Visiting Grand Seiko: How Their Watches, Spring Drive Calibers, Dials, And Cases Are Made

In this video, we visit Grand Seiko’s Shinshu Watch Studio. As we are guided through the studio, we take a closer look at the process behind its Spring Drive calibers, dial creation, case finishing, and more. Please let us know if you would like to see more videos like this!
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Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Inside The Studio
3:05 Movement Assembly
7:25 Quartz Assembly
8:35 Dial Making
13:23 Case Finishing
17:15 Micro Artist Studio

[@Thepackman1997]

As an eye surgeon that does surgery under a microscope, their hand stability is outstanding!

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

Have you ever pulled a nail out of someone's eye?

[@SuperLittlehorn]

wait till you see those micro soldering guy do their work.

[@drticzon]

I had the honor of meeting Joe at a GS boutique in Beverly Hills CA last week. He was a pleasure to talk to as I showed him my Dec. 1975 Seiko 6139-6005 that I have worn for the past 48 years (he took a photo of my Seiko). He is very knowledgeable and a true gentleman.

[@mt24Carson]

Agree. I have had the opportunity to meet Joe in Maryland (I acquired the SBGA 273 Autumn from Little Treasury Jewelers) and in Las Vegas. His knowledge of the brand is impressive. A great ambassador for GS.

[@MiniTruckMatt]

I've not met that guy Joe, but I walked into a local GS boutique a while back wearing a 60s/70s Seiko that I daily and the salesman there treated my $200 vintage Seiko like any of the several thousand dollar watches in the boutique. I was super impressed by the customer service there and the knowledge they all had

[@Papelmusic]

The english speaking Seiko guy is very knowledgeable and well spoken. I could hear him for hours. I know is his job, but you can tell he is really good at it.

[@jire9831]

Agreed. Great job by Seiko PR to get a native english speaker to explain the intricacies.

[@seinfan9]

Likely a technical sales rep. Spend enough time talking about the product with the designers, things will eventually just be burned into memory.

[@stuartcampbell3070]

Whatever that guy does day to day is likely a dream job.

[@superbro3491]

Too bad his suit is slightly too tight for him, creating bunching and creasing under the chest. He needs someone like Teddy to help him with his style

[@MrMeep1999]

He is incredible! I actually knew him back when he was working at a grand seiko boutique in Miami and he is probably the most knowledgeable and passionate person I've ever known. Absolutely fantastic dude in person, grade A individual. I'm so happy he is where he is, couldn't think of a better person for the job!!

[@JuLoc06]

The craftsmanship, the culture, the history. This is why I love Grand Seiko.

[@Gabe_the_watch_enthusiast]

Grand Seiko is most overrated brand of all time

[@xCaLLMeGHeTTo]

@@Gabe_the_watch_enthusiast Shut up, Gabe.

[@MrPician]

​@@Gabe_the_watch_enthusiastplease explain why?

[@Gabe_the_watch_enthusiast]

It's an exaggeration lol. I like grand Seiko.

[@calindor19]

@@Gabe_the_watch_enthusiast when to ad gs and still think a seiko is thwe same gs with the gs cost i rather buy a second hand is a lot cheap with 5k a tudor is better . so tell me a reason to pay 5k for a GS?

[@iAPX432]

What's impress me the most is how Grand Seiko elevate everything, including their own quartz movement. Have an hi-beat and a quartz. The value is amazing.

[@bdegrds]

Lots of plastic parts. GS are good but way Overpriced for a half quartz movements, it's far cheaper to produce a half mechanical vs full mechanical movement. They did well marketing spring drive as something superior, but it's really just more inexpensive to produce, same reason went power plants went from steam to digital

[@stefanmuche2891]

⁠@@bdegrdsthe difference between a spring drive and a fully mechanical movement is that the balance wheel is replaced by an extremely complex regulation through electromagnetic braking. Apart from this significantly more complex solution, the watch is driven by a main spring just as any mechanical watch. spring drive also has many more parts than a mechanical movement. Not sure about “lot‘s of plastic parts”, can you give examples?

[@MrPician]

​@@stefanmuche2891don't mind him, he is just a troll, the presentation clearly showed the assembly production in Seiko Epson.Even the 9F has full metal parts.

[@jetaddict420]

@@bdegrds power plants are to this day still using steam my dude i dont even know how a powerplant could generate power through digital

[@silvaanosvs8783]

Joe is the perfect gentleman for his job. One rarely sees someone as precisely in the right spot. Great video, Teddy. More Seiko, Grand or other, please. Saving up for a GS. Gonna take a while. Family wants food and all sorts...

[@wowlsj]

I had never considered GS prior to going into a store to check them out, when I saw them in the metal I was absolutely blown away, and went on a tear to learn more about the brand and make acquisition(s). Having now 2 of them (dressy Spring Drive, and sporty GMT - with a Sapphire Bezel!) even when not wearing them, I often take them out and just examine the artistry under the light. Amazing watches. No, not perfect, no brand is, and I have/had a few, but hats off to GS for doing what they do so well. Thanks Teddy for highlighting this brand and enlightening us all about it.

[@calindor19]

still readying you comment and not wanting any GS since the price over rater a tudor or omega feel better

[@matthewweaver1123]

Teddy, 10 years ago, did you ever see yourself owning your own watch store, or getting to tour these awesome locations? You've poured your heart into this hobby. Good for you man.

[@donniesmith125]

How can you not fall in love with Grand Seiko? Incredible work Teddy!! Thank you, this was amazing.

[@stephensparkman3072]

Well done Teddy! Your watch videos are among the best… balanced with information and intrigue. Amazing brand too! Watch enthusiasts that are “in the know” understand Grand Seiko’s quality, skill and technical contributions to the watch “world” are unique and unmatched in many aspects. More than “just a Seiko”! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@efreutel]

The one consistent thread throughout this video: The Japanese love for perfection in everything they do.

[@Entertainment-]

Same feeling I get from Sony during their Xperia 1 VI announcement

[@hiphopgeeks]

Excited this video was finally made by someone. Glad it was made by Teddy... secrets are finally coming to light.

[@mlodygryros]

Teddy just dropped an absolute classic of a video, what a guy. Thank you for this material, it was very insightful

[@jeromelambert2961]

Certainly the best report I have seen so far on the Grand Seiko brand, with very beautiful shots of the movements. Since I became the proud owner of a Grand Seiko watch, it never leaves my wrist, to the detriment of my other watches! Greetings from France 🇫🇷😍

[@-Alpha-Omega]

J’ai une SLA043 avec un mouvement GS et manufacturée par Grand Seiko. Elle est juste incroyable. Quand je raconte l’histoire de cette montre et le côté manufacture artisanal, les gens en reste bouche bée. Je fini par les achever en annonçant la précision du mouvement: -1 S/J Je rêve de pouvoir obtenir un de leurs modèle habillé.

[@kubicska]

I love all the conversations between these two people. ❤

[@jasonchatham4170]

Looks like Teddy may become an AD of Grand Seiko. Cool stuff

[@moeharri]

He already is.

[@RJW998]

Those spring drive mechanisms are works of art.

[@the.dove.effect]

I love how they celebrate their team of craftspeople

[@fj7509]

Christian from Theo and Harris said it perfectly: "No one works harder for your money than Grand Seiko."

[@TCTriangle]

I was able to visit the Shizukuishi studio for the mechanical side, but the Shinshu studio was not open to the general public. Glad you were able to make this video so I can finally complete my Grand Seiko inside look!

[@DrewMonge]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the Grand Seikos are the most intriguing. Something about that spring drive thats captivating.

[@146-]

It's beautiful,it my holy grale, the sekio spring drive snowflake..

[@inova11901]

Because of Teddy I bought my first luxury watch three years ago. For all the reasons in the video and comments here, I decided on the SBGP015 a quartz 9F85. I have worn it daily, it literally has become a part of my life. Great to see Joe and Teddy show the respect of this truly remarkable movement. Incredibly, it has not lost one second in those three years aside from the battery switch which was covered by GS. For my upcoming retirement I am going to reward myself with a Spring Drive. But my SBGP015 will always be there. Thanke Teddy and Grand Seiko.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Watching the second hand on a spring drive sweep so perfectly smoothly is so satisfying! Especially if it is over a snowflake white dial.

[@keithwilliams2218]

Awesome watches, I always enjoy Joe Kirks’ knowledgeable and descriptive contributions to any Grand Seiko videos.

[@kart182]

It is crazy how handmade these are

[@FloundersMindthots]

😂 I have to assume the cameraman was asking the poor suffering watchmaker to do all, reality is usually probes and tweezers of different materials. Fingers, even while wearing cots, is kind of unheard of.

[@leer.2137]

Thanks for another educational and lovely tour

[@uttam-tambar]

What an amazing video! It was great to hear the two people at the end talk about their passion for their work. I can’t wait for the Grand Seiko event at Teddy’s store in Cleveland!

[@samcrockett845]

The video for which I’ve been waiting. Living vicariously through Teddy’s travels! Thank you, Sir.

[@SezerKemal]

Made in Japan 🇯🇵 That’s enough for me to buy and appreciate. Thank you indeed Teddy, for bringing the perfection to our screens!

[@laeclaec1783]

Thanks for the video... I got my first gs two weeks ago... It is a cream dial with basic manual movement... I'm so happy to share Japanese philosophy of making things... TB Please go on your excellent videos and speechs.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Finally! I've counted every day to this video! GS is really such an emotional brand with so much history. And you can clearly hear from the great host and ambassador Joe Kirk that there is passion and pride for the brand everywhere. I'm very honered to own three GS pieces, each one with another movement technology. Thank you so much for this video, Teddy & GS!

[@MrLeumass]

Hey Teddy! Thank you so much for this video!! I'm so happy to have a tour of the Shinshu studio with this level of quality! You never disappoint :D

[@MrKkramme]

One of the best videos I have seen this year! Congratulations Teddy and Joe Kirk! ❤

[@shonen84]

Already great cinematography and video pacing keeps improving, amazing work by you and your team, Teddy! Thanks for sharing this awesome look inside Grand Seiko

[@jerrycooper171]

Thank you, Teddy. I now have a greater appreciation for my GS S-D. I also appreciate the fact that both you and Joe are very articulate in your explanations, particularly in a world where English is now a commodity, not an art form.

[@BanAaron]

I literally just got done Googling how Spring Drive works and you release this! Great timing

[@gregorioushendrakurniawan3403]

me too :)

[@FeathersMcgeaw]

It's another GS video that puts forward Japanese craftmanship of watch making. Love it!

[@BambiD]

One word Stunning.

[@BenNS1971]

Fabulous video. Please do as many of these videos as possible. Loved it!!

[@BenSolleeKY]

Wow! Thanks for going above and beyond to produce this video. Does so much to illuminate the craft and innovation. Excited to see the new hand wound birch Spring Drive in the middle.

[@RoneryRitsu]

Amazing. Thank you for this video Teddy!

[@James-pl2oy]

Just got my skyflake yesterday and wearing it while I enjoy this serendipitous episode that just dropped today :)

[@wargamingrefugee9065]

Congrats on the new watch. Wear it in good health.

[@Gzeroy]

Love to see videos like this!!! Thank you Teddy.

[@TipTWhip]

This has been an absolute delight.

[@billcore6295]

Teddy, Outstanding Video! I recently purchased a snowflake and the polishing on a titanium case is the best…period!!!! Truly could be a one watch collection and definitely a timeless piece in a sea of blah mid tier watches

[@Dadication3]

Thank you Teddy, this makes my GS even more special to “share my life”.

[@GoAppo]

Thank you for sharing the world of grand seiko ! I really wanted to see videos such as these for so long

[@dakistle]

Spectacular! I especially enjoyed hearing from the assembly department.

[@Bobmarleej]

I can’t agree that Seiko guy is so passionate about Seiko. Joe is speaking in the same tone, doesn’t go into details but instead repeats words such as amazing, complex, individual, doesn’t have answers on so many fundamental questions. I can’t say I learned about GS from him more than I did from Teddy. Teddy, go for it. Deserve it.

[@JDRichard]

I still have my seiko turtle diver I purchased in university in 1980. With the 7R26 movement that was the tank of the industry for years. Love this watch to this day.

[@jeandonaldgeorges7783]

This was a wonderful video. Thank you for the insight and the view inside Grand Seiko's studios. I am in love with this brand and just purchased my first Grand Seiko watch the "Shosho" GMT. I am 110% satisfied and feel very confident when I wear my watch to different meetings.

[@100spartakt9]

Wow...thank you very much!❤

[@adrianw3985]

Spring Drive! Legendary!

[@wardog5537]

What a fantastic video. Learning how to make these watches was awesome

[@Yogeshhope]

You are doing a fabulous job Teddy.. keep it up

[@DanielBengtsson]

Really nice video. Please do more videos from and about GS.

[@blainekelley816]

Very impressive. Thanks for bringing us this in-depth look at watch-making mastery.

[@Reyone13]

Fantastic video. Loved it.

[@davidnoels2586]

love these stories, it shows your genuine passion and interest in watches 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Beanna_]

Amazing look behind the curtain of this fantastic brand. The beauty of all this hand made finishing and attention to detail is truly inspiring. Thank you for this video.

[@hawkeye454]

Teddy I just bought my first GS Spring Drive! It's an older SGBA083 but in immaculate condition. Thank you for sharing these amazing watches with us and helping me decide to buy a GS!

[@y0shi556]

Thank u so much for this vid teddy

[@allanbergsma3256]

Stunning 🤩

[@2NIWRAD2]

I love their watches. So beautifully made. I have a few

[@davidh4838]

One word: AMAZING!

[@Dbrockjohnson]

now I would LOVE to visit here!!! That would be awesome! Thanks Teddy

[@bullnose01]

Wonderful. Thanks, Teddy.

[@BretMcCuistion]

Amazing video as always, Teddy! Love my Shunbun, and it’s great to see behind the scenes of what goes into making GS.

[@PPN462]

As an owner of a Spring Drive and a quartz GS, it’s always so fascinating to have a peek at how they are being made. Nice job.

[@richardtan322]

The video is extremely informative and therapeutic. GS is definitely a must for watch enthusiasts.

[@readrepairs]

Nobody does these videos quite like TB. Incredible quality. Joe always looks like he cannot believe he got that great job. Thank you for making this content. One comment if I may. It would be great to talk about stability rather than accuracy. … and rate

[@icychap]

Incredible content. This documentary will undoubtedly serve as a key reference for many years to come. Well done.

[@curtbrown7718]

Fascinating! Thank you!

[@davidmoynahan8473]

What a great video! Love the Grand Seiko level details

[@j.keithfarrell2364]

Fantastic work and brilliant video!!

[@stoic1024]

Wow. Awesome episode. The quality of the video is first rate, like the subject matter. I am inspired to someday obtain a Grand Seiko for myself. Thank you Teddy.

[@seinfan9]

Pretty slick ad for GS. The craftsmanship is amazing.

[@chris2MTL]

incredible !

[@optimusmaximus56]

Simply beautifull

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Always fascinating content from you Teddy !

[@lancegomez6115]

Watching this gets me so excited for the Grand Seiko event this summer at your store!

[@realleescoggins]

Great video Teddy, thank you.

[@nerdbamarich2063]

Definitely appreciate your wonderful segments.

[@teddycastor8146]

Their watches are gorgeous. You could go on about the craftsmanship, the movement...or you could just stop at, they are gorgeous.

[@rubbermaiden]

Amei, parabéns Teddy, GS rocks

[@rahulrajendran2724]

It's incredible how much work goes into it and how cheap they are ... worth every penny

[@eastcoastwatchconnection7949]

Teddy is out here leading the pack with the factory tours, and CEO interviews. Thanks for doing this kind of stuff, instead of talking about resale value and other KZbin bs. The enthusiasts thank you! The content that you provide has always been above average, but it very quickly became some of the best. I know you, and your entire team put a lot of effort into this! Side note:I would love to see a Mido factory tour at some point. I’ve become a huge fan of the brand, and I’ve seen your interview with the CEO, along with the other SWATCH Group CEO interviews and tours. I’m very curious if they assemble their movements on site, as they show in their promo videos.

[@Koishishibaman]

Another fascinating video on the craftsmanship of GS. Thanks. Loved the other one at the mechanical watch studio. Real cool to see the people who made your watch!!!!! Had a sbga413, but traded in if for a black birch. Still have a sbga429 . My 2 newer spring drives ran at plus .5 sec a day fast. Still very good. My older sbga111 runs at 0. Pretty much keeps pace with my 9f quartz. Outstanding accuracy. My expensive high beat ........plus 5 to 6 Love these videos! Thanks

[@tightlines106]

Incredible

[@darkmatter8586]

this is art.

[@grinchproductions6547]

Great video, thanks for sharing, GS is definitely on my list

[@nate.or.nodate]

Love this behind the scenes Great content!

[@DarkPa1adin]

Thanks for your full documentary of GS manufacturing! Love the full square dial before cutting

[@iMoha46]

The Lexus of watches baby let’s goooooo

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

Grand Seiko… so so so good

[@cistm_un-do_]

Incredible brand and video Teddy. Actually had to pause the video part way through. Go to my watch box. Change out of my FXD into my GS. Then continue the video 😅♥️

[@philliplivingstone5336]

Awesome!

[@HenryDarr]

I've been anticipating your tour of the GS design studio and I must say it didn't disappoint. I wish it could go into more detail but that's what happens when someone truly admires the quality product that is GS.

[@Bloodcrave87]

fascinating video, thanks for this

[@2manysigns]

Great job of course . I just heard Andrew Morgan say " wears like a spray on tan " and immediately thought how much fun it might be to hear someone like Joe incorporate that into a relative sales pitch .