]

Fantastic video! This and the explanation of the spring drive in another of your videos have piqued my interest in GS.

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

What an excellent video, just confirms why I love GS.

[@patrickwelch5063]

Great video as always. Just purchased my first GS, Hotaka Peaks, and I am in love with spring drive. I plan on visiting the SoHo boutique soon.

[@paulcochrane1028]

Great line! “It’s a watch you can set your other watches to.”

[@DoyleIstre]

really enjoyed this. I'm new to the watch world and the break downs he gave of the movement and design decisions was super interesting.

[@darryllongley4025]

Well articulated. Had my attention throughout. Bravo You met your match there mate

[@JohnHausser]

Nice job Teddy 😊 👍 Cheers from San Diego California

[@jimpfitzinger9604]

Excellent interview! Just purchase my first GS in NYC last week.

[@________2705]

gentlemen, what a great show you put out here!

[@Koishishibaman]

Great video on GS. This is one I will watch again. My journey of watches started with a Seiko skx007, now have 4 GS. The history, technology, connection to nature makes GS special. The sbga413 is special because I grow flw cherries. Sbga429 the shadow. Bamboo ? Grow that also. Love that connection to nature. Special! Thanks again for this video.

[@rooklift4094]

They're fantastic watches and this is a superb video.

[@darrenjones2070]

Absolutely amazing. Grand seiko is a dream of mine to own one day and hopefully that dream will come true. Definitely amazing time pieces.

[@watchdial.]

Thank you for the great video.👍

[@melba135]

So impressed by Jo !

[@JamesMaccarone]

Great video! Nice meeting you both at the event! You both are phenomenal at what you do but Teddy still has the best hair in the watch game!

[@gushlak3983]

what a great video and a great representative for the brand, i’m so looking forward to being able to buy one of these for myself

[@hugohernandez3651]

What an amazing video. I decided to buy a SGBJ239. It will be my first GS, so I am very excited. I can see why the brand is getting so much love.

[@user-yc1wi9de3t]

It's good to reward ourselves sometimes . While I'm not one to spend on high-end watch (I spend too much money on travel, lol), I can appreciate your gorgeous and timeless watch. I love how it's a symbol of all your hard work.And i choose NKUWAN every time honestly

[@mwade6982]

A great interview and that guy is a true GS ambassador 👏👏 I got the White Birch Spring Drive 5-day reserve this October. Each time I wear it I see different angels and the dial changes color and texture depending on the light. A fabulous watch.

[@kbeightyseven1783]

The quartz is what brought me to grand seiko, i love and enjoy watches but my day to day job as an engineer i cannot wear a watch so my automatic watches get annoying when i have to reset them and wind them everytime i wear them, and the 9F is the greatest quartz movement ever made

[@kpkost]

Was great seeing you at the GS9 club event! First time I ever went to something like that. They really did it up. I’m stoked at the future of Grand Seiko. Seems like they’re really trying to lay down strong roots in the Luxury world