The Grand Seiko SBGX Lineup is a Great Value Prop - In Depth Owner's Review

[@newbiewatchcollector]

I love that you're giving attention to the 9F quartz line! Grand Seiko quartz pieces are truly spectacular.

[@engineer_wannabe]

They really are!! Thanks for watching!

[@chevy4x466]

The quartz would be my choice. I really enjoy knowing what time it is

[@ItalianDDS]

Just got the SBGX 259 and I absolutely love it. At 37mm and 10mm thick it fits perfectly on the wrist and bears a striking resemblance to the Patek Philippe Calatrava for a fraction of the price not to mention unmatched accuracy. Sometime in the future I’ll fit a dark alligator strap but for now I’m very much pleased with the quality of the ss bracelet. GS hit a home run with this one!

[@MDchaz]

9F quartz movement is amazing.

[@engineer_wannabe]

It really is! 😲

[@Desperate4changing]

Imagine the sbgx dimensions but with the Snowflake dial and blue seconds! That would be perfection!

[@engineer_wannabe]

It sure would be, I'd buy that watch in a heartbeat!

[@kelechinobi3085]

If you don’t mind automatics, the sbgr287 is 37mm with a “snowflake-like” dial and blued second hand. It comes on a GS leather strap (which I actually prefer to their bracelets) but for a couple of hundred £ most ADs will include a bracelet. I think it’s a JDM model but worth asking your local GS boutique about.

[@ssdc2]

I think SBGX fans would have to become a much bigger voice to make that happen. Would love to see it!

[@msm9430]

@Desperate4changing You said it bud. I was quite annoyed that there weren't any decent options in spring drive with smaller cases.

[@explorerjlc1743]

No one would buy the spring drive then lol

[@rayfordparker9162]

Thank you for such an informative, passionate, knowledgeable, detailed and experienced review...awesome.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thank you for watching and for leaving such a kind and encouraging comment!

[@oscarschiff9180]

Very nice review! I actually tried on the black version in a shop here in Copenhagen, Denmark. Gorgeous watch, I neeed a Grand Seiko one day. You seem like a nice guy🔥 cheers

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks so much for the kind words, my friend. It's a great watch!!

[@peternielsen4444]

Hi Oscar, which shop in Copenhagen have it? Can't find it anywhere

[@oscarschiff9180]

@@peternielsen4444 Butikken hedder Bonells og ligger i Fields, de er den største forhandler herhjemme /It is Bonells located in Fields, they are the biggest retailer here in Denmark.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Saving for the 37mm champagne dial. Can't wait

[@Desperate4changing]

@@Valera_Scotland oh yes that's nice. Heard it's one of the hardest dials to make.

[@MaleGolfer]

Just found your channel looking for Grand Seiko content. Definitely enjoy your style and subscribed. Now I have to watch some more of your videos! :)

[@engineer_wannabe]

That's very kind, thank you so much for taking the time to encourage 😊

[@kelechinobi3085]

Nice video. The 263 is my dedicated “dress” watch on an alligator Hirsch strap with deployant clasp. Lovely. The 259 looks good too but I’ve been mulling over the 261 for my daily wearer.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks for whatching! That would be quite the 2 piece collection. Do you have any other watches on your shortlist for a daily?

[@kelechinobi3085]

@@engineer_wannabe Not really. I’ve got very small wrists so will have to wait for GS to release the SD movement in a 37/38mm case. At the moment the smallest case they’ve got it in is 39mm which is just a tad too big. Of course I understand the SD movement (9r65) is 34mm dia which makes smaller cases tricky but one can hope 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@engineer_wannabe]

@@kelechinobi3085 Good point, yeah spring drive movements are large. The SBGY003 is probably the smallest I've seen Spring Drive, but comes at a great cost

[@matthewdavis8199]

Really good livestream this afternoon, and this review is a welcome addition. I respect that you wore this watch for a while before reviewing it. Very well done, and sort of makes me miss my SBGN005. Another F9 could/should be in my future.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks so much for your support, Matthew 🙂 There are so many great 9F models out there. There is bound to be something unique coming out in the next year or 2

[@Yoshi-zt5df]

I've had the SBGX007 (from 1997) for over a year now and love it. The caseback is fluted on the older ones which is nice. They changed the case/lugs on the newer models, they are shorter on the older ones so mine wears smaller.

[@engineer_wannabe]

That’s really interesting to know. Thanks so much for sharing that with me. I’ll keep my eye out for previous gen SBGX models to have a look at this 👍

[@daveopincar2469]

Great presentation sir. Lov my sbgx261 looking to get a GS rubber strap. For a different look. Thank You for the video. Stay healthy and safe.

[@jonathanrobinson9208]

Thank you ! The white and champagne really caught my attention ! 👌❤

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks for watching, my friend. Hope all continues to be well with you and your family! ❤

[@enriquesaez1996]

Definitely a great watch. I am not a quartz person but you made me reconsider my tastes. Thanks very much.

[@engineer_wannabe]

It really is! Thank you for watching 😃👍

[@ZachBie]

I tried on the white and blue 37mm in Japan and was tempted to impulse buy it. But I decided that I would be reasonable and wait. Like I’ve commented before, can’t wait to buy a GS after owning Seiko’s for many years.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Yes sir. I'm looking forward to seeing a comment where you say "I GOT ONE" 😁

[@ZachBie]

@@engineer_wannabe haha I was really hoping that 2021 would be the year, but I might push it to 2022 as I am focusing my resources on “smarter” things at the moment. But that won’t stop me from watching all your GS videos! Also I hope by that point they come up with a better adjustable bracelet/clasp for their watches.

[@sergiomontes5884]

Sr what was the price in japan?

[@ZachBie]

@@sergiomontes5884 it was 3-4 years ago when I tried them on in Japan. But if you shop around online you can buy them for about $1,500-1,700. Though you then have to pay shipping and import taxes.

[@kenildoggy]

Absolutely loved watching this thanks! Love the 9f movement.

[@engineer_wannabe]

That's very kind of you to say. Thanks so much! The 9F movement is an overengineered masterpiece 🙂

[@chazfromtheburg]

Beautiful watch. I hope to add a GS to my collection someday. Great video Sanjay!

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks so much, Chaz! You're too kind

[@canonyeo4286]

Beautiful watches, Sanjay. I have two 39mm 9F, the sbgn005 and sbgv237. Yes, looks great on leather straps. However, today l am wearing a small watch. It's a rare 35mm vintage tonneau GS 5646 5010. This has a dial that is impossible to describe. It's textured olive green with gold accent, and that's saying very little. The colour changes depending on the light, indoor and outdoor. It came with a nice vintage GS buckle and soft Japanese made strap.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Stunning watch Canon. It's such a unique and beautiful piece! It seems like you have a Seiko/GS museum in your collection haha 😍

[@canonyeo4286]

Haha, far from it my friend. Yes, l do have many. The next one coming is the king seiko ksk. Already paid for it. Not happy with the price. No discount. But, can't help it. Can't miss this😅

[@msm9430]

@Desperateforchanging good point. That would be sweet. Ended up getting 261 and 263. One of the biggest draws (amongst many) was the size. A more tapered bracelet would have been spectacular. I find myself drawn to the Omiwatari because of the size and beautiful dial. Not sure how I feel about the blued hand. I'm not so sure if it is so prominent in person. I've only seen pictures. Wish they'd release more Spring Drive options in the

[@kevins8971]

I like the SGBX line but just find the 37mm to be a bit too small for my personal taste. Great watch if you prefer smaller sizing or have smaller wrists.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Very true, the SBGX line is quite small. The SBGV, SBGP lineups have the larger 9F pieces at a slightly(SBGV223,225) to significantly(SBGV245, SBGP005) higher cost 👍🙂

[@tomcruz3774]

Hope you check out some watches in Citizen's "the Citizen" line or even their Exceed line. I just got a jdm, titanium, solar quartz Citizen Exceed and it's even zaratsu polished.

[@iguessifyousayso]

"Yuk, I hate quartz!!" haters say as they get in their Tesla. I personally thing quartz is far superior and you don't have to worry about reseting once you go past the power reserve of a mechanical. Would be nice if the bottom half of the quartz version was not so plain. Thanks for the review. I'm being more convinced about the GS quartz.

[@leyay7540]

It definitely could be the only watch of the life for many people.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Agreed! 😁 I envy those folks haha

[@mrautoknut]

Hi great video for an underrated piece. The white dial 259 seems to be a bit hard to find. I have been considering the 295 however it comes on a leather strap. Can you tell me where I can get a GS bracelet? many thanks

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

Please answer this.. which version was the most legible and easy to read at glance????

[@alexthomson7465]

I love the 263. My grail for sure. Nice vid

[@clo2715]

Hopefully I could add the SBGN013 one day. I think quartz is the way to go for me on a grand seiko because I don't want to have to spend more money for service. I'll service my cheaper watches if they ever need it.

[@engineer_wannabe]

That'd be the way to go if you don't want to service a watch haha. SBGN013 is a solid option 👍🙂

[@navajasrs2402]

Cool video. We're doing alright for ourselves at this point in my life, but, I'm not yet at the, "Hmm, I can't decide which Gran Seiko to get. Guess I'll just pick up one of each." stage.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Haha, I don't have all three, I've tried all three 😉👍

[@pantheroooomoooone6484]

wonderful overview of these gorgeous watches. It's SO beautiful and am wondering if GS made an automatic version of this exact watch?

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks so much! I don't believe they've done an auto or spring drive in this smaller case size 😔

[@pantheroooomoooone6484]

@@engineer_wannabe ..too bad. It's the perfect watch...just wish there was an auto/spring drive version of this (or close to it). I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thank you!!

[@andrewwillard2313]

@@pantheroooomoooone6484 closest match would be SBGR253. It can be a little tricky to find but some online retailers still list it as available.

[@pantheroooomoooone6484]

@@andrewwillard2313 Thank you so much! 🙌

[@austinh7967]

I love these more tradionally sized pieces. I prefer more case presence and slightly less dial presence on wrist, much like this watch offers!

[@ianbaker2599]

Really like this watch, also the blue SBGX265. Just curious to know if you've seen that one in person and what your thoughts are on the blue dial. The size of the SBGX model is perfect.

[@engineer_wannabe]

I have not seen the 265 in person unfortunately but it seems like it would be stunning to see!

[@ianbaker2599]

@@engineer_wannabe Cheers, thanks for the reply.

[@sean550]

Hi looking at sbgx263. Nothing about it on your tube...hard to find any review on it...looking at one on catwaki

[@mattiaslindstrom8798]

Hi, very nice strap there on the 259, which brand and model would it be?

[@ramdhawad8084]

Considering #261 for everyday watch. The wait for an explorer 36 is going to be rather long it seems. Looking for a sleek ( ideally 36 ) everyday watch and this comes close. Other option is BB36.

[@engineer_wannabe]

I do love both of those watches...between the 2 I'd be leaning toward the SBGX261 because it has a class leading quartz movement and will likely have a place in your collection after your explorer comes to you. There is no wrong answer though :)

[@ramdhawad8084]

@@engineer_wannabe Thanks Sanjay! In pics the SBGX261 looks pure class. Will check in person and most likely pull the trigger.

[@msm9430]

@Ram Wow that was my exact thought process.

[@madhavranjit1985]

This is my dream watch I shall buy it with my own salary when i become a surgeon

[@boboharra2940]

why does grand seiko SBGX261quartz 37mm not have a jubilee bracelet for this watch?

[@Desperate4changing]

@@boboharra2940 that would be the bomb!

[@WatchDanReviews]

Having 19mm lugs on my 40mm GS actually makes the watch seem and feel bigger. 20mm lugs I feel would look just a little too big on this watch.

[@MKGamingInvesting]

Such a good video, helped me a lot

[@user-ik5mn8qv5z]

many misremember the term “Zaratsu-polish”. it’s fancier way to say lapping. that means, the zaratsu polish is applied only on the plane surface, like the bevels, steep angles and so on. never on a curved surface. and lapping is used by Rolex, omega, longines and is not GS thing. The term “zaratsu” in fact comes from a name of a machine that used to do lapping back in the days called “Sallaz”. Minase watches are also adopting it on their watches.

[@hjander]

Excellent review, tks.

[@micahd323]

Love this watch! Just really wish that it had a screw down crown. I know it's unnecessary, but it's the one thing holding me back from getting this watch.

[@pppoohhh7105]

really love your channel

[@engineer_wannabe]

That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you so much!

[@MyWatchTherapy]

would a 7.25 inch wrist be too large for this watch?

[@altamashkhateeb6824]

Nice Review Good Watch Could you review some GS stainless steel bracelet sports models ??

[@engineer_wannabe]

Will definitely try to. I did review the SBGE211 a little while back 👍

[@davidforman8593]

Great video. And great closing. :) Do your SBGX watches his the seconds marker exactly for EVERY SINGLE SECOND?

[@ahmedmohammed-sj1xc]

My freind what your wrist size and size of this watch?

[@MrKkramme]

Good video and watch! ❤🎉

[@burpofhunger]

Yeah how do u adjust the time? Quartz noob here.

[@bruceleroy8063]

Seeing as by far Seiko's biggest impact on the industry is quartz technology I'd say these are the most significant examples of the brand.

[@kalekalekale]

A few questions for ya! Would you say the champagne is more on the warm or cold side in terms of tint IRL? Does the 9F62 have the low battery indicator? Do you know a retailer in Canada that would sell this below MSRP? Are you an actual engineer, and if so, which discipline? Cheers!

[@engineer_wannabe]

Hey man, hope you are well! I always thought the Champagne was on the cooler side 👍 Yes, the 9F62 does have a low battery indicator. Most established GS dealers should give you a discount. Bandiera Jewellers is who I use 🙂 I am not an actual engineer. I graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree but did not pursue a career in that field. 😃

[@sandsoftime3248]

What type of dial is it is it like a porcelain dial, lacquer finished etc? I really want to get a Grand Seiko, something about the brand and heritage just compels me and i am open to whatever movements. Let see what the future holds i guess.

[@engineer_wannabe]

I'm pretty sure it's a lacquer dial. But if you had given me the watch and told me it had a porcelain dial, I would have believed you 😝

[@galvinwong9784]

Not sure if it answers the question, but under a loupe you can faintly see a fine eggshell finish. Very fitting for GS that even the “plain” is executed beautifully.

[@watcheswithabdullah]

This is my grail watch that I'm saving for. But my only issue with it is that the Zaratsu scratches too easily. Also, have you tried it with a different strap (like leather or nato) just to dress it down a bit? I don't often wear formal, so was just wondering this could work with a casual outfit if worn with a different strap. Would love to hear your thoughts on this!

[@engineer_wannabe]

Hey man, thanks for watching! The polished surfaces themselves don't scratch more easily. They are so perfect that they will show a blemish more readily. Mainly the sides of the watch are the mirror polished surfaces so if/when you do scratch it, it won't be in your face the whole time (unless if you nick the bezel) I showcase the watch on a strap near the beginning of the video if I recall correctly. It's a good way to tone down the "flash" of metal but this makes the watch more formal, not less (Metal bracelet is considered casual, but is flashy) I personally would not go Nato strap on this piece. The SBGX259 is a bit too elegant for that imo(SBGX261 is better fitting for Nato). But it can't hurt to experiment and if you like the look, you should go for it 👍🙂

[@watcheswithabdullah]

@@engineer_wannabe Thanks a lot for your input! I still haven't decided which dial I wanna go for... but other than that... I'll definitely be going for GS!

[@marktbot]

Great video! I recently got a sbgx261. Do you know what size screwdriver I should get in order to resize the bracelet? I've only ever resized Seiko bracelets with pins and collars so screw links are new to me. Thanks in advance!

[@engineer_wannabe]

That’s great! Congrats! I’m not entirely sure about the screw head size, but if you have the amazon watch toolkit, you should be good. Be really careful with those screw heads though. They are tiny and very easy to lose!

[@marktbot]

@@engineer_wannabe I'll order one, thanks for the advice!

[@1inchlegendaka.icebrrg156]

Great video, thinking about buying one of the sbgx line, which dial would you recommend for everyday / allround use?

[@engineer_wannabe]

That's a great question, I'd say that the Black dial is the most versatile for everyday, do anything, use :)

[@1inchlegendaka.icebrrg156]

@@engineer_wannabe Thank you!:)

[@BoBurson]

Awesome watch. Quick question-does this have quicker hour like the 9F GMT, or is it quickset date instead? Thanks

[@engineer_wannabe]

Hey, thanks! This one has the simpler quickset date movement in it 🙂

[@BoBurson]

@@engineer_wannabe awesome thanks

[@chifanren]

Great review---in fact, I am seriously considering one from the SBGX series, so this video was very helpful. My problem is because the three dial options (white, black, champagne) are each very good looking, it's difficult to make a choice. You seem to have gravitated to the white one in particular. Is there any particular reason for that preference? Do you have any thoughts about the champagne dial? Thanks!

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks so much for watching. I found it very hard to decide as well which I why I went through all three. I got the Champagne dial first because it is truly exquisite! The sunray brushing is deep and dimensional. Each dial has its own strength and personality. I settled on the white one because I enjoy the clean, glossy crispness of it. I feel it best shows how perfect the GS finishing is. Hope that helps 😊

[@chifanren]

@@engineer_wannabe Thanks for your insights! I appreciate your calling attention to the 59 and its simple, understated beauty, and, as you mention, its crisp refinement. It will be a tough choice!

[@MyWatchTherapy]

Are any of these the same as the sbgx005? They look similar however you are using a different reference number so just checking.

[@my2l]

How accurately is the second hand hitting the markers? From the video it looks a little off. It would really bother me to spend over 2k and have the hand misalign.

[@engineer_wannabe]

It was bang on from what I recall. if you look at the dial off axis, it sometimes looks like it’s missing the markers. I’d recommend actually inspecting the watch before purchase if you think it would bug you a lot. 👍

[@my2l]

@@engineer_wannabe have all the sbgxs you’ve owned been bang on?

[@redsox7897]

It's probably okay to wear it with t-shirt and jeans what do you think..?

[@engineer_wannabe]

Yes, absolutely 🙂👍 I think the steel bracelet makes it look great when worn casually!

[@robpeters2296]

What do you wear more the white dial or black ?

[@engineer_wannabe]

White dial, I no longer own the black dial 👍🙂

[@andrewyeung7317]

This guy out here in his Ford ST!!!! I swear we're all the same lololol. Tell me your second car's a Miata?

[@engineer_wannabe]

Haha I wish...I've considered on many times. It's actually a Prius Prime... yeah, I'll show myself out 😅

[@chrismuz]

You have good tastes both in watches and cars! ;-)

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks so much! That’s very kind if you to say!

[@guykoch5484]

Man I really do believe I'll own a 9f GS at some point. I just have to get my mental maturity in order. Every time I get to the point in my head where I imagine myself purchasing one, I panic because it's quartz lol. It's really dumb because I know the 9f quartz technology is amazing, but somehow I'm not yet ready make such a rational decision yet. So tell me bro, do you love your GS quartz as much as your automatics/Spring drive?

[@engineer_wannabe]

I totally understand where you're coming from. I too, had this block in my mind some time ago. And while I really, really, REALLY like this piece, I can't say that I like it as much as my high beat/Spring drive pieces. Those are just a bit more special. However, I think I'd put it on par with my Oris Pro Pilot 😉

[@guykoch5484]

@@engineer_wannabe that really helps a lot mate! 🍻

[@navajasrs2402]

On the 19mm thing: There are 100s of reviews on scores of watches in which the reviewer complains about the rarity of 19mm lugs. Let's all think about that for a moment.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Haha that's a great point 🤣 I seem to run into 19mm LW watches constantly. Most of my strap collection is 19mm

[@Roughdraft214]

The 19mm lug size on some GS watches has never bothered me. For one, I tend to wear them on their respective bracelets/straps. After all, you're paying good money for the bracelet as well, and they're good but some have a hard time sizing them. Also, I have several watches, usually at least 4, so I can wear a different watch instead of changing the strap. In a pinch you can squeeze a 20mm nato into a 19mm lug width I've come to find out. I would upgrade straps on cheaper watches that came with rattly bracelets, but not my GS bracelets those I find to be good looking and super comfortable. A lot of GS watches are not strap monsters either. And finally there are lots of options for you if you search 19mm watch strap, if you really wanted to still change it.

[@keith4948]

The SBGX looked great until you put it next to the SBGY003. On video the SBGY is the clear winner for me but both look great.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Haha it's hard the beat the SBGY003. I was trying to showcase the great value of the SBGX by putting it next to the SBGY 😝

[@watchesinthewild8276]

Amazing video! Recently got myself an amazing GS as well (the oh so elusive SBGA435) and it even inspired me to start my own watch channel, feel free to check it out :)

[@engineer_wannabe]

Congrats my friend, that is a stunning piece!! Will watch your video soon ❤️🙌

[@watchesinthewild8276]

@@engineer_wannabe Cool, thanks in advance for watching! Love your GS collection by the way, especially your hand-wound spring drive!

[@timtim4525]

I love GS watches......I do....but I also really dislike .....their bands! A consensus opinion....when will they wake up? I know they are well made....but they still are the weakest part of the brand....Grand Seiko.

[@iguessifyousayso]

I've heard GS is working on updating the bands. Not sure if for all models or just their higher priced items.

[@bamboostinger]

Just to be clear, although they may give you some xtra credits, owning or wearing a GS doesn't make you more Japanese, or even Asian.

[@aussie8114]

Affordably priced. I think they’re about $5,000 in my country. I would not call that affordably priced.