The Ultimate Quartz? Grand Seiko SBGV245

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Big shout out again to Gary for the loan of his lovely GS. Finishing is indeed another level. I have muchos respectos for the 9F, that would be the movement I would go for if I ever get one myself. 50 year life expectancy on the lubricants?! Outrageous. But then again it should be given the price they are asking. Cheers, Jody

[@Csibu89]

I wish they gave it a display caseback option. These 9F quartz movements look super cool in my opinion.

[@h2611]

Was just thinking that exactly; looks better than alot of ETA autos out there too lol. & I think they did on a special anniversary 9F watch that had a beads of rice braclet

[@JudgeHetfield]

I’m here for the people complaining about a $3k GS with superb finishing and a hand-built high accuracy quartz, but think NH35 watches have more “soul” 😂

[@awnik99]

A 3k quartz watch is pure lunacy and nh35 watches are crap. The "people" you are reffering to are both right and wrong

[@JeffreyPisarek]

😂👏

[@oneashralph4076]

Underated GS because its quartz but for me this one is absolutely stunning for the price.Almost perfect in size & finishing.

[@jaer.6540]

For the price? This thing is like $3000....

[@mroldbean2]

I have some magic beans. One time only offer 3000

[@mroldbean2]

Stunning for the price. Yeah. Literally

[@canonyeo4286]

Sold out even before the watchfinder bought one for himself. I owned three 9F myself. Awesome watches

[@paulgray5330]

Discontinued April this year.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

I got my GS SBGP015 around Xmas. The 9F hasn't lost a second since I set it. Incredible!

[@djlakin1494]

The Grand Seiko 9f quartz with the champagne dial was the first luxury watch I purchased over 6 years ago. At first , it was approx 3 seconds out a year for the first three years but since then if it wasn’t for the daylight saving time I would not have had to set this watch ,that is how good this movement is. Also , the finish is to my mind a cut above most watches ( check out the dial the hands and hour markers under magnification to see the superb finish). I now am lucky enough to own a Rolex, Omega, and a few other Swiss watches but this GS is the watch I set all the others to . I paid £2,000 for mine and I don’t regret a single penny as I believe this is one of , if not the best quartz movements you can buy and after all , surely accuracy along with high a quality finish is a good enough reason to purchase a GS 9f . Cheers Dave

[@varanid9]

Yeah, i just got a GS quartz for that reason. I have a Seiko quartz MM1000 and I've come to use it to set my other watches. Gotta have another watch with that awesome movement as, you know, back-up.

[@sandylman8219]

What a cracking watch. Couldn't care less that it's not an automatic. The technology, design, accuracy and longevity make it a thing of beauty. Shame about the strap though!

[@JJ-pm4jc]

I’m just here for the “helloooooooooo” I needed that this morning lol

[@user-pi6vz5hr3c]

My gift to my 40th birthday was a $20 Casio World Time gold or bronze. What a world we all lead.

[@williamwallace9427]

Nothing wrong with a Casio my friend! Casio makes very respectable stuff

[@jamesblonde2271]

God teir.....

[@xtreme_survival7879]

The Trolli Trolley You are a blessed man my friend.

[@erod818]

Great choice. I got one as my "pyjama" watch, and my only real grab-and-go.

[@itachi1742]

Don't feel bad. If anything, that Casio will survive longer than a Grand Seiko.

[@christophergray1894]

The reason for the back to front strap, according to a GS rep, is that so when you’re sitting across from someone when wearing a GS they don’t see the messy tail end of the strap, that’s kept on the inside for you. A sign of respect in the very formal Japanese culture.

[@paynemax3825]

What about the The Citizen Chronomaster series? And the Citizen Calibre 0100? Maybe a test in the near future? 🥰

[@henrywest7217]

I definitely have to look into this. It's not the only quartz I'm interested in, but it's the one I'm most interested in. Thank you for the solid overview.

[@CraigG21]

Grand Seiko needs to hire some people that can properly design a strap/deployant and bracelet with micro adjustments. Inexcusable for what they charge for the watches.

[@BeansAndBezels]

+1

[@varanid9]

They don't care. I've found that the Japanese look at watches completely different from the Swiss in terms of priorities. For me, personally, I can never keep the stock strap or bracelet on a watch, anyway. I just took the bracelet off of my Omega Co-ax Master Seamaster and put a warm gray tropic strap on it and love it now, but the bracelet almost made me want to flip it.

[@BobLorrimer]

I have a brilliant black dial option which was £2k retail in the UK. (sbgx261g) I absolutely love it, and the all brushed metal bracelet is great and very comfortable. A 5mm extension would have been ideal - but mine happens to be a great fit with just a little wiggle room. My version is from the Elegance collection and I prefer the softer look of the case. I also found the leather/alligator straps on the autos a little bulky on my wrist....which is not the case with the all metal versions. (Grand Seiko's ingenious 'Spring Drive' movement is a further, remarkable and innovative movement - but it will have to wait!)

[@michaelkruszynski8524]

Got a 9F62 quartz powered GS SBGX263 last year for just over AU$ 2500. Classic dimensions (37mm), though it is a 19mm lug width, and it's just lovely. Bracelet is not amazing (single link posing as 3 link) but it is very comfortable and looks nice. Has gained some time but was well within the +10s per year tolerance. Looks much nicer IRL than on the GS boutique website. Love it!

[@watchesandcaps2566]

This is by far my favorite quartz GS model and I hope to get one possibly this weekend on my trip to NYC. Great candidate for a one watch collection if I believed in that sort of thing. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Absolutely stunning watch. GS completely nailed this one, right down to the color choice for the strap. I'm a black dialed diver guy, but this watch even has 200m water resistance. I'm sold, even at 3k. Thanks Jody!

[@EastDallasKicks]

It’s 4:02am and you’ve made me leave a Scott the wozz video but grand seiko is in the title so I know it’ll be worth it

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Definitely 🤣

[@mikekane9213]

I love my GS quartz. Sbgn011. Champagne sunburst dial. So beautiful. The seconds hand is one of my favorite parts. It's not flat but round. So elegant and precise. Great purchase. Will never sell!

[@willywantoknow2563]

Glad to see your channel up! You're a inspiration to the watch community! I have problems with decision making; your videos make it easy for me, and enjoyable to watch👍

[@benjaminklos9637]

I have an SBGN005 and love it. I think the quartz Grand Seiko are great and make a lot of sense if you have a collection of auto’s without huge power reserves.

[@potgieterl]

That second hand's tic is the crispest I have ever seen, zero bounce.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

They actually do a double tick, but my camera had no chance of showing it properly.

[@MuchachoCarracho]

Exactly apparently to maintain that crisp look against the weight of their seconds hands and their momentum (possible accuracy issues, too), they resorted to 2 super fast ticks per second. Amazing.

[@Yoshikaable]

If you like that check the mechanical dead seconds complications, and other high end quartz, like this

[@jimbrown2044]

bought a sekonda quartz "datejust homage" 7 weeks ago for £22 UK in a sale,has gained 4 secs over the 7 weeks and second hand hits all the indices .....I'm quite pleased with it.

[@Yoshikaable]

Great first grand Seiko review. Quartz is really an amazing technology and the ones they make are great

[@flymorenow]

Nice looking watch. Nice lume and the date appears to be large enough. You'll have to unscrew the crown to adjust the date five times a year unless it has a perpetual calendar. So if the crown's a bit small you'll still have to use it.

[@lamadoo]

Seiko finally does something right then discontinues this model after a year...

[@larsstougaard7097]

They couldn't handle it

[@zman8340]

It is strange .

[@Yoshikaable]

This watch it kinda mesmerizing. I love the dial

[@zman8340]

@@Yoshikaable id own one if they were still available

[@23727bgk]

A 3k quartz watch dress watch, no matter how well done, cannot possibly be a great selling model. No surprise it has been discontinued.

[@patrickford5793]

Those were some great macro shots Jody. Pretty cool piece too.

[@FrankLavoy]

Gotta love Grand Seiko. Great review! Thanks for sharing.

[@ajgross67]

I think the 9F GMT’s are the GS Quartz to get. They come on a bracelet and the explorer II styling I like a bit better. I actually had one for a while, but sold it after getting a Citizen Chronomaster which took the spot as the king of Quartz in my collection

[@chadwik1914]

this is definitely a great alternative to the white/grey rolex explorers. I was looking other day for Seiko's answer to the oyster perpetual rolex and seems that this is likely it.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

It's absolutely stunning

[@quiterioalbertobaezbenitez5739]

Undoubtly a great discovery for me! Thank you!!! Saludos!

[@mackledee]

I bought a used 9F GS in November. Since then, it's gained approximately .75 sec. This movement is absolutely insane. Finishing as nice as you're likely to see anywhere but the very best brands.

[@glenntpc7848]

Surprised you didn’t mention the second hand 2-part movement to eliminate wobble and exact alignment with the minute markers. I don’t know if any other manufacturer of quartz watches that goes to this length. Great video as always!

[@neolim]

Got this one as well. I love the watch! And yes I also changed the straps 🤣

[@hiltonr1845]

Never been a Grand Seiko fanboy, don’t really know why but I really do like this watch . Nice one Jody

[@JamesandRibble]

Would be nice if they made an automatic version.

[@westicals]

Appreciate the new graphics with the specs.

[@propblast82nd]

Love your channel Jodie !!!

[@paredair]

Amazing. Simply amazing.

[@beardymcbeardface69]

I love the black and yellow SBGV243 version of this. 😍

[@robertnorth1681]

You may have mentioned this, so sorry if I missed, but GS goes a lot further with their Quartz movements. In addition to the sealing you noted, they grow their own crystals and test them so that the watch can adjust to affects temperature change might have on accuracy. Also, I believe they have an approach to limit the misalignment of the second hand that quartz watches get with the single sudden jump (backlash) using a special gear and hairspring. I don't have a GS, but they should get credit for raising quartz movements to a higher level.

[@red75v67]

I've a feeling this could become the most collectable quartz watch out there. You're not the only one to like this piece. Great design and finish.

[@keithkahn6838]

This is a great quartz movement

[@niketd1]

This along with SBGN 001/003/005 9F GMTs are real unicorns!

[@Alias_Anybody]

The new intro music still sounds like the trailer to a new Hollywood heist movie with Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I'll take that! 😂

[@3rdstone1]

I want to watch that movie. They were fun together in the last offering, and hopefully Pitt will wear an old watch with awesome retro design that instantly will rise to ridiculous prices on Ebay, but some micro brand will make an affordable homage.

[@Engineersoldinterstingstuff]

I have started to collect vintage Seiko Quartz watches recently. They are amazing - 1978 the Quartz Superior was 5s/year, Grand Quartz 10s/yesr and King Qusrtz 20s/year. Modern GS Quartz is as seen here second best in also by 1978 standard. Actually maybe the 9943 movment was put in Geand 1979 and 9923 in King the same year. 99xx Twin Quartz is an amazing story.

[@dragomirstijovic5569]

I didn`t expect this :) my dream quartz for sure

[@jonfavale5146]

Bought mine for $2,500. 2 of them were sold on Chrono24 for $4,500+. I also love the backwards strap

[@perfecto1701]

Finally a Grand Seiko! Cheers mate.

[@TCL_Dasler]

That is an absolute stunner. They are killer-good-looking no doubt

[@LectioDivina33]

Great Video. More Grand Seikos please 😀

[@freddie8354]

Simply stunning 😍

[@jsg199]

This watch is so intriguing, and I personally love quartz. At 40mm, might be on the larger side for me. If it were 38mm I'd probably have no choice but to buy it.

[@FouseQuentin]

This one has been on my since it's been released. It's just a tad pricy for a quartz for me even a 9f. Thank you Jody.

[@keithkahn6838]

Buy pre owned… once you wear it and you watch the movement of this movement you will chance your mind. My Rolex Date Just has been sitting in the watch box .

[@philipmeiring3582]

My first GS and 9F is on the way. Timing on point as always Jody😎

[@IceDree]

The SBGV245 is by far my favorite Grand Seiko, too bad it was discontinued. Anyway, the SBGV245 is what an grownup more refined Seiko Samurai would look like.

[@denisdaly1708]

Glad you are showing some quartz watches. I know u did in the past as well. Seiko have some good value $200 us watches. Im a big fan of some Citizen watches. To me, they offer the best value.

[@philliplivingstone5336]

Stunning - GS are great.

[@MERKAMGCLK]

This was my first Grand Seiko. It certainly will not be my last. Tis is one of those very rare watches that is on my NOT FOR SALE list. It's as close to a perfect watch as I have ever owned.

[@errolmacdonald3256]

What a beautiful watch! Beyond my retired-teacher's budget, though if I had bought it, I would've put it on a plain black smooth leather strap instead of a grey that attempts to flatter the other greys and fails.

[@ddab3659]

Great review and beautiful watch but not sure about the “sportiest’ 9f. I’ve got the SBGX335 GS diver with the 9f61.

[@RickDeckardMemories]

Setting time and leaving it ticking for 3 years is an interesting idea... for watches radio-connected to the atomic clock. For all the others it's 60 days until date adjustment, twice a year for Daylight Savings, and every time you cross a Time zone. 🤷🏿‍♀️ I am a long distance truck driver in the US, so sometimes I jump through 2 time zones in one day (last week I did that driving east from Arizona)... so I adjust my watches ALL THE TIME. I haul my little 40-something piece collection with me, and I like to swap pieces every time my local time changes. 🤗😋

[@JR-gp2zk]

I wish Omega would make quartz versions of there watches again

[@Ericdagreat]

Oh Wow Wow WOW!!! Just only $3000 for a Quartz Seiko? That's one hell of good deal!! I am going to pick up 5 of them! And there I was, about to pull the trigger on just one Grand Seiko look alike quartz Fossil watch, with the absolute same function, less the 3 seconds a year accuracy for an absurd outrageously expensive amount of $80!! Thanks, you just saved me a whopping -$14,920 dollaz

[@kristianlewis5520]

Awesome vid yet again. Have you tried the casio A700WE yet? It's a fantastic watch that only came out in 2019. Think you would love it. As always looking forward to the next vid

[@garyk8285]

Always liked that piece.

[@bubbaoriley7864]

I have the SBGV243 which I find to be a bit more on the sporty side with the yellow accents. The SBGV245 isn't available anywhere I found and I think it's been discontinued so finding one will rely on the secondary market. I didn't find the supplied strap to be as bad as it is made out to be. There is an adjustment period to the backwards deployant, but I found it to be quite comfortable despite the mentioned bulk on the backside. I did swap it out for the bracelet mentioned and I plan on alternating between them. Fortunately I managed to get a perfect fit with the butterfly style clasp on the GS bracelet. I don't think GS advertises the seal on the watch movement keeps the lubricating oils good for 50 years. If Jodi would ever bother to read the instruction manual he would know GS recommends a 3-4 year servicing interval which according to GS USA corresponds with the shelf life of the oils in question, although I doubt many will do so as the servicing costs as much or more than having an auto serviced (it does include case re-polishing). Jodi also incorrectly claims you might not pull the crown for 3 years, but I suppose this is only true if you never have the date correct past the first month with less than 31 days, never change time zones, and never observe daylight savings time. For about the same money (less perhaps considering you get a bracelet) you can get the Citizen AQ4030-51 with zaratsu finishing that rivals GS. Things you get which you don't get with the GS include, titanium with scratch resistant coating, incredibly beautiful Tosi Washi traditional Japanese paper dial, solar, twice the accuracy, perpetual calendar through 2100, a clearer and more AR crystal, night light function, a second hand stop function for shock resistance, automatic needle correction, and a recessed jump hour button which truly means you should almost never have to pull the crown, unlike the GS. s6.gifyu.com/images/_DSC18478042a4e9b7bcff9b.jpg

[@adiefatlady]

Had its sibling in black. Loved the styling. Quite a heavy head unit for quartz. Did really like the strap but I could not get it to sit on my wrist satisfactorily so went back to chronext; possibly the strap was the issue.Shame as it ticked a lot of boxes. The movement should do more when compared to The Citizen movement e.g. perpetual calendar. I think the strap direction is to do with Japanese custom and sensibility , it’s considered impolite to point the untidy bit outwards or so I have been told.

[@raingodmusic]

Brooo its like a fancy land tortoise. I think this might be my next watch

[@964tractorboy]

A lovely-looking watch from where I'm sitting. I was expecting a run-down on what makes this quartz so accurate though; I guess that's Part Deux.

[@markplayford5836]

Yeah one of my favourite GS models that I thought had been discontinued? Over on the 10 10 tock channel he did a follow up review where he said it picked up quite a few dings and scratches which kinda put me off. But then I thought it was discontinued so didn’t care. Think I was kidding myself that I might buy one one day, still love it though and do like it’s understated look too.

[@grudge8997]

Like to see a Certina DS Action cosc quartz review in keeping with the quartz theme.. very similar watch and can be had for 290 British pounds if you look around.

[@mylesgalos6465]

Loved that watch, in quartz, 50 yrs life span for $3k, 3 yrs battery life, saving for it

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

I love this watch. Grand Seiko under macro are special. The price is good, really good, really really good.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Most impressive under macro indeed. Sharp!

[@jpdemer5]

I have a GS with the 9F85A movement ... yes, it's pricey for a quartz, but the accuracy is insane, and of course it's gorgeous to look at (pale blue "Sea of Clouds" dial on mine.) As you say, it's a watch you keep for life, and on that basis I figure it's worth the $10/month. 🙂

[@cedarcanoe]

Agree, this for me is the best GS, although I am not a quartz guy.

[@c.l.malcolm]

I have the other version of the GS deployant clasp and same strap but it does not have the extra metal. It has a cordura keeper. Its far more comfortable and less bulky!!

[@Gary-li7ib]

Did that come with the watch or did you have to purchase separately?

[@dunderhay9169]

Beautiful, but I couldn't spend that much on a quartz and the strap was pretty dire, forgivable on a Vostok but not at that price!

[@andycoomber6159]

Pure class.

[@lefizz55]

Just wish they put in a 4-6 tick per second quartz movement. Very beautiful watch

[@markbyrum4743]

Don't care for the flat, brushed bezel. Back-to-front deployant clasp? swap the ends! Done! If it still doesn't work, as you notes, different strap. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@slogan8652]

Would you need to adjust the date for the watch in months without 31 days? Or is it a perpetual calendar?

[@gyrfalcon7332]

I find the strap to be very comfortable (SBGV243) though I’d have much preferred a bracelet option.

[@greamespens1460]

Sir I would like to applaud the fact that your sound and video production exceeds that of the new multi-million pound GB News channel. With regards to the direction of the strap isn't it customary in Japan to have the end pointing towards yourself.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Not sure about customary. I live in Japan and while you do see this on Seiko from about the Presage range up, most watches I've seen here are not set up this way. It does look interesting on certain watches.

[@greamespens1460]

@@ForeverUnknowing Thank you I recall hearing it somewhere and noticed my Casio contravenes this too. I guess I am wrong.

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

I wonder if completely soaking the strap while it is on might help form it to the wrist. I had a similiar issue with a Sinn strap. I wore it skateboarding which completely soaked, then took it in the shower and did that a few times. Now it is molded to my wrist.

[@wingi7722]

Great to see a quartz watch in which the seconds hand actually hits the each of the minute markers dead centre!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

For $3k, that's a given! 😂

[@georgecostanza2157]

GS makes a compelling GADA watch. You really could have a one watch collection with these things they are superb

[@TimeForAnotherWatch]

I normally prefer mechanical watches but I'd have this quality piece in my collection in a heartbeat ... If I had $3K going spare 😊

[@jims4539]

Have seen several watches with second hands that have solid point of attachment(no visible hole) - I like the look. Do you think this will catch on with more makers? I have seen some Chinese homage makers doing it. Thanks. p.s. 200m on a dress watch - yes please across the entire Seiko line.

[@Gary7even]

You didn't mention how smooth the tic of the second hand is when it steps from second to second. That's because the 9F movt. actually steps the second hand twice a second, i.e., 120 half-second steps per minute. Put a GS with the 9F next to any other quartz watch, even some very expensive ones (like my "The Citizen" with the A010 30-jewel movt and my Longines VHP), and there is just no comparison when it comes to the smooth flow of the "one second" sweep of the GS.

[@fondajames]

gorgeous watch. but my Seiko SARX055 is full titanium, snowflake dial sounds like its more comfortable and like 1/3 the price... 6r15s are solid autos too.

[@eyeontime6136]

Love this watch, but at 3k. I would have considered one at 1k. Looks amazing thougjh.

[@williamwallace9427]

Yep. Agreed

[@Ktrb]

Exactly. Spent 3k for a watch worth max 1k that everybody will think is worth 500🤣

[@DesoxyBob]

you could consider the escapment time quartz dress watch as a budget alternative, its around 75 dollar on ali and has a lot of resemblance with the GS watches

[@Ktrb]

@@DesoxyBob Escapement looks like double the price this GS looks like half the price

[@StuntpilootStef]

You can get a second hand 9F for under 1k. I bought an SBGX005 for €800

[@Larry-gs8gb]

As a quartz fan I wish more companies would make high end quartz watches

[@joem5140]

Nice review Jody. The 9F is amazing and way more interesting than another NH35 in a microbrand diver (zzzz). Thanks.

[@minirock1980]

Bizzarely been considering a GS recently but one thing i notice is they dont resell to well. and seems better to buy second hand and work on the basis its keeper not a flip later. Some look fabulous

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Good plan mate, they definitely lose a bit of their value.

[@erikrusso9808]

Gary must've been frustrated to get the strap off with all those scratches at the back of the lugs lmao

[@glitchedoom]

Would love to see a high beat quartz movement in a GS.

[@jeffone]

My SBGN005 came on a GS bracelet. It is nice but I swapped it out because there is no micro adjust or quick adjust functionality. They just don't seem to understand straps and bracelets in Japan.

[@talldutchguyk8247]

Still on my wishlist!

[@fv6989]

Beautiful, only if soneone else is paying for me tho! Is it me or the second hand moves smoother between the markers, instead of just jumping like in other quartz watches???

[@mchockney3664]

Was hoping for a few more geeky details about these amazing movements. Like the date chance, which happens within 1/2000th of a second.

[@bowmanclp]

In terms of precision, the caliber 0100 by Citizen is even more accurate. +- 1 second / year. By the Dial of the Grand Seiko is nicer an alot cheaper

[@yoshireincarnate1649]

thank you for making this, its my hope that seiko realise just how nice the case is by it becoming a bit of a classic, and then re release it as a no date. it would honestly be the only reason i ever spend that much money on a damn watch.

[@varanid9]

Having a no date means that much to you?? I used to think I preferred no dates until I finally got one, the Omega coax diver, but, now that I have one, whenever I wear it I'm a little lost whenever I go to check the date, LOL