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

[@HyakuJuu01300]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@wilsonroofer]

Definitely more outdoor videos. Preferably in nature. Imagine a video of a Seiko alpinist rock face actually half way up a mountain. Get the suit off and get exploring😂​@@TeddyBaldassarre

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@jertoneg1830]

I purchased an SBGA427 in January '23 and then added an SBGE283 in June '23. I alternate between them every day or so and am totally thrilled with both of them. They are by far, the most accurate watches I have ever owned. One gains about 1.5 seconds/week and the other gains about 2 seconds/week. I almost never have to adjust or wind either of them and they are both beautiful masterpieces of craftsmanship and design. Just looking at them and appreciating the details that make them so amazing, especially the true sweeping second hand, I could not be more satisfied.

[@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!

[@Jcxyz]

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

[@axelros8504]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kimcoulter806]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@canibagthat]

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!

[@ghostworm]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Zokidb3ik6qb3w]

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

[@ericmoss8344]

Love the way GS is going w/this new GMT. Tried it on at a shop in Vegas over the Summer and it just didn't do 'it' for me! The bracelet and strap are so very underwhelming for the price they charge! The rest of the watch is very nice, but again, WHEN is GS going to update their clasp and bracelet?!?!?

[@grammarboy1318]

These comments about the GS bracelets are endless. Not to mention unoriginal at this point. But the bracelet on the Omega Seamaster 300 for example - never a word.

[@ericmoss8344]

@@grammarboy1318 why do the comments have to be original? You'd think given your own reply, by "endless" comments on GS bracelets, they'd finally address that issue. I had cash in hand and was going to buy this watch... not after putting on my wrist. Again, it's up to you if you want it, buy it. LOVED so much and the updates they've made, but the bracelet was no better than on a $100 Seiko. Too many other options where there's a nice micro-adj clasp, tapered bracelet, screws vs pins, etc... and for $9K that's just not acceptable in my book. If you want it, buy it by all means. Teddy's review is otherwise spot on and this is a nice piece, but just not for me because of MY take on it. :) Oh and the Omega Seamaster 300 has a nice bracelet w/a macro-adj and screws so what's your point?

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

The clasp on the 300 bracelet is gigantic, and one of the reasons I keep it on a rubber strap. Not being tapered is also a negative.

[@ericmoss8344]

@@dr.emilschaffhausen4683 fair points. I prefer the Glidelock on my Rolex Sub or the push style clasps on my Glashutte Original SeaQ or IWC Mark XX.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

I agree these bracelets are so underwhelming. It is such an important part of the package you buy and when thousands are being charged you’d expect better. I have the Glashütte seventies watch and the bracelet microadjustment is phenomenal. And this endless point will be made endlessly until their bracelets are worthy of the price

[@pandjichristian7872]

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

[@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**

[@fraepidu]

Very nice looking watch…Grand Seiko is killing it!

[@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👀

[@paulbellas8797]

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

[@jayjay9932]

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

[@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

[@basselamjad958]

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

[@alexsantiago3181]

I just today tried on a Grand Seiko sbge238 and i fell in love instantly. That's the watch i wanna work hard for so i can obtain it, along with a Tudor Black Bay. My dream watches

[@DisjointedConversations]

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

[@JimLecinski]

Just don't understand why GS refuses to include any form of micro-adjust in most all of their clasps? I'd love even a 2d anchor point, but of course a real sliding adjuster is what they should be offering as standard across all these higher end pieces.

[@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.

[@billhohmann2653]

Website does not list "Grand Seiko" . Could not find anything on the watch being showcased here.

[@bazadam6635]

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

[@AmunRa2024]

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

[@garyd599]

I owned the SBGJ201 GMT and loved the finishing of the case and accuracy of the movement. However, I could never get the bracelet to comfortably fit my 7 inch wrist. I had to sell it. What is up with GS and their reluctance to put a proper micro adjustment on their clasps?

[@ousi00]

IIRC, they also have a Superior Seiko sub-brand back in 70s with the twin-quartz movement.

[@jansmeets6871]

Success is not built on success. It's built on failure, It's built on fraustration. it's built on fear that you have to overcome. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life

[@rebeccagilbert7691]

It's not about watching videos and wasting your time and strategy

[@rebeccagilbert7691]

Victoria Alejandro has really made name for herself

[@rebeccagilbert7691]

I'm not here to converse for her but to testify just for what I'm sure of

[@imogenthompson1338]

A friend that I referred to her just received €61,050 profit after 6days of investing..... I became jealous.. Lol.

[@imogenthompson1338]

My first experience with her gave me the assurance that has made me to invest without fear of loosing.

[@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.

[@lx95020]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@poolmonkey]

How scratch prone is the titanium finish on this watch? Also, what is the approximate cost and time interval associated with servicing a GS spring drive?

[@xHabsFan10x]

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

[@rbeneveds]

Mercy this is a gorgeous watch!

[@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)

[@brendenbeganovic7163]

Hey I’m trying to get my brother something nice in the 200-300 dollar price rage I’ve been looking at seiko prospects, we’re big in seiko we both have collections, do you have any suggestions?

[@jason81949]

I have a 6.25” wrist, is this too big for me ? And how would you decide between this white vs its black colours? I’m having an hard time to decide between them. And how is the accuracy in real world ? ? ?

[@howardmckenna]

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

[@Luca-xh7ng]

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

[@Mike-177]

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

[@jaad9848]

Move the PR indicator to the back GS. It just seems stubborn at this point.

[@ABCdotcom]

I thought this watch was too big on paper, then I tried on my friend's one - it really is wearable for 6.5in wrists and above! It's so light as well... if only their prices weren't so high, I'll wait until they come down in price on the used market.

[@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!

[@spencer_eris]

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 ♥️

[@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.

[@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.

[@BIGNOSEBEN]

What do you think of the Hodinkee Ocean star?

[@Whiteoakfarms0412]

Between GS and IWC in the same price range? Thoughts ?

[@hadiabbas9259]

do you think it will be released in different dial colors like blue or green for example

[@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 😏

[@craig2100]

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

[@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.

[@emmanouel8]

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

[@Bloodrozer]

My grail. Absolutely stuffing. Tried it on in person and was only more impressed.

[@e36boy]

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

[@jasonlemuel5078]

What's the name of the casio that his referring when he says that some of grand seiko hybrid movement have drip to casios

[@austinzizzi1142]

A red gmt would look amazing on this

[@azhanz]

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

[@wroozee]

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

[@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

[@Tizianv]

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

[@bindoctrinated3147]

Love the black dial version.

[@joeo7257]

I couldn't find Grand Seiko on your web sight

[@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?

[@JamyRyals]

Does GS do a watch with lume and no GMT hand?

[@d7r_tv]

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

[@draakisback]

I've considered buying this one a few times but what holds me back is that I know the spring drive tech is still improving. When I get a spring drive watch I want it to be as accurate as possible and some of their newer variants are +-1 sec a day now.

[@mkyhou1160]

My concern is more the repair cost. If you value accuracy highest, quartz is the way to go.

[@draakisback]

@mkyhou1160 I hate batteries. And solar watches can't have a sweeping second because they require more power than a solar cell can give them. When I buy a watch, accuracy is just a nice to have feature under many other things. But if I am buying a spring drive where accuracy is one of the main selling points, I might as well get the best version. It's kind of the same reason why I haven't bought an accutron space view or DNA yet, despite really finding the electrostatic movement to be cool; it's the first real iteration of the technology and can obviously be improved upon. In the case of the accutron, the main issues are design and size. As soon as they make it smaller and give it a more traditional case design; I'll be buying one.

[@ahmedarnab954]

9ra66 is already within 1 sec a day. The new 9ra2 is within 0.5.

[@mkyhou1160]

@@ahmedarnab954 roughly the same as the new speedmaster super racing (not quartz).

[@draakisback]

@@mkyhou1160 speed master is 0 to +2 a day with the new system. Spring drive is 0 to 0.5 sec per day or 0 to 1 sec per day depending on the caliber. The spiriate system is basically just a more precise method of regulation; it lets a watch maker or omega regular more parts of the watch than previously. Spring drive however is a different type of movement overall.

[@martinkavanagh196]

This is a BEAUTIFUL tool watch.

[@johnlee8664]

Pls help me to choose, sbge 285 or sbga211,thanks.

[@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.

[@adrianw3985]

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

[@rulysumitro5269]

Beautiful watch

[@batmansbigcity]

Why no rotating bezel?

[@MastersonsCarCare]

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

[@BAF605]

The mention that dials on GS and some Seiko models, represent ice, snow, mist, cherry blossom, rock faces, sky, birch bark, sun in a forest, street tiles, and much else is wearing thin. This is a nice watch though nothing really different in the look.

[@HaonProductions]

Hmm, I'm not sure something with those dimensions and thickness would wear smaller than expected. Still, I've been eyeing the GS SBGN003 to treat myself with a GMT - that's a case I'm way more comfortable with, even if HAQ isn't quite as cool as a Spring Drive.

[@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.

[@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

[@HashanGayasri]

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

[@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.

[@khronokraze]

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