This Grand Seiko Deserves More Love - SBGY011 Asaborake Spring Drive Review

[@ozmondos]

44GS case, smaller proportions, no date and power reserve on the dial, blued seconds hand, 100M WR. This watch ticks all the boxes! This is going to be my next GS!

[@chia-mingyang5804]

For my 16.5cm wrist, 36.5mm 44GS case fits much better than 40mm one.

[@MinuteMon]

I don’t doubt that!

[@JizzyNinja]

I got this watch and it hasn’t left my wrist. I was worried it would be a bit big, but it’s not - it’s an extremely nice wear.

[@hdjekso7930]

How large is your wrist?

[@JizzyNinja]

@@hdjekso7930 6.5 inches

[@basselamjad958]

IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS!!! WE LOVE GS.And this channel for showing appreciation for the brand that WE so oh dearly love

[@sketchlord]

This isn't a 44GS case, or any GS case for that matters, but I guess that's for Seiko to decide. They can call it whatever they want. But this is clearly the 45KS case.

[@Kingra5hid]

I have a 1979 Seiko 5 that my mom gave to me passed down from my grandfather. It has never been serviced and still works like new. Such a quality watch making company, I cherish that piece.😊

[@drzaius844]

When people talk about in house movements, I’m like b my $90 SNKL23 is all in house. Seiko is god tier.

[@duhbiyung]

Now I'm in between white omiwatari and this one. Will try these two on when I am travelling to Japan next month! Also been eyeing on the Omega Globemaster white dial..decisions decisions..

[@waterfordrs22]

Magnificent I would prefer this over the Omiwatari for sure. No desire to put this on a bracelet.

[@theenavybluemonster]

They need to put the Snowflake dial in this configuration. This one is sweet too.

[@MarcoCarag]

Great video! You've definitely caught my eye with this one. Though I was really excited when the Omiwatari first launched, I was a little disappointed with how it looked on my wrist. Your comparison here helped me understand why -- the dial:bezel ratio is smaller, and thus the watch appears smaller, despite the actual case diameter. That plus the fact that 44GS watches are a lot closer to the 60s-era GS/KS models I love makes this an apparent winner. I'll have to plan on truly making this comparison in person someday soon!

[@MinuteMon]

Thanks Marco! Stop by sometime - I’d be happy to show you in person

[@navidjoon1]

As much as love Omega, that GS is like 10 times better looking

[@BrandonMenancio]

Damn you Derek! Got me really diggin this one. Really happy it isn’t limited edition.

[@MinuteMon]

Hahaha, that’s literally what I say everytime you make a video

[@MistaRhoi]

Underrated and/or overpriced? Now that the market is settling a bit, I’m not sure they can be as successful with their ambitious pricing. $3K more than my SBGA375… not worth it.

[@trvr]

Those are 2 different watches - and 2 different buyers. I personally think it's a fantastic piece.

[@liddlyy]

Hi, Just curious, in your experience, what is the price difference between buying GS in Japan as a tourist (with tax rebate that is), and buying outside of Japan? Also, I am thinking of buying a steel bracelet, and my local AD in Hong Kong is asking for the full MSPP. Any insights? Tks. Eden

[@itsAsian513]

If this was in a 38-39mm case I would probably get it. Love the 44gs case but would like it smaller personally

[@MinuteMon]

Can’t disagree with that!

[@HJ-bd2rr]

@@MinuteMon I hope Grand Seiko read this - they should do 44GS in 38mm (because same movement can fit omiwatari already), copy the lume from SBGJ255, keep the 100wr, and introduced tapered bracelet - it will sell like hot cakes!!

[@HJ-bd2rr]

I hope Grand Seiko read this - they should do 44GS in 38mm (because same movement can fit omiwatari already), copy the lume from SBGJ255, keep the 100wr, and introduced tapered bracelet - it will sell like hot cakes!!

[@MinuteMon]

I’m all for this!!!

[@xBboySpazzx]

Big fan of this movement, it's Grand Seiko bleeding their Credor movement into the accessible masses. Granted, the price point is higher than we're used to, but for a thin spring drive especially with 10 bar, it shows the brand is really listening to opinions of their consumer

[@sergezerkin]

What do you mean their credor movement ?

[@xBboySpazzx]

@@sergezerkin The crater uses 3r14 movement if I remember correctly, the SBGY line it uses the 7r31. The infrastructure and the layout of both of these watches are very similar. Although the higher tier watch used this movement first, this watch uses a derivative of that same caliber

[@stevenrohatyn3783]

I own an SBGP005, so it was music to my ears to hear that the bracelet fits this piece.

[@janelavie4115]

What’s the point? It’s getting heaps of love already.

[@GregoryIngle]

Any chance that there is a beads of rice bracelet that fits?

[@angelosnofla]

The dial is so beautiful and very clean. No date and no power reserve. I like it except the fat lug design.

[@kewlger]

Man if this came on a bracelet I'd get it for sure

[@ericduan6047]

Better than Rolex DateJust, really better

[@a51nx]

This watch looks amazing on a grey strap. Absolute class.

[@karthikg6459]

8.1K USD, 19mm lug width, strap only and a fairly boring watch face. I think GS could have done better.

[@saritjitjuajun757]

Hi minute Mon, i just dont understand why many brands such as Omega , Iwc, Patek etc. make dress watch bigger like 40 mm dial as I read many comments complaining about too big. They actually need 36-38 mm. So do you think The watch trend has moved toward larger watches? That why all companies make dress watch 40mm. Instead. Im just curious about it if anyone can answer me please. Thank you so much

[@saritjitjuajun757]

Anyway my wrist size is same as you and i really love this watch and feel hesitant to buy it because of the size but I didn’t find 44gs case in 38 mm. Most of 44 gs case is 40 mm. I found one in36.5 mm but a bit too small for me as well and the dial is not beautiful like this one. But I think sbgy011 looks nice on your wrist.

[@roycedot]

Beautiful. I think I’d still take the Shunbun

[@edwardjohnson759]

THAT is the GS I've been waiting for!

[@dso1986]

I hope they make this with some of the other dials,

[@u.u.u9969]

Do they have this case in 42mm or 43mm? This watch is too small for me

[@kyleweber9760]

It's a stunner too, love it on the bracelet......

[@jamesmustin7289]

Thé Seiko cocktail watch similar . Thé you are showing does not look that different and across the table it would look similar. By looks alone the price of the Grand Seiko the price is not justified. That leaves the movement. The regular Seiko will keep time under a minute a day. How many thousands is the Grand Seiko over the Seiko. The price is not justified.

[@PabloTBrave]

They need better bracelets then I'd probably buy one ( probably from elegance collection as need of a dress watch ) . GS must know their movement, dials and finishes are top of league but the braclets are near dangerously close to religation zone.

[@rbntlin]

I just got SBGM221. It’s a lot lighter than my other watches. Can’t wait to get another GS by end of year.

[@sikco]

Can you review Linde Werdelin watches please? Seriously underrated!

[@htschmerdtz4465]

I'm amazed, I may never own one, but when I compare the best out of Switzerland, these are just so far ahead in the level of design, fit and finish. The difference in design esthetic is pure art.

[@sergezerkin]

Compared to what jlc and iwc ? Yes ! But those are not watches … they are like Seiko … compared to Kari voultaileinen or other perfections … these are good but nothing even close

[@htschmerdtz4465]

@@sergezerkin Not really seeing it from your point of view, but then I think it's also a matter of taste. Could I drop 10-large USD for an IWC? Yes, but it would be there on my wrist, staring back like an obscene extravagance because the emphasis of my life these days is about charitable and relief projects, (Samaritan's Purse). IWC makes beautiful watches, but they're not my thing; they get the details to perfection but oversized flat face aesthetic just feels more style-watch. If I'm honest though, I would admit to owning two large-face Skagen titanium chronos but these days I'm leaning more tool-watch. On the other hand, I have not ruled out that Breitling just yet, they're still honest pilot's watches.

[@gclip9883]

They are definitely above the ranks of Rolex and other brands in the same category, but nowhere near something like Patek Phillipe and Vacheron Constatin. I would even say that Jaeger Le-Coultre is a notch above Grand Seiko. The only two areas where Grand Seiko really shines are their dials and the technology of the Spring Drive movement.

[@thachnguyen5836]

@@gclip9883I own both the Reverso Medium Small Seconds and the SBGY003. The finishing of the GS is way ahead of the JLC. I love both of them but man, as JLC charge 11k Euros for the Reverso, I would say my Spring Drive is a bargain.

[@Rattlerbrand]

I bought the omiwatari 007 and put the 9 row bracelet form 013 on it £695 from seiko uk

[@Tomarco70]

The hands of GS ruins it for me....even the case it's boring, after that just couldn't care less about the movement.

[@docfluty]

i was amazed by videos and oline... went to check it out in person and wasn't impressed. I feel like the SBGY009 was much more impressive using the same case as the asaborake. Maybe ill go check it out again, as i was wanting and white dial... but the first impression wasn't good.

[@Davyjones5454]

I can’t wait the day GS comes with Limited Edition Yane dial. Inspired by the Roof Tiles of the GS factory.

[@АлександрМарочкин-б5е]

Очень красивые,но для меня слишком дорогие,увы. У меня были King Seiko 5625-7000,44-9990 и Grans Seiko 6145-8000,пришлось их продать,так и не смирился с их старыми царапинами,а исправить их почти невозможно.А этим хорошо бы было корпус из карбида вольфрама,чтоб на века сохранить их невероятную полировку в столь сложном корпусе,но этому не бывать.Иначе весь смысл точной полировки потеряет смысл.

[@jlim003]

If only they could get the spring drive into a sub-37mm case

[@googlehas]

@Minute Mon Seiko Watch your Frank Sinatra Watch ? Bulova. Bulova Frank Sinatra

[@esselsam2442]

wear can we get the straps which you showed in the video? Specifically the black and grey strap thanks!

[@rolexer]

you know i do agree on some watches. however, GS pricing is not optimal on a lot of references in order to give it an advantage. i am not saying it is not worth the price - i am saying if it is the same price you are not going to steal market share. yes i know it is 100% in house on every component.

[@flyingnematode]

I really want an SBGY013... the only thing that would stop it is a shunbun on elegant or evolution 9 shunbun 😅

[@Jmmm19]

What is that strap on the right at 6:03?

[@oscarlu1995]

Perfection.

[@expertreviews1112]

Slga013 is evo9?? I think it’s 44GS

[@premiumluis1337]

Was waiting for you to review this, I love this watch n I think you’re one of the few with an in depth review🙏🏼

[@67tagada]

Bonjour. Vous pensez quoi de la SBGY 007 ?

[@Thiccolo]

Man besides all the other gripes with Grand Seiko, they REALLY need to put more representative photos on their site. The pictures they take make alot of their watches look hideous, but when you see them in person they look stunning.

[@trvr]

Agreed - they need a lot of help in that department - the website doesn't do them any favours.

[@sinjon]

Love the dial, not a fan of the case/lugs

[@omerturk9462]

Very beautiful watch , Unfortunately it looks too big on your wrist. It would be a perfect watch in 38mm

[@kosmar]

cheers. i think I asked about the bracelet. Great!

[@yoonjeongsoo9378]

this watch truly is underrated

[@danlee944]

Many thanks for the bracelet tip! Great review!

[@abc123897554]

Is it just me? Manual wound and spring drive should not mix.

[@trvr]

It's just you. Spring drive is not battery powered - it's still a mechanical watch but combines this with an electronic regulator to deliver a high level of accuracy. Winding can be either manual or self-wind.

[@inova11901]

I am saving up for this beauty.

[@samsit]

Would the SBGY013’s bracelet fit in the SBGY011?

[@a51nx]

They're both 19mm, technically yes. Aesthetically, not sure..

[@kyleweber9760]

Love grand seiko......

[@basselamjad958]

Then get a collection of different Grand Seiko's and show the world what u own

[@vancouvervito]

I have to get this one - love the white dial. Question for you. How white is white? Is it as white as the snowflake? Does it has an “ivory” hue…not sure if you know what I mean - I guess I have to see it in person to really know!

[@MinuteMon]

The snowflake is more matte white while this SBGY011 is Sparkly white!

[@vancouvervito]

@@MinuteMon fantastic thank you! that’s what I was looking for

[@Mungo-Man]

Another home-run by GS 👍

[@duffydon1741]

Ohh my God, GS, Jesus!!!

[@VenerableYorge]

F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! 💯👍😀

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

How much do hey cost?

[@ET-cj8jo]

Watches have DNA ? Are you mad ?

[@MinuteMon]

Technically, your sentence has DNA, do you not see it?

[@joegil8955]

No anti-magnetic properties, end up getting magnetised like crazy

[@MinuteMon]

I haven’t seen or heard anyone’s Spring Drive watches getting magnetized, but then again people who usually buy GS are knowledgeable about watches to avoid magnetism

[@rousseau327]

From Joe Kirk of GS USA: "Spring Drive models are all magnetic resistant to 4,800 A/m - ISO Standard. However, it is not affected the same as traditional mechanical. Potential magnetism would be while exposed to the magnetic field, so no need to demagnetize." In any case, unless you are careless, you're unlikely to magnetize your watch anyway. I wear vintage watches very frequently, and have never had an issue.

[@atthelord]

Tbh I still prefer the SBGY013. I just prefer the way it looks, the dial especially. But you’re right..100m WR would’ve been amazing!

[@bifeldman]

Oddly, what always puts me off these very nice watches are the logo and name. The use of the black letter font seems clumsy and totally wrong for a Japanese product. And as if the is not enough, the two clumsy large letters reinforces the error. To my eye, they lack any elegance. I think the company should reconceive the dial marking. Think of the beautiful austerity of Patek or Lange.

[@JanPBtest]

3:15 This is what I don't like _at all_ about this new calibre: for reasons incomprehensible, Seiko decided to hide the mechanism from view. The thing looks like a cheap quartz watch from behind, as if there was not enough confusion between quartz and spring drive already. I'm going to sit this turn out until Seiko come to their senses. I'll probably just end up going for the classic snowflake, or maybe for the SBGC201 chronograph.

[@trvr]

There's probably a good reason for that. That said, brand like JLC and Patek will sell you a watch with superbly finished movements and a solid caseback so it just comes down to personal preference in choosing what you buy.

[@JanPBtest]

@@trvr Well, yes it's all about personal preferences. I'm just surprised by such an obvious wrong step.

[@rousseau327]

Nothing about that caseback looks like a cheap quartz movement

[@JanPBtest]

@@rousseau327 To me it does. I had to look twice to make sure this was not a quartz watch. Why on planet earth is the mechanism _covered?_ What sense _at all_ does it make in a watch like this? Not only mechanical but truly innovative and original mechanical? It just boggles the mind. I understand they really wanted to take the power reserve indicator away from the front but if this is the price to pay for this, then I'm out.

[@rousseau327]

@@JanPBtest dont have an answer for why they made the decision, but it does not objectively look like a quartz caseback, though I’d be interested in seeing some examples you have. What I do know is this design choice is echoed in the Credor Eichi 2, and that’s well received as a watch with a beautiful case back. This watch isn’t on the level of the Eichi, but it’s well finished, and looks objectively great. If you want a watch with more visibility into the mechanical components, this isn’t for you, but it also is miles above any quartz piece I know of in terms of case back.

[@Flikksverdelger]

Every watches look bad in a brown hands

[@juanfarrell1088]

I really don't understand gs' insistence in creating large dress pieces.

[@MinuteMon]

I too would’ve preferred a 37 or 38mm version!

[@juanfarrell1088]

@@MinuteMon exactly, that's the size this style of watch calls for. I even like how 36 looks on my 7.25 inch wrist.

[@trvr]

Not everyone is the same size nor has the same preference. The size is perfect for me. GS does have smaller cased models.

[@d.stiefel869]

Such an overrated brand. Too many models, too many movements, too many limited editions, too many annoying BS dial inspiration stories, models with bad time keeping, failure to listen to the wants of the collectors such as micro adjustments, cheap stamped clasps, too high of price increases. No idea why anyone would want to buy anything from this brand anymore.

[@trvr]

I guess it's not for you then.

[@rousseau327]

Every brand has its issues, Grand Seiko's main issue is their refusal to improve their clasps, and their awfully large sports watches with no smaller option in most instances. But to say "no idea why anyone would want to buy anything from this brand" is just having tunnel vision. They have some of the best dials in the business, and some of the best dial and case finishing at this price point (if not the best), have real history behind the brand. Seiko is the only company that makes Spring Drive movements, and they are 1 of 2 companies that consistently produces high beat movements. People complain when a watch company doesn't give them enough choice or enough access, people also complain when they do have both things. This just all comes down to what you like in a brand, there's no right or wrong. And regarding price increases, almost all of them (that have to do with their desirable watches) come with improvements in bracelet quality, new dials, new movements, and top tier movement finishing for the price. I'd have like them to not raise the prices as much, but you can't fault a business for doing that when they bring something to the table in the process. There's no objective reasoning behind saying they are overrated. They are still seen as "just an overpriced Seiko" by most people, and even most watch enthusiasts choose to fixate on GS's flaws while choosing to accept that of other brands. Their resale value is also no better than your average luxury watch brand. In what metric is Grand Seiko overrated?

[@clark2275]

Blasphemy

[@Aoelx]

You are right on several things but bad time keeping is ridiculous.

[@d.stiefel869]

@@Aoelx yeah it is ridiculous that they have had some serious timekeeping issues at these price points.