6 Reasons Seiko Is The Greatest Watch Brand Of All Time & My Favorite

Why is Seiko my favorite watch brand? If the Explorer (114270) is my favorite watch, then why do I still consider Seiko the greatest watchmaker in the world, rather than Rolex? What is so special about them, and what puts them ahead of all other watchmakers?
Today I bring some of my old favorites out of the watch box, including my SARB033, SKX013, SNK809, Flightmaster SNA411, and the "Ripley" SCED035 to find answers to the above. Join me as we take a look at the history, horological heritage, technical mastery, cultural impact, and popular iconic models that have made Seiko a brand everyone should consider owning.
Check out The Urban Gentry Amazon page here for items featured in my videos. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.:
www.amazon.com/shop/theurbang...
To get your watch or Gentry related questions answered and engage with some of the community beyond KZbin, join us on Facebook: / 1503241666636531
To follow the official Urban Gentry Instagram click here: / theurbangentrychannel
Thank you for watching The Urban Gentry channel, home of the #wristwatchcheck ! Check out my other videos for more watch and lifestyle content.
To check out the best deals on used luxury Seiko watches, , click here:
www.thewatchbox.com

[@chateaubullion2560]

My favorite Seiko is a no nothing stainless Seiko 5 I bought brand new when I was 16 years old. I'm 67 years old now and retired and still own and occasionally wear the watch. The watch went through high school, college and my first real job. I do own an obligatory SKX and couple of Seiko dress watches but when I put this watch on it brings back some good memories. Yes, I had complete service done but that's only one service in over 50 years.

[@MrJazznerd]

Now i wish i could have the opportunity to buy a seiko when i was 16 years old.

[@macdonny]

Cool

[@jeremycorrao]

Wow, that's an awesome story!

[@chateaubullion2560]

Guitar D !

[@counterhit121]

Lol yea Chateau's comment makes me feel slightly ashamed that I didn't take enough care of any watch I had in my younger days to last me through major life milestones!

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

Hey Seiko if you're reading this send this man a credor or something!! He's like the best ad you could possibly have marketed.

[@varanid9]

Better yet, Seiko, send ME the Credor and I'll give this video a "like"!

[@fransker13]

Seiko and Casio is how i got into watches ! Much respect

[@carlosamaral6917]

@CRF.Channel97 Seiko seems to be taking a path similiar to Swiss brands, unfortunatelly...

[@TheKestevon]

@@carlosamaral6917 for luxury segment only with Grand Seiko

[@drazenradosevic7467]

I got Seiko 5 as a gift in 1971 (I was 11 at the time), wearing it next ~10 years and put it in the bottom of the drawer and forgot about it for 37 years. Last year I was doing some cleaning, found it, shake it a bit and - woala, running like champ. And still working just fine 1 year later.

[@MegaWolf2]

Pa svaka čast. Dobar je to sat

[@mijomendes1705]

Dokaz o kvaliteti

[@MrJazznerd]

"By putting horology before profit" I actually think YOU are responsible for a reasonable amount of seikos profit TGV^^

[@jmmartin7766]

Yup, this! ^^^

[@JSarmat86]

@@DA-lk5np No, He shouldn't!

[@mattipra]

@@DA-lk5np Especially people you don't like.

[@watcheswhiskey8314]

SRP777

[@enaelimited9336]

@@mattipra Hahaha.. Agreed, you shouldn't tell people you don't like to get a SEIKO 😂😂😂

[@tiagocarvalho6257]

One thing I like about you and your channel is that you have a passion about this hobby. It is not only about Rolexes all the time and the investment aspect of it. You appreciate the history of a lot of different brands and your enthusiasm really shows. Keep up the good work. I get to learn a lot thought your channel while other ones only talk about investment and Rolexes, whick takes away the romanticism about these lovely timepieces.

[@stephenscharf6293]

What I like about TGV is his genuine passion for horology and...his authenticity.

[@CocaColaMan75]

Totally agree best watch channel on KZbin 😎♥

[@JCD4114]

Invicta is the greatest watch in the entire multiverse 😳🤣

[@adriansierra751]

I was in JAPAN this past July!!!! went straight to Grand Seiko and then the Seiko Store in Ginza District Tokyo. Ended up buying a Special Edition Seiko Presage!!!. #240 out of 300!!!! Absolutely enamored with the country and culture. YOU WILL LOVE IT TGV!!! CHEERS!

[@migueloliveira2130]

Lucky! I personally love the seiko presage a lot

[@paulsuddes1144]

The production of this video is absolutely “top notch”. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you.

[@N.V.g]

this intro, you just keep getting better and better.. can't even begin to sum up the quotes from this one

[@counterhit121]

The costumes too, my goodness

[@mauriciotorres5875]

More than 40 Seikos in my collection. From the 60s until now. Also my favorite brand.

[@canonyeo4286]

@DuKirpalani I am even crazier. I have 3 times more, both vintage and new, including many GS/KS, a disease i got from my watchmaker friend.

[@tunokies]

Mauricio. You on Instagram?

[@preciousjose]

Mauricio Torres please upload a video, if you don’t mind showing it to the rest of us.

[@claudeschmid1631]

so this just happened: I took a quick break from office work to watch the video, my boss came in and first it was really awkward because he caught me watching the video... but we ended up watching it together and discussing watches for another 20 minutes... guess he is also a watch guy!

[@aisuxtime]

That satire intro was hilarious! I didn’t think much of Seiko, until I learned about watches and was amazed at their history, diversity and innovation. Now I have immense love for seiko consider them a favorite brand.

[@jaysmall5673]

My favorite Seiko is my GS Snowflake.

[@Rauthaz]

Dream piece, truly.

[@friendlyjunco6836]

Snowflake

[@laurentfargues8113]

Phenomenal watch

[@damo0078]

oh to OWN one !

[@reecemesser]

Those things are a bomb to service

[@shortstuff9990]

The only thing more accurate than the points made in this video, is my Grand Seiko 9F.

[@gilbertosanchez2847]

Nice one

[@nightknight9415]

Such an incredible video TGV, this was my favorite of 2019 thus far. It was a great reminder of why I've enjoyed collecting Seiko timepieces for over 40yrs. Superlative job mate, cheers!

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

Prepare for the hate from the Rolex fan boys (many of whom have never actually owned a Rolex).

[@silverghost4206]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@smashexentertainment676]

And.. didn't see any.

[@aramaprasad]

I don’t think the Kamakazee watch was their darkest hour. One may be on the other side of the politics of that but they did what their country asked them/needed them to do. IWC, Laco and Stowa all supplied to the German army but they are phenomenal brands on their own. In times of war the rules are different. As alway great content. Onwards and upwards!

[@petermcallister9992]

I agree.

[@whpainting]

I agree. Duty to country. Can't hold it against Volkswagen. Can't hold it against Seiko.

[@rainbowpony425]

Love their product because of the quality. It does not give them the right to rewrite history!

[@JIYkp]

@@rainbowpony425 Is this a general comment or does Seiko actually deny their involvement?

[@profd65]

The video maker was being a nationalistic moron. Every nation has skeletons in its closet, and so have the businesses of these nations. A man who is apparently English-American should be the last person to throw stones. A man who is apparently Chinese-American should be the second to last.

[@villiejogalang9911]

I have two seiko, one is a 17 years old seiko kinetic and Sea Urchin seiko 5, absolutely stunning watch. Love them for their durability and accuracy. Thank you so much for making this video. Love watching the rich history of Seiko..

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Awesome Entry...!!! You have taught me so much, and have helped add knowledge and excitement to my collecting experience. You are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@sergiomalespin3326]

Fantastic and we'll put together video! I learned a lot! Seiko has become my favorite brand and I appreciate all the Information!

[@74haydo]

TGV since discovering this great channel, 2x years ago, I have become obsessed with Seiko and accordingly have influenced many friends and family to purchase one. I have sold all my Swiss watches (Omega, Tudor, Glycine and Hamilton) and have started the journey. I now have three. My personal fav is my Sarx045, a perfect everyday watch. My goal is a Grand Seiko GMT.

[@platinum_knowledge]

I love when you go deep into the history of a brand. As someone still learning, I wish you did a whole series focused on different brand histories.

[@ilfordino-fordfiestatutori8725]

This intro is a masterpiece

[@michelecosoli9747]

As an Italian "Lasciami stare" e "non è finto" killed me ahahah

[@Nierlock]

Great timing TGV! I just got my fist Seiko in the mail today. A SARB033 too!

[@RedwoodAggie]

It is so hard to pick a favorite, so I will just go with my first Seiko, the SPB089 Blue Alpinist. Also, that intro is an instant classic. Such great stuff.

[@baxteryong9981]

Thanks TGV for the video! Enjoyed it greatly! Your videos have convinced me to be a watch collector since 2017 and yes, Seiko is my favourite brand too :)

[@mmorgado1]

Awesome video! I do love Seiko and the history covered here brought remarkable elements about the brand. Thank you. 🙂🙏

[@justinsvids1851]

My Dad bought me a digital pulsar when i was 8. 37 years later it still goes, I can still wear it and it sits proudly in my watch collection😊

[@samoahbay]

What a bloody stylish grotesque transcendental intro this is. Can't get used to how cool it is. Love

[@thomasrathbenko5767]

Absolutely fantastic video, thank you TGV for acknowledging Seiko’s history and achievements throughout history.

[@watchyouwant1617]

Fantastic editing skills! I’m always impressed in how good the composition and timing of your videos is. You should make a living out of it😉 Keep up the good work and the nice balance between the “new watchbox TGV” and the “original governor”!

[@midas1929]

Many years ago, I made a patent for a competitor group. A bit later, an engineer from Seiko that worked on the same issue called me up, curious to talk to somebody half around the world that thought similar and to congratulate me. A true gentleman and just two guys talking about their passion. Seiko deserves a lot more respect for their quality and innovation.

[@jaredhill1021]

Seiko is my favorite brand and has been for over 20 years now. My dad go me my first Seiko as a graduation present. I still have that watch. I have owned and sold dozens of Seikos. They will always be the core of my collection.

[@StaleCookies]

Love the work you put into the intro. Lots of fun!

[@sriramsrinivasan4533]

Amazing video TGV. I am a big fan of your channel and got seriously interested in watches after watching one of your videos.. my favourite Seiko is my SARB 17 - the Alpinist ! I just love it...

[@markthibault8579]

I have a lasting memory of seeing the Seiko TV watch in Tokyo's Narita airport back in the 80s. It was literally the coolest thing I had ever seen. Nowadays, I long for a high-accuracy quartz 9F-equipped watch. The variants capable of doing 5s a year are astounding.

[@artvertex4152]

I really love my Seiko Presage Cocktail Time in blue. The dial is so hypnotizing.

[@lohsuankhoon4422]

Nice Seiko's history walk thru.... Thank you for sharing TGV. I owned a Seiko Alpinist SARB017. looking forward to get the blue face version of the Alpinist. Good day & Cheers!

[@caes9231]

Dudeeee. That intro! I've just been binging your chanel and it's the best. The culture, the history, the inspiration. It's a journey to manhood.

[@adolfot.8763]

my first watch was a gift from my father a Citizen Bullhead, and from that moment I met a new world for me, soon my favorite brand was Seiko, Orient and of course Citizen.

[@Inkreptile]

as in the watch featured in once upon a time in Hollywood ?

[@nightknight9415]

Seiko > Citizen

[@J69Nice]

Seiko, Citizen, and Casio are the big 3 of Japanese watchmaking. And tbh should be considered the holy trinity of watchmaking as opposed to Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin.

[@BlizAce]

I also share the love for Seiko, been a fan of the brand since my teen years. And though I have yet to own one (* I know, life happens ...), I am looking forward for my first Seiko to commemorate my 10th year in Japan. If/when you visit japan, I would very much like to share a Yebisu beer with you.

[@ryan_henderson]

Stunning content TGV, very impressed, thank you.

[@zach7128]

TGV, your videos never fail to entertain, inform and inspire. Reading your heartfelt and genuine replies to people’s comments reminds me just how respectful the watch community is. Keep doing what you’re doing, much love from New Zealand Thanks Zachary

[@scotthayes2652]

And the Emmy for the best opening KZbin video of 2019 goes too......

[@MERKAMGCLK]

Love, Love, Love all my Seiko's - from my inexpensive ones to high priced - and OH my Spring Drive !!!!!!

[@alexcharliekowalski]

Thank you TGV again. I love your videos. It makes my day better and makes me calm.

[@Adamsilvernail1881]

Love the production value in your videos, super enjoyable and funny. Keep making great content!

[@Joshualbm]

Great synopsis. I had no idea how refined their top tier efforts and innovations were. But Japanese craftsmanship has always been of the highest, almost mystical level in so many disciplines. And having practical, reliable and affordable product at the same time, pun intended, is just fabulous. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@jlo6388]

TGV made me buy more Seikos than any other influence on earth.

[@shisnatz2]

Absolutely great video, I usually don't comment but I had to leave one to support this channel! Keep it up!

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Amazing start. Love that you used the Seiko 5 meme. Also fantastic production. Keep up the good work.

[@Dralace]

My personal favourite Seiko watch is: Seiko orange monster gen 2. just gotta love those monster teeth indexies

[@fungus70]

Seiko is king ! This video is so good that I didn't notice much of Hugo 😄

[@MrBrendanox]

That opening was hilarious! Loved the video, too! Keep it up :D

[@ops70]

It’s more of a documentary than a simple video. Wonderful!

[@robertwaffel8248]

My personal favorite from the Seiko 5 line is the SNX111. Overall I am in love with 60s and 70s Lord Marvels, King Seikos and Grand Seiko.

[@wotv.mangudai]

Came to think of it but we owe Japan a lot. Thank you!

[@doctorjoost]

You really go into detail, man! Love that!

[@niensaechao5222]

That was a great intro TGV! Loved it

[@luiscamacho4778]

Great video! I’m going to Japan in December and one goal is to visit a Grand Seiko boutique. Gave my son an SKX009 to kick off his senior year in high school and he’s loving it. I have both the SKX007 & 009, and a modded 007 from Long Island Watches. Favorite Seiko is my SARX035; beautiful watch!

[@brianfuller7691]

There are 3 brands that folk aka actual people either own or have owned- at least once. These are Timex , Seiko and Casio. You are spot on with all your points. For me, Seiko is awesome. Seiko is iconic in horlogical history but they have never stood on that history..Seiko is still challenging Swiss dominance today. Seiko does truly specialise in everything and that drives snobs absolutely mad.

[@koalatheworld]

I am subscribing to this excellent SEIKO promoter 😊 Just got my first SEIKO 5 and I am blown away by the craftmanship. Looking forward to more of these videos.

[@PukaHeadMan]

Excellent Video. Your hard work and research is very well appreciated. I am a new subscriber.

[@esa062]

So often when a watch is tested by a tyrannosaurus, it is not specially trained :-) Well said. Too many watch people fail to see Seiko for what it really is. If I had to limit myself to only one Seiko, considering all aspects, it would be the one I'm wearing now, the green Alpinist. It is such a perfect storm of style, class and toughness and not so expensive that you have to worry about it.

[@silverghost4206]

My ⌚ is off to you..... I agree.... Or the snow flake.. If one seriously wanted that ⌚....

[@zafert85]

The Seiko SLA025, 6159 reissue, is my favorite Seiko watch!

[@muzzaball]

Absolutely fantastic history of a wonderful and diverse watch maker. I liked your comment about Seiko putting Horology first - that sums it up. I have been a fan for as long as I can remember and wholeheartedly agree with all that you have presented and said here. I must say that it makes me happy to hear that you are such a fan of the marque, considering your personal watch ownership history. I just love watching and listening to you and your vids, Cheers.

[@dbfcrell8300]

This is one of your best videos... very informative, and you surprised me with your knowledge of components and things that push my OCD, like misaligned chapter rings. Kudos! Oh, and I love Seikos. Still have my first one from the 70's.

[@kevinbarrow9588]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for justifying my love for this wonderful brand! I got hooked to Seiko in 2015, when the company I was with at the time gave me an SNQ010 quartz perpetual calendar as a 5 year anniversary gift. Since then, my collection has grown quite a bit. Let's just say every day could be Seiko Saturday for me, and it would take a few weeks for me to cycle through every one of them. Great video, as always, TGV. Keep them coming. Cheers!

[@SUBARUSTI-it9jv]

The most famous ads of Seiko that amazed me in the mid 90's is "SEIKO KINETIC AUTO RELAY" I was a boy and poor but I dreamt to own Seiko one day in the future. Now I own a 1994 Seiko kinetic that has been 2 times repaired to authorized Seiko service center for the last 12 years. It's full of scratches and dings but I cherish it .

[@edmundlectura7907]

TGV, your videos taught me a lot of things about watches. They were the reason I became an enthusiast. I would really appreciate it if you make a review about Seiko kinetic watches. Thank you!

[@BaadSaint]

My favorite is the 1st mechanical watch that I ever owned. At 52 years old I discovered your amazing channel and was inspired to purchase it by you, TGV! The Seiko SNK809. Thank you!

[@TheHynza]

yes, seiko has serious quality control issues. and yes, the brand no longer offers the tremendous value they used to offer. but still, seiko is one of my favorite watch brands. and i still think that skx is a great watch with its all imperfections. it is a keeper.

[@VersedNJ]

True, and if any luxury brand had qc issues like chapter rings being off, they just write it off as a quirk.

[@davidcoleman2463]

I did read this. I love Seiko watches. I hope they fix this.

[@jaysekhon8014]

Seiko has way more positive than a few negatives.. I believe that high success rate is more than the others lol

[@michaelbishop9157]

this is my issue - serious quality control and mistakes like the new Seiko 5. Plus the limited edition GS watches which are so hard to get.

[@9alt0]

Their divers are all so sexy.. the turtle and marine master 💗

[@degenerateWA]

Fantastic video. Greatly appreciate the quality of editing and information you put out. Also, Seiko is great; very high quality while remaining humble as is the common Japanese theme.

[@manharbhatia6331]

Amazing video. I am actually addicted to this channel now. My love for Seiko is new. Bought their coutura solar watch and got the seiko bug. Now i have 4 more shortlisted which i am planning to buy soon. Starting with Prospex Padi Chronograph special edition. And maybe someday would love to buy a Grand Seiko !! Thanks for these amazing videos.

[@lucianomagana3231]

Excellent TGV, as usual. Putting Seiko even more on the map! ("He can't even tell a quartz from an automatic" Hahahah).

[@quakerlyster]

Wearing my Credor Phoenix with 8L35 movement, the "undecorated and unadjusted" version of the 9s55 GS. movement.

[@tnkwok9682]

So much fun to watch your video!

[@Long-nd8bq]

Excellent information provided here TGV. I have a couple of Seiko pieces in my collection but after watching this and learning about the brand I appreciate them much more now. They truly have a wide variety of pieces for every corner of the market it seems, and the fact that they beat the Swiss at their game makes them even that more impressive. I'm now looking online to see what my next purchase will be and after watching this I'm shopping for another Seiko. I used to just think of Seiko as mall jewelry store watches because that's what I see in the displays of the local shops but I now value them more as a quality built, reliable, affordable time piece with outstanding selection.

[@Right_Hand_Watch]

Bell-Matics and Pulsometers are on my list!

[@vladpiranha]

The Seiko Monster is what I consider to be Seiko's most underrated achievement. Making a dive watch that didn't resemble the Rolex Submariner was risky and difficult, but to make something that endured long enough to become an icon in its own right is the stuff of legend.

[@Fifikec]

That intro was amazing!! :D You always seem to come up with better and better intros... I wonder what's going to be the peak :D

[@matthewscott3689]

Awesome intro! It reminded me of the Matrix when the channels are just clicking through and the picture is distorted. Then blending right into that twisting and turning watch movement. Amazing! Very well done :)

[@davidcoleman2463]

I have a Seiko Sarb o35 . I love it. I love everything Japanese . Beer . Cars . Women . Lol

[@mipal7]

You also have to go to the Seiko museum in Tokyo as well! I went last year and it was fascinating! A Seiko Fan-boy's dream!!! Thanks for this video :)

[@eihabhani5941]

Top quality video production, research, content, topic, presentation, this is why The Urban Gentry is the best channel for horology! Keep up the fantastic job TGV

[@UB3RN3RD]

I really enjoy the video editing. Nice work

[@nrbrown5985]

Seiko does it all and they do it well. I’m in agreement on this.

[@andersonbowes7065]

The Arnie... I remember when my uncle got one in 1988 and I was obsessed.

[@squarestanley]

I haven't watched the entire video yet, but I felt compelled to praise the intro on this one! Best yet!!

[@vincenzocherubini2424]

If only all these info vids were as fab as this. Brilliant! Absolutely top-knotch, old chap!

[@NateTrucker92]

Seiko may not be perfect in every way, but I firmly believe they are the best bang for your buck out there. I love many other brands but I will always have a Seiko in the rotation. The fact they make quality watches at every price point and to such high standards and all in house tells me they are an outstanding company that knows great watches are for everybody....not just the affluent. Great video TGV!

[@theurbangentry]

YESSSSSSSS!!! I am with you brother!!!! You hit the nail on the head with this comment, thank you my friend. *insert firm manly hand shake and nod of respect here. Best regards, TGV

[@JSarmat86]

@NateStevens1992 "I firmly believe they are the best bang for your buck out there". Nate, please wake up! This statement is no longer relevant, no more. They are going upmarket. They want to be Seiko 5 at the price of a moonwatch, they want to be the next Omega. "The fact they make quality watches at every price point and to such high standards"... please stop reading this mantra, it's simply not true. The fairytales about japanese quality just faide away when you take in your hands an SKX. The 4r35 costs 30 USD, but they still put 7S26 in their lowerend models. How old is that movement? 20-30 Years? Seiko's lower end models are put into a shame by their chinese counterparts. It's a fact.

[@rafaelteixeira2739]

How the FK is seiko the best bang for buck LOL. It COULD be in the higher-end pieces, but cheap seikos are not as good as cheap casios. CIRCLEJERK more.

[@rafaelteixeira2739]

@@JSarmat86 SORRY MATE, if i had seen your comment I wouldn't have commented myself. I AGREE MATE, seiko is NOT a value brand.

[@JSarmat86]

​@@rafaelteixeira2739 , don't be sorry, your comment was on a subject. I like it. Besides, i will just know that i'm not alone ;) I undestand the people who sell watches - they don't want to ruin their realtionship with the manufacturers, but it's incomprehensible to my mind just how buyers can be such a blind. You take the SKX in your hands, you know that the same watch if it was made officially in China would'we have the price tag of 70 USD or less with the 4r35 movement. Seiko sells it for 200 USD and everyone says "it's a great bang bor the buck". No comment.

[@imabeliever85]

I love my Citizen watches, eco drive technology rocks! But I would like to get a Seiko some day.

[@Trump2024Kentucky]

Seiko makes some excellent Solar watches too which I love.

[@mizanurrahman-yt5et]

may your wish be fulfilled soon

[@imabeliever85]

@@mizanurrahman-yt5et Retroactive wish answered! I now have a Seiko bottlecap root beer watch. I love it.

[@twnll]

I am already a seiko fan, this video makes me love seikos even more! BTW, great intro!!

[@miguelmaldonado6049]

I read the comments and I think all has been said. Well documented and very well presented content. Selecting my favorite SEIKO is all thats left to close my comment....a very difficult task. The Quartz sbbn 031 and the automatic sbdc 053. Congrats 🍾🎊🎉

[@WrldFamousB]

My favorite Seiko is the SRPC49 “Ninja Turtle”

[@JR-gp2zk]

0:19 Where in the heck did you find a Purple Rain t-shirt?

[@SilverBackELTorro]

❤. This is why this is my favorite channel. The stories are funny and the intro Beat is 🔥

[@glennharris3862]

I’m liking this episode after seeing the opening, hysterical. Bought my wife a Seiko SARB to get her into the hobby because of TGV’s advice. She loves it. Keep these shows coming.

[@ThePhatWabbit]

I love the Seiko Alpinist! I'm a one watch guy, and I found the Alpinist to be the only watch I need