The Grand Seiko that was a crippling disappointment to me - 9F GMT SBGN029 Review

[@threethrushes]

I inspected my watch with an electron microscope recently, and I was shocked at the bumpiness of the 'so-called' zaratsu finish at the molecular level. It was shoddy. There were clear imperfections at the nanometre scale that I would not expect from Grand Seiko. For a 'luxury' product, I expect the molecular surface of the dial, case, and indices to be flat at the atomic structure. In fact, at this price, I expect the electron orbital path around the individual atoms to be perfectly aligned, smooth, and devoid of any deviation.

[@deandrethompson5341]

😂

[@engineer_wannabe]

Haha good one 🤣

[@theoldsargesays6176]

Too sciencey for me, I'm going to have to take your word for it.

[@Jrocket12345]

😝

[@seabiscuit726142]

Dude, imperfections at the "nanometre scale", this is fine! It can be so perfect that microbs will skid of it.

[@wayne9241]

I have the black version and it’s a fantastic watch. Fantastic design fit and finish with the best quartz movement available. Im getting 1 second out in 7 months, amazing.

[@sfg5724]

I purcahsed my third GS a few months ago and returned it the next day. The first 2 are spring drive SBGA211, one a snowflake the other a green dial and bezel GMT SBGE267. Fantastic watces. I thought a GS quartz SBGN013 would be a good addition. When I brought it home I noticed that the second hand aligned perfectly with the minute markers from 6 to 1. For some reason, the second marker did not align and landed squarely in between the minute marker from 1 to 6. I looked at it from all angles and could not figure out what was going on. I brought it back to the AD and they looked at another quartz model and it did the same. I decided that for nearly $3000 I wanted the second hand to hit every marker. I love the brand, but that was a disappointing experience.

[@lawrencefleischer1414]

You were correct in returning it. I have a $250 Seiko quartz that I got from Japan. The second hand hits every marker exactly. How can Seiko let a $3000 watch leave their factory without being perfect? They are just sloppy and inconsiderate, in that instance, of their customers.

[@MrRadiomir]

I do own the black dial version. Im 90% sure what you see are reflections of indices against the dial. Take out a lupe and have a good look.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Hi! I did loupe this dial a few times to make sure that my eyes were not deceiving me. I am quite certain that those were not reflections. There was an unevenness to the defect. Almost like an oval shape? in my close up video at 4:23 you can kind of see it on the 7 o clock index

[@markhammerschmidt5315]

Totally agree. I have exactly the same effect around the markers on my considerably more costly VC Corne De Vache chrono. It’s because the lacquer dial and markers are like mirrors that this is an optical effect not a flaw.

[@MrRadiomir]

Hi, I did check it several times in different light after your video - and it looks like a reflection. I may take out the movement to have a better look outside of the case. GS polishing does quite strange things. (Try to take a picture of any 44GS case..) Anyway, now I cant unsee it.

[@markhammerschmidt5315]

@@engineer_wannabe also the pin holes that are used to locate the markers will also create an optical illusion around them. I honestly think you’re way over thinking this.

[@astorbeijer9424]

​@@markhammerschmidt5315 "I honestly think you're way over thinking this". That has to be on EW's tombstone! 😂 This is what EW does. He buys a watch and then spends weeks or months picking it apart until he becomes so disappointed that he sells it. BUT, he sells it to get a new watch which he then picks apart, yada, yada, yada. He knows this, his friends know this, and longtime viewers definitely know this. And his AD has put his kids through college because of this. I must have watched EW re-enact this cycle at least a hundred times by now. He just can't help himself. It's almost an OCD thing. Anyway, EW is doing his best to turn over a new leaf, and his friends are trying to help him. I wish him the best of luck with it. If EW succeeds; I hope his AD has a backup retirement plan. Although I have to admit, EWs habit has been a much safer retirement plan for his AD than any 401K up to this point.

[@ItalianDDS]

I have the black one SBGN027 and couldn't be happier. I haven't observed any ripples around the markers. It gives off a sunburst brown sheen when exposed to bright light, cheers.

[@erkanvural3621]

what is your wrist size? watch fits you perfectly in the car interior shots show this appearently

[@Diy-fever]

I ended up returning SBGR315 automatic and one of the reasons was some finish imperfection on one of the hands. It would be okay from some other brand that doesn't boast so much with their immaculate finish quality, but it was disappointing to see at that price point from GS. Ended up replacing it for an omega and didn't look back.

[@clintonshiells3095]

I own the SBGN005 and it doesn’t suffer from this imperfection. On the other hand, there appears to be a bit more surface area for lume on the hour hand on the SBGN029, which is a weakness of the SBGN005 if you’re trying to tell the time in the middle of the night like I do. Also, as is readily apparent, the case side profile is quite different, with your watch having some very attractive Zaratsu polishing that mine lacks.

[@alvinlim2578]

i have the SBGN005 as well. I could be bias, but i prefer SBGN005 than this SBGN029.

[@MrHyde14537]

I have the previous version of this watch with the black dial, and no waves.... I do see the reflection of light off the side of the indices, and the reflection of the indices themselves though... That may be what you are seeing.

[@clo2715]

That sucks. My sbgn003 doesn't look like that. It could just be the reflection of the indices on the dial.

[@engineer_wannabe]

I was hoping it was a reflection the first time I saw it. After louping the dial, I'm pretty sure it wasn't. Regardless, I was starting to obsess about it and it was time to move it on lol I love that you have the SBGN003. Such a great watch!

[@SassyPants-00]

Try to film the second hand with slow mo and if the secondary does not beat twice per second, it means you have a fake watch. From my experience, all but absolutely all Grand Seikos are flawless.

[@Chrissepisje]

I hate to say it, but Grand Seiko's are not flawless. I had an SBGW239 that had a flat corner on the one o'clock marker. It was only visible under macro, but it was a booboo. Then I have the SBGW231 with the bubble-gate, and finally I have an SBGP011 that displays a very slight burr mark on the back of the seconds hand, visible under macro as it passes over the other hands. Again, not visible to the naked eye, and one can wonder how far one should go when talking about a hand finished product. @engineer_wannabe doesn't need to film the seconds hand in slow mo, because I can see from a mile away, just by the way the seconds hand moves, that his is a genuine GS quartz movement.

[@jeffreyb.1657]

Reflections...just reflections. Watch is likely perfect as are the others. And yes, I went to a dealer and looked at one of these and it was reflection...

[@michaelj8793]

The hour markers having the ripples is a feature not a flaw ever dropped a very light object into liquid Think about that because I believe they did Maybe Thanks for sharing as always my friend and Be well 👍

[@MrRadiomir]

Buddy, you are WRONG. Took the time to take apart my watch. What you see are reflections, as I said in my previous comment. Nothing wrong with the dial!

[@Chrissepisje]

Is that really a ripple? Or is it a reflection of the indices in a transparent top layer of lacquer? How close did you ever get to that with your macro shots? I own an SGBW231 that is supposedly a victim of "bubble-gate", but while wearing it, I don't see it. I only see it when I have certain light hitting that crystal and I'm noodling around with a macro lens for a photo. It's one of my favourite watches. You have to wonder how perfectionist one should be. My own SGBW231 looks like a million bucks, it wears like a dream, and I care not that I can coax the watch to show a flaw under certain light at high magnification.

[@hansdenelzen6645]

i own the SBGN005 and the dial is perfect, no "ripples around the hour markers, but on receiving the watch the second hand did not hit the markers, it was off, easy fix by GS, only when i received the new watch back, my box was damaged and missing authentic outer box packaging and rice paper. The watch however is working perfect with zero imperfections.I would send it the watch to GS

[@preventdelozacelje5405]

Have the black one....Love it.

[@engineer_wannabe]

The black one is gorgeous! Congrats!

[@highanddryful]

AS of February 2024 I have been told by many enthusiasts Grand Seiko SBGN003 9F86 GMT Quartz is discontinued. Is this true?

[@vgs3740]

When you compare this one with SBGN003, is 003 GMT hand orange or red?

[@shinobi-zensei]

If the barely noticeable ripple situation is your only complaint, I think this watch is a success.

[@anorax001]

I don't think I would have ever noticed it to my naked eye as my eyesight is not very good. I have a textured matte dial on my SBGE285 which according to the GS videos is stamped to get the effect. The dial on your watch appears to be a lacquer paint. I would be very surprised if they had applied the indices while the lacquer was still wet. Or maybe that is glue that has spread under the indice during the process? Very disappointing if that is the case.

[@kristiangustafson4130]

I don't see what you see, I'm afraid. I love the look of the watch!

[@kl5696]

I know exactly what you mean with regards to the rippling effect on the dial. I see the same issue on each indexes inmy Alpinist GMT as well and was so disappointed. I believe the rippling effect are result of punched holes in the dial for the applied indexes to glue into. Its just poor manufacturing and sloppy QC process that allow this to leave the factory. So glad the same people that works at grand seiko do not walk for Lexus.

[@lx95020]

How did you not notice the "ripples" when you purchased the watch? Did you buy it online?

[@jimt7292]

Interesting. I did see the ripples in your video. Is it possible that it is a reflection of that beautiful and indices.

[@bobechs7234]

Had a breakdown, eh? Have you thought of a lawsuit for intentional infliction of emotional distress? A man can only take so much before he cracks. Seiko-induced PTSD is often not recognized even by seasoned psychological professionals. It's one of the lingering effects of the savge global conflicts of the new millenium.

[@lifeislikeabrokenpencil8796]

With all due respect mate, it’s GS’s lower end line. It’s not a “luxury” watch per se. Enjoy its beauty, don’t get caught up in the negatives. Otherwise go for the Snowflake or the White Birch.

[@paulhaig2467]

I have the 005 that looks to be perfect under magnification , that said in my opinion the Zaratzu polishing is over rated it looks marginally better than my Seiko Alpinist.

[@quickerthandrawing2822]

nice watch, sorry to hear you had a bad experience with it.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Thanks for watching, my friend!

[@quickerthandrawing2822]

you’re welcome bruv

[@watchsixto]

It looks great . I haven't had the opportunity to see one in person to speak on the quality

[@engineer_wannabe]

It really is a great looking watch!

[@ninjasrose1653]

I like this watch, but I could NEVER own it due to the 4'O Clock date window. Either 3 or 6, or don't bother for me lol I can't stand the unsymmetrical vibes it gives me and for my OCD brain it makes me rattle lol

[@DoodleHats]

this watch should be white dial

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

Ripples on Potato Chips, yes, on GS watches, no!!

[@engineer_wannabe]

Haha say no to the ripple!

[@olliefuture]

90% of gmt owners don't use feature. It just clutters the dial. Lovely looking watch

[@TXLorenzo]

OCD much?

[@antonylaing2499]

It happens with dials with gloss lacquer as the lacquer is pooling around the holes that are there for affixing the dial furniture. You can see this on Seiko SARBs though they are much worse as their dials are not as well finished prior to paint. I wouldn't worry about it if it's consistent and even, it's more a feature than a fault. With a thinner lacquer it would be less noticeable. I have a GS Spring Drive with gloss dial and it is most noticeable around the dial hole for the hands and around the applied logo.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

I have watches with gloss lacquer and they don't have that problem. For the asking price, it should not be like that. It not a feature, it's a fault.

[@halkennedy6353]

SARBs have lacquer dials????

[@antonylaing2499]

@@halkennedy6353 Gloss paint probably.

[@timmcdonald5335]

Sorry but I can't see any ripple that you are referring to.

[@jlarsson1978]

I can clearly see it. They are very close to the indicies.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Maybe "ripple" isn't the best word? It's hard to choose a suitable one. "Imperfection" is to vague

[@alexalbert4142]

pretty picky but to each his own.

[@DennisC_X]

It’s not an imperfect, it’s a feature!

[@mochdie]

These ripples; so is it common to all sbgn029 or only your unit?

[@engineer_wannabe]

I'm afraid I don't know. I just know of the 2 other instances. If possible, I'd inspect the dial before purchase

[@madisonnewyork]

Do you know if the other 2 are the blue dialled models as well?@@engineer_wannabe

[@engineer_wannabe]

Yes, the 2 people I spoke to also had the blue dial 029 I don't know anyone with the black dial variant

[@FlamesOfThought]

@@engineer_wannabe how do you know it isn't fake?

[@janmaaso]

Grandpa Seiko.

[@W.Edwardovich]

GS kills me with far too many watches with asymmetrical dials.

[@jamesworthy1846]

i think you may need to look up the definition of what asymmetrical means. Aside from the date window, what is not symmetrical about this dial? 😂

[@W.Edwardovich]

@@jamesworthy1846 aside from the date window? That alone makes it asymmetrical. Maybe you should look up the definition? Lol

[@NoizeTank]

@@W.Edwardovichas far as GS watches go, this one still keeps a lot of symmetry compared to GS with a power reserve in the dial. The date window basically hides under the otherwise symmetrical dial. If you want asymmetrical, see the Brew Metric chronograph

[@SampleTracks2224]

You should take all the hands off. They make all watches asymmetrical all the time.

[@W.Edwardovich]

@@SampleTracks2224 great idea, big boy

[@keefw361]

I heard the weight of this particular watch is terrible and very top heavy

[@jamesmcdonald240]

Just received my GS SBGP005 after hearing all the hype and over sell, I was dissapointed at the end result. No lume on the hands, no screwdown crown, holes through the lugs etc....come on Grand Seiko do better, there are better watches our there for less.

[@gg.komorebi]

I would complain about the watch to the dealer. I myself had the SBGN005. This watch was poorly made. The 24 on the bezel was not centred. The 12 o'clock mark on the Rehaut was off-centre. The S of the GS logo shimmered differently from the G in certain lighting conditions and the GMT hand was running about 4 minutes behind on the hour until it was on the hour. On your watch, the dot above the 12 o'clock index was also off-centre. It also seems that the second hand is not centred on the indexes at 12 o'clock and at 3 o'clock. If you complain about the watch to the dealer, GS will probably exchange it for SBGN029 as a gesture of goodwill. I also have the SBGA285, the SBGP005 and the SBGA225. These watches are all in perfect condition

[@engineer_wannabe]

Great choices in watches! I ended up taking it back to my AD and trading it for another piece 👍🙂

[@christoffer1769]

I have the same problem, the GMT-hand runs 3-4 minutes late. The GMT hand hits the hour-marker perfect when the minute hand has past the 12 marker with 3-4 minutes. Did you return your watch? Did they manage to fix this issue?

[@gg.komorebi]

I sold the watch