Visiting Grand Seiko’s Mechanical Watchmaking Studio In Japan

Come along as we take a look inside Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, the beating heart for the brand's mechanical watchmaking. A new studio opened in July of 2020, this studio embodies the essence of the brand while fostering a beautiful environment for its artisans to craft these sought-after timepieces. We take a look at the history of Grand Seiko while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that takes place behind every watch. If you want to see more videos like this, please leave a comment below to let us know!
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Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:46 Background & History
3:00 Technology
6:28 Manufacturing
7:05 Training
9:00 In-House Manufacturing
10:50 Grand Seiko Artisans

[@markgarretson689]

I had a dream of visiting shizikuishi studio for a long time. But cancer left me immobile for the past two years. As you’re the only watch vlogger whom I watch and appreciate, it’s great to see that you visited their studio and shared it with your subscribers. I remember I bought my first grand seiko from Ginza back in 1977 which I’m still wearing, and this video has brought me to tears. Arigato, Baldassare San.

[@tex24]

I love your comment!

[@BogdanDulgheru]

What a BS ... I have also cancer and I'd was in Japan ... You're a joke with your 77 GS. Send by email to Teddy the cure for C ... to be a better human. See you soon!

[@robertlock6041]

I was so sad tread your story Mark. Cancer is indeed the cruelest of diseases. Is it possible that you can recover sufficiently to make new plans to visit GS? I wish you a happy and peaceful Easter Mark, and a fervent hope that treatment will get you back on your feet again. Greetings from England, Bob

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Mark, comments like this and knowing people like you enjoy the channel truly means the world to me. I am so pleased to hear this video was able to connect with you and I am so sorry to hear about your health. Keep fighting and wear that Grand Seiko proudly, my friend!

[@leemartin2978]

I hope you recover sufficiently to return and buy yourself whatever you love

[@robcameron9351]

This is the content that puts Teddy in a league above the rest of content creators. What a way to celebrate a million subscribers!

[@mvptwndw]

この雫石工場がある岩手県に住んでいます！訪れていただきありがとうございます！ 岩手県は日本でも海外でも有名な場所じゃないので、たくさんの観光客が訪れて住む人も増えたらうれしいです！ あなたの動画で少しでも岩手の魅力が広がったらうれしいです。 動画にしてくださりありがとうございました！

[@ErikGenerik76]

Congratulations on 1 million subs Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you, Erik!

[@ashreethsharma9951]

Well deserved mate

[@BogdanDulgheru]

This was the point ... Now what 🤨

[@rictusmetallicus]

This video makes every other expensive watch look like simple show-off bling-bling.

[@dant.6364]

especially Breitbling lol

[@MakerInMotion]

A lot of luxury brands treat their manufacturing facilities like it's Area 51 so nobody can really appreciate what goes into it anyway.

[@Farrukh.R]

Look at how employees are treated, not as worker, but as Craftspeople. And this is reflected in the quality of their work.

[@arsalino1116]

why not appreciate one without discrediting others?

[@drsrsv8884]

​@@arsalino1116Poor losers love to hate, on brands they can't afford😂 Pathetic, really. Nothing new!

[@IoanMihali]

Watch master at Grand Seiko. That’s one job A.I. will never steal 👏

[@johnbonanni1731]

The Grand Seiko watches is truly a classy and elegant watch that deserves to be in the luxury watch category.

[@edhammond6911]

They are bro

[@Monami262]

Until they fix their bracelet, they can never stand level with the Swiss.

[@appleratpipe]

Lmao weabo simp

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Now we have to get GS to make a world class bracelet to go with their world class watches.

[@elevatedsupernova]

@@Monami262Just curious. What’s the issue with their bracelets?

[@konadora]

The immense discipline and pride the Japanese have in their work and craftsmanship - no matter how big or small it may seem - is truly remarkable and respectable. This video did an incredible job showing why Grand Seiko is just on another level compared to other watch brands. Thank you Teddy for such an in-depth and intimate visit to GS.

[@Chowjunbon]

Made in Japan = the best of the best, no matter making watches, food, clothes etc…. I’ve been to Japan many times, I remember just going into a 7/11 and the snack food would be better than lots of places in Europe . They learned how to make vintage clothes denim/ leather jackets from the old fashion machines but improved with better materials & higher quality stitching & making! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@edhammond6911]

Wow.Excellent video. Kevin O’Leary said it best about Grand Seiko. “You get a $70,000 watch for around $30,000.“ This video proves what I always say. SEIKO IS KING !!

[@newtonarori7344]

They're seriously underrated

[@kutter_ttl6786]

It's been like 10 months since their last video together? I think we're due for another collaboration between the two!

[@edhammond6911]

@@newtonarori7344 yes

[@edhammond6911]

@@kutter_ttl6786 Absolutely

[@tex24]

@@kutter_ttl6786 Well, I feel Teddy does just fine without Mr. Wonderful.

[@SezerKemal]

The most important thing matters to me when i buy a product as a consumer is a phrase of “Made in Japan” since my AIWA Walkman, Pioneer sound system and Mazda MX-5 Miata. Whatever they do, they make it like no other. I love Japan and its noble people. ♥️🇯🇵

[@dantepatel7909]

What really stood out to me is how they treat the business like a family. The Meisters are also human resources that oversee the novices and choose successors. It seems that each of the higher ups hold multiple roles. And they're also willing to train people who have no experience!

[@jleano609]

Classic Japanese Sempai/Kohai relationship

[@drsrsv8884]

Every brand is like that, weebs just love to simp, huh🤢

[@SuyongChoi]

GS will forever be my holy grail.

[@drsrsv8884]

It's not holy grail, they are cheap and obtainable. The opposite of holy grail.

[@jessedarko]

@@drsrsv8884you think a watch brand that starts at $6K USD is cheap?!?

[@CommissionerManu]

@@drsrsv8884alright mate, what’s your idea of a grail watch then?

[@AliEvcil10]

​@@CommissionerManua Rawlecks, obviously! What are you even thinking? Grand Seiko is a cheap, worthless piece of trash! You can buy a Rawlecks or even a Pteck Filip if you save for just 10 years more!

[@fj7509]

@@CommissionerManu Not Grand Seiko. And I own one lol. Grand Seiko can be purchased new for around 5k USD to 6K USD depending on if you get a discount. That's less than the average American spends on an international vacation (plane tickets, hotels, food, and tourism costs). Don't take a vacation for a year and buy a Grand Seiko.

[@inova11901]

Because of Teddy, my first luxury watch was a GS. I have worn it every day for the last two years. Everything this video embodies has made the watch a huge part of my life.

[@ichibansantos10]

Going to Japan is an awesome experience. I love their culture and how they put excellence into everything they do

[@kanondegeminis8747]

Spring drive watche are hybrid, they use electicity instead of a barrel

[@RealEstateBaby]

​@kanondegeminis8747 learn about spring drive before not calling it mechanical....it's a barrel that unwinds and charges a crystal that regulates movement.

[@garylangford6755]

Except for aligning bezels

[@frugye_13]

Grand Seiko video and Teddy achieving 1 Million subs just made my day

[@microchrist6122]

The Japanese have such a rich history of Mentor, student. In food, tattooing, engineering etc it’s awesome to see, especially being state sponsored or gov paid for apprenticeships like a lot of European countries do as well.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

One can learn from school, from books, but it’s nothing like learning from another human and his experience.

[@jackloh1124]

Been waiting for this for so long 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 thanks Teddy!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy it.

[@antburman]

Wow. Congrats on getting access. Remarkable discipline. The student-craftsperson says that only by following the teacher 100% will they eventually be able to develop their own style. Amazing.

[@nauyanelias]

This was cinema. Sheer Delight. Thank you Teddy and rest of the team for making this happen.

[@eyespy8088]

Precision and artistry working in harmony, that’s what the Japanese is known for. Simply beautiful. I have a few Seiko’s and are my favourites of my collection and looking forward to graduating to a Grand Seiko.

[@zo594]

Vertical manufacturing is always neat but on top of that, the onramp for new talent, and recognition of the machining operators is highly admirable

[@darthmaul2945]

The Rolex Submariner has been my "Holy Grail" watch for 20 years. I think now I would love a "Grand Seiko" instead.

[@KenzKarumarot]

Congrats on 1 M

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you very much!

[@gearandtrain]

This exact tour is open to the public for free, folks! And it’s fantastic. You just need to make a reservation online. That same Japanese gentleman guided my personal tour in 2023. Glad Teddy is sharing this experience broadly!

[@cylentone]

I love the connection Seiko has with their natural surroundings, especially in their dials. In the meantime, the way the Swatch Group has positioned their brands and swap movements among them, Grand Seiko has established itself as a luxury brand true to the term luxury. Craftsmanship, quality, passion, exclusivity, heritage, service. I think passion has gone missing from most Swiss brands.

[@kvb3955]

Wow, long time coming. Super excited to look at Shizukuishi, and its nice to see Joe again. Thanks for making this Teddy!

[@yousufanwar7030]

The only true innovators of modern watchmaking.

[@yijinsei]

Fan of Grand Seiko, thank you for bringing giving a voice to the makers of GS. Really makes me felt proud to wear what they take so much pride to create.

[@tacodias]

Teddy and team! What an introduction! I felt actual shivers watching this. Beautiful photography and cinematography! 🤯

[@USMCRonin]

Bought my first GS 2 years ago in Tokyo went with the “snowflake” so proud of it still.

[@spytromics]

This was so well produced.

[@Nerdum]

Love my Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. Seeing Teddy’s video makes me appreciate it even more. I look forward to my next GS purchase. Keep innovating!

[@SodapopTheOutsider]

You've outdone yourself with this one, Teddy. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to and watching these true masters of watchmaking in action. And what a stunning facility and location, too. Thanks very much for bringing us this video and a huge congrats on hitting one million subs. All the best....And if you celebrate, Happy Easter!

[@fatratmatt]

Spectacular videography! Thank you, this was a joy to watch.

[@DS-pb1hh]

Man, so cool! Thanks for introducing Grand Seiko Studio! I love my Grand Seiko (Spring Drive), actually it‘s Seiko branded! Owning it over 10 years and still working like new! Timeless design!

[@abouttreefitty]

What an incredible video! It’s amazing to see the level of craftsmanship that goes into Grand Seiko. Thank you for making this happen!

[@cocoyc495]

Thank you for the tour! Appreciate how it's focused on the people making the watches.

[@newtonarori7344]

The studio is as beautiful as the watches

[@alexanderverdoodt]

Yes 🎉 thank you Teddy. This channel is a gift that keeps on giving

Thank you for the exceptional content you have brought to us all these years! Totally deserved milestone, Teddy! We'll be with you in your future achievements!

[@ninjasrose1653]

Mesmerising stuff. The amount of care and passion on display by all involved is astounding!

[@ElectricShadowsZone]

Thank you, Teddy, for sharing your visit at this amazing watchmaking studio.

[@WHU448]

The craftsmanship of this video is insane!

[@russparkin6722]

teddy, your chill and personality are so refreshing. your content is unbeatable

[@sethbackus870]

Congratulations on 1 mil subs Teddy! Well deserved! Make a video about it. You earned it! 🙌🏻

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

A brilliant video and insight, thank you Teddy, my admiration for Grand Seiko is much higher after watching this and seeing the dedication and pride of the masters assembling the watches.

[@zetoch]

Thank you Teddy for this immersive tour of one of the most iconic watchmaking studios in the world. Impeccably done.

[@11fawkes11]

I love their approach to strive for perfection, reflecting the nature theme in their products, and their approach towards mastering the craftmansship of watchmaking... Outstanding pieces and nice presentation - thanks Teddy☺️👍

[@nightfallshooter4476]

My grandfather had good sense of picking up watches and did great job in handing over his Grand Seiko First to next generations. His grandson(me) who just turned 30 will cherish and actually use it for the rest of his life. Thanks for the great video Ted!

[@timgargis7565]

Thank you!! This and the Nomos tour are among my favorite of your collection of videos. Cheers!!

[@Deusmecumest]

Teddy, man... you hit it out of the park with this one.

[@qhuizatlantis8484]

Japan quality is outstanding 🇯🇵

[@jasonmiles8572]

You’re living the dream visiting all these wonderful workshops 👏

[@lukasz_zegarkowy]

Thank you Teddy for this wonderful journey

[@GuyVanderAa]

An absolute dream and privilege would it be to visit their facilities. I’m happy this superb channel exists so we can get a glimpse of what it would be like to be there. Grand Seiko is at the top of watchmaking as far as I’m concerned. Excellent video as always! Thank you!

[@ngharrison]

Love the video. Makes me proud to be a Grand Seiko owner and appreciating the significance of the brand in quality watchmaking.

[@scottcrowell361]

Huge congratulations on 1 million!!!!!! 🎉

[@readrepairs]

Love the fact that everyone respects the snow in front of the building.

[@AamirTime]

Grand Seiko is the pursuit of wonderous perfection ans fantastic watchmaking.

[@canadsian2747]

This is fkn GOAT watch content. Yours is the best out there. Thank you for this, Teddy. Keep it up bud

[@Koishishibaman]

Thanks for the great video Teddy. Very well done. Shows the human element, and pride these craftsman have. Very cool to see the people who made, and adjusted my high beat gs. Hand made, no robots here! Seeing this really make you appreciate what you have on your wrist.❤ Thanks again

[@austinreiter2594]

Thanks Teddy! This was the video I needed. I love that you do all this. I just met Joe at the NYC boutique and he’s an amazing person. It’s so cool to see this behind the scenes of this unbelievable brand! Teddy you are one of one in this industry!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you for this kind comment, Austin! Appreciate it brother.

[@leonardmartin6048]

What a high quality insight in the work Grand Seiko is doing. Fascinating brand, after watching it even more so.

[@TheEmmetdocbrown]

That was beautiful! Thank you for this high qualitiy content. You can literally feel the passion they have for their watches. It is not only a product. It is a masterpiece. Every single one of them. Greetings from Germany.

[@luisrocha8779]

That’s a true honor. GS is a perfect marriage of craftsmanship, respect for nature, tradition and technological prowess. My respects

[@krazyjit8770]

Thank you for bringing such an awesome video to us. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen from you ever. Very cool to see the inside workings of accompany such as this.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Been waiting for this video! It's nice to see the appreciation Grand Seiko has for nature when designing their studio, and it goes beyond their marking for inspiration in watchmaking.

[@markfoggy9933]

I had tears in my eyes when the video started, That's a special experience Teddy and I understand how much it means to you.

[@conradc9700]

This is on my bucket list, to visit the Grand Seiko studio and to buy a watch directly from. You sir are living the dream.

[@sander5086]

Thank you Teddy for showing us all these amazing factory's!! Really enjoyed this GS episode. And congratulations on the 1 million subs, it's well deserved👍

[@juliom3552]

I love their dial designs and I feel that they are the only big brand truly innovative nowadays. Thanks for showing us how they work.

[@angikarchmer5633]

Have you noticed that very little is offered regarding the making of their beautiful dials? Their dials are miniature works of art and I don't blame Grand Seiko for keeping some of their processes secret. It's always a treat to see the GS approach.

[@gordtulk]

Mr baldassarre living his dream. Very cool to witness.

[@wertj3977]

Visited here early this year and had an unforgettable experience. This video allowed me to relive that, thanks Teddy.

[@antoniomartins2900]

The image quality of this video is spot on, thank you!

[@JaySmith-pv2mw]

This makes me appreciate my GS even more seeing where it was created.

[@vaperon1450]

Once again Teddy delivers high quality content! This is an amazing look at the GS studio in Japan and really focuses on the artistry and the watchmakers. Please keep it up and make more like it, we will be watching!!

[@ken4747]

Loved the interviews of the watchmakers at the end.

[@kagezen]

Purpose and watch making.. Thank you for this video Teddy i really appreciate it!

[@CameronManning]

Absolutely love these watch manufacturing tours. Incredible to see where they come from and how they are built! Also CONGRATS ON 1 MILLIONS SUBS!!! 👏👏

[@Bruhecc]

My father bought himself a grand seiko while he was in japan, and I find myself marvelling at it more than Id like to admit!

[@d.kashani]

I’ve been waiting for this! Thanks, Teddy.

[@stevesmith7997]

The level of quality makes them the best value watches on the market!

[@Nefville]

Its amazing how much thought and effort goes into simply using a screwdriver @ 13:23. That is an exceptional shot btw, whoever noticed that. Well done!

[@shirishpanwalkar]

Excellent episode! Thank you so much!

[@brockpotter5861]

Broooo ive been waiting for this one! Teddy you're the man brother! Such an honor! Also, learning u were a fan of metalcore in your recent video got me hype. Fellow metalhead here. You make watch collecting fun brother.

[@connellydc]

I absolutely love Teddy's visits to various watch makers! Such an amazing way to see how these incredible little machines come into being. A Grand Seiko is definitely a "grail" for me, so this one was extra special.

[@drsrsv8884]

Be more ambitious, a grand seiko is a watch you can easily afford. Have bigger goals!

[@XwytreX]

Love these series as usual, Teddy!

[@earldhulst1719]

The best watchmaking video you have produced. The Swiss should visit Grand Seiko and learn something about excellence and craftsmanship.

[@Pistolero891]

Pretty inspiring listening to the two gents at the end, thanks for a wonderful video!

[@ajay-xjs]

Fabulous episode. Beautifully filmed. It would be a dream day to visit this studio and Japan. Thank you

[@SinnerAndSaint]

Finally! Thanks so much for this visit, Teddy! Hope you were able to enjoy a bit time in beautiful Japan as well besides this 'job'. Really love the country and their culture. The craftmanship at GS is truly remarkable! I'm really proud to own three GS in my own collection. Especially the 9SA5 is an incredible movement!

[@tex24]

Bravo! Great video! As someone who has lived in Japan, I salute you for your humbleness, attitude and respect. That goes a long way in Japan, something I believe you're already benefiting from. I'm looking forward to owning my first GS.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Congrats Teddy for hitting 1 MILLION subscribers. Now onward to 2 million!

[@davecarr5892]

Thank you for this video and congratulations on 1M subs. Very well done.

[@jpvansplunder]

Congrats on the 1 million! Crazy youve hit that milestone AND have opened your store in the same year!!!

[@jackielim3172]

Usually here for the watch content, but damn this video work is sick, shot and edited elegantly. Kudos to the production team

[@markmendoza3121]

Been new to the new channel. The videos are exceptional, very educational. Got me hooked once again to watch collecting. Congrats getting to 1M subscribers!

[@mgbale01]

This video was excellent. Great work