Why I regret buying the Grand Seiko SBGM221

Just so there’s no confusion. I love this Grand Seiko and won’t be selling it anytime soon!
Today we’re going to be going over the #grandseiko #sbgm221
Also a huge shout-out to the following companies:
@varioeveryday
vario.sg/
‪@Strapsco‬
StrapsCo.com?ref=socal
@convoy_ www.convoyco.com/
@artem.straps - artemstraps.com/
Don't forget to follow me on IG - @socalwatchreviews
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Thank you and stay humble. Miguel - SWR
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[@sunnyrachelsson3169]

That grand Seiko is way nicer than the Rolex

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

👍🏼 thank you for watching!

[@picanha694]

the oyster bracelet is good though

[@Island606]

Totally different watches!

[@user-qh7mv8np2s]

True!

[@stephengarratt8027]

I've admired this particularly watch for a long time convincing myself that I'm more of a " tool watch" guy. Then I purchased a Grand Seiko quartz 37mm heritage model and was amazed by the quality of the finishing. This is certainly on my radar now as its still relatively affordable. Great video, thanks for the review

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thank you 🙏 for the support!

[@EM-cz4rd]

Never considered Seiko. A couple of days ago (12-14-23) Shohei Ohtani wore this watch at the press conference with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They just signed him to a 10 year, $700M contract. He already makes roughly $50M per year in endorsements and I believe Seiko is one company he endorses. So this global mega susperstar chose to wear this watch. It caught my attention.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great watch brand!

[@jasonallaire3728]

It is a grand seiko. Not the same as seiko

[@trebm3]

you sir are a strap master. I've never seen a review on a single watch with so much variety

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@mannycalavera2335]

I love this Grand Seiko and thought long and hard about it. In the end I went with the SBGE271. Which has a generally similar aesthetic as a GMT in the elegance collection. But it has 100m water resistance, spring drive, comes on a bracelet, and has a more versatile style that can be either sporty or more of a dress watch. That said, that ivory dial is still amazing. And I would love to have the SBGM221 as an alternative. But you can't have everything.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 for the support and your watch is beautiful, congrats 👏

[@TLewis-zm5rl]

if water resistance and spring drive were pros in your decision you were never really in the market for this watch anyway. it's a 3rd or 4th piece in a collection type of watch. One should already have a watch with respectable water resistance before looking at something like this. This watch is for the datejust/submariner guy who wants to fly under the radar.

[@wikster6630]

Great review! This was the first grand seiko that really spoke to me. And when I was able to put one in wrist at an AD it looked even more amazing! Haven't pulled the trigger yet but evey time I see it, it's back to top of the list. My experience with the AD probably stopped me from buying it back then as she was a bit of a snob and said the watch didn't suit me. And tried to push other models that didn't grab my attention and were more expensive. I'll go to a different AD at some point and revisit it. Thanks for the great video and reminder of a awesome timepiece! Cheers

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I wish you the best of luck and hope you buy whatever watch you desire. I’m sorry to hear about your AD experience, I had something similar happen to me once and it’s crazy to think that we are spending so much $ and some of those sales people treat buyers like garbage! Thank you 🙏 for the support!

[@BrandonMenancio]

Haha the affordable housing comment and funny voiceover! Thanks for the shout out too. Please enjoy the GS as I much I still do! 👍👍👍

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thank you again for everything you do for the community ❤️

[@shawnlavigne9069]

Kinda what I'm looking for, not a dress watch, not a sports watch, something in between that is well made and gorgeous to look at.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

This watch is even more beautiful in person! Thank you 🙏 for watching!

[@davidfoo6974]

I have the 10th anniversary edition of this watch, SBGM031, and I agree with everything you said. It's an easy watch to connect with. It really grows on you.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Very nice 👏 and thank you for watching!

[@jefe.amo32]

SBGM031 10th the deep blue dial is the superlative man of steel.

[@AliasEveWatches]

Great job with the narration! You really stepped it up in this video. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 we recently had Andrew Morgan (Mr. Talking hands/Watchfinder) on the podcast and he inspired me to write a better script and also narrate a little different.

[@kevinranders]

I Just picked it up yesterday. I was kind of the same boat. When I knew I was going to buy my first GS, I ultimately end up going with the Cherry Blossom. I could not put it out of my mind though so yesterday, 2 months after my cherry blossom, I picked this one up. Now ordering some custom straps.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Nice congrats and thank you 🙏 for watching!

[@engineer_wannabe]

My heart sank a bit when I saw the title, but I'm glad you still love the watch haha :) Great review Miguel!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂 I love the watch. My only regrets is getting it before the Rolex because the finishing GS is so much better!

[@AlastairMcDonnell]

Recently bought this, partly on the back of your review. I was not disappointed, a beautiful watch, great proportions and fantastic finishing.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Nice congrats 👏

[@WatchWitt]

Stunning piece! Like you, I love that beautiful blue GMT hand. Hope to own a GS someday…I gravitate towards the spring drive….😎

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 for the support and I can’t wait for you to pick up a GS 👍🏼

[@mracekproductions]

Nice review my friend. Glad you’re enjoying it after our chats and massive congrats on the Explorer!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for the support brother ❤️

[@thecologneguy]

This Grand Seiko GMT has always drawn me in, something about the dial just catches my interest! Great video mate, this one is on my radar after watching your video, but I've got a growing list of pickups! This hobby of ours is something else huh?!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 for the support and I hope this makes it into your collection 👍🏼

[@ABCdotcom]

Having owned a GS SBGE225, I LOVED the smoothness of the zaratsu finishing to touch - which ppl don't really talk about...

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Interesting point, I never gave it much consideration.

[@cy894]

I admire the details, the workmanship and the aesthetic dial and attractive price, and i nearly bought it. Nevertheless, as pointed out in the video, the level of water resistance stopped me. Hope one day, Grand Seiko will enhance the resistance capability of this beautiful watch.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for watching and I agree about the WR.

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Congrats on the explorer bud! And personally I love GS they're just at another level.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 my brother and I agree!

[@crBudgetWatches]

Seiko and GS are a godsend for watch lovers. All KZbin videos show the same passion for either a 90usd Seiko 5, a 700 usd Presage or a 5000 usd GS.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

💯

[@lx95020]

What GS has been able to accomplish in 14 years and to always be compared to the mighty Rolex is admirable. Your Explorer is beautiful ..I like the OP due to its symmetry and a little less expensive. That GS though is very elegant for being a "sports/dress" watch... Nice video. ✊

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for the support!

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Love this one Miguel, well done 👌

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for the support brother 🙏

[@frankmirandosr875]

It’s absolutely a stunner of a Watch, last few years I have been Collecting some GMT Watch’s. This watch would be a great addition to my collection. 30 meter WR is good enough for me. I jump in a pool or go for dip at the beach. I’m not Deep Sea Diving LOL!! Very nice video. I love a blue strap on this watch, thanks for Sharing

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 for the support and I hope this makes it to your collection!

[@jongoodman7448]

An odd title for a watch you love, except for the water resistance and thickness. A great value for sure. And a stunner at that.

[@vianouche1]

I did not understand the title either...

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

With as little views as my videos have been getting lately, I have to get creative with my titles. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@vianouche1 In short, I love the watch, but wish I would have waited to get it after the Explorer because it terms of finishing this GS is next level and made the Explorer feeling feel a little less impressive.

[@vianouche1]

@@SoCalWatchReviews clickbait then

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Well not really, I do regret buying it before I got the explorer. I’m sorry if I wasted your time.

[@TheTownWatch]

By the way, haven't said congrats yet on the Explorer, so congrats! Great choice!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 brother and congrats on surpassing 10K subs, that’s huge 👏

[@TombaTonkar]

The GS best suits the smart casual style of the tan leather strap. I dont see it going with the purple and other u trying to pair it with to make it casual.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

👍🏼

[@joostkiefte7683]

Nice review, I enjoyed it. Good choice of music too!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@user-bf1wg7jo9v]

I love this watch.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

It’s definitely Beautiful!

[@davidr2802]

Got the GS Skyflake. Love its 100WR. wear it on rubber, nato, an OEM bracelet and a custom leather strap. it can do it all. Oh, and I also have a 39mm Explorer 1 which I am thinking of selling as it feels redundant.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Man congrats that GS is awesome and I can totally understand your feelings towards the Explorer. Thank you for the support!

[@jkt3937]

In my opinion, a 39mm is a keeper, hang on to it for a while, think long and hard before trying to sell it, you’ll be glad you paused.

[@davidr2802]

@@jkt3937 Thanks. Still have it

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Great video Miguel, love this piece and can't wait for your review of the Explorer!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you brother 🙏

[@dapetik]

I'm praying GS comes out with an Explorer competitor! Or the explorer adds the date.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

💯

[@hugohernandez3651]

I would take the Explorer if I had to choose. The Explorer is built like a tank. The Oyster bracelet is simply perfect You can abuse it, and it will still look great. A 30MWR is a deal breaker for me. Amazing video.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

The Explorer is amazing ❤️ my absolute keeper. The SBGM221 is nice, but I don’t wear it as much, may end up selling it. Thank you 🙏 for the support!

[@alexandrusoare8176]

How much do you want for it?😀

[@7eSens17]

Great GMT ! The light Brown strap matches the watch nicely! What is the strap ref?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

vario.sg/collections/vintage-italian-leather-watch-strap/products/vintage-distressed-italian-leather-tan-brown-watch-strap-with-quick-release

[@RossWristWatchLove]

Great looking watch bro and dope video! One ☝️ love ❤️

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you my brother ❤️

[@kyroh4579]

This watch is so elegant especially with the beige dial. The only thing is that GS suggested service interval is only 3 yrs for 9s66. Could you shed some light on that?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Unfortunately I don’t know much about the servicing intervals. Thank you for watching!

[@tdugong]

Looks nice, I just wish it had more WR.

[@AliasEveWatches]

Congrats on the Explorer!!!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

There she is, thank you Eve 👍🏼 🙏 I hope you’re doing fantastic!

[@AliasEveWatches]

@@SoCalWatchReviews Thanks! I've been sucked into another hobby. 😂

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@AliasEveWatches 😂 💻 👍🏼

[@Z-S-H]

I am not a rolex guy so I wont say anything about the rolex vs GS comparison however I will say that purely style wise this model of GS is my favorite though I will probably never buy one because of the price. I just wish they offered it in spring drive then it may be a grail watch heh

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for the support and I highly encourage you to check this out in person, it may charge your perspective!

[@TheTownWatch]

Great video Miguel!! I think this is a hot watch!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 👍🏼

[@AverageBros]

@7:24 don't forget to recover that springbar sir!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂 I did as soon as I stopped recording 👍🏼 and thank you 🙏 for the support!

[@watchsixto]

That Explorer looks spiffy on your wrist 👌

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you my man 👍🏼

[@dunderhay9169]

Great photography 👍. I love everything about that GS apart from the WR, it makes the Rolex look rather dowdy.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 and that GS is next level 👍🏼

[@kwangmingtan1351]

What size is this strap. Do you you have the direct purchase link for this strap? This is really cool

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

19mm vario.sg/collections/vintage-italian-leather-watch-strap

[@jodysilvia2]

Fantastic watch, incredible dial.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Agree and thank you for watching!

[@jodysilvia2]

@@SoCalWatchReviews your welcome.

[@DavidSchwartzjr]

First! Okay now I can watch haha

[@jairoj.ninoperez6390]

Hey! That’s cheating 😅

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@DavidSchwartzjr]

Yeah man, stunning piece, and I still think those Vario straps are the best pairings for this watch. Grats on this AND the Rollie purchase! 👏👏👏

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 my brother #tudorbros

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Great video. Gladiator we salute you!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@johnmorrison8351]

The blue leather strap at 4:34 is gorgeous! Who makes it?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

These guys 👍🏼 vario.sg/products/vintage-italian-leather-royal-blue-watch-strap-with-quick-release

[@AleksWatches]

Great review and nice footage!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

Nicely done Miguel!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 so much brother!

[@watcheswithabdullah]

The whole time you were talking about this... I was like... why is he regretting again?? But then 'Oh I see 😂 Absolutely love the cream dial variants! Truly a versatile and unique wrist wear!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂 thanks for the support my man!

[@StagnantMizu]

I would buy if it was thinner and 10 or 20 bar

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

That would be killer!

[@picanha694]

this one is a gem

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Agree and thank you 🙏 for watching!

[@Nexus.Achiles]

No date quickest is an absolute no-go for me. I sold an Omega Speedy Racing 44 because of this, such a PITA setting the date when worn on rotation. Is it me or does the case look thick, for what's supposed to be a dressy piece?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I agree with you there on the quickset, it really is a pain in the ass and yes is a little thick, but not super crazy. Thank you for watching!

[@Roughdraft214]

Almost any GMT will have this problem, due to the GMT hand.

[@chris2ao]

Nice video. What was that leather travel case you had at the end of the video?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 and it’s from them: www.bosphorusleather.com/collections/watch-rolls

[@watchrolling]

Great video Miguel. 🔥 Would you say that you'd go GS again before another Rolex?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for the support and I need to really think about that one since a Rolex Sub is my dream watch. However I would definitely pick up another GS no doubt!

[@watchrolling]

@@SoCalWatchReviews can't pass up those dream pieces!

[@jimwatchyyc]

I love this very watch!!!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

It’s incredible for the price! Thank you for the support!

[@BB-gl7zt]

Congrats on the exp dude! #rolliebros

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 #rolliebros 👍🏼

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Never buy a watch that does not grab You by the heart. It's a lovely watch but it does nothing for Me.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

💯

[@charlieboylol527]

Great video, thanks

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏

[@ChiTownTx]

Grand Seiko has always been a step above Rolex. Rolex makes a great watch, but what they are really king of is marketing.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you for watching!

[@yoddeb]

The number font is offputting. It is the same kind of font used on japanese websites.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂 thank you for watching 👍🏼

[@greedo6950]

Great review! As an interested buyer, I do have one question, does the thickness and weight of the watch bother you long term?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Not at all and thank you for the support!

[@hanjunghyun1]

That Grand Seiko is so much nicer than any of your Rolex 🤤

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

The funny thing is that I in ended up selling it and buying a Rolex datejust 😂. The GS is beautiful I just never wore it.

[@rawim]

And this is where I leave you.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

👍🏼

[@jkt3937]

Great watch, informative review, but he never really says why he regrets buying the Grand Seiko.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you 🙏 and sorry for not making it more clear in the video. I don’t necessarily regret buying the GS, what I regret is buying the GS before I bought my first Rolex. I was impressed with the level of quality in the GS that by time I was able to acquire the Rolex I was not that impressed by it.

[@jkt3937]

@@SoCalWatchReviews Yes, I saw that on an early reply you made. Your video, and several others all had good things to say about the 221. I've been looking at the watch for a couple of weeks now, and decided to pull the trigger, will let you know when I get it.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@jkt3937 massive congrats, you won’t be disappointed!

[@jkt3937]

@@SoCalWatchReviews So, I've been wearing the 221 regularly for almost two months now, and I really like it. The finish is terrific, the indices sparkle when I pull back my sleeve to look at the time, the dial is a serene ivory, it fits and feels great on the wrist; timekeeping is within a couple of seconds a day (although I often reset it just because I'm a bit nutty) The case and lugs are so highly finished, it stands out against any other SS watch I own, and the strap is comfortable. All in all, a great watch, glad I have it in my collection.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@jkt3937 👏

[@kevinhan721]

So whats the regret? Is it a clickbait?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

The regret is that I bought this before the Rolex. When I got the Rolex I wasn’t blow away because this GS was simply very very well finished 👍🏼

[@MumenRider78]

How big isn your wrist?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

My wrist is 6 7/8”

[@alecleamus3280]

You don’t make it clear why you regret buying the GS. It’s only from your comments below that I understand. Please try to avoid silly titles, it was annoying.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

It’s all about getting those views, hard to spend 30+ hours making a video for no one to watch. I apologize for the clickbait title, but appreciate your support.

[@ihopetowin]

The word is indescribable, no such word as undescribable.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thanks for the English lesson 👍🏼

[@ihopetowin]

@@SoCalWatchReviews Oh, you're welcome. Just trying to save you from embarrassment. We don't want the language turned to indecipherable slop do we?

[@scatterbrain9490]

GS looks great, better to have ot and not need it sometimes lol

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thank you and thank you 🙏 for the support!

[@Yaketyyak21]

Grand seiko is far superior to the Rolex,time will prove that,The Rolex is a very good watch,but I can guarantee you that most people wear one because of the name,or to show that they can afford one…

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

👍🏼 thank you for watching and commenting

[@albertoalvarez1924]

No me jodas!!!🤤

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂

[@shreebhasker6279]

I hate this video. It's tempting me to lighten my wallet.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

😂 thank you for the support!

[@shreebhasker6279]

​@@SoCalWatchReviews love your bro, love the love that you poured in this video. Beautiful creature this GS is.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@shreebhasker6279 Thank you 🙏

[@ScottNotAvailable]

Your title for this video is a lie.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

No It’s not, I do regret buying this before I bought a Rolex. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ScottNotAvailable]

@@SoCalWatchReviews the video is a watch review. It feels like clickbait. Why do you regret buying the watch?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I explain it in the beginning of the video. I’ll be honest it has to have some level of clickbait for people to watch the video, my views are terrible although I spend countless hours on each video. This particular video took over 20 hours to produce. Long story short I regret buying this first because the finishing it top notch and I was not impressed with the level of finishing from the Rolex and felt underwhelming to say the least.

[@NoName-bb2pu]

GS typically look like 500$ watches to me, they feel cheap and nasty too, but if people want to burn their hands with this shitter so be it.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Interesting, have you had long term hands on with a few of them?

[@NoName-bb2pu]

@@SoCalWatchReviews I've handled the GS with titanium bracelet and snowflake dial, it felt like a normal 80s Seiko that my dad has, i cant dream of paying 5k$ for it, 500 maybe. Also to be fair I dont care about accuracy or power reserve or VPH, so the key points of GS do not appeal to me instantly. I love the heritage brands, IWC, B&M, JLC, Blancpain, Nomos & Cartier are my collection.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@NoName-bb2pu You have a great collection 👍🏼 However I bet some people probably feel the same way you feel about GS towards your watches. That’s why I personally don’t like to trash brands because everyone likes different things and sees value in things you probably don’t. Take care and enjoy your collection.

[@NoName-bb2pu]

@@SoCalWatchReviews I'm completely cool with that, in anycase people do trash the IWC and the BM, but as long as we have our eccentric values and biases and hold into it, it doest matter. However I do believe that GS, Rolex and Audemars Piguet need a price check, because for simple watches they are sometimes priced above perpetual calendars and tourbillon models.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@NoName-bb2pu Agree with you there!

[@mikewong9513]

30m watetr resistant is a let down in this era..

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

True, but honestly that’s plenty for most of us. None the less I like a spec monster and 100m would have satisfied my OCD!