Why The Grand Seiko Spring Drive Is The Greatest Watch Movement & How It Works

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed this one as it took quite a bit of time to put together but I think the Spring Drive is one of the more misunderstood developments in all of watchmaking and I really wanted to make this. Also, I want to give a big shoutout to Joe Kirk, the National Training Manager at GS for providing me his presentation assets to help explain this topic. I will have a link to one of his full presentations of the Spring Drive in the description if you want to learn even more. Have a great rest of the weekend.

[@sfpoet5885]

Wow, thanks for posting this. No way I would know how smooth that second hand motion is without your video. Do you know how much maintenance is needed on a watch like that? Every 3 years or every decade? Or longer?

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

No problem! And it looks like they recommend 3 years but like any company I think much of those expectations are made as precautionary measures. Also they are pretty transparent on service prices given that it will go back to the company and not through a third party. Thanks for watching!

[@rhinojelvis1]

Really enjoyed it, thanknyou. Easy to understand material and beautiful shots of the Grand Seikos. Now I must just find the money...

[@jongaunt7176]

Fantastic breakdown Teddy! Grand Seiko is truly a marvelous watch! Thanks for the hard work put into the video.

[@robertschmidt9584]

Now how many takes did that explanation take? Impressed by the simple diagrams for something not necessarily simple.

[@Jaseph2]

To me the most amazing thing about the Spring Drive is that Seiko allowed development to continue for so long. So many companies would have pulled the plug long before it was developed. To believe it was possible to do and then to continue supporting the project until completion earns my great respect for Seiko.

[@mayatrash]

My father bought a Seiko in the 70s or 80s, it's a gold one, squared face and even though it's not an expensive watch, die to sentimental value it's my favourite of all time.

[@philipboug]

That is Japanese culture. Most large Japanese corporations have a 25 year, a 50 year and a 100 year plan. Americans have a 90 day, and a 1 year plan. Some companies possibly have a 5 year plan. I used to work for Fujitsu.

[@Rob_Fordd]

I remember another video about the knife industry where the CEO of one of Japan's best cutlery companies said his dream before retirement was to finish the several decades of work done on a single next generation steel alloy, like one the company had achieved back in the 80s.

[@alirezanabavian771]

@@philipboug that's so scary with the Chinese as well. America needs to take these cultural values into account and come up with a firm strategy to counter the world take over of these evil empires..

[@stefancupovic4824]

America is an evil empire too...read up on its history and who really runs the show

[@dylanlamb8710]

One of the coolest parts of this system is watching as it first starts up...because there’s so much energy being transferred, and because the brake takes a few seconds to engage and slow the glide wheel...that seconds hand moves really fast until the system begins regulating properly. Great video!

[@realkewlmann]

@notfiveo Great point, its already difficult to find a good service center for Swiss made watches with movements which are not even rare. GS Spring Drive must be a pain to maintain.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

@notfiveo try impressing a girl by explaining how your knife has a steel that is the hardest and longest cutting steel available. How it’s a transition carbide material, impervious to becoming soft while red hot, and a fine enough carbide size and grain structure to take a hair whittling edge... they’re usually not impressed 😉

[@melody3741]

@notfiveo most swiss watches have to be mailed in for service anyway.

[@katzmosestools]

I have a snowflake and can't stop staring at the second hand. Phenomenal explanation Teddy. Truly incredible explanation of an incredible movement.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks Jonathan! Keep up the great work on your channel!

[@TheWoodStroker]

and I have your dovetail guide JKM, there is a certain amount of incredibleness to that as well.

[@katzmosestools]

@@TheWoodStroker thank you my friend!

[@katzmosestools]

@@TeddyBaldassarre thanks Teddy! We're just trying to keep up with you! Just picked up the probe lens for even more cinematic 4k goodness

[@rickjason215]

Teddy Baldassarre I was amazed at your explanation of the amount of power used to drive the watch. I bought a Snowflake and it’s my best watch. Most accurate. Best case. Your interview with Mr. Wonderful and his view of Grand Seiko also was a big factor in buying the brand.

[@omarmansour1108]

As an engineering student, I have to say that the spring drive movement would be a great subject for a physics exam (mechanics, electromagnetism and induction, piezo-electric effect, power transfer...).

[@vishensivparsad]

As an engineer, you'd fail

[@omarmansour1108]

@@vishensivparsad aw that’s so nice of you. Thanks man !

[@junkyard3924]

@@omarmansour1108 No problem

[@kawreecoreyson5470]

was just thinking the same thing

[@ahuramazda980]

@@vishensivparsad hater.

[@stevecastro22]

Like you, I am a very visual person, and as a Gunsmith for the past 45 years, I also have a deep appreciation for anything that is finely crafted, be it a Watch, a piece of furniture, or a car. Thank you for your explanation on spring drive watches. Very informative and I found it fascinating.

[@thejohnbeck]

Pewpew

[@owenlu6527]

As an engineer, I think this is probably one of the best done explanations I've seen. Thanks dude

[@marcsgrower1]

Totally agree. Well presented in the time frame. Much appreciated Teddy.

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

Seriously? Fundamentally, this is just a quartz watch. Electrical power is being provided by a mechanical generator rather than a battery. Sure. Fine jewelry. Laughably a marketing achievement but hardly an engineering one.

[@WhatWillYouFind]

@@RobertLeeAtYT Go check out a watch repair video for one of these watches or even a less complicated rolex. Now, go buy all the equipment, lubricant, and tiny tools to achieve the MINIMUM required to restart a dead watch. You won't and even if you had the equipment to do it . . . you can't. Better yet, design one of your own . . . keeping in mind the number of years it took them to make it perfect. The ball is in your court, can you achieve anything? Probably not. The tolerances for the collective piece takes TEAMS of people to finish a single new design AND tweak the machines to produce the components for each watch. ALL watches are a waste of time? We have smart phones now. Does it matter that ALL OF THESE VIDEOS are a living, breathing advertisement? No. It is fascinating seeing how silly and curious of a pursuit companies will go through just to make "progress."

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

@@WhatWillYouFind The spring drive is about the most obtuse, round about way to power a quartz movement. Alternatively, if rather you like Seiko's description better, it's a lousy mechanical movement disciplined by a quartz oscillator. An engineering accomplishment would be innovation on real mechanical movements that significantly improves on the accuracy of current best. Instead, the spring drive is mechanical obfuscations over the core of a digitally controlled, quartz oscillator disciplined watch. It's this purposeful, intentional untruth that rubs wrong. By the way, the accuracy of this movement is good, but nothing special. It's in line with what's typical of common temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO). The TCXO is a 70's era high tech marvel. It is now a $5 part widely used in comms gear, in position, nav and timing (PNT) applications - also apparently spring drive movements. And yes, a TCXO does make a rather nice core of a timepiece. It'd be a decent capstone project for a EE or ME undergrad.

[@bo-dine7971]

@@RobertLeeAtYT He's probably not an engineer, this type of comment is on every video. The expalantion wasa little innacurate & could have actually been simplified.

[@cdb5001]

Listen, some of us are hoping to pick up a GS some day, so could you please stop promoting it's greatness and consequently creating demand and increased pricing? Shhhhhhhh! Just be like other channels and focus on Rolex ;)

[@nkonig1]

I was literally going to write the same thing. Sssshhh!!! I think they’re underpriced if anything and I want them to stay that way. I want the masses to keep dismissing them simply because they’re not Swiss.

[@anshulgupta9412]

nkonig1 nice.

[@LockheedMonster]

Hahahaha LOL dude i am literally laughing my ass off!

[@cdb5001]

@@LockheedMonster don't laugh too much. It'll be hard to sit down once your ass is off.

[@cdb5001]

@Sixkiller2121 let's hear some more about the Rolex Submariner and other timepieces I don't care about!

[@movies2525]

I was at my AD picking up a different watch. Just by luck they were having a Grand Seiko event. They had a master watchmaker from the Grand Seiko factory doing a live disassembly and rebuild of a Spring Drive watch. His work was being projected from a microscope. The way he described the wire winding and the precision which the wire is fabricated was amazing. On par with your comments about the power it would take to run a billion watches. You could hardly make out the individual wires, even under magnification. The tiny wire is hexagonal so that the winding has the density needed to generate the requisite electromagnetic field using so little power. The watch is a marvel of engineering and finishing. I ended up buying a Skyflake. It keeps perfect time.

[@tomhohum4275]

I have an SBGA427. The effort you put into this video to explain how amazing this movement is makes appreciation of this revolution in watchmaking even greater. Thank you!!

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

As far as I can tell, the Accutron stores electrical energy in a capacitor. If so, this component will be the one to fail.@@notfiveo

[@colinubeh1180]

The first time I saw a spring drive, I was mesmerized by the smooth gliding motion of the second hand. The accuracy of the movement is another thing.

[@BlueyyMC]

@@anthonyb2990there is no gliding because that’s just pixels…

[@mescko]

@@anthonyb2990 I seem to remember the second hand in my Dad's Bulova Accutron gliding like that.

[@harryyyyyyyyyyy7273]

@@anthonyb2990 No, just no. If thats your opinion then sure it's yours I have no issue but I dont want people to feel stupid for liking swiss watches over GS, and I also hate pretentiousness that comes from GS warriors when talking about their watches. There are many better swiss watches than GS. Pretty much the entire collection of Vacheron Constantin, for example. Why? Before I get into the fundamental reason, I just want to give some other reasons first: Vacheron (whom I will use as swiss watch representative) have much better designs. The designs of their watches are much more aesthetically pleasing in my and most peoples opinions, and this leads into my second point, they know how to brand a watch. I dont want S23089FOJ3-G2N4 ref number:32450895094385093485 watch, I want the cornes de vache or the American 1921. I honestly think marketing holds GS back the most in a significant way. Now, onto the real stuff. The most common argument I see for why spring drive is perfection is because it mixes the mechanical beauty of a mechanical watch with the accuracy of a quartz watch. It gets the best of both worlds, right? No it doesn't. If u want an accurate watch, get a fucking casio. Casio will ALWAYS outperform spring drive, that is a guarantee cos well made quartz is the king of accuracy. If u want a beautiful watch which slowly releases mechanical energy out in an orderly fashion to create an illusion of time, something which took craftsman, artists, months and years to design and make, spring drive does work in a way. The history of how long it took to develop and also the fact that it is a pretty cool design is interesting and I personally could see myself buying one to appreciate this. Does it fulfil the requirements better than a vacheron? No. Mechanical watchmaking has much deeper and more significant history, for one. As well as this, Spring drive cheats. Spring drive does not use purely mechanical energy released in the most efficient way possible to create a time keeper. It does hold the same beauty of that tradition. Horology has always been about this. For a long time at least. Not about advancement, but about appreciation and perfection. Horological enthusiasts NEED to know this. The whole industry is a novelty. Sure the spring drive seems perfect on paper but when its comes down to, it doesnt satisify either ends of the horological 'divide' with quartz and mechanical entirely at all. By trying to achieve both, it is and always was destined to achieve neither. Thats not to say I dislike GS or spring drive, just the ridiculousness of saying it better than ALL swiss watches. Its frankly disrespectful

[@oandgw]

@@anthonyb2990I think his point is that with the advent of technology, most of not all of the internal workings of mechanical watches can be virtualised.

[@nateb9768]

​@anthonyb2990 I've had two Apple watches... their batteries degrade, and software support is cut off after several years. Apple is one of the most greedy companies. I'm never going back

[@anthonyteves4168]

I bought my grand seiko at their main branch in Ginza Tokyo last year. They even wrapped it in a traditional cloth gift wrap. Amazing experience

[@anthonyteves4168]

Oh I forgot to mention that after paying full retail price for the Snowflake tax free, they gave me 5% back to spend on Wako department store. I got myself a fancy wallet too.

[@anthonyteves4168]

It turned out to 620,000 JPY tax free. At that time USD was more or less 110 JPY for 1 USD. Retail price lets say for the New York boutique would be 5800 USD excluding tax. So it turned out cheaper and the experience is so much better.

[@anthonyteves4168]

I didnt have an issue at all. I just wore it on my wrist while travelling. I'm not sure how it is in EU but I wish you the best in your watch buying. 😁

[@renzokukenleonhart]

@RedJoker that just sounds ridiculous. How do they even identify what should be declared and what shouldn't? Do i need to have receipt for the clothes on my back that i bought years ago as well? Seems highly arbitrary.

[@renzokukenleonhart]

@RedJoker maybe. But at the same time people don't travel around with a receipt. Also what if someone was wearing a 5000 euro suit but has no receipt. And another guy was wearing the exact same suit but bought from out of the country. They both don't have receipt with them how is custom going to be able to tell when they re-enter the country?

[@shawnxu2472]

Didn't realize how impressive the spring drive is till watching this video. Great work Teddy and respect to Seiko

[@jackj2851]

That sweeping second hand really is glorious

[@davidc5191]

And the second hand of most full quartz watches, you may have noticed, just click once per second, and aren't smooth sweeping. Because of their high frequency, a quartz watch could have a smooth sweeping second hand, but don't, because that take a lot of energy and would run down the battery quickly - a problem the Spring Drive doesn''t have since it relies on mechanical energy, not a battery, for power.

[@expiredmilk3390]

davidc5191 I was wondering why this was myself. Thank you for the explanation.

[@thisbevibhor]

It is indeed wonderful when you think about that what sweeping motion suggests. The time isn't divided by the ticks of seconds, but a continuous entity which moves on effortlessly, like the second hand.

[@cliftonfloyd9994]

It’s the BOMB!!!!

[@nicolasalonso3012]

Like my kitchen clock

[@gav_bray]

This is an awesome explanation of such an amazing movement. After quite a few years of being fascinated by watches, Teddy's explanation makes much more sense to me now, on how this movement works. GS have done some phenomenal work to make this mechanism possible.

[@ajithira8452]

AMAZING power conversion from mechanical to electrical energy to get the accuracy of a quartz watch with digital circuit using a micro-processor!

[@STSGuitar16]

That has to be the most stunningly gorgeous watch movement I've ever seen. A feat of engineering as well as a piece of art.

[@davidmb-1979]

As an electrician, this movement is amazing. A spring drive just made my wish list.

[@cliftonfloyd9994]

I want one!!!!

[@st2rseeker]

Exactly same :)

[@jshottest]

Can I join the club?

[@jeremyirons2774]

@@st2rseeker me too!!

[@SwissWatchGang]

GS dials and movement quality for this price is just awesome! Great quality video Teddy, improving with each video! 👏👏

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you, my friend! Always tune in for your videos too!

[@SwissWatchGang]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Appreciate it! 🙏🙏

[@peterspaepen2861]

The best 2 watch reviewers in one 😀👍👍

[@SwissWatchGang]

@@peterspaepen2861 🙏🙏

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Grand Seiko finally pumped up their prices. Limited edition Grand Seikos are quite high priced. Take for example the SBGA387.. $6800! BTW, Grand Seiko still has to learn to make their watches a few MMs thinner.

[@glennharris3862]

I have a Grand Seiko Snowflake (spring drive). It is amazingly accurate. I set my other watches using the GS. Great review Teddy.

[@Udai_taxim]

Jealous!!! But hoping to get myself a GS Snowflake this year 😁

[@TheCaptainWalter]

4 years later and still delivering... just like the Spring Drive. Thank you Teddy.

[@skippycavanugh2700]

Japanese Engineering is testament of how smallest of things can be engineered to be implemented into something far more efficient engineering marvel, and this movement is an example of it. We had both Mechanical and Quartz movement, but the Japanese simply combined both and utilised best of both worlds. And Teddy your video too deserves same appreciation, the animations must be really hard and tedious to make, but they were worth it. Too bad I’m broke and cannot even buy an ordinary seiko because I’m sold for this GS’s

[@jonathoncottone4875]

This is the type of video that sets you apart. Your explanation combines with the graphic was perfect. Not too complex but not overly dumbed down. Great work. Would love to see a video on the 9F movement series from you.

[@kenildoggy]

Agreed would love to see a video on the 9F Teddy! Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@Elhandyhijodemanny]

I’ve had my GS Spring Drive for the past two years. Easily my fav watch in my collection. Far more reliable than my Omega Moon watch and Sinn 104. I’ve had no issues with it thus far.

[@kennetha.1937]

Having a GS with Spring Drive and also the Moonwatch are two of the most iconic pieces you can have right now, in my opinion! That's a great collection!

[@Elhandyhijodemanny]

Kenneth Amador thanks for the props!

[@primecreator]

@@kennetha.1937 and the Sinn 104 is one awesome beater.

[@geroldatlarge1841]

Jairo Batista My Sinn 104 keeps going and going .

[@purplefabian]

My Sinn 104 is a Tank i Go Cliff Diving with it, shower with it daily, jo jogging daily and all sorts of other activities with it on my wrist

[@michaelfierman3256]

That was precise and concise. The coolest part was of course the tiny amount of power used when you illustrated that with the population of the northern hemisphere not being able to light a bulb with a billion spring drives. Also the examples you had were so gorgeous. Especially maybe the GMT. Great job as always, even better! Thank you Teddy

[@fredrickwerstein546]

Teddy, I'm a late-comer to high end watches, but love your presentations, observations and reviews. A pleasure to follow someone who is a true watch lover. I'm a neophite, but always ready to learn and expand my knowledge of this wonderful field of technology!

[@AX7razor]

An absolutely amazing video showcasing the working of a Spring Drive and yet keeping it simple so that everyone is capable of understanding. Thanks Teddy for this gem of a video.

[@Al8minium]

The perfect marriage of mechanics to electronics.

[@Ossory88]

Meh. I rather see mechanics to stay single forever

[@juniorjr5328]

Sacrilege. lol

[@Diepvries11]

Mechatronics.

[@andyweb7779]

Wait till they become vintage and need fixed 🤪

[@MobiusCoin]

@@andyweb7779 This is an issue with obscure mechanical calibers too...

[@csmats5374]

Great video! I'm new to watches as a hobby and have learned more from this one site than all the others combined. The Spring Drive is truly an amazing work of engineering that stands at the pinnacle amongst mankind's greatest achievements. I've long considered the Seamaster as my grail watch from even before I got into watches but now I'm in search of a new grail watch with a Spring Drive.

[@cliftonfloyd9994]

The spring drive is my grail watch

[@edwardpamintuan]

So cool how mechanical, computer and electrical work together with Spring Drive, a natural technology evolution that only Seiko sought to push. The movement and the finish show that GS makes one of the best in the world. The only thing to decide is if you fall in love with it when you see it in person.

[@vincentxiao601]

First time I heard of this SD and went online shopping for one. You are indeed a great lecturer that make me sit through your whole commentary and get me hook onto this amazing timekeeping technology. Tnx u so much for ur insightful sharing.

[@michaeltb1358]

The Swiss watches are basically jewellery that tells the time fairly accurately. This is a work of art that tells the time precisely.

[@charlesdesurne4696]

outstanding

[@ivangamer8022]

It's just a shit copy like everything from japan

[@NetworkGulf]

Exactly

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

Meh, just looks like a shortcut to me.

[@Gamesies]

@@bobbygetsbanned6049 yeah so is sending texts when you can send letters

[@wesdaniel]

I got my first Grand Seiko Spring Drive last weekend. Got the Skyflake. It’s a stunning watch and is mesmerizing to see for many reasons.

[@nadeshikofanlol]

Congrats! I actually just got the snowflake 2 weeks ago. Sgbe249

[@ItsThatMilkshake]

Hey mate how is the watch going 4 months on?

[@user-gr3rk6ur2p]

you are blessed 1/1/2021

[@gonshocks]

Thanks Teddy for the excellent presentation. I finally understand how that marvelous movement works. I still can't afford it and will have to settle for the smooth sweeping second hand on my Bulova military.

[@K3V0M]

I never bothered to look up what a Seiko Spring Drive is but this video explained it really well. The design of that movement is so smart! Such a great combination of both types of movements. I put a GS on "the list" before but I know it moved up a few ranks. Amazing!

[@ardonjr]

KZbin recommended this to me just yet.. before I knew it 12 minutes have passed and I loved every second of it. I learned a lot and the video editing was great!. My compliments!

[@williamdaemke8859]

Teddy, as an owner of one of the very first Spring Drive Chronos in the US, and several others over the years…AND having been a mechanical Engineer…imm simply blown away of the perseverance of this marvel of engineering. I love my Seikos, and enjoyed your demo. Thanks, WmRD

[@robertfeast7691]

Love the spring drive movement. Perfect mixture of a classic mechanical movement and modern quartz. Really great video.

[@invisablehvman3073]

This is the most impressive watch video I have ever seen. I have yet to break the $1000 barrier for a watch, let alone 5k to 10k barrier, but as an investment I would consider the Grand Seiko with the Spring Drive. I just have not been sold on the Rolex and its expensive cousins with their extremely high prices and perceived markup - not a me too guy, but I have to say that the Spring Drive and the quality of the finish of the Grand Seiko makes it well worth considering the 5k to 10k range compare to the other higher end options. Now to convince my wife that I would only buy "one" high-end watch. She teases me for having 20+ watches, I remind her that her "shoe" and "purse" expenditure far exceeds my watch costs. Thanks again for a most impressive video.

[@amoghavarshamurthy]

😂

[@your_bases_are_belong_to_us]

if its investment, then go for the rolex. Its got more brand recognition and is more easier to sell. But if its a watch you plan to keep for yourself, for your enjoyment, the spring drive it is.

[@tonkotsurobot]

To me a watch is a personal extension of me that transcends "markups", "value" and "high price", heck when talking about value, a $5 sweatshop watch will give you the biggest bang for buck. I would recommend going to a watch not from feature, value, historical horological history, etc, but from one simple question (or two): Does it bring you joy? Do you love it? It's that simple, doesn't matter if it's a seiko, breitling, rolex, or zenith. The rest is just noise, or at best a bonus. My opinion only of course. FYI, I do have a spring drive, but not a rolex, among other watches

[@DailyShit.]

You contradicted yourself. If you want to go for an investment the top shelves overhyped stuff is sadly what you want

[@extreme989]

You're knocking other companies for "extremely high prices and perceived markup" but do you not realize Grand Seiko is the exact same?

[@cr7rulz97]

Teddy, this is incredible... I can't wait to know more about this....all of a sudden the zeros in the price tag of a luxury timepiece (the GS) actually make sense! I feel honoured to live in an era where witnessing such feats of ingenuity, persistence and passion is possible for the general public! Truly a work of art, and impossible to put a monetary value on... My heart goes out to this spirit of human will... The engineers in Japan and elsewhere who have pioneered the technology, connoisseurs like you who make this knowledge appealing and aspirational, and finally the horological/scientific/art societies who persist to cultivate and spread scientific and artistic temper. I am overwhelmed!

[@calvinnickel9995]

The only reason why the price makes sense is aesthetics and exclusivity. Seiko developed a proprietary movement and rather than mass-producing as they easily could have, it decided to keep it as a halo product where only a few can afford the privilege. I have a Bulova Precisionist. It does use a battery but it uses a quartz crystal oscillating at 8 times the frequency of a standard quartz watch.. making for a very accurate movement and also a continuously sweeping second hand. But it’s still consumer level priced. $350-$600. Citizen Skyhawks have used solar power and external timing signals to make a watch that also doesn’t require a battery and is as accurate as an atomic clock for the last 20 years or more. And any phone or cellular connected smartwatch is running off of GPS time which is also synchronized with on-board atomic clocks.

[@KittenBowl1]

@@calvinnickel9995the price isn’t because of aesthetics and exclusivity but the GS watches were put together only by certified Japanese craftsmen in Japan and all of the parts are truly made in Japan. They’re very particular about this. That’s why it says “Made in Japan”. They literally make everything in Japan like good and old days as if China as a country doesn’t exist in the world since literally none of the parts are made in some developing countries, all made and supplied in Japan by craftsmen. It’s a very unique watch that took time to develop, the parts are truly authentic and not even single screw is made in China like some cheap knockoffs we see in day in and day out these days or some euro trash overpriced watch that’s not even worth $50. Btw aesthetic part is mere preference. Nothing to do with quality or related to authenticity or how well a watch is made of. There are cheap $20 watch made in China stuff on Am*zon that may look nice and look good for 30 min then falls apart. Seiko also makes decent everyday watches in $200 range that doesn’t fall apart and eye pleasing and accurate for several years.

[@aqz2000]

What a brilliantly detailed video! The GS is so under rated. The Swiss marketing does its trick

[@anthonyb.3371]

That movement is so smooth. It's mesmerizing.

[@marcgirard7551]

This was a tremendous video, Teddy. I’m an engineer so this gave me a much better appreciation of all movements including the Spring drive. I have to say, if I were going for a Grand Seiko, I was thinking I’d definitely go for their high-beat mechanical movement but this video has given me pause and new appreciation for the Spring Drive. It’s not just a fancy quartz!

[@J69Nice]

@Marc Girard they do have fancy quartz movements called 9F I believe. They are said to be the best standard quartz movement in the world.

[@danspanos]

This was one of the best watch reviews I've ever seen! Very impressive, Teddy!

[@jimoathout7543]

Best explanation of the Spring Drive I hav seen. Thanks!

[@wojtan]

Great job Teddy. Thank you

[@cleftoftherock6797]

Outstanding instruction. Clarity. Appreciated. Can't say enough of how this video helps in understanding how watches work. Great.

[@edhammond6911]

Awesome explanation.Seiko is undoubtably The greatest watch Company in history.The innovation , creativity, perfection, variety that Seiko offers is unbelievable. That is the reason why every comment I ever make ends with, SEIKO IS KING !!!

[@kapitnono]

Seiko is near nowhere the top. Their watches are ugly exept the GS

[@ekimandersom4478]

@@kapitnono Ugly? The Seiko presage line is far from ugly. And the divers are great also.

[@J69Nice]

Japanese watches are kings in general. Citizen, Seiko, and Casio are the big 3 of Japanese watchmaking. But Grand Seiko and Credor have to be the haute horology of Japan

[@edhammond6911]

@@kapitnono Please read my comment again nano, my Knute

[@kapitnono]

@@edhammond6911 I read again, and seiko is still far from top

[@sallymonaeh]

I always wonder if a brand like Rolex would have invented a movement like Spring Drive. People would go insane

[@平-o2n]

It is less likely to happen because actually the knowledge base of rolex is much smaller than seiko. Besides rolex makes no attempt to do so because they are fine with the luxury business model now.

[@DarthMalaks_Missing_Lower_Jaw]

Rolex fanboys would declare that it's the greatest invention since sliced bread.

[@cdb5001]

First of all, it wouldn't have a relevant name like Spring Drive. It would probably be something more pretentious like "Glorious Expedition".

[@donnk]

rolex is extremely lazy and slow to even push out models. Just compare them to Omega, the latter seemingly has a new man on the moon watch every other month.

[@DjVader112]

They aren’t even trying, because they know they will still sell like hotcakes with the brand name alone

[@Edunf83]

What an excellent video, well done Teddy! I would love to see more of these "educational" type of content on this channel, it would really set you apart.

[@argarcini]

Such a great video. I’ve already watched before but I came back to appreciate my favorite movement. Thanks for the excellent content!

[@kimbo5366]

Take a bow. Cut and clarity. A gem. Thank you.

[@Dbrockjohnson]

Thanks for the video Teddy! I’m saving for A GS, it’s my most wanted watch now to add to my collection ! I really think you can’t beat the value! Your the man bro, your knowledge amazes us man, keep them coming! I have a lot of watches but no GS, , ,! Every major watch collector I know, they all say GS is the best value for now, so I hope I can buy soon!

[@Watchatete]

This is the next level. Microphotography and presentation are flawless like the GS watches.

[@johnnychin]

Couldn't agree more. The history behind the movement itself makes it one of the most desired for me. My only gripe is that at the moment it seems like Seiko/GS themselves are unwilling to make more smaller sized watches. There are only a handful of sub-40mm GSes and the amount of Spring Drives in that handful is even more miniscule. If only they made a sub-40mm Spring Drive GMT in a 44GS case.

[@722georgetonorge]

Agreed. So many of their beautiful spring drive models look like ideal dress watches, but are sized like sport or dive watches. I really hope they start making smaller (and perhaps more affordable) spring drive pieces.

[@paulompro]

Great explanation. Thank you Teddy for spending so much time with the details. For me, the most interest part was to know that Seiko allowed some much time for the research.

[@MrKkramme]

One of the best and most informative podcasts on watches that I have seen. ❤ Very well done! 👍

[@Shippoyasha]

It's crazy to think this grail-movement in the industry is only $5000-8000. It's very achievable. Compared to the competitors that has far less capable movements but are sold more as jewelry.

[@juniorjr5328]

Wrist watches are jewelry accessory for me. My phone tells me the time. Whh do folks have a box full of rolex and patek? U need only one watch if it's not a jewelry. We want a functional jewelry with deep horological history

[@ivanlagrossemoule]

That's because the main part of the spring drive is incredibly cheap to produce and highly overpriced already.

[@altbinhax]

@@ivanlagrossemoule Not sure what part of the Spring Drive is "cheap to produce", but there's a lot more hand finishing, and over all quite high quality components; GS speak to the quartz aging and selection process. The movement is unique and there was over 20 years R&D into Spring Drive, so I'm not surprised that Teddy has praised the achievement so highly.

[@assoverteakettle]

@@ivanlagrossemoule As opposed to Rolex? A company that barely innovates its own movements, bought their movement supplier in 2004 so they can call it "in house", and has in recent years created artificial shortages in a mass market watch and have inflated their prices? Even Frederico is slamming Rolex these days for being staid, unexciting, and overpriced.

[@CraftingCake]

@@altbinhax the Quarz and the IC are dirtcheap. I am taking about cents per piece in large quantities.

[@jaimefontbona1907]

Amazing movement and great video, Teddy🎉. I only miss the tuning fork technology in it, but I guess it would have been to long.I would love to learn more about that one and why it got abandoned.

[@grahamrankin5557]

Great presentation and clear explanation of the basic workings of the Spring Drive. I have a small collection of mainly automatic mechanical watches with a few traditional quartz watches. My biggest gripe with the quartz watches is replacing the battery periodically, especially if it has to be done by specialist services as I found out with my Rado, which was a slow and costly process. The Grand Seiko movement overcomes the battery requirement while still presenting a mechanical drive, as you say, the best of both worlds. Thanks again, Teddy. Cheers!

[@spuckuk7039]

Solar quartz is a thing, they never need a battery change

[@uttam-tambar]

This is one of teddy’s best videos. I learn more every time I watch it. And I plan to get a spring drive skyflake in November!

[@princeajaz9167]

After seeing so many "watch videos" done by you, i just want to know which watch do you wear the most. I think that encompasses your whole knowledge and helps me the most. Great work

[@PersonaN007Grata]

Can’t decide between Spring Drive and Hi-Beat 36000. The sweep on the Spring Drive is so nice. But knowing that the Hi-Beat is achieving nearly perfect sweep all from mechanical engineering is so pleasing.

[@jdassonval]

Same for me right now.

[@orwellknew9112]

Functionally brilliant. Not like a mechanical watch that does many complex operations, but like a new category of mechanism that does the few fundamental things required of a timepiece, significantly better than any previous watch.

[@mrkiky]

Technically there's nothing stopping them from putting in the complex operations as well. The main difference here is the "heart" of the watch, but the rest of it functions fairly similarly.

[@KittenBowl1]

@@mrkikylol the heart is called movement. But that’s how watches are differentiated.

[@mrkiky]

@@KittenBowl1 As far as metaphors go, the movement would be the heart and all the other internal organs.

[@cheetawolf]

Would you happen to know the music used at 0:34?

[@Adreno23421]

Amazing video. Whoever wrote this did one of the best texts I've ever seen. Great graphics also. Congrats, what a work of art!!!

[@colseverns9848]

Awesome presentation and so easy to understand ... I knew the GS was special but was absolutely clueless about the workings of the spring drive...incredible engineering !! and thanks !!

[@RedRoverTW]

The Japanese never-ending pursuit of perfection constantly amazes me. I love it.

[@Nikioko]

Spring Drive - a mechanical movement with an eddy current brake instead of an escapement. A great idea as the movement regulates itself rather then adjusting the effective length of the hairspring.

[@chrisrussell63]

High-end Swiss watches have variable inertia balance wheels for regulation rather than adjusting the effective hairspring length. More accurate, stays in adjustment longer.

[@rustythecat2163]

@Nikioko Absolute best explanation of. “Spring Drive” mechanism period! Very well done and thank you!

[@beautifulsmall]

@@chrisrussell63 thanks for the variable inertia balance wheel rabbit hole. fascinating. Nivachron anti-magnetic springs, not much use in a glide wheel watch though but the vibw might be,, with magnets.

[@chrisahmed9772]

Sir, you are very good at explaining and illustrating. Excellent production values! Also, I like that vintage style polo shirt you are wearing!

[@ariovaldopradella8256]

Magníficent vídeo! Now I understand the spring drive system! Congratulations from Brazil!

[@joepanther9120]

I really enjoyed this video - I own the SBGE001. Spring drive has that face engineers and physicists adore - the force driving EVERY aspect of ANY watch movement is electromagnetism - spring drive extends upon a spring's electromagnetic properties to unleash the broader potentials of this fundamental force of nature. A true masterpiece

[@ktsai2003]

Ted, how about longevity of the watch? I would imagine it still needs service like other mechanical watches, but how about the EM parts? Do they last forever?

[@richienick]

Exactly the thoughts I had after watching this video. Is there preventative maintenance involved here ???

[@holystomp]

If anything, SD requires less servicing than your traditional mechanical watches with escapement movements. Because less frictions and wear & tear. EM parts should last very long due to nano watt operating and water resistance protection

[@gdelacruzjr]

GS movements has been the 🐐 for a while now

[@edmonddantes4807]

A beautiful video. Will get a Grand Seiko. Thank you from Manila.😎

[@linhhuynh1344]

It's a great way to combine the best of both technologies that make this watch superb, thanks for the video to explain what a spring drive is.

The Seiko Premier line offers an equally interesting mix between mechanical watchmaking and digital watches. They are automatic, but instead of winding a spring it turns a mini generator, which creates electricity to charge a capacitor. This capacitor powers a digital clock, which of course has perfect timekeeping and also a perpetual calendar. The awesome thing with the Premier series watches is that this digital clock is then used to position mechanical hands, so you get the looks of a mechanical watch, with the accuracy of a digital one. This also makes some unique features possible, such as energy saving by stopping the hands from moving if the watch isn't worn for 48 hours. In energy saving mode the digital clock still runs in the background, so when the watch is picked up after sitting still, it then quickly moves the hands back to the correct position. It also has a perpetual calendar with leap year support.

[@aldoboy1463]

Interesting. What is the model code?

[@escapewheel821]

Here's the actual "why", not just an explanation of how Spring Drive works: - timekeeping not affected by gravity / positional error, as a traditional watch is - timekeeping not affected by magnetism, as are most traditional watches - state of wind of the mainspring does not alter the timekeeping, so it will be just as accurate at full wind as it is when it's nearly completely unwound - less susceptible to shock, and the immediate and long term effects of shock (serious shock in a traditional mechanical watch can alter the alignment of escapement components, damage pivots, move the regulator, etc) - longer service intervals... as long as there is just enough power to keep the glide wheel moving at 8 rotations per second, the watch will continue to run accurately. Just a start, but there are significant practical advantages to SpringDrive.

[@BezDev]

I've seen the magnetism resistance being debated before, but one of the main guys at Grand Seiko confirmed that magnetism *does* affect the Spring Drive movement, but only during the period when the strong magnetic field is present. In other words, it does not stay magnetized as a traditional mechanical watch would. However, one *must not* use a demagnetizer on a Spring Drive piece, as that will disrupt the functional magnetism that make the movement work.

[@abtcooldude]

Yep as the other commenter said, it will definitely be affected by a magnetic field, there are components in there specifically making use of magnetic fields, if there is a strong external field it will disrupt it. However the beauty of this movement allows it to correct itself back to perfect time

[@escapewheel821]

@@abtcooldude yes, a STRONG magnetic field can temporarily affect timing. Clearly I should have been much more specific. No error goes unnoticed on the internet.

[@BezDev]

@@escapewheel821 Wasn't a critique of what you said, just wanted to further clarify the extent of the "resistance" to magnetism. It's more resilience than resistance. Thanks for sharing the whys, I agree 100% that these are what makes Spring Drive operationally superior than your regular mechanical movements.

[@CzornyLisek]

1.) Timekeeping is affected by it. Otherwise You would break physics. In watches the main thing why it happens are changes in accelerations(G's) and friction. Which mainly effect balance wheel. And balance wheel and spring drive wheel are suspended in the exact same way. 2.) It literally use magnetism for regulations. By all means it is affected by magnetism. And in much higher degree that many modern mechanical movements. As nowadays used alloys have very low magnetic permability. 3.) State of unwind change the speedz accelerations and forces in whole mechanism. Doesnt matter how it is regulated. Change in forces equal change of timekeeping. 4.) It is in no way less susceptible. Spring drive and normal balance wheel have the exact same kind of shockproof protection. Double jewels with little tiny shock spring on top. For vertical forces. And relatively long sleder pivot points. that can ever so slightly bend in case of lateral/horizontal forces. Also in general Seiko Spring Drive movements use the exact same bearing and pivots like any mechanical watch. there is not a single special, and as such better, thing about it.

[@navykeef]

I traded in my 6 year old Rolex GMT II for a brand new GS snowflake and a hefty amount of cash. Best deal I ever made.

[@mistermood4164]

I would’ve sold it on the open market than trading it in

[@navykeef]

@@mistermood4164 if you like waiting months and dealing with low ballers and flakers! I don’t. 😉

[@jimsmith5974]

Hi Teddy just bought a snowflake after seeing your review, the watch and dial are some of the best i have seen on any make of watch thanks. Jim.

[@michaelholevas9385]

Wow. Excellent explanation! I stumbled onto this while watch shopping. As a former science teacher I really appreciated this video.

[@Roman-vh1rr]

Grand Seiko is only watch that's worth every penny that they charge and not because of brand in my opinion

[@Camelotsmoon]

Right? Luxury *AND* innovation.

[@J69Nice]

I would agree and would have to add Citizen in there as well. Their Eco Drive tech is so impressive as well. Seiko is no longer best value for money with the rising prices of their automatic watches but Grand Seiko Spring Drive is so cool! And not too expensive considering how revolutionary and beautiful their watches are.

[@looseunit1615]

The only thing standing in my way of owning one of these watches is the price.

[@林漢-i3g]

Only time will tell when the tech will be implemented to cheaper models, definitely can see some under-$1000 presage and prospex models with a less-finishes spring drive in a few decades

[@umuterdem9317]

​@@林漢-i3g in decades wow instead prefer hustling harder and increasing my wealth and owning one in few years

[@aplobb]

Do you think any of the GS will hold value once bought, or automatically lose 20-30ish% once leaving AD.

[@umuterdem9317]

Patrick snowflake and some particular models holds it but others kinda loose some but not 30 more like 10 or 15

[@donnk]

@@umuterdem9317 LOSE, not loose. Spell properly

[@kaym7704]

Japan is definitely where innovation is for watches. Europe needs to catch up.

[@olblue3478]

Not really.... they're fashion items We all have more accurate time keeper called smartphones...

[@ekimandersom4478]

Only ETA needs to make one, that covers 90% of the European brands

[@ZayneCristian585]

@@olblue3478 Completely asinine. A smartphone and traditional wrist watch are an apples to orange comparison of time keeping devices.

[@olblue3478]

@@ZayneCristian585 no

[@bivitabrata3188]

@@olblue3478 a jewelery, maybe true. But its main purpose is for displaying time, as the history says. Being a jewelery is just an expansion of its usage. In marketing department, you can justify higher prices by advertising your watch as premium product that displays time as accurate as possible. Also advertise that as newer, smarter, breakthrough upgrade to the previous technology. A proud owner would even be more proud knowing such from the jewelries they bought and treasure, wouldn't they?

[@MyWatchTherapy]

I just got back from Japan and bought a wonderful Grand Seiko SBGA401, I cannot stop looking at it and also wanting to learn about the movements so when people ask me I can actually explain it and not sound like an idiot. Thank you Teddy for putting this together, it really helped. I can't stop looking at this watch it's so beautiful!

[@bradleyerasmus1961]

I bought the SBGE255 a few days ago. I am so in love with it! I can't stop looking at it! Quality and beauty combined!

[@kennetha.1937]

When I purchased my first Grand Seiko, I almost went with one of their 9F quartz, but I knew I'd be kicking myself if I didn't purchase a Spring Drive. I didn't want the 9F to just be a "hold me over until..." type of watch. So glad I went with a Spring Drive. That's not to say I don't want to add a 9F down the road, however!

[@blaxerx]

Sometimes, I find the whole "surviving Quartz crisis" narrative to be lame and a marketing story to justify the industry, and expensive brands with heritage. Quartz watches itself is a horological milestone that create accurate and reliable timekeeping at a fraction of the cost. The Japanese has constantly invested in innovation while keep their products accessible to different prices groups. From entry SKX, to SD divers. Seiko kinetic, ana-digi, digital watches, clocks, mechanical high end, low end, growing their own quartz crystals, etc. etc. There is something for everyone. Yet, they are always given the flak for being "inferior" to Swiss watches by snobs. Those that do crap loads of marketing with "friends/ambassadors" that have no relation to the history and heritage of a brand. See brad pitt, beckham. Abolutely no loyalty. And that says a lot about what the Swiss brands are doing. $ > substance, just like their ambassadors. Spring drive (and Japanese watchmaking) is truly a marvel and deserves more appreciation than "inferior" or aggressors in the quartz crisis (or even enemy of horology if you will).

[@Atombender]

It's all marketing bullshit to get people to buy far more expensive timepieces that are far less complicated and accurate.

[@Stigismo]

Swiss are so behind Japan and frankly any other country in terms of innovations. ETA 2824 is decades old and there is nothing new really, maybe coaxial from Omega. And yet they charge thousands for "heritage". Ofc I'm not talking about highly limited pieces with inhouse mechanisms that costs more than my house lol. Now if You want something really hi-tech just go Japan: GS, Oceanus, Credor, Citizen

[@ivanlagrossemoule]

@@Stigismo Zenith has a 100 bps movement for the same price range as a GS. Hublot sells both 'magic gold' and an innovative low cost tourbillon for the price of a GS. It's not because Rolex gets away with selling the same shit with huge margins that there's no innovation.

[@olblue3478]

Theres a reason why people like paintings of themselves when they could easily take a photo... Its called art Your cries are of the poor

[@Diepvries11]

I've got my Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater last year. It is the absolute pinnacle of watchmaking, unmatched by Swiss.

[@jshottest]

Diepvries, wonder if you're a lucky rich horological enthusiast or just a pathological liar. Either way, Credor Minute Repeater is just superb.

[@DawnPeterson-l8h]

Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the amzwatch, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.

[@amitkharote]

Thankyou for explaining the drive in such a simple terms, made me think of time spent and dedication of Yoshikazu Akahane

[@TyroneBeiron]

I have A Rolex, Omega and Ball automatic all set with the same time as my Grand Seiko in January 2020, and to date (July), only the latter - the Grand Seiko - has kept Internet time. That says a lot.

[@stevek8829]

I have no idea what "internet time" is.

[@humorss]

@@stevek8829 reference time by atomic clocks.

[@alber.a1232]

The spring drive seconds movement is just incredible 👌🏻

[@hammalamiri12]

An escapement does not have soul , a vibrating quartz crystal does not have a soul. However the spring drive and thermo compensated quartz blow my mind more than moving the bridges around and calling a basic mechanical movement a masterpiece

[@nicolajhardbass1608]

Törrecht!

[@nicolajhardbass1608]

Törrecht!

[@jeremyburns9151]

Great video! I'm amazed at how smooth that hand is.

[@michaeljam2132]

Brilliant! Splendid explanation and graphics. Quite a perspicacious gentleman.

[@mfahmisn]

Evrything is great except that i can't afford it

[@cowboyswami2017]

Me 2 my man 🙌

[@WimiBussard]

Gotta stack your side jobs, man!

[@stoundingresults]

Time to hustle and save champ. I believe in you.

[@boris7540]

More and more I start to appreciate the Spring drive. The only downside of the movement in my opinion is the fact that you should send it to Japan for a service.

[@holystomp]

It's a proprietary tech that you can't get from any other brands. Also it should run fine without servicing for many years just like the other rolex pp ap etc

[@boris7540]

@@holystomp yeah, I know, but when the time for service will come you'll have no other choice than to send your watch to Japan.

[@holystomp]

@@boris7540 due to how it works, I know my SD will not need to be serviced for as long as the other rolex pp ap etc, if not longer. I'm sure there are unserviced automatic SD's since it's debut in 2005 and still running fine and accurate. But ya if you're disturbed with the thought of sending it to only Japan for servicing...ya alright SD is not for you atm then. Cheers.

[@michaeleccles3336]

Had mine serviced in this country (United Kingdom). Crazy accurate movement but it was discharging power and not holding. Sent it back to be sorted out and it never left our shores. Think GS are widening the service centres these days, now they're going for more global appeal.

[@kennetha.1937]

Sending it to Japan for a service is a small price to pay for the type of technology you get, in my opinion. Plus, once the watch has accumulated its fair share of scuffs and scratches, you can also have it Zaratsu-repolished in the homeland. I think it's good they only trust the people who actually made the watch to service it.

[@DarthMalaks_Missing_Lower_Jaw]

Great video and insight. Hope those haters that whine “hur dur it’s still a quartz” watch this and learn something, but I doubt it. Like Federico.

[@brightonwang1]

One of the best KZbin videos I've seen. Thank you.

[@mehuldeshpande5925]

Dear teddy, Very well explained. The animation was very informative.