The Most Wearable Spring Drive Sports GMT From Grand Seiko - SBGE285 Review

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In this video, I take a detailed look at the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 SBGE285, a watch that pairs the brand's excellent Spring Drive tech with a new, highly-wearable set of dimensions. What do you guys think of this new GMT from Grand Seiko?
Videos Mentioned:
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[@nineteenninetyfive]

GS is the only luxury watch brand that gets me excited about their designs and more than that if you go to the shop they will actually sell you the watch.

[@leoberg2390]

I hope they fix the thickness of their watches, this one is quite nice but overall their cases are just too thick for dressy watches even the quartz ones

[@Tomarco70]

Don't get it, I think they look horrible, from hands to dial.

[@ykx777]

@@Tomarco70 A better dial in the industry doesn't even exist

[@Tomarco70]

@@ykx777a better dial ? That doesn't make sense, it's subjective of course .

[@2gunzup07]

Rolex don't sell? Never been

[@HyakuJuu01300]

That perfect sweep of the second hand from Spring Drive just does not get old. It's absolutely mesmerising.

[@porscheoscar]

Teddy for your B roll, include some ultra high high definition video in outdoor conditions. B roll that looks like it was filmed inside the showroom leaves us wondering how the watch actually looks in natural light. You buy a watch based on brand's marketing video but then once you walk out the door of the boutique it ends up looking completely different. Outdoor footage also allows us to gauge the effectiveness of the AR coating which is a deal breaker for many of us.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks for the feedback! We can try to incorporate this more.

[@bonvivantviveur]

Fully agree. In my opinion as a watch collector and trying wearing all of them too, a big loving factor for me is how the dial performs visually indoors and outdoors. All in all its about the whole package. In my honest opinion GS watches in general and specifically their dial design deserve this.

[@anorax001]

I have owned an SBGE285 for two days now. I love this watch. It is a perfect daily use watch and it sparks joy every time I look at it.

[@Iyamcole]

okay THIS is what I've been waiting for from Grand Seiko. A more sporty piece. THANK YOU

[@Iyamcole]

stunning watch

[@jonlim88]

Owner of an SBGE285 here. I was actually in the market for a Tudor Black Bay Pro, and instead fell head over heels for the Mistflake (still think that's a dumb name, however). I wear it almost daily, I love how it sits on my wrist, and the level of build quality along with aesthetic appeal has been top notch in my books.

[@elduderino1329]

You did it well to buy this watch. I like the Tudor Black Bay Pro but this Grand Seiko is on another level.

[@dtm4trix]

@@elduderino1329 yes I agree…this blows the BB pro away.

[@joshuaychung]

@@elduderino1329 To be fair, this costs more than double what the Black Bay Pro costs. I think Grand Seiko wants us to compare their watches to the Rolex watches (or at least the Omega watches) and priced their watches thus.

[@porscheoscar]

Tudor and Rolex are mass produced aspirational status watches. They're durable I'll give them that. But accuracy is only meh for the price. I'd much rather have a Zenith or Grand Seiko. I have the anniversary white dial Seiko Presage and it has reminded how absurd it is to pay for mass produced Rolex and Tudor

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Great choice, Jon. Enjoy the watch!

[@aupperlee]

Tried this watch on at the AD and the dial really does come alive in person. Simply gorgeous. I love how they did not carve out the power meter from the dial like they have on other spring drive models. Tried it on back-to-back with the limited edition SBGE275 and I much preferred the weight, look and cleanliness of the SBGE285. I do wish a few of the elements from the SBGE275 could make their way into this watch though. For me personally, I’d love to see this watch with rotatable ceramic bezel and a second set of 24 hour markers on the dial, making it capable of 3 time zones. As is, this watch is still a stunner and is on my short list.

[@stu632]

I wish they would take a year off from introducing new dials and and put all their effort into designing an amazing micro adjustment similar to what IWC has along with other brands. Or something similar to glidelock or like the overseas bracelet has. For me, this is the only thing holding GS back. My GS is lovely, but I never wear it as I can't get an ideal fit on the bracelet.

[@wandulonian]

I bent backwards to buy this one, it’s my grail watch and has lived up to expectations. Teddy I aren’t always in alignment - he leans dressier and me sporty. The fact we both love this pieces shows how special it is. GS. Gorgeous finishing. Dial. Spring drive. GMT. Ev9. There’s nothing else like it.

[@TheHoroSexual]

Love my SBGE285. Just picked it up from my AD. It’s my third GS in three months. Maybe 4. This is not good. They’re so addictive!! The dials just mesmerize me. This watch is stunning!!!! I love having a GS that I can wear at night with good lume. This watch is almost perfect. Just needs micro adjustments in the clasp. I love everything else about it

[@R2Z283]

Hello Teddy! I agree that this SBGE285 is a gem. I own and wear it regularly. I wear it with a leather band do to my large wrist and the bracelet not having much adjustment. It really wears as a sleeper watch that people don't pay much mind too, which I like. If there is one thing I have to comment on is the legibility of the hands when looking at quick glances. The hands get slightly lost due to the polishing and grey dial color. It has a mono chrome feel which drew me to the watch but it does make reading the time a bit difficult especially in low light. The watch is still a keeper in my book and it wears so great for relaxed casual wear, which is me 99% of the time. Well done Grand Seiko.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you for this comment as an owner. Very helpful to the conversation. Enjoy the watch, my friend!

[@chippy120769]

I got the MIDO Ocean Star GMT shown in this video. Gosh! I cannot get it off my hand, and I'm finding myself staring at it, to see it work. Such precision, such quality for the price.

[@Jcxyz]

Bought this as my first grand seiko, best gs combination to have spring drive, a sporty case, a white dial with texture

[@pandjichristian7872]

Teddy - love your channel. I love my SBGA259. This watch looks gorgeous. Keep up the good work!

[@AmunRa2024]

That watch is Beautiful 😍 I love the Aesthetics...Every dimension is detailed to perfection.

[@taylorzhou6745]

Own this watch. Love the way the polished bezels reflect the light while I drive. The lume is wonderful but doesn't last as long as I'd like. It's very light and I wore it with a Nato strap while on a tennis trip. Played every day 2-3 hrs and it kept time perfectly. A little more WR would be wonderful and then I woudn't worry about it to take swimming in the ocean.

[@sethmoyer]

I'm still rocking the original SBGE001 and it's still going strong, so there isn't really room in my collection for this, but I do still think it looks pretty fantastic!

[@kimcoulter806]

Just bought their limited edition blue dial “Peacock” model. Best bracelet so far and the dial is f-n amazing.

[@xd8888]

SBGE285 owner here, I am really agree it is the correct direction for GS to make a sport watch, looking forward to have a smaller and lighter GS diver in the future, also a smaller chronograph will be nice (high bit one will be lovely)

[@breynolds415]

Just picked this watch up at their flagship boutique while vacationing in Japan. A understated tool watch at a distance but a stunner up close, especially in natural light outdoors. The way all the polished surfaces catch the light and the incredible comfort on the wrist will have this watch in heavy rotation for me. Of course that spring drive sweep is mesmerizing as others have mentioned. Thank you Teddy for reviewing this reference, it was your videos that motivated me to check it out in the metal.

[@anonypersona3189]

I’m considering doing the same. How much did it cost you?

[@breynolds415]

@@anonypersona3189 just north of $6k usd. The exchange rates for the usd are ridiculous right now.

[@DrDarkStar68]

Watching the smooth movement of the second hand of this watch says so much about the quality of the movement inside. Another home run by GS.

[@howardmckenna]

To me this reeks of understated, solid quality. A beautiful watch!

[@jpdemer5]

Just scored the green version (SBGE257), with the gold GMT hand and polished steel case. Even by GS standards, it's a stunner. **Chef's kiss**

[@whywecollectwatches]

Absolutely stunning!

[@axelros8504]

I have the SBGE275, and together with the SBGE285, they are for me the most beautiful GS there is.

[@ghostworm]

This is exactly the watch I am focusing to buy, great watch, very beautiful and good to use for daily purpose.

[@jasongoergen9786]

SBGE285 owner here, and I love it! Had it on my radar since W&W, and pulled the trigger the moment it landed at my local AD. Had previously considered the Snowflake, but also tossed around the SBGE257, as a GMT was missing from the collection. This was the best of both worlds. I understand others’ complaints about the bracelet, but I’m a dial-first guy, so it doesn’t bother me in the least. Wears comfortably and is mesmerizing to look at, especially in natural light.

[@danerferhadi8127]

In many pictures the endlinks almost look stained or like there's condensation on them. Almost like the titanium easily collects smudges. I'm curious, do you notice that on yours?

[@jasongoergen9786]

It does collect some smudges, but I wouldn’t say it does so any more than any of my SS pieces.

[@danerferhadi8127]

@@jasongoergen9786 Thanks for the reply, I am considering this piece, it looks incredible in person! Wear it in good health!

[@jasongoergen9786]

@@danerferhadi8127 thank you! Hopefully you are able to add one to your collection, and enjoy it as much as I do!

[@rbeneveds]

Mercy this is a gorgeous watch!

[@fraepidu]

Very nice looking watch…Grand Seiko is killing it!

[@paulbellas8797]

This is a very beautiful watch. the monotone colors really work together in a very unique way.

[@julesjacklin]

Teddy, I looked to purchase the SBGE285 or SBGA211, my old eyes couldn't distinguish the hands from the mist/snow faces without my reading glasses. I bought the SBGE255, and my eyes could determine the time (without reading glasses) on the beautiful sunburst blue dial. I believe the SBGE255 is an overlooked GMT, and I loved to see a review.

[@Zokidb3ik6qb3w]

Brave move from Seiko. Different bezel and GMT compilation. Beautiful.

[@basselamjad958]

Coming back for more just to appreciate this Masterpiece by GS once again.

[@boykaunlimitted4514]

I usually don’t like these super one tone grey watches, but this is a very good looking watch. On the watchlist it goes👀

[@xHabsFan10x]

New grail watch. I just got a Tudor Black Bay GMT and will be saving up for this one

[@DisjointedConversations]

My Spring Drive is the watch I keep going to the most. I love it.

[@rulysumitro5269]

Beautiful watch

[@joelsmith9311]

Love this watch. My daily is a Submariner Date, but this could easily join the collection and become my international travel watch. And I travel a lot. Absolutely epic movement, a masterpiece.

[@megasoid]

Beautiful watch, thank you.

[@kyleweber9760]

Love this brand!!!! Lovely piece too!!!!

[@khronokraze]

This one is super nice. I really like the grey tones.

[@edwardblack7133]

Love it...if I was t in a reorganisation mode I'd add this in a heart beat

[@craig2100]

Great watch, light, hypnotic movement, and allout beautiful.

[@VicharB]

Awesome watch for sure, would be on my list for sure.

[@kurtmeyer9223]

I bought this watch when it first released in Japan. I couldn’t find any titanium, GMT, spring drives from GS for a while then they released this and it was like they read my mind. I noticed that it looks similar to the Explorer 2 so it would be cool to see an expert comparison.

[@WestCoastAce27]

The Exp II comparison would be valid if only they picked a brighter color for the GMT hand. Red, yellow.

[@jefe.amo32]

Overpriced at $8k, the extra spec this offers are the Ti case and Spring Drive. But a vast improvement over the GS Sport GMT with its mere four plots of lume at the meridian indices. For $5.5k you can get a Seiko LX Skymaster SNR033 (polished) or SNR035 (black) with Spring Drive, Ti case, and the added feature of a rotating 24 hour bezel. GS seems to be taking incremental improvements to a torturously slow one step at a time while Tudor leaps two steps forward. Al the while keeping their prices more affordable with the BB Pro and winning all the current sales for GMT.

[@iDeficate]

I got the SBGJ255 a few months ago and to me it blows the SBGE285 out of the water. Both are titanium GMTs but the 255 is thinner, lacks a bulky bezel insert, and has a better hour hand. To be fair, the 255 is dressier and has the Hi-beat moment. However, I prefer both of those options as well.

[@bazadam6635]

This might be one of the most beautiful watch I have seen. Up there with Zenith.

[@andreaiacolina]

Very nice piece 🤩

[@lx95020]

A Quartzamatic? Best of both worlds....I see why these watches are so well respected!! I'd buy one.

[@shadowdemon5730]

Gorgeous watch. Grand Seiko is impressive.

[@GearheadDaily]

Grand Seiko is one of my favorite brands. When will they trickle the tech down to Seiko? I love my Seiko Astron GPS dual time.

[@david300m]

Tried this on for size. An awesome watch. Fits me perfect, the finishing was so nice. But... I cannot understand/justify the price point relative to other GS models. Thanks for sharing.

[@alphamarshan]

This thing is absolutely amazing.

[@simonkerr7924]

Great review as always Teddy. You said that you don’t think GS have perfected the GMT just yet. What would that perfection look like?

[@jayjay9932]

Looks nice, wait till you see it in person, way way better looking.

[@Luca-xh7ng]

This is insane, best GS I've ever seen honestly

[@bindoctrinated3147]

Love the black dial version.

[@martinkavanagh196]

This is a BEAUTIFUL tool watch.

[@Lupos-F]

beautiful watch. i still prefer iterations with the PR indicator on the movement side, but that's just a personal note. you're right about SD being a major breakthrough in watch "mechanics" history. another one i was pretty interested about was the appearance of silicon oscillators a few years ago. i was expecting a quick flooding of the market with that technology. instead, after some experimentation from Ulysse Nardin, Zenith, and, last year, the more attainable Frederique Constant, there's still circumspection in the industry i think...

[@ontheotherside3]

I agree about the PR indicator, I'm surprised they are still putting it on the dial. it would be hard to pass this up if they put the 5 day spring drive in it and PR indicator on the back. I just got my slga007 and I love it, but now I want something with a bit of lume. think I will wait for a spring drive gmt with indicator on back, hope they do one soon!

[@ekimandersom4478]

I have the SBGM247 normal automatic, it is absolutely wonderful. I don't like the spring drive charge meter on the dial, makes it too busy, other than that this one is also beautiful.

[@UltraDoug]

This is the first GS sports watch that actually does it for me. Even at GS9 in NYC, the sports watches that were on display there pale in comparison to the rest of their line. This though? This is a winner and yes, “a step in the right direction”.

[@adrianw3985]

Spring Drive is the one for me... love Seiko.

[@stevedeeznutz8432]

Who came up with the mist from the mountains color 🤣🤣🤣 . Love the style of this watch 👍👍👍 love the sensible large date window 🎉

[@BC-zj7yp]

I went into Mayors jewelers to try on the SBGN027 39mm. A beautiful watch but to small for me. The sales person handed me the SBGE285. It felt amazing at 122g.

[@astephanc]

I'm not usually a fan of sports watches, but this one is nice.

[@CorvusHyperion]

Drop dead gorgeous.

[@genetung8590]

This one looks amazing

[@wroozee]

Great review!!! Absolutely beautiful. Do you agree with Mr. Wonderful that Grand Seiko is the best value for money.

[@dsalsedo]

I like the look of this GS and would love to own one some day, but until GS spends ample time perfecting their bracelets (instead of it being an afterthought) with an on the fly micro adjustments and a tapered bracelet, I will admire their Zaratsu polishing and Spring Drive technology from afar.

[@rousseau327]

I think if you check out their evolution 9 bracelets, it's clear it's nowhere near an afterthought, the quality is great. It just lacks the features we expect, especially for a sports watch

[@dsalsedo]

​@@rousseau327 I'm not doubting the quality of their evolution 9 bracelets, I'm simply saying I'd never buy a GS if they don't include features that make a bracelet comfortable & adjustable for that price point. It just doesn't make any sense why a company who obsesses over the fine details intentionally overlooks essential features on their bracelet.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Yes... I've tried several times to like them but in person upon seeing them... Just felt there was lacking that "magic". It's like they're Missing the forest for the tree. Very detailed and all but lacking spezzatura.

[@dizzywow]

Plus they are all too thick.

[@Sabundy]

Geez....that is one beautiful watch.

[@elduderino1329]

I don't care for GMT watches but this GS is a rare beauty. I find it much nicer than any GMT Rolexes or Tudors. What a beauty.

[@DrNitin14]

I have this watch and it is the perfect watch EXCEPT for the lack of micro adjust or on the fly adjust on the clasp

[@spencertorres6039]

Hey Teddy I love the videos. I've been doing my research looking for an idea for a first watch that brings some kind of quality on the inexpensive side. I'm looking at a couple hundred bucks and I've been drawn to Seiko as far as my research concludes they bring excellent quality for the price. Wondering if you have any recommendations for a young Padawan starting their collection. Much love ♥️

[@orangedan5424]

Very beautiful watch, personally though I wish Seiko would hide those power reserve indicator to the back. I know they have done that with their other dress watch.

[@anonypersona3189]

I wish this model also had the GS logo in gold, a heat-treated blued second hand, a recessed power reserve, and a rotating bezel. It would have made this watch PERFECT.

[@HashanGayasri]

Ever since this got released SBGE285 has been my favourite. But I got the SBGA211 anyway since its more iconic and cheaper.

[@azhanz]

Beautiful. I wish the bracelet tapers to smaller mm 22-18mm plus micro adjustment. then Voila!

[@emmanouel8]

Stunning piece. Would love too have one. Any chance Grand Seiko will be added to your site Teddy?

[@dtroutmann]

Tried one on at Mayor's definitely my Holy Grail

[@romandevengenzo4267]

I still think the Seiko SNR051 with the spring drive movement is one of the best looking GMTs ever….I know, it’s big, but it’s a “small” 44.8mm due to the 50.9mm lug-lug 😏

[@bullnose01]

Off topic -- Teddy, I owe you a big apology. About a month ago you did a video on Louis Erard and featured his collaboration pieces with Alain Silberstein. I posted a critical comment about how you didn't make clear that the watches were 178 piece limited editions that long ago had sold out. Nevertheless, because of your video I signed up for an alert in case there was a new release of the watches, and lo and behold last week Louis Erard released a new US limited edition of the watches. I managed to snag one (I tried to get it through your store, but it already was sold out, so I got it from another retailer), and it just arrived today. I got the La Semaine, which is a killer. Before your video, I had no idea these watches existed. Now I have one, and it will take pride of place in my collection. This is precisely what your channel is all about. Thank you, Teddy, and happy and safe holidays to you and yours. PS, I have now busted this year's watch budget, so a Grand Seiko will have to wait until next year.

[@pbtony0340]

amazing watch

[@MastersonsCarCare]

Finally, Teddy learns how to Tie a Tie ;-)

[@d7r_tv]

GS Night Birch Titanium with a Spring Drive... utter necessary. 🔥

[@Mike-177]

I was considering getting an Explorer 2, but I might like this watch more. Also it's cheaper and less flashy.

[@valkyriewv3535]

I love my Longines Zulu Time!

[@e36boy]

I like this! I will consider this over a Rolex. I am waiting for a 40mm diver from GS then i'm sold!

[@vktravellog1242]

Grand Seiko is killing it! Wish I could buy them all 😢

[@andyyang5883]

Nice video! Why GS refuses to design a micro adjustment for their bracelet boggles my mind. With all of their design and engineering chops, you'd think they'd come up with something already. This watch is nearly perfect if came equipped with micro adjustment.

[@robw6802]

Titanium - Wearable size - Great Dial - Spring Drive accuracy - Wear anywhere sportiness. Just add micro adjustments to the bracelet and this thing would be close to perfect for me.

[@kellerhammer4613]

Lookin good!

[@Post_Leako]

This watch is so close to perfect for me. If only it had day window as well as date (and was under 40mm in size, though 41 isn't too bad). I think there's only one day/date GMT that's mechanical no? Would love to see Grand Seiko make something like that. I do think too many of their watches are over 40mm. Would love to see a wider array of complex movements at the 36-39.5 range. Still, this watch is fantastic!

[@kilyos9212]

Wow that watch looks great

[@kilyos9212]

I bought one today haha

[@ricwhk]

Nice watch! I have a relevant question. Dropping a watch is quite common. Can GS survive the fall few times?

[@sunrisejak2709]

The Grand Seiko GMT quartz SBGN 021 is a better choice. 😁

[@SpencerDean14]

need that micro adjust for sports watches imo. Living in Florida means I cant wear a bracelet a lot of the time if there isn't micro adjust

[@Tizianv]

Great video thanks :) for the watch, no taper on the bracelet and still 14mm thick miss again :/

[@mjhastings4534]

This doesn't show how really beautiful this watch is , then try it on , from the weight to the second hand this is truely a beautiful piece

[@stot9881]

Just needs some color on one of the hands…maybe a deep blue second hand ? Love the watch overall 😊