The Ultimate Grand Seiko x The Iconic Lange 1: my likes, dislikes and how they compare

Neither watch is Swiss but these days German and Japanese watches command more respect than ever before; they’re reshaping perceptions and have arguably already altered the watch landscape.
Regardless of whether you agree, as far as I am concerned these are both fantastic timepieces and I wanted to share my thoughts on them, why I’m still struck by them and also how they compare.
#GrandSeiko #Lange #lange1 #sbgy003 #comparison #watches #ultimate #iconic
To watch the ID Guy video on the Lange 1:
• Why Is The Lange 1 Des...
__________
Thank you (and sorry) to the following for my unauthorised use of your excellent video footage:
watchfinder.co.uk
ID Guy
Watch Collecting Strategy

[@andsoitwas3046]

Your story telling ability is absolutely amazing. I'm not hugely into watches but this format keeps me hooked nonetheless. Grand Seiko is one of the most underrated watch manufacturers and their Spring Drive is a technical marvel.

[@Voltanaut]

It's nice hearing an old rich guy talk about watches, and you're excellent at communicating thoughts, feelings, and facts. I love your channel and hope you make a video for every watch you ever own.

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

He's barely 50. Not old.

[@Voltanaut]

@@dr.kevinmoore8889 Older than me lol.

[@Redbird-UJ76]

Takes time to get established enough to buy a Lange 1.

[@AlexanderB.]

Grand Seiko is one of the best watch manufacturers out there! I'm absolutely fascinated by the Spring Drive and I don't mind the power reserve indicator. The blue strap is a perfect choice for the watch! However the only Grand Seiko I own is the "basic" quartz SBGX 261, 37 mm, flat case thanks to it's quartz movement and perfect for my 17 cm wrist, and still a lot of engineering in the highly accurate movement.

[@charleslyall4911]

Lange are superb timepieces,thanks

[@Antelope1013]

Thanks for another thoughtful, well produced, and very much needed in the KZbin watch world. Looking forward to the next one!!!

[@hazardous401]

Grand Seiko's main selling point are usually the mesmerizing dials...the GS SBGH267 being a good example, and also a model i wish to attain some day. Though, even their plain white dials, combined with perfectly crafted indices, hands, and stylish font look stunning as well.

[@songoku-jx3cb]

And the outstanding sd movements which put even jlc in a threatening spot let alone other watchmakers

[@johnchpyun]

I absolutely love your style of videos. Your story telling style is always such pleasure listening to!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Pleased you enjoy. Thank you.

[@beerkegaard]

The Lange is insane. Maybe the most gorgeous watch I’ve ever seen.

[@starcode89]

As fellow SBGY003 owner, I couldn't agree more with your description. It ticked all the boxes for me and it's the only Grand Seiko in my collection. Wearing it is still a thrill and it has a long term place in my collection. I also own a Lange, not the Lange 1, and can appreciate the impeccable craftsmanship and devotion to precision in both pieces.

[@Nefville]

Another fantastic video. You have an amazing way of translating the passion of this hobby into something everyone can relate to.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

man that Lange looks good on rubber, now I wanna see the same for the GS

[@ErvinSalma]

I could listen to you entire day :) Another great video mate! It's time for some podcast :)

[@supaG-1.0]

Lovely video as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrRoyck10]

Wearing a Lange 1 a haute horology as a beater is unprecedented and unheard of…..you are extremely lucky to be in that position, enjoy!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Yes, I am. But then, I’ve never felt as inclined as my parents to save things “for best”.

[@charlieboylol527]

Exhibition case backs on the L&S are sublime , 😊

[@pp_doc3962]

Nice review. I have a Lange 1 110.029 mother of pearl dial(no lume) and a GS SLGH009. Seriously considered the Omiwatari but eventually decided on the SLGH009. Although bigger overall the GS sits better on my wrist due to the case design. Love them both. 🙏

[@tarasmathers7423]

I was truly delighted to see this newest upload of yours, appear on my feed. Oddly enough, given your proclivity for highly detailed, and immaculately finished pieces, I had wondered your thoughts on Grand Seiko. In seeing this title, it almost felt as if you had read my mind. I myself, am a huge Grand Seiko fan. There's an innate beauty, present in the overall design language of Japanese watchmaking as a whole, that speaks to me. None more so, than Grand Seiko, with Citizen's "Chronomaster" line, being a close second. Aesthetically speaking, I find the SLGH005 "White Birch," to be the most perfect design, I have ever seen. With the SLGA009 "White Birch," being a close second. On the other hand, in terms of functionality, I find both of these designs to be lacking in some way. Primarily, the lack of any form of micro-adjustment. All of my personal preferences aside, I find them to be quite beautiful. Really enjoyed your perspective as usual. If you're not a writer of some sort. You definitely missed your calling. Best wishes.....

[@HRM.H]

Absolutely love the look of GS model. Hope they make more slim models in the future.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

That’s how I feel 💯🎯

[@kojiattwood]

That's why I opted for Credor.

[@JamyRyals]

Like you did, I am waiting for the GS model that ticks all my desires before jumping in. I don’t understand why they’ve chosen such a thick case for much of their range. Their 10mm watches are definitely my preference. I would like for GS to do a 3 hander with lumed indices similar to their GMT but with no need for the extra hand and bezel. Anyways, I always enjoy your videos and admire your collection!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you very much. Agree with what you say 💯🎯

[@chrisjones-zt9ym]

@@watchenthusiastlondon clearly while you were admiring you're status symbol on the wrist . The HUMAN trying to get your attention is the true status in your life . Sorry for being blunt but if you don't pay attention now they won't pay attention when you are old,. Think about it

[@HRM.H]

7:50 completely agree. Either do it right or dont do it at all. GS has a great solution for that. The polished and faceted indixes work great as long as there is a tiny amount of light to reflect

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

💯🎯

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

It's amazing how the faceted hands catch the light

[@victorting7280]

the grass is always greener on the other side 😂. I have a Lange 1 Platinum without the lume hands and always thought the WG version with lume hands look sportier, without Lume hands it looks very dressy and serious.

[@UXDiogenes]

It’s really cool to find a video like this and feel like I’m having my thoughts read aloud in a British accent. I’m a huge fan of Lange and GS but have never been able to pull the trigger on a GS.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Great to hear that I’m not the only one to feel this way…

[@devilapproved]

I agree completely on lume. It's a pervasive irrition for me with sooo many companies. I also don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to an a. Lange as their "beater". Lol

[@robin2thek]

This video was amazing!❤ love it.

[@carlrajoo8209]

Another great video, thank you! How about the GS vs Saxonia thin? Lug to lug is similar. Do they wear the same?

[@UltraDoug]

Just purchased my first GS (SBGA293) and take delivery on Tuesday. It’s taken some time to land on just the right one….for me. Parchment off-white dial, understated power reserve on the front, spring drive, 100m W/R and the casual/dressy elegance case. If all just spoke to me. I’d love to own a Lange someday, but your enjoyable presentations satiate me for now. Well done and looking forward to more.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Congratulations. 🥳

[@BigT71]

Great video! I love the omiwatari! It was and is the one Grand Seiko I had always been hunting for.

[@markweintraub3684]

I share your taste in watches. Lange is terrific. Another beautiful, understated, incredibly well made watch is Laurent Ferrier. I think this should be your next watch purchase.

[@mukakta]

I’m with you on the strap length on grand seikos. I enjoy the strap hardware, but on me it goes all the way to the last hole. This places the strap minder on the side of the wrist, very close to the head of the watch itself. I find that this puts pressure on the skin where the minder is, which is quite uncomfortable for long periods.

[@mauricioposada4485]

Absolutely on point comment, why does all of high end, luxury, unobtainium brands do a shitty job on the lume????

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

It’s poor, right ? Honestly, I have no idea…

[@mauricioposada4485]

@Watch Enthusiast London Agreed, is not up to any standard of excellence as the ones used for the rest of the piece.. if I'm to manufacture an aircraft.. why would I use yellow lights instead of high visibility strobe ones?

[@charlieboylol527]

L&S is my grail timepiece’s,but I’m going to get a GS ,thanks

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

I love Seiko and have about a dozen from basic '5's to Grand Seikos. Universally I don't think Seiko or GS have ever made a strap or a bracelet I like, coming to think of it, every single one I own is on an aftermarket of some sort...

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

It’s such a ‘miss’ by Grand Seiko; the straps & bracelets are (of course) responsible for so much of the wearing experience. 😩

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

@@watchenthusiastlondon I'm not enormously bothered, like you I am a strap monkey and will usually swap out an OEM especially if I am likely to flip the watch (often the case with the sub 5k ones). The boys over at Geckota have some superb quality. BTW I recently bought a Timefactors Sewills Ferreira made by the eccentric but gifted Eddie Platts... a really really really nice watch for the £1k it retails for, extensively modified Unitas.. the reason why I mention it is the calfskin fake Croc strap is possibly the best leather strap I've ever owned, it is like butter... I'm paranoid about trashing it so if I am at all likely to break a sweat and I'm wearing this marine Chronometer type watch I'll bung it on a nato, it's a formal watch but like your ALS it's a sort of daily driver at that price, and it has 100m Flame blued hands incidentally..

[@mickho7910]

Stuck in made-in-Switzerland watch snob rut, albeit won over to British makers (thanks for drawing my attention to them, especially Bremont). Being won over to the Lange 1 in no small part to you, but that’s as far as I’m capable of evolving.

[@user-ti6rs1xq7v]

A.Lange❤Beautiful❤ Richard Mille❤ ❤

[@gmshadowtraders]

11:26 Nice Hawking Bremont!

[@rcorser1]

Great video and totally agree.

[@revoltoff]

Great story telling

[@piqaren]

I absolutely love your videos, you storytelling abilities and knowledge of watches, but the way you are handling these two watches at 08:40 over what looks like marble floors makes my palms extremely sweaty 😅.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

😂

[@charlieboylol527]

The problem with GS is their bracelets and clasps, thanks

[@ElderPinto254]

lume is almost always not good haha i understand what you mean with the lange... oh that bremon on the right wauw !!

[@johannoren2787]

Again a great video! I am looking at GS, the entry level of the spring drive ones that come in blue or black, and the secondary market for those ones are good, for me as a buyer, terrible for people selling though… I just really want a spring drive, its possible to ge one in a Seiko Presage now as well, and that one is really stunning to I think. And again, I am getting curious why you really seem to like Bremont, can you tell me? Wish you a good day and a great week, thanks again for this video that enlightened me.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I regularly get asked about Bremont. I’m getting the feeling that I should make a video entitled: ‘why Bremont?’

[@johannoren2787]

@@watchenthusiastlondon Yes! Great idea!

[@wertj3977]

I understand your hesitation when approaching Grand Seiko's precious metal time pieces. There is an order of magnitude of difference in terms of price especially compared to other brands and Grand Seiko positions these pieces in contest with the likes of VC, Patek and Lange. To my initial confusion, a majority of these pieces house the same movements as their steel counterparts (setting aside their masterpiece collection), but after experiencing them first hand, I'd say that's a testament to the sheer value you get in their steel pieces as they did not feel out of place at all in a $28,000 watch. The way Grand Seiko finishes gold and platinum is just absurd, especially in my favourite dress watch from them, the SBGY026. I spent at least an hour in the boutique talking with the sales about just how beautiful this watch was. It was immediately clear that Grand Seiko wasn't severely marking up the price of gold, they were simply putting a fair price on some of the most beautiful dress watches ever made. Thanks for the great video once again, did not expect Grand Seiko to appear on the channel so soon!

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

I would love to see you put this ALS against the sgby026. That would be a great challenge.

[@canadiankrispybacon1450]

You know what also changes or transforms the look and and how it feels…cleaning it from time to time 😉

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Ha. Point taken !

[@monke1186]

Hi i love your videos but a real comparison would be A lange vs Credor (the High end seiko)

[@Pro_96]

Just curious - Do you write a script for your videos or do you just record? Your narration is just... Mesmerizing!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thank you. I write what I want to say first…

[@Pro_96]

@@watchenthusiastlondon I see. You should consider doing audio books!

[@brinx8634]

SBGY013! I have never heard of a bracelet that couldn't be removed. This might really catch on....remember, it was Seiko who invented the quartz watch.

[@taibmohamed4068]

Langa e sohne this is best watches ❤❤

[@Ranger5004]

That SBGY003 limited is my favorite watch of all time. But sadly, I think it's too pricey for me.

[@KRE8TVT]

Have you still got the GS?

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Yes 💯

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Half-hearted lume is indeed disappointing, and I feel lucky I only had to spend 70 USD on a low end Seiko to learn that.

[@BrandochGarage]

Grand Seiko you have there is a thing of beauty.

[@charleslyall4911]

Great watches ,but the the bracelets and clasps could be better,but the newer models are getting better ,thanks

[@stevenc7877]

that watch is a fcking stunner.

[@davidelliott948]

The GS is beautiful.

[@miguelbaltazar9976]

what's your wrist size?

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

About 6.75” or 17 cm

[@miguelbaltazar9976]

thank you@@watchenthusiastlondon

[@albertofourie3294]

I have a Lange 1 moonphase which comes standard with lumed hands. To my mind the lume is just plain wrong and does nothing for the watch but as I wanted the moonphase I had no choice. Not sure what ALS was thinking when they decided on lumed hands especially, now that you've mentioned just how poor the quality is! Guess even the Germans get it wrong at times!

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Sad but 💯 true.

[@harg8939]

Funny that I prefer the lumed hands on the WG version as it makes legibility for time keeping IMO.

[@ViaFerrataCH]

Surprised you didn't go for the gold Grand Seiko

[@HD-Tech]

Two completely different leagues. Not comparable. The only thing these two watches have in common is that you own both of them

[@constantinosh9489]

I will go spring drive all the day. Mechanically there is no comparison between these 2 watches....

[@structurescience]

Your voice is liquid chocolate.

[@ibez07]

The Lange is soooo far out of my price range it may as well be a pair of gold tits on the moon, my grail watch is the 36mm Explorer, thats MY GRAIL ffs, i wear a 2009 automatic tag heuer aquaracer i got from chrono24 for 600 quid and i adore it all the while realising to some people the thought of a 600 pound watch would be the height of extravagance. I can only thank you for these videos as i will never ever ever get to see a LANGE IN REAL LIFE LET ALONE OWN 1. I love this channel, i love your watches and never ever feel like your no doubt hard worked for success is being rubbed in my face the way i do with some other channels. Tbf you should do audiobooks as i could listen to you read the phonebook

[@porscheoscar]

If you told me I could have a watch free of cost that I had to keep forever that wasn't a Vacheron Overseas and under $15k I would without question choose Grand Seiko. I have immense respect for the craftsmanship of Japanese artisans. Secondly, I love that they hold onto the Japanese aesthetic and they don't equivocate. Third, I love with a passion that no one knows what a high end watch this is. I hate nothing more than flashing a flex brand it's really become such a cliché these days. I recently went into a Grand Seiko dealer do see the Hi-Beat Peacock in person and the non pretentious nor judgemental nature of the sales person was refreshing. Then I went down the hall to the Rolex official store and was flabbergasted at the nonsense I was being told about ever getting a mass produced watch with an unremarkable movement and zero in-house heritage. I am a big fan of vintage Rolex. John Goldberger's 100 Superlative Rolex book really is a masterpiece of creative design wholly absent in today's sterile and genetic Rolex. Meanwhile you can get any Grand Seiko you wish to own. I'm having a long debate on which to buy. I have a daily wear Seiko Pressage GMT, unfortunately not the special edition navy dial Mount Fuji that I should have waited for, but nonetheless I went with the whitd anniversary Asanoha dial that I wear on a navy blue elastic Nato strap as it keeps the head of the watch perfectly centered on my wrist without that annoying roll over where the head of the watch moves to the far edge of your wrist. And it's also harder to drop the watch when taking it off as your hand has to be inside the opening rather than holding it with two fingers. I also like the contrast of a highly finished watch on a $10 elastic strap it's sort of Richard Mille like. 😅 So far I'm leaning towards the new twin barrel Hi-Beat GMT instead of the spring drive. But at those prices it's not unreasonable to own more than one Grand Seiko.

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Thanks for sharing. I may also find myself with other Grand Seikos in due course… for many of the same reasons. 👍

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Yes I understand..I had a Rolex and didn’t have it long before selling it…mainly because I was sick of people asking if it was a fake 🙈 I’m after a GS myself now.

[@doniherald7745]

GS is for watch nerds. Rolex is for the flex. Lange is for watch nerds with tons of cash. I'll take GS anyday, they worth every penny.

[@songoku-jx3cb]

Why did you say 3x i think gs is 5x cheaper than lange 1 is it not ?

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Well, in round numbers, my now sold out limited edition SBGY003 is trading on the secondary market for about £10-11K. I bought my Lange 1 for £30K. Not an exact figure, but close enough… The Omiwatari sells for just under £8K so that’s about 4x cheaper than my Lange 1…

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

GS are awesome

[@garrym5682]

I don't have the confidence to hold an ALS and a Grand Seiko and turn them around single handed whilst standing over a tiled floor.

[@shuidifengliu]

I’m tired of the ‘artificial shortages’ of the big brands. I can walk into any GS shop and buy virtually any model announced. The quality of movements and finishing is not inferior I’m done with the over hyped and overpriced big brands

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

I’m not convinced that all shortages are artificial… however, I do also appreciate that the Grand Seiko’s are mostly available to purchase in store. 💯

[@sergezerkin]

It’s like 1.5 k euro worth of gold bro …

[@GradoLabsFans]

just let you know the lumen is now skyhigh, you should be happy to have "lumen" even PP, AP, FPJ, VC, omega, GS...... if you want to replace the hands w/ other their answer is 100% no, so why waste time to ask

[@adolf-8834]

GS is a boring cookie cutter line that forces you to point out their dial quality capabilities because there simply is nothing else to discuss (except maybe learning how to spell zaratsu). Lange is distinctive and timeless. Fewer in circulation, too. Over time, they will be coveted and valued.

[@user-gu6rg8eo5f]

gussl's customer service is top notch. They were responsive to my questions and made the purchasing process easy.

[@charlieboylol527]

GO have great pano date watches

[@prickelpit2095]

Kann man eine Deutsche Uhrenmarke auf KZbin auch mal in einer deutschen Sprache interpretieren?????

[@MartinIrwin]

Nein

[@prickelpit2095]

@@MartinIrwin Ok

[@Udansha]

The compaison? Seiko = a Volkswagon ... Lange? = Royals Royce. shouldt even be on the same page

[@russojap1864]

That's a beautiful watch! Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available in the "Grand Feiko" selections, but they do have the SBGY007, so I might have to try one out. 🤔😅

[@shuycg]

The lange 1 looks broken 9 days each month...

[@watchenthusiastlondon]

Funny. I really like the blank number window…

[@adolf-8834]

You have to think like a German. There is no such number as 04 or 07. The blank disc gives a more reassuring note of the precise date when looking at a glance or in unfavorable lighting.

[@shuycg]

@@adolf-8834 I still think it's not the best design.

[@shuycg]

@@adolf-8834 I think you need to think like the folks at Lange. Because other german brands don't do this. GO also has a creative way of showing the date but they use 0 instead of blank.

[@kleinekalli]

a lange is a jojo reference and not gs? thats bizzare.

[@user-rv2tl5xf4w]

Looks like Copying watch finder

[@simonassouline1230]

Grand Seiko is a much better watch, than the ALange Sohne! The Odysseus is a total masterpiece, all other models are strange looking!

[@redazi1]

That look a fucking cheap citizen i bought From flea Market for 1€ years ago