This Underrated Grand Seiko Gem is Cheaper Than You Think

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@jeffdj1975]

Bought, sold, and bought back.

[@ajgross67]

Grand Seiko makes a lot of really cool watches, but this one is without a doubt my favorite. It is simple and not super flashy, but everything is done perfectly. And most importantly it is a grand Seiko that isn’t too big and not too thick

[@seannotaro473]

That's what she said!

[@Aggnog]

$4000 for a grand seiko is exactly what most people expect it to cost.

[@garyboyle695]

But an inferior Rolex is worth more?

[@Aggnog]

@@garyboyle695 I said cost, not worth.

[@trcs3079]

Sometimes I feel like this channel loves a bit of clickity click baity 😂

[@sergiootero5904]

🤣🤣

[@JayandSarah]

@@garyboyle695 you have lots to learn. Watch is more than watch. It is brand. Stick around watches for a few decades, you'll understand.

[@jesuisnoach]

Is seiko can put a mechanical movement on this, i dont understand why cartier charges a comparable price for the tank quartz.

[@sanghoonlee5171]

I have this watch and also SBGM221, the GMT model. This is a perfectly sized little dress watch that can be worn casually with jeans and a sweater due to the shape of its crystal and an ivory dial that looks especially good matched with darker clothes. You will know what I mean when you put it on and see it from multiple angles. Basically a vintage watch for the 21st century. GS could easily have made this under 10mm thick but deliberately added a Plexiglas-like dome crystal and a sandwich profile to give some mass and volume to a smallish watch that might otherwise have appeared too slight. Trust me, this watch is damn near perfect in size and proportions. (The much-praised SBGM221 has a similar shape but looks fat next to this watch. It should lose 1mm in diameter and height, IMO.) Well worth the 4 thousand it costs. And the famous GS finish looks even better here because this watch doesn't have a single flat surface except on the back--it is entirely curves, like a droplet of dew resting on a leaf.

[@dorningarts]

It does seem to be nearly perfect. I find the drilled lugs a little odd, how do you feel about that?

[@sanghoonlee5171]

@@dorningarts Drilled lug holes seem to be common to GS's Elegance line, which this model is a part of. I know some people regard them as an inferior feature but I don't mind them because they let me remove straps without rubbing tool against the lugs.

[@robinmarples5198]

@japanwatchconnection not similar. If you want a mechanical watch manual winding... The spring drive is useless

[@brett2396]

@japanwatchconnection Spring Drive Grand Seikos are much bigger and thicker than this watch. They are definitely sports watches whereas this is a dress watch. Not the same thing.

[@erkang27]

I like your idea

[@lukifrieden1269]

My wife gave me this beautiful watch for Christmas 2024! Looked at it so many times…🙏

[@Vintage-s6n]

I'm confused..

[@jack7373]

Owned, worn for the past two years, often (and currently) daily, dressed down on an olive leather strap. Nothing has come as close to curing my watch lust.

[@rajmehta6210]

Where do you recommend for straps for this piece? Picked mine up recently

[@jack7373]

@@rajmehta6210 finwatchstraps, definitely. Critically, they’re able to do custom widths and tapers (SBGW231 has an unusual lug width of 19mm). 19mm buckles are practically nonexistent, so I highly recommend having them taper to a more common width like 16mm or 18mm. Take care and enjoy! (apologies if this ends up a duplicate post...)

[@Raushandefrost]

what type of seiko?

[@jack7373]

@@Raushandefrost this one, SBGW231

[@jpdemer5]

I have a 1950s Oyster Perpetual, and the visual similarities to this GS are remarkable. I love this understated, retro look in a dress watch. Today's Rolex screams "Hey, look, I can afford a Rolex!!!" - which is OK, I guess, if that's the message you want to broadcast. The GS, and that old Rolex, quietly say that "I appreciate a good watch." (Maybe only when you take it off and put it on the nightstand ... but that's a rather different situation.)

[@dkc9200]

Thank you very much for your wonderful work. Love the video, love the watch. Saw it on watchfinder on Saturday and bought it on Sunday. Now I am sitting here on tuesday with a new watch and a big smile on my face. thank you for an excellent and very fast service!

[@meddc1]

I have the SBGW235. Very similar but with the blue second hand and beads of rice bracelet. Superb. That is all.

[@BrandonPhilips]

What bracelet did you purchase?

[@Whineboy]

I have an SBGW035. It’s the 031 taken to the next level.

[@jswede1]

235 is really good looking too.

[@meddc1]

@@BrandonPhilips It came with the watch.

[@thegraciefighter102]

Ia there a reason they don’t bother finishing the underside of the hands ?

[@kumarromal]

Will get this one as my first luxury watch when I can

[@Jason_Quinn]

Three minutes in and if the images weren't synced to the parts of the watch being described, I would wonder if this were the wrong audio track. Way to build suspense! I love your videos but this one stands out.

[@DodyChai]

Please stop, you’re making the prices go up when I’m trying to save up for one

[@aCrowsfeet]

I’ve had at least 5 Grand Seikos references that have been on my bucket list for the past two years. But one particular visit to the GS boutique absolutely flipped what I thought was my “definitive” wishlist. The SBGW231 is an understated, minimalistic, 3 hand dress watch that surpasses it’s perceived value by miles. Try it on, and you may not want another dress watch in your collection anymore.

[@WatchUnwind]

Did you buy it

[@edwinramos4910]

The polishing on Grand Seiko hands and indices capture and reflect light in spectacular ways, yet the person who set up the lighting for this video somehow managed to make the watch look subdued and almost bland in every single frame. It's impressive how completely unimpressive you were able to make this gorgous watch look.

[@marvindebot3264]

Agree, those hands are amazing in person. Lume? Who needs it?

[@panostsak]

I love its simplicity and elegance, looks stunning but also understated. It can be worn with a suit or just casual attire. I know that as a brand Seiko will not be as "cool" as a Rolex or Omega, but I really prefer it and its looks. Also, I really do trust the Japanese and their craftsmanship when it comes to items made with such care.

[@bernardcohen3245]

This watch is a spiritual awakening

[@Geoduck.]

You said it perfectly. "Timeless", a classic accurate reliable timekeeper.

[@pas0003]

I actually bought this, however ended up returning after two days. It's a gorgeous watch, however I found that high polished hands and markers are incredibly hard to read in low light and also hard to read in open sun, due to how much they reflect the surroundings. Another feature that looks amazing but doesn't help the readability is the cream dial. That being said I still lust over it even though I returned it and keep going back and forth on getting another one, potentially second hand.

[@davidthom7127]

Black or blue dial ?

[@pas0003]

@@davidthom7127 cream!

[@davidthom7127]

@@pas0003 no, I'm suggesting you'd see the indices better if the dial was either blue or black. 🤣

[@pas0003]

@@davidthom7127 ah yes, indeed! I got a sbgx261 after that with black dial and brushed instead of polished hands and it's readable with no issues. I guess cream dial and polished hands is a bad combo

[@davidthom7127]

@@pas0003 very classy indeed 🤩

[@balesjo]

For me, the simplicity of this Grand Seiko is appealing. There is a quietness in the design, no bling, no extraneous complications, no guilloche dials or things that distract from the purpose of the watch - to show the time. I have a Longines Flagship watch that has this level of simplicity and I find it a beautiful watch, no matter how I dress (and since I'm retired, I'm mostly in sweats and casual wear!)

[@WatchUnwind]

You said it well. Such a super clean and simple watch but done at a very high level. I feel the same about the newer Rolex OPs. The GS is a manual wind though so it’s even simpler and more refined, plus you can see the movement. Longies is a great brand I own a hydroconquest

[@JaySmith-pv2mw]

Im so tempted to get this as my first "luxury" watch.

[@sujaybhat]

Can you feature the New Cartier Tank Must. The three coloured dials?

[@derosa1989]

love this watch, the only thing that would take it to the next level is a power reserve on the back. i love manual wind watches, but something like this wouldn't be a daily wear watch, maybe twice a week. To make it just that much more special, a reserve feature would be cool, just not on the dial!

[@WatchUnwind]

I agree

[@rashakor]

+1

[@truonggiangnguyenpham2793]

The power reserve indicator is reserved only for the Spring Drive movement.

[@MrDanielEarle]

The new SBGY007 has that, if you're ok with a spring drive. To me it is a perfect watch.

[@balesjo]

Was thinking the same. Has anyone seen a manual wind with a power reserve indicator?

[@donmac7780]

She's real and down to earth! A pleasant surprise.

[@robinmarples5198]

Unknown? Surely not by the enthusiasts. Picking mine in few months.

[@kaenban3438]

Ahh this channel makes me want to buy all the watches they review 😩

[@WatchUnwind]

Do it !

[@ghouleggy5634]

Noob question: is this GS model is much better on the reliability and quality than the Tudor BB58?

[@suddha1]

yes

[@dnlmoretti]

This is easily one of my favorite Grand Seikos. As great as the Skyflake and the Snowflake are (and even their more elaborate siblings from the seasons collections tbf), there is just something spellbinding about the perfectly executed simplicity of the sbgw231 - absolutely beautiful

[@ramazanbaris2349]

look at the back of the seconds hand bouncing off the minutes hand at 2:17 (you will need to pause the video), that doesn't look clean at all

[@dostoevsky90]

Just wanted to ask if it is better than kingseiko SJE087 limited edition.

[@motomundo1592]

Perfect stealth wealth watch!!

[@miopera40]

The Kuoe Royal Smith wipes the floor with most grand seikos when it comes to classic look. You'll have probably to sacrifice a few seconds on the movement but everything else is a better bang for the money.

[@bernardcohen3245]

High end SEIKOs can become an addiction. Be careful they will control your life

[@jbbrabant]

Excellent presentation as usual. The simplicity and craftsmanship is quite appealing. Who really needs a date complication in this day and age. Access to the date & day, for that matter are everywhere. It’s good to hear you again.

[@dieterftw]

Same thing is with time itself. Its not about the need for a watch, its about the craftmanship. Date complications are just more complex

[@jbbrabant]

@@dieterftw so true. I’ve had a love affair with time pieces since I was a kid

[@LorianandLothric]

Watchfinder himself said it's not about what the watch does but how it does it that makes the palms clammy. The date complication a mechanical novelty, not a necessity. None of this is necessary. Your phone tells the time too, there's no need for a watch to do it. But that's not the point of owning a mechanical watch.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Oh this watch is too food! Minimal perfection! 😍✨

[@gobanssibia4057]

PLEASE DO SOME MORE GRAND SIEKO CONTENT 🦍🦍

[@michaeleccles3336]

It is, for normal folk who can't justify a VC patrimony, just about perfect. It's absolutely my next GS.

[@WatchUnwind]

It’s a stunner

[@RyukyuStyle]

I actually like the way this one looks, but I hate the majority of Seiko watches in general, and not just cuz its trendy. But because of the way the bezel attaches to the straps. I find that Seiko and GS tend to have this awkward squareness to their corners. This one however looks much smoother. 10/10 would rob someone for this watch. most other GS would get a hard pass from me.

[@erkang27]

Spgw231 is absolutely everyday dress watch take to work! Accuracy and balance

[@17747]

no, the polishing is very sensitive , but it is my perfect sunday watch.

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

How does Gareth Southgate find the time to manage England and narrate these videos?

[@itsallrobbish]

Sorry, this guy does not sound like Gareth Southgate. Try Alan Davies, his voice is so similar. He’s on a show called QI, in the UK. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKCqaoWwfLKDp9U

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

@@itsallrobbish We'll have to disagree on this. I don't think he sounds anything like Alan Davies, who has a slight lisp. I do think he sounds a bit like Gareth Southgate.

[@goingplaces1980]

This watch, or the Grand Seiko SBGR261. Heaven!

[@The_Slow_Z]

I'll be honest the way he asks and thanks us for subscribing is so honest!

[@briang530]

I've almost bought this several times. At CAD 5400 it seems like a great deal for a really elegant dress watch at a price point where I wouldn't be worried about wearing it daily. The problem is that when you actually hold it and try it on it's so much better than you'd suspect. I'd cry if I scuffed even a little bit of the polish or the beautiful box crystal. I'll still likely pick one up, but I suspect it will only get worn in very formal circumstances.

[@rajgill7576]

I daily a seiko and own a couple GSes as well. Their mineral crystal has never scratched on me, and sapphire is superior. The watch body is going to get a little scuffed, so be it haha I say enjoy and wear that watch often! I even have worn my GS to work a couple of times

[@jeffdj1975]

I have one for sale in Canada if interested?

[@WatchUnwind]

If I didn’t get an OP 41 this was definitely in my top consideration. I wanted something time only and clean

[@_ChadM]

The reason why 60% of viewers are not subscribed is that they are staying away from the temptation of getting these watches.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

If I can buy an anti-magnetic, automatic winding, Baume & Mercier with a 5 day power reserve at 10.3mm thick (for £2k), why is this Grand Seiko 11.6mm ? I am a fan of Grand Seiko but they still make their non-quartz watches too thick.

[@humblewiz4953]

Ref no pls

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@@humblewiz4953 There are many references depending on colour of the dial and bracelet or strap. They also do COSC and non COSC versions but the ones without certification are just as accurate. My non COSC version runs between +1 to +2 second per day worn and conveniently -1 second if left on the table overnight. Look for reference M0A10467 for the blue version. Discounts are significant.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@@humblewiz4953 I'll add that there are a few You Tube videos for these Clifton Baumatic watches from various respectable reviewers.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@Jake Roberts It is a manual wind watch. Many brands such as JLC produce automatic wind watches at around 8mm thick in the same price bracket. The box crystal normally adds a couple of millimetres but without the automatic wind rotor you lose that 2mm again. Grand Seiko should be making their hand wind dress watches at 8mm or 9mm thick at the most. It is not just the dress watches either. Some of their sport watches are more than 14mm thick. The SBGE255 GMT watch for example is 14.7mm thick for some reason that I cannot work out.

[@rohanpandey4364]

Buy coz you enjoy it .. :) I have the Baumatic and Grand Seiko .. both are charming in their own way

[@Polter6eist]

With this Bene Gesserit trained voice, you could sell swimsuits to the polar bears or convince some imperial troops that those are not the druids they are looking for...

[@CMC5961]

The hyperbole implies that the person's persuasive skills are so powerful that they could convince even polar bears to buy something they absolutely do not need. I bought a few watches after watching his videos...Omger, Grand Seiko, ...I do not need them, but wanted them...

[@niallduffy6907]

Don't think he mentioned in the video, but does anyone know what the power reserve is from a full wind on this model. Lovely elegant looking watch.

[@konidu971]

70 hours more or less

[@Mr-Merchant.]

72hrs

[@niallduffy6907]

@@konidu971 appreciate your reply, thank you.

[@niallduffy6907]

@@Mr-Merchant. appreciate your reply, thank you

[@blasphemer_amon]

Do the same thing with spring drive and a blue hand

[@apoorvarya2865]

Can anyone send me the information of the music I begging from all the video by watchfinder and couldn't find the answer. Even Goole assistant can't find the music 😔😢

[@JohnJohnson-kg4ek]

I've always wanted a watch that personified the word "watch"

[@BronzMost91]

I didn't really need any additional persuasion to convince me that the SBGW 231 will be my next serious watch purchase, but if I did, this would certainly have done the trick. Congrats on another outstanding watch video.

[@bloodshot6]

Great review, I'll be keeping an eye out for one.

[@DecemberNames]

Thank you for another great video

[@imgonnagetbanned]

This would be my next watch, if not for the 30m water resistance...

[@errolmacdonald3256]

"Rob me, and leave my corpse in the guttah." I liked that.

[@Jimirnard]

Un hommage aux montres suisses IWC Ingénieurs des années 1950 - 1960?

[@michaelbarry3038]

Elegant summing up of a little gem

[@sakikogookheng]

What year was this model released? It must be recent, as the 9S64 movement it uses only introduced in 2019. I know it was developed in 2011 though.

[@brad4908]

I just don’t understand why the dial is wrecked with GS sitting directly above the Grand Seiko. One, or the other, and this would be bought and put into regular rotation on my wrist.

[@foesfly3047]

I like so many things about this reference. But the absence of a power reserve indicator would annoy me every time I look at, wear or think about it.

[@Horologique]

Amazing video as usual, but is this really as far off in finish as a Calatrava like the video says? I sincerely doubt it. It would be wonderful to see a comparison!

[@marvindebot3264]

No it's not. The fit and finish on this watch is all by hand and is superb. It presents much like a stainless Patek.

[@ShashankD137]

For some reason this watch makes me want to sell all my watches and live a simple life lol

[@AmunRa2024]

GS is a True Watch Collectors Dream😍

[@alvarortega2]

My Longines Conquest Heritage, for a fraction, gives me the same warm simple feeling and has an exceptional champagne dial and gold markers... ETA, I know...

[@soulmaster63]

…And some watch enthusiasts might argue that the Grand Seiko SBGW231 gives them the same feeling as the Patek Calatrava at 25% of the price. The price/value continuum in the luxury world is ad infinitum. GS is presently( not for long)a fabulous value proposition. Hand made, relatively low volume, in house calibers, superb finishing , dazzling dials, vertically integrated.

[@soulmaster63]

@Bruno Desrosiers I purchased a Calatrava with a hobnail bezel for $3500 16 years ago. It’s present value doesn’t make the watch any better. When my GS SBGW273 is delivered ( same watch as the 231 with a special Kira-Zuri dial, limited to 140 pieces) I will conduct a side by side comparison 😀

[@ritul89]

This is a seriously good looking watch! ..

[@bani_niba]

Beautiful styling and sensible size for a dress watch.

[@ishanjoshi1350]

How much does an average used GS watch cost to maintain ?

[@james0433]

Hey how do I buy this exact watch you filmed , would be great love from England , London❤️❤️

[@HlGHFIVE]

so what is the price?

[@medtrabelsi1748]

Why would anyone buy a Rolex or an Omega when Seiko has these incredible timepieces with unparalleled accuracy, great heritage, and outstanding quality?

[@AaronDAntoni]

Your presentation and writing of these videos arouse and inspire the imagination. If not for your attention to detail and subsequent explanation makes for beautiful loquaciousness.

[@mi626]

Thanks and you are welcome.

[@arun2995]

Bravo!! Your video is as elegant has the subject itself

[@expomm]

Beautiful, however I prefer the Seiko Spring Drive, it is quantum leap in technology.

[@montrealreview6337]

My favorite GS, simple and a mechanical hand winding

[@WatchUnwind]

Same , hope I can get one of these one day it’s on my Radar for sure

[@GG55-L]

The screws on the back not for me

[@kingsleycy3450]

The standard bearer in its price range. I won't even consider a watch if it isn't at least better than a GS.

[@WatchUnwind]

What brands do you consider equal to GS

[@japd7897]

"Could be the last one you wear" I imagine someone with a black suit in a coffin.

[@aslamc9288]

It’s a beautiful watch for sure and over the years I’ve warmed to spending this kind of money for something that says “Seiko” in one form or another on the dial. I would love having something like this as a dress watch in my collection, but at 37mm, it’s just a few hairs too small for my wrist. If they did a version in 39mm or 40mm, I could easily see myself making it my next watch purchase.

[@user-wr6nj8du1r]

the hands seem really bent downward in these macro shots

[@canonyeo4286]

They're bend to curve with dome dial

[@AnitaSpankyBB]

That's a beautiful looking watch

[@blethook]

I have the predecessor of this watch: The SBGW001, with the 9S54 movement. I always prefer watches with solid case backs. Unfortunately, most of recent GS watches now come with see-through case backs.

[@MafiosoARM]

This video makes my choice for the first GS even more complicated haha. Other candidates are the Sbga211 (Snowflake) and SBGA469. Which one is more versatile and timeless?

[@soulure]

I went with the sbga413 for the dial and have absolutely zero regrets.

[@brett2396]

Very different watches. This is a manual smaller dress watch vs those much bigger sports watches.

[@soulure]

@@brett2396 good point, I thought this one had automatic winding at first. This is as bare bones as it gets.

[@brett2396]

@@soulure not bare bones. It's a different take. It's a simple hand wind watch meant to be a dress watch.

[@richardmurphy9006]

Right size and the price is 👍 GOOD

[@chorltonville]

Brilliant YT channel. Very educational. Like your humour. Your chats with your mate, so clever, bravo. My Camel Trophy, never lost a second, 30 years+.

[@Melvozoid]

You're the David Attenborough in this field.

[@matthewcarlton5693]

Reminds me of my 5500 Air King looks great.

[@edlee7518]

glad i got one below retail and also the limited edition green ones before this came out lol

[@andreidinu7316]

Where did you get the green one?

[@edlee7518]

@@andreidinu7316 i have the 277 from an AD after calling like a dozen places, right place right time i suppose and i bought the 275 from a fellow collector

[@curtbrown7718]

Beautiful in its simplicity.

[@markiangooley]

I want the accuracy of a radio-controlled or GPS-sync watch with a minimal dial only barely more complex than this watch’s. There are almost none that aren’t gaudy and tarted-up. Maybe I have to go back to an expensive mechanical watch…

[@Roughdraft214]

The best mechanical watches are going to be about +/- 2 seconds per day, far from atomic ones. Spring Drive you might get +/- 2 seconds per week, but that’s still far from atomic watches as well. The closest thing might be GS quartz which is about +/-10 per year, the HAQ models with the gold star are rated +/-5 seconds per year but I don’t know if they have just a three-hander. I have the SBGT241 with the day/date feature and it’s so accurate I can’t measure it, so within 1 second per year probably.

[@davidbreckler5327]

Top of my list. Saw one last month. Great watch! But don't tell everyone...they are already hard to get...

[@rajmehta6210]

Easy enough in the UK. Picked mine up with 15%of list.

[@dannymccartney3135]

@@rajmehta6210 Could i ask which website or shop please?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video guys 👏 that GS is beautiful!

[@Ninja_Revenge]

SBGW283G sky blue version is my favourite

[@camoflag100]

My experience is that the SBGW231 case attracts scratches like no other. Partial or full brushed satin finish would improve the look of the watch and help maintain its condition. It's not waterproof at all which is a real pity. This is a fantastic watch from aesthetic and size points of view but unfortunateIy I chose to replace mine with an Oyster Perpetual 36mm which is nowhere near as elegant but fulfills the basic and essential criteria for daily wear i.e. durable finish and waterproofing. I hope you read this Grand Seiko and take note. Just a little more refinement and this watch could easily knock Rolex base models of their lofty perch .....

[@rorypalantor]

The OP is beautiful but that is a sports watch, the SBGW231/301 is a dress watch! It is supposed to polished and jewel like, meant for dressing up not beating up. Satin finish would completely change the style of watch. Water resistance is 30m which is common for dress watches like Calatrava or Saxonia thin.

[@cedarcanoe]

Thank you!

[@toniwonkanobi]

I had this for a while. A great piece.

[@HandFromCoffin]

I was excited about a GS for under $1000.. sadly it was not less than I thought.

[@pranavkamath4329]

“Cheaper” pffft not after you put it on this channel! Fantastic watch though

[@machtschnell7452]

These have been very desired dress watches for quite a while. Simple elegance.

[@pranavkamath4329]

@@machtschnell7452 oh I know, Grand Seiko’s design language is my favorite

[@WatchUnwind]

These already seem to be sold out a lot of places and going slightly more over retail used than brand new

[@soulure]

ahaha isn't that the truth. Any watch on this channel goes up