The BEST Grand Seiko to own isn't what you think | SBGA293 Spring Drive

The Seiko Elegance SBGA293 Spring Drive is probably the least talked about Grand Seiko in the present day. Is the best Grand Seiko always the one with the most complicated and extravagantly colorful dial? What makes a Grand Seiko the watch to own? Let's find out!
#GrandSeiko #SpringDrive #WatchReview
0:00 Set the Mood
0:36 Introduction
1:06 The specifications
1:42 Why is it white dials are so great?
3:03 How Does it Wear?
4:54 Case & Ergonomics
6:18 Macro Dial Shots
7:28 Final Thoughts
A Footage of Mt. Fuji by Hide via Pexels
Close up of a Person using a Rake in a Mini Zen Garden by Roman Odintsov via Pexels

[@BrittPearceWatches]

What a watch! And fantastic review!

[@perpetuality]

Thank you soo much! There’s a lot to like with this one 😃

[@mondrayuk]

Just bought one and I agree with all that you have said in this video. Stellar.

[@gg.komorebi]

This watch isn't boring, definitely not!!!

[@shirukihshirukih4088]

Recently, I was looking for my first luxury watch in my life. This video let me notice the GS SBGA293 and I put it in my checklist. After seeing all of my interested watches which include many famous Swiss watch brands in person, I believed this is what I want. Now I'm typing this comment, with my GS SBGA293 on my wrist and I enjoy staring at its beautiful craft everyday:) Thank you for helping me find out the meaningful watch in my life with this great video!

[@perpetuality]

What a great journey to a great watch wow. I am happy to hear my video helped in your decisioning. Now to find some really nice leather straps to enjoy that SBGA293 even more! :)

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

8:12 damn dude you should be a sales man. Nailed it.

[@expertreviews1112]

The macros are gorgeous !!!!! So gorgeous

[@BoslyELee]

Wow beautiful watch. Will have to check it out even if it is way out of my budget. I especially enjoyed the macro shots. Thank you.

[@perpetuality]

Sometimes these can be found for 20% less than retail used. That would be the way I would go! Thank you for watching

[@hawkeye454]

I just purchased my grail, the SBGA083 Spring Drive. It's my first GS and I'm absolutely thrilled with it.

[@phillippugh2161]

I like you professional style of video work .....and I love grand seiko so I subscribed keep it up

[@perpetuality]

Phillip your comment is really appreciated. Thank you!

[@therealhishaam]

Gorgeous. Photos on the website don’t do it justice. They look fantastic IRL

[@faruk3380]

Dude, I’ve watches this video over 20 times over the past year trying to decide which GS to buy. Took me some time to save up but I finally pulled the trigger on this one! Thanks to your excellent review!

[@KKLP365]

How much did you get it?

[@KKLP365]

I mean how much did you pay for it

[@jeffreyb.1657]

The GS to get is the one you like the most - they are all superb and far better made than anything withing 10 or 20k of their price.... I have had spring drive and high beat...will get a quartz soon. All wonderful, fine pieces of art.

[@OnetoWatch]

I agree this looks like a great GS to own and perfect for everyday use! ⌚️👌 Great review as always. I really enjoyed the macro shots! 🙌

[@perpetuality]

Really appreciate your support my friend

[@lewisjones3345]

@@perpetualitywhat kind of strap is that? I love the grey pebbled leather!

[@davidkappadahl9085]

Your changing my mind from the seasonal watches and the deep blue 375. The white and the spring drive….Delicious

[@perpetuality]

It's just a perfect every occasion watch!

[@davidkappadahl9085]

@@perpetuality I found a real nice unused one on one of the sites not known as epay....on her way. Need a nice casual strap. what is the one featured here??

[@perpetuality]

@@davidkappadahl9085 ​ @David Kappadahl Hi David, its a taupe calf epsom strap from Artisan Straps. Congrats on the watch!

[@stoneruler]

omg I need this now.

[@JG-ol2bz]

i have three grand seiko. i love them

[@Ross-cn5dt]

I tried this on recently, it looks really nice on the wrist.

[@soilomasbello1156]

Agreed. I love this classic case style and the cream simple dial is like a trip to the sixties. I own the sbgr261 which is I would say the mechanical counter part of rhis one.

[@kennetha.1937]

How funny, once I saw the thumbnail, I recognized it was your 293 post on Instagram that prompted me to order a taupe strap for my 373! Couldn't agree more with the 293...such an underrated piece!

[@perpetuality]

Happy to contribute to the righteous cause of outfitting your 373 with some new attire! I’d love to see the 293 on more wrists that was the hope of this video! Thank you for watching 👊

[@kennetha.1937]

@@perpetuality Absolutely! I started watching your other videos (subscribed as well!), and must say, your videography and reviews are very well done! Can't wait to see the chanel grow even more, keep up the awesome work!

[@perpetuality]

@@kennetha.1937 really appreciate your kind words! I am here to stay and will put out more content like this soon 😃🤝

[@darkchairable]

I agree this is a great down to earth GS. I love the color on the power reserve. As you say it's basically a dress watch, but it also has 10 bar! Though water resistance is overrated, unless it really does have that much of an effect as the watch gets to vintage age.

[@perpetuality]

Down to earth GS is a great way to put it!

[@gabigolz]

Just an amazing watch

[@777soul56]

I have the Sbgw231 and it is such a pleasure to wind. I think it's a little more boring but love that it's no date. I am still wanting to add a spring drive at some point 🤔 GS are something special to behold! Great macro shots!

[@perpetuality]

You only a lovely watch that I’ve daydreamed of often! The no date is pure elegance. I think you are spoiled for choice with the spring drives, which do you have in mind?

[@777soul56]

@@perpetuality not sure yet leaning towards something different but can be patient. I like a slightly smaller dimension been looking at the SBGA429 nice that it comes with bracelet and strap. The thread color matches the green accents.

[@davidnguyen4603]

@@777soul56 great choice the dial is special on that one. A good friend has one that I plan to ask him very nicely to borrow for review. He seems to enjoy the sbga429 a lot. His only wish is for a more interesting case design

[@perpetuality]

@@777soul56 ​ @James Escobar Love the SBGA429, have seen it a few times in person and it looks better than photos suggest.

[@777soul56]

@@perpetuality If money was no object would probably go for evolution 9 series like the SLGA007. I like my collection so don't really want to trade up for it. Keep up the great work. I miss my home town Toronto. Thanks for representing... Go Leafs!!

[@johnnyios4g776]

i love Spring Drive

[@VictorAdameArt]

Just found this video, what kind of strap is that? I have a watch with similar dial color and that works great!

[@KLucero22]

I have been so bummed that the Oyster Perpetual 39 was discontinued in white but this SBGA293 seems equally versatile and has me seriously considering it as an alternative 🤔

[@perpetuality]

I have first hand experience with the OP39 white and I have to say this SBGA293 takes on a warmer tone than the OP39 shimmery silver-white. Really different watches- I think the GS is nicer on a leather strap and for everyday wear IMO

[@KLucero22]

@@perpetuality makes sense! Thanks for the reply! I own the 3861 Speedmaster so I certainly have a daily wear. This SBGA293 seems like a nice complement for a dress that can also do smart casual or other flexibility if needed

[@KKLP365]

Hi, I watched your video and this inspired me to get the watch. Now I have it with the exact straps from Artisan like yours. However, not sure if you’re having the same problem withe the straps that it fits too tight against the lug and the straps even touch the case? Is it going to be okay in the long term usage? I’m afraid scrubbing them regularly will get the straps damaged 🙏

[@UltraDoug]

Very nice video. If this watch had a blued seconds hand, then I think I would pick it up. As it stands, I think I’m going for the SPGR 261. With the cream dial and blued hand. Anyway, subbed 😎👍🏼

[@perpetuality]

Thank you for the very kind comment. That’s a great choice! Another contender could be the SBGW231 manual wind which had a lovely dream dial too albeit missing the blue seconds hand but no date

[@UltraDoug]

Well, it turns out I’m going with this watch. The size, the w/r @ 100, the spring drive and the dial all work so well. Also, I noticed another reviewer complaining about how the winding action sounded when winding the crown. I wonder if he had a dud or did you notice the same thing? Not a deal breaker, just curious.

[@chetanhalai3849]

where did you get the. strap from , the watch looks really elegant with the white dial

[@knowyourhistory]

I'm really surprised how nice it looks on the wrist compared to your older GS since I typically think white dials look huge. I don't normally like 40mm but I admit it fits your wrist perfectly.

[@perpetuality]

Thank you! I think it helps that the bezel and lugs on the sbga293 isn’t as aggressive as the blue sbga375

[@USS_Liberty]

Can you comment on the legibility of this piece? How does the legibility compare to the SBGA375? Thank you for your insight.

[@perpetuality]

The SBGA293 has the superior legibility just on the premise that the matte white dial is readable in dim light and the hour indexes catch light and aid in readability. The SBGA375 with its dark blue nearly black dial blended in with its surroundings as the dial and the hands are very glossy and I find it was the harder watch to read and live with

SBGA293 is really the watch for me, it may be a "Grandpa's Watch" but it basically wearable to any kind of occassion.

[@perpetuality]

That is exactly why I found it so enjoyable and refreshing to have on the wrist. Thank you for watching!

@@perpetuality no worries, oh btw do you have an email? is it okay to ask? Thanks! Ur d best!

[@ThePianoTester]

Can you link the strap? It is gorgeous

[@perpetuality]

I can’t link directly here but it is called the Taupr Epsom leather strap. You can find them from Artisan straps- and also delugs

[@antoniogrulha6752]

Uauu

[@USS_Liberty]

How has the accuracy been on your SBGA293 and SBGA375 specifically?

[@perpetuality]

They worked out to be around 13-14 seconds a month for me using the timegrapher app on my phone. Placing it on a dedicated timegrapher yielded similar results too. Very impressive stuff

[@wurmhat1501]

Did you put a different strap on it? If so, what strap? Thanks.

[@perpetuality]

I did. It's the Calf Epsom from artisan straps

[@gmshadowtraders]

No shots of the caseback and movement?

[@perpetuality]

I had wished I had more time with it to capture the movement. It is the same 9R65 movement and caseback as seen in my SBGA375 video I did a few months ago

[@samirferoze1670]

Which strap is that please? I think it works well with the watch

[@perpetuality]

It’s the calf epsom from Artisan straps 👍

[@KKLP365]

@@perpetualityHi what color is the straps plssssss

[@MyWatchTherapy]

What strap is that?

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

A mechanical nerd wants a hi-beat. A romantic wants a hi-beat with numbers, like 1, 2. 3. etc. For everyday use, you need Quartz. SG prices are getting out of hand. Do I need another one...no, but I want the high-beat with real numbers!

[@CyrusDM]

The best watch is the one you buy :)

[@lengx.9798]

This type of elegant watch should always be 36 to 38mm IMO.

[@perpetuality]

I think this is why the manual wind 37mm SBGW231 exists and this sbga293 as a larger spring drive variant

[@NeovaTL]

It would be nice if it was smaller but does Grand Seiko make a 36mm spring drive watch? I’ve always thought the 9R65 movement is too big for a smaller sub 40mm case. We can’t have everything I guess

[@edcfyau]

Logical side of brain: Nope, not buying it, too expensive, don't need it, end of story, about to click off. "it's money well spent for something that lasts you a long time" Heart: goddamn it why you have to say that? now i have to pull out my wallet

[@ntorres1966]

That watch would be a definite winner if there wasn't that power indicator on the front dial dude

[@perpetuality]

Great thing is GS gives you options. There is even a no date version if you want to go minimal

[@ntorres1966]

@@perpetuality I ust purchased the SGLA009. Much better watch than that one in my opinion

[@perpetuality]

@@ntorres1966 Gorgeous watch. But it is almost $2300 more in my country and that is another watch plus the SBGA293. "Better" is subjective here. For me I can go either way. Enjoy your choice I say.

[@denis888red]

Beautiful piece. Ghastly coloured strap mind. Does less than zero for the watch.

[@perpetuality]

And which strap would you have on this watch Denis?

[@NeovaTL]

I personally think it’s a good match with the cream color dial. But that’s the great thing about opinions 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@denis888red]

@@perpetuality Actually, I don't think there's much that wouldn't work with that watch; black or dark tan obviously; and a myriad number of other colurs besides. That one in particular simply strikes as being particularly bland, 'magnolia' and unimpressive. But hey...your watch-and a very nice one too-so your call :-)

[@johnmuthan286]

Humm 40mm in diameter and more than 48mm in L2L for a dress watch is NOT what I would call a perfect everyday watch, and much less a 'dress'watch.

[@perpetuality]

I’ll counter this by saying dimensions alone don’t always define a dress watch. The down turned curve lugs make the watch wear much smaller as it hugs the wrist. Having handled it in person it wears more like a 38.5-39mm.

[@johnmuthan286]

@@perpetuality it can hugs your wrist perfectly, it is still a 40mm dial only watch, hence a plater on wrist. Has magnificent finishing, great design cues, but lacks finesse and elegance. Love GS, always wanted to include one in my collection, but every time I go and try on a model, I keep with the same conclusion. I am now looking in their older 37mm spring drive model on the second hand market. I don't like manual wind movements.

[@perpetuality]

To each his own. If a Lange 1 can be 41mm and be considered a dress watch then I am OK with considering the GS a dress watch. In the end it’s all semantics best to just enjoy the watches. Thank you for watching

[@ajiebkp]

@@johnmuthan286 I second this, might work for bigger wrists, but for my 6.4 inch wrist 40 mm for a 3-hander is a dinner plate. Wished there’s more 37mm on the GS line-ups, the sbgx259/261/263 are perfect size-wise

[@NeovaTL]

I think you guys are missing the point- This is a spring drive and fitting it in a smaller case might be a tough deal. That and the SBGW231 at 37mm exists for a reason and this watch slots above it to give buyers with larger wrists another option. It hardly wears like a dinner plate like you suggest

[@medroastt9888]

GS watches are too chunky and bulky it doesn't fit with most Asian wrist size. I never understand why are they so much obsessed with large bulky watches suitable only for mostly caucasians.

[@dapetik]

I think most watch makers are like that. Even as a large Caucasian, I want a

[@lynngraycom]

Great watch, terrible band choice

[@timchan334]

Too much dial for a white color dial. Looks like 42-43mm

[@MyWatchTherapy]

What strap is that?