Great review as always. I`m A Brit living in Japan for many years. Have been selling off my 12 watch collection including Rolex, Omega, Breitling etc so i can finally purchase a GS. I went to the GS boutique a couple of times in Tokyo. They treat you so well, no rush and when I said i was interested in a no date GS a salesman took me upstairs into a room and showed me all the no date models. There`s a humility that you don`t seem to find at other well known brands.
I've owned several Grand Seiko's and the are without a doubt my favorite watch brand. Their attention to detail for the price is just second to none. What they do at Sub 10K, you will not find in a Swiss or German watch. Where else can you find a hand finished case, hand finished markers and hands, a beautiful nature inspired unique dial for 5 ot 6K. Not happening anywhere else. Congrats on the purchase and enjoy!
Grand Seiko pretty much killed the desire for Rolex for me. I also sold an Aquaterra for my Grand Seiko about two years ago. No regrets as I know I got the better watch.
@@vktravellog1242 I don't know. I got a Rolex Yachtmaster (with no purchase history I waited a whole 3 days for it during Covid) and then a GS Skyflake from the same AD and both experiences were exemplary. Of course, the Rolex was at retail and the GS was 20% off. I love them both, along with my Omega Planet Ocean Tokyo 2020 LE and AnOrdain Grey Payne (ordered long before the hype.) I think there is too much either/or brand thinking promoted on RUclips watch videos ( I know, it gets the clicks) when in real life there are lots of folks like me who have multiple brands coexisting peacefully in their watch box.
@@davidr2802 It's not the snobbery or AD nonsense that turns me off from Rolex. It's the overinflated value even at MSRP. I don't think they are worth the asking price.
@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 That's the beauty of watch collecting . Everyone has their own personal opinion about what constitutes value and how a particular watch makes them feel. That is why I refuse to make blanket statements about entire brands.
Grand seiko make beautiful watches. Rolex make watches that are built like tanks. Ask any professional watchmaker which watch brand they enjoy working on and it’s always Rolex because they are so robust. Like many people I only knew Rolex at first, learned loads, hated Rolex, after three years of collecting I’m back to admiring and respecting these watches. But the ADs are generally awful.
I have had the same watch for 3 year now and this masterpiece never fails to amaze me. I must add what GS has accomplished with the spring drive, that is the second hand smooth glides as the time of our life does. Thus, imitating nature could not get more perfect. Enjoy
I sold my Omega Seamaster 300 Master Coaxial to buy a grand Seiko with the same case as this one, same hands and hour markers, Spring Drive but a GMT variant (SBGE271G). I love it. This video is the best love letter to the spring drive and Grand Seiko's dial design that I have seen. Props.
My friend owns this piece and I totally agree, it's stunning. Gs sourced a fitted end link bracelet for it. I have the sbga415, these spring drive movements and amazing. I ran mine for 100 days and it only gained 3 seconds 🤯
Owning 4 grand seikos, I can tell that every time I go to check omegas or rolexes, they feel like toys or fakes. Grand seiko set the bar so high that it's unfair for other brands.
@@marketingsuccess2637 some models have lume. I don’t find it a problem with my snowflake. The remarkable thing is how the black polish finish and flawless finish makes it such a highly legible watch.
Idk man, grand seikos great and all but aside from their unique dials, I don't like ther bezel shape, the bracelets. I think the shape of their watches r kind of boring. And if I compare it to an aqua terra shades, it wins in the dial design, but attributes like bracelet and bezel GS falls flat to me by a long mile. The aqua terra world time is also an amazing dial too though, I wouldnt say snowflake GS or smthing beats it.
Watches like these needs to be seen in the flesh to appreciate it more, those macro shots just show off its perfection, if this was a JLC it would be 3 times the price.
Whenever I wear my GS's, I get the feeling that the designers, builders of these timepieces are honoring you, personally, as much as they are honoring the craft of timekeeping. You don't really get that with other manufacturers.
I bought the same watch about 2 years ago. Absolutely love my Blue Snowflake. It's hard to show on video, but I'm still amazed how in different lighting the dial can look white, a beautiful radiant blue, and everything in between. I have four GS's, and this one's my favorite.
My father once casually mentioned he bought a new watch. He's had a Seiko Pogue on his wrist for 30 plus years. When he passed I found that new watch. It's a Grand Seiko snowflake, still sporting the protective stickers. I never wear it, neither did he. I do however wind it once in a while to be mesmerized by the sweeping second hand, and contemplate the reason behind the purchase, that I'll never know.
The SBGA407 was my first “big” watch purchase. It is not mentioned enough when discussing GADA watches. Elegant but robust. But most importantly, this thing is insanely gorgeous. Congrats and enjoy!! It’s a stunner.
Glad you are making the extra macro footage a standard. Went and changed from my Omega to my Grand Seiko. Your discipline approach sound smart but your channel has inspired several watch purchases for me.
Grand Seiko make great watches and I think the Elegance collection is where the best watches can be found.... their simplicity allows the details and quality to shine. My only complaint with Grand Seiko is I don't think they have found a design for sports watches which have made gains in the market.
The new EVO gmt is a killer sports watch. The issue isn't the case design however. For a good sports watch it requires a good bracelet. And that's the one thing Grand Seiko haven't nailed at all.
Peter! You nailed it! I bought an entry-level spring drive and it’s nearly turned off the desire faucet for expensive watches. I laughed when you talked about it’s perfection, then talked about changing the date. They just need to add a perpetual calendar complication to complete perfection, eh? 😂
I fully agree with you Peter, it is a MASTERPIECE. I own the same one. Even though I have several very nice watches including 1 Breguet, I'm wearing the skyflake everyday
I wanted the dial, finishing, and spring drive movement. But not until they took the power reserve off the front and the date window off the front of the watch would I be a buyer. Like many people I find the dial to be so amazing that putting a complication or power reserve on the dial, does the dial and hence the watch a great disservice. That being said, I love, love, love my Omiwatari. Did I mention I love my GD Omiwatari? Bares mentioning more than once!....cheers! great video!
This is the most beautiful watch review I've ever seen and heard. Those shallow pockets of yours could get much deeper if you pursue this career. Your choice of music and vocabulary speak to your good taste.
I have a milestone birthday coming and I will be buying a Grand Seiko to mark the occasion. I have looked at this watch and the 007 as well. There are so many things to consider with GS; dial color and texture, case material, movement, dress, sport…it goes on and on. GS has really kept the customer in mind with so many choices to find the perfect watch.
Great review. I haven't seriously started to consider a GS yet, but do admit that when I go into my AD I do absolutely stop by the GS display to watch the mesmerizing sweep of the spring drive second hand.
I've had my Grand Seiko (SBGE285 Morning Mist) since late March this year. I wear it every day. It's an incredible watch with a beautiful face. I did not even know the GS brand existed two weeks before I got the watch as originally I was thinking of getting a Heuer. It is also incredible accurate and my watch only gains 4 seconds per month.
Had to smile at your rule: it's exactly mine! Eight watches in the box, and one has to leave if I want to add another. Two of them are Grand Seikos. One has the 9F85 movement, their super-accurate quartz, and on top of being drop-dead gorgeous, it's absurdly accurate: It loses all of one second in the six months between daylight savings time adjustments.
stunning watch. congradulations, I have the Cherry Blossom sbga413 and I cannot stop looking at it, could you make a video on how you change the bracelet and strap on the GS, no one has done one, I think it would be a popular video to add to your channel, thanks
I just got myself very first grail watch which is Tudor Black Bay Pro and I do love it, but Grand Seiko is on an another level of watchmaking. One day I'll get one for sure. I just have a feeling the model I'm interested in didn't come out yet :)
Pretty watch Pete. The spring drive is a worthy substitute for the coaxial. The strap you’ve put on it is fantastic gives it a more sporty vibe. I love the sky flake one of my favourites. Good call. Enjoy it
Beautiful timepiece. The only reason why I own only one Grand Seiko is that, to me, they don't have that many distinctive lines of watches. It's almost like you own one and you've owned them all (perhaps excluding the huge divers). I wish they presented someting that would truly stand out, new bracelet style with a taper, new hands... I'm still waiting and loving my Snowflake :)
Agreed mate, it is a true masterpiece. And it's also true, you're not getting anything nearly as well crafted as something from this brand even for a lot more money. However, it's sad that the Omega of all watches had to go! 😢
Congrats on your new GS. It has a truly beautiful dial, lovely workmanship and a fascinating movement. The power reserve indicator disturbs the dial symmetry for me.
That model was the first watch I've ever bought for myself, and what brought me to the watch world. It's my most meaningful watch, and just because you made this video...I have subscribed!
This thing is absolutely beautiful, and I mean the whole design, whats inside the case and how it does what it does. It's beyond my current budget limits for a watch but it's something to maybe aspire to in the future.
Your in depth synopsis of how spring drive evokes emotions from a true watch enthusiasts perspective that reminds us of the “why” is exceptionally helpful. No doubt GrandSeiko watches are brilliantly crafted, and deserve their own focused attention without comparison. *imho Well done, Peter! Thx
Dear Peter I just joined your excellent professional chanel . Many thanks for beautiful episode. I did fall in love of the GS and the Spring Drive exactly as you did . I started with the Spring version SBGA 413 ,and now just purchased the one with the improved Credor movment the SBGY 009 . Manual wind. Congratulations again , I also congratulate myself for joining your chanel. With great respect Nizar
Congratulations on that beautiful GS. That is a great looking spring drive! I like that bor bracelet. Depending on what you buy.......you get an amazing watch for the money. Some people don't like the power reserve on the front. I am fine with it. I have a sbga413, and sbga429 spring drive. Amazing watches! Again, congrats
Congrats, I think grand seiko is very underrated, especially ATM when everybody just want Rolex Submariner. But for real when you show Submariner everybody is like "wow" and that's it, but when you show GS they really wanna watch closer. That is one quality piece right there.
I've got 2 watches i own and I would change absolutely nothing on either of them, one is a GS. So I own 2 perfect watches in my mind. It doesn't get any better than that in watch collecting.
Another example why I think you are one of the best. I am saving so that in a year or 2 I can afford this exact model. It's not the most expensive but it's by far my favourite after the GMT. I would just have aded a bit about the Zaratsu polishing which is world class. I hope you keep it for ever or at least for a very long time.
Hello, Peter. Excellent review and I'm happy for you to be so happy with the purchase. I do believe that there's a Snowflake in my future, but it will NOT include the power reserve indicator on its dial. ✌️❤️⌚
Peter, Another lovely review! Once gain our tastes coincide. Grand Seiko watches are like Japanese art, "less is more" and this understated subtlety allows the individual to perceive beauty through one's own eyes without all the noise and chatter that surrounds us. The quality of Japanese watch design and construction has long been under appreciated, which is of course a boon for us Grand Seiko lovers as their prices have remained affordable. As with the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi"; we are the broken/incomplete objects which are made whole by the beauty of the things which surround us. That is, if we really open our eyes and hearts to the beauty which around us. Cheers mate and keep up the wonderful videos!
Beautiful, Congrats Peter! My 413 is at +1s per month, SD is amazing. Most recently I got the SLGA017 - it’s the sky flake, but with a blue PVD rimmed sapphire, and 100m WR with screw crown ❤ and a 9RA2. 5 day PR.. ‘Blue glacier’ is my best translation attempt for it’s name.
I got this GS previously. The original owner managed to get his hands on a GS bracelet that can fit its lugs. Love it but the only thing that turns me off its the heavy watch case. Felt uncomfortable wearing it with the bracelet. Sold and funded for an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean later.
Masterpiece review, wow, nicely done! A worthy love letter to Grand Seiko, and just cements my desire for one over any other brand offering, as a grail buy. Truly enjoyed watching, and my heartiest congratulations to you!
Spring Drive is amazing, love it on my SBGA443. GS does dress and sporty dress watches well, but still misses the mark on sports watches (dive and non-dive) mostly due to the overall design (case, hands, bracelets). Not a problem for me though as I enjoy my Speedy and FXD alongside the Shunbun.
I love my Skyflake, whilst I have an Omega which covers my dive watch fix the GS is my goto dress watch and seeing it on the Artem strap gives it a totally different vibe. Great vid, thanks and say hello t o a new subscriber
Congratulations Pete. Great footage of the watch. The Spring Drive is the most perfect movement/instrument ever!! The Dials are beautiful! My new favorite watch is the Lake Suwa! The ripples, color are excellent! The Power Reserve Indicator is on the Back!! Oh sure I can sell my Casio Duro, but it will not come close to the purchase price. I would however, finance the Suwa not a Rolex. My flagship watch is the Omega 2222.80, I would not sell it for all the money in the world(almost). Look forward to your next video.
@@PeterKotsa whoops...caught me out there.. sorry. How do you find the quality of the Strapco Beads of Rice vs GS original bracelet.? I have liked the look of it for some time, but not sure of quality.
caught me out there....sorry. how do you find the quality of the Strapco Beads of rice, comparerd to original Grand Seiko bracelet.? .Thanks Peter. Cheers.@@PeterKotsa
@@grahamjones2840 the quality of this bracelet is ok, not as refined as the GS. It has split pins rather than screw pins. Also I wish it tapered a little so as to aid in comfort. So it is only a temporary fix for now, I will be sourcing a new bracelet from somewhere soon..where?..I have no idea 😂
I sold my GS and bought the older model Omega Aqua Terra Skyfall. + What I like about GS : Flashy, the level and of finishing is second to none for the same price point, I don't think any brand that sell products below 10K can go over GS in term of finishing. - What I dislike about GS: I have the feelings that it could only be a dress watch, I don't feel comfortable using it as a daily beater because it is way too shiny, especially people tend go wear stuffs a bit more laid back and less formal now. Plus 40mm is too big of a dress watch for my 17cm wrist :( + What I like about Omega Aqua Terra Skyfall: the old model case design is way better than its successor - it doesn't have the conical crown, the case is more masculine and to me it is a true GADA watch. The build quality - the level of finishing is 7.5/10 in comparison with GS and somehow the Co-axial movement speaks to me more than the Spring Drive. - What I dislike about Omega AT Skyfall: I love it too much, my other watches don't have the wrist time! That being said, GS is on my re-purchase list if they can do these two things: 1. GS please stop making too many watches and too many limited editions! 2. Shrink the spring drive movement for smaller size (36 - 38 mm)
What about the GS dive watches? Looking at their website, they’ve got two of them (I think, but it may also be two different dial colors for the same watch)
I own 2 grand seikos. Spring drive is magnificent. My white birch has the 9RA2 spring drive. The accuracy is better than +0.1 s per day. 5 day power reserve. I prefer the power reserve indicator on the back.
Nice review. If there is a fault it’s how hard it is reconciling our love for mechanical movements with the realization that this isn’t that. It’s a state of the art timepiece that accomplishes accuracy with the precision of a quartz oscillator while generating its electrical power supply by mechanical means which has been how it is still being done across the world but at much greater scope and scale. Maybe this is just me but I think this is still groundbreaking and challenges the veracity of major mechanical timekeeping with 9SA5, itself a major achievement steeped in the pursuit of improvement of mechanical timekeeping.
Strictly in terms of precision, I'm much more impressed by Rolex's -2+2 sec/day than GS's -1+8 sec/day or -3 +5 sec/day. I'm surprised that GS didn't emulate that standard.for their conventional mechanical timepieces.
Great watch Peter , definitely agree truly a engineering micro masterpiece. I would like to acquire a GS one day , but I won't be getting rid of my Aquaterra it's a keeper. Enjoy your watch lovely choice from Grand Seiko line up.
One thing GS should do is use the IC that is part of spring drive to drive a perpetual calendar mechanism. I know many would say that is cheating but I think it would be a good hack
Unless you are in the circle of honor and trust… paying $50k for a “watch” has zero merit for 99.9% of enthusiasts let alone population. Your are an elite .1%!!! Thanks for sharing the experience as we live thru you!
I was going to do the same thing. I just could not bring myself to sell the Aqua Terra.. I use it when uncomfortable wearing the high priced spread!. Watch thief's are everywhere in my town.
As a college student, Grand Seiko will be my endgame.
Great goal friend!!! GS for the win!!! Best of luck with your studies!
you should know that the watch is not cmpletly mechnic it has an electronic aprt.
Great review as always. I`m A Brit living in Japan for many years. Have been selling off my 12 watch collection including Rolex, Omega, Breitling etc so i can finally purchase a GS. I went to the GS boutique a couple of times in Tokyo. They treat you so well, no rush and when I said i was interested in a no date GS a salesman took me upstairs into a room and showed me all the no date models. There`s a humility that you don`t seem to find at other well known brands.
Thank you for sharing Jason, cheers
I've owned several Grand Seiko's and the are without a doubt my favorite watch brand. Their attention to detail for the price is just second to none. What they do at Sub 10K, you will not find in a Swiss or German watch. Where else can you find a hand finished case, hand finished markers and hands, a beautiful nature inspired unique dial for 5 ot 6K. Not happening anywhere else. Congrats on the purchase and enjoy!
Grand Seiko pretty much killed the desire for Rolex for me. I also sold an Aquaterra for my Grand Seiko about two years ago. No regrets as I know I got the better watch.
Exactly! The Rolex AD snobbery turned me off and led my search to Grand Seiko and I have never looked back!
@@vktravellog1242 I don't know. I got a Rolex Yachtmaster (with no purchase history I waited a whole 3 days for it during Covid) and then a GS Skyflake from the same AD and both experiences were exemplary. Of course, the Rolex was at retail and the GS was 20% off. I love them both, along with my Omega Planet Ocean Tokyo 2020 LE and AnOrdain Grey Payne (ordered long before the hype.) I think there is too much either/or brand thinking promoted on RUclips watch videos ( I know, it gets the clicks) when in real life there are lots of folks like me who have multiple brands coexisting peacefully in their watch box.
@@davidr2802 It's not the snobbery or AD nonsense that turns me off from Rolex. It's the overinflated value even at MSRP. I don't think they are worth the asking price.
@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 That's the beauty of watch collecting . Everyone has their own personal opinion about what constitutes value and how a particular watch makes them feel. That is why I refuse to make blanket statements about entire brands.
Grand seiko make beautiful watches. Rolex make watches that are built like tanks. Ask any professional watchmaker which watch brand they enjoy working on and it’s always Rolex because they are so robust.
Like many people I only knew Rolex at first, learned loads, hated Rolex, after three years of collecting I’m back to admiring and respecting these watches. But the ADs are generally awful.
It was always the snowflake that was my favorite GS but this one may take the crown... georgeous.
I have had the same watch for 3 year now and this masterpiece never fails to amaze me. I must add what GS has accomplished with the spring drive, that is the second hand smooth glides as the time of our life does. Thus, imitating nature could not get more perfect. Enjoy
That Dial is spectacular and must be seen in person. Pictures can't do it justice.
Awesome! Grand Seiko becomes more and more desirable. Thanks for the review!
I sold my Omega Seamaster 300 Master Coaxial to buy a grand Seiko with the same case as this one, same hands and hour markers, Spring Drive but a GMT variant (SBGE271G). I love it. This video is the best love letter to the spring drive and Grand Seiko's dial design that I have seen. Props.
My friend owns this piece and I totally agree, it's stunning. Gs sourced a fitted end link bracelet for it. I have the sbga415, these spring drive movements and amazing. I ran mine for 100 days and it only gained 3 seconds 🤯
Owning 4 grand seikos, I can tell that every time I go to check omegas or rolexes, they feel like toys or fakes. Grand seiko set the bar so high that it's unfair for other brands.
I’m looking at the grand Seiko for my next watch. I’m concerned that there is no lume for night. How did you make sense of it?
Exactly the same how i felt, once you held the othe brands you can feel immediately the diff on the craftmanship
@@marketingsuccess2637 some models have lume.
I don’t find it a problem with my snowflake.
The remarkable thing is how the black polish finish and flawless finish makes it such a highly legible watch.
Right now my snowflake is running 6 seconds fast since I last set it in early March.
Idk man, grand seikos great and all but aside from their unique dials, I don't like ther bezel shape, the bracelets. I think the shape of their watches r kind of boring. And if I compare it to an aqua terra shades, it wins in the dial design, but attributes like bracelet and bezel GS falls flat to me by a long mile. The aqua terra world time is also an amazing dial too though, I wouldnt say snowflake GS or smthing beats it.
My Aqua Terra didn't stay long in my collection either. I'm looking forward to owning a GS as well. Such an exquisite piece. Congrats 👏🏻
Thank you 👍
Any idea which GS you're leaning towards?
I swear, my heart beats a little faster when I look at a Grand Seiko. I'm starting to think I could live with just a GS as my principal daily driver.
Truly a fine piece of watchmaking art. 👍
I could have watched this for another 10min. Stunning in looks, functionality, and genius.
Mate you absolutely eclipsed your videography, bit of piano, stunning macros. Perfection. Well done and enjoy the GS masterpiece 👌
😋enjoyed showcasing this beauty
Watches like these needs to be seen in the flesh to appreciate it more, those macro shots just show off its perfection, if this was a JLC it would be 3 times the price.
Wow. That BOR bracelet has given your skyflake a whole different look. Gorgeous piece.
Whenever I wear my GS's, I get the feeling that the designers, builders of these timepieces are honoring you, personally, as much as they are honoring the craft of timekeeping. You don't really get that with other manufacturers.
Great reflection.
I bought the same watch about 2 years ago. Absolutely love my Blue Snowflake. It's hard to show on video, but I'm still amazed how in different lighting the dial can look white, a beautiful radiant blue, and everything in between. I have four GS's, and this one's my favorite.
It’s beautiful. Absolutely stunning! Congrats
What sold me on GS is their solid, unmatched design philosophy. You’re literally wearing the beauty of Japanese culture on your wrist.
man, that sweeping moves are really smooth
Wonderful video for my eyes! Proud GS owner (Snowflake SpringDrive, Titanium Diver's Hi-Beat, and Quartz GMT).
Nice variety🔥
Beautiful time piece, I love the dial and hands. Excellent video and nice music. I just subscribed. I have to get a spring drive
Another great review Peter! Also a very good explanation of how the spring drive actually works, you learn something new every day. 👍🏼
My father once casually mentioned he bought a new watch. He's had a Seiko Pogue on his wrist for 30 plus years. When he passed I found that new watch. It's a Grand Seiko snowflake, still sporting the protective stickers. I never wear it, neither did he. I do however wind it once in a while to be mesmerized by the sweeping second hand, and contemplate the reason behind the purchase, that I'll never know.
I own 8 GS's and love wearing all of them at various times. Congratulations Peter.
The SBGA407 was my first “big” watch purchase. It is not mentioned enough when discussing GADA watches. Elegant but robust. But most importantly, this thing is insanely gorgeous. Congrats and enjoy!! It’s a stunner.
Congrats on your purchase. It's a beauty. Wear it in good health Pete.
cheers 👍
I bought a green dial Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80,,for me this outpaced all the other options, regardless of price!
Glad you are making the extra macro footage a standard. Went and changed from my Omega to my Grand Seiko. Your discipline approach sound smart but your channel has inspired several watch purchases for me.
Grand Seiko make great watches and I think the Elegance collection is where the best watches can be found.... their simplicity allows the details and quality to shine. My only complaint with Grand Seiko is I don't think they have found a design for sports watches which have made gains in the market.
The new EVO gmt is a killer sports watch. The issue isn't the case design however. For a good sports watch it requires a good bracelet. And that's the one thing Grand Seiko haven't nailed at all.
My latest acquisition is a spring drive GMT from their sports collection. Absolutely love it.
Incredible watch. So beautiful. Definitely worth it. Congratulations. Thank you for sharing.
WOW Peter I can't stop drooling, keep your Rolex or Omega, for me it would be a Grand Seiko or a JLC Reverso every time.
Peter! You nailed it! I bought an entry-level spring drive and it’s nearly turned off the desire faucet for expensive watches. I laughed when you talked about it’s perfection, then talked about changing the date. They just need to add a perpetual calendar complication to complete perfection, eh? 😂
True 😂
I fully agree with you Peter, it is a MASTERPIECE. I own the same one. Even though I have several very nice watches including 1 Breguet, I'm wearing the skyflake everyday
Beautiful...enjoy 👍
My SBGP017 is absolutely gorgeous. Just need a spring drive model and I’ll nearly complete my collection.
Ripper job on this edition, Peter. You went the extra mile on the camera work, showing the love.
Oh … 🫢
This Grand Seiko is simply gorgeous 🥰
Thanks for sharing your nice acquisition. Bravo 👏🏼 😊
… and thanks for the bonus macros ❤
Thanks for watching!
Beautiful watch ! I would always prefer the date background to be the same colour as the dial though....
I wanted the dial, finishing, and spring drive movement. But not until they took the power reserve off the front and the date window off the front of the watch would I be a buyer. Like many people I find the dial to be so amazing that putting a complication or power reserve on the dial, does the dial and hence the watch a great disservice. That being said, I love, love, love my Omiwatari. Did I mention I love my GD Omiwatari? Bares mentioning more than once!....cheers! great video!
I’ve watched every review I’ve found on this watch and I think this is the best one. Great watch, that second hand is mesmerizing
Wow, thanks!
And thanks for watching
Great review. Saving for a Shunbun at the moment.
This is the most beautiful watch review I've ever seen and heard. Those shallow pockets of yours could get much deeper if you pursue this career. Your choice of music and vocabulary speak to your good taste.
Thanks for the feedback Mikolai, much appreciated 🙏
Seiko is a Game Changer 🎯
I have a milestone birthday coming and I will be buying a Grand Seiko to mark the occasion. I have looked at this watch and the 007 as well. There are so many things to consider with GS; dial color and texture, case material, movement, dress, sport…it goes on and on. GS has really kept the customer in mind with so many choices to find the perfect watch.
Great review. I haven't seriously started to consider a GS yet, but do admit that when I go into my AD I do absolutely stop by the GS display to watch the mesmerizing sweep of the spring drive second hand.
I've had my Grand Seiko (SBGE285 Morning Mist) since late March this year. I wear it every day. It's an incredible watch with a beautiful face. I did not even know the GS brand existed two weeks before I got the watch as originally I was thinking of getting a Heuer. It is also incredible accurate and my watch only gains 4 seconds per month.
Had to smile at your rule: it's exactly mine! Eight watches in the box, and one has to leave if I want to add another.
Two of them are Grand Seikos. One has the 9F85 movement, their super-accurate quartz, and on top of being drop-dead gorgeous, it's absurdly accurate: It loses all of one second in the six months between daylight savings time adjustments.
Beautiful Peter. Great cinematography as always.
cheers
stunning watch. congradulations, I have the Cherry Blossom sbga413 and I cannot stop looking at it, could you make a video on how you change the bracelet and strap on the GS, no one has done one, I think it would be a popular video to add to your channel, thanks
I just got myself very first grail watch which is Tudor Black Bay Pro and I do love it, but Grand Seiko is on an another level of watchmaking. One day I'll get one for sure. I just have a feeling the model I'm interested in didn't come out yet :)
Pretty watch Pete. The spring drive is a worthy substitute for the coaxial. The strap you’ve put on it is fantastic gives it a more sporty vibe. I love the sky flake one of my favourites.
Good call. Enjoy it
Beautiful watch and an excellent choice on the "Beads of Rice" bracelet. Makes the watch look better than on their standard bracelet.
I think it suits it really well..👍
I have three GS but haven't tried the spring drive yet... great video! Love this brand!
Beautiful timepiece. The only reason why I own only one Grand Seiko is that, to me, they don't have that many distinctive lines of watches. It's almost like you own one and you've owned them all (perhaps excluding the huge divers). I wish they presented someting that would truly stand out, new bracelet style with a taper, new hands... I'm still waiting and loving my Snowflake :)
Very true. The cases that Seiko uses for most of their dress watches, have a similar design among all their models.
And should you have a hard time falling asleep, just stare at that second hand. It won't take long.
Agreed mate, it is a true masterpiece. And it's also true, you're not getting anything nearly as well crafted as something from this brand even for a lot more money.
However, it's sad that the Omega of all watches had to go! 😢
You should make a video showing your collection of 8 and why you chose those watches. Great vid
I will try and do one before the end of the year 👍
Congrats on your new GS. It has a truly beautiful dial, lovely workmanship and a fascinating movement. The power reserve indicator disturbs the dial symmetry for me.
That model was the first watch I've ever bought for myself, and what brought me to the watch world. It's my most meaningful watch, and just because you made this video...I have subscribed!
Welcome to the channel 🙏
I also use the one in, one out principle for watches. I bought an SBGA407 about 18mths ago and have zero regrets or desire to sell or move on.
This thing is absolutely beautiful, and I mean the whole design, whats inside the case and how it does what it does. It's beyond my current budget limits for a watch but it's something to maybe aspire to in the future.
Your in depth synopsis of how spring drive evokes emotions from a true watch enthusiasts perspective that reminds us of the “why” is exceptionally helpful. No doubt GrandSeiko watches are brilliantly crafted, and deserve their own focused attention without comparison. *imho
Well done, Peter! Thx
cheers
Excellent review, Peter. A refreshing take on both the spring drive movement and the power reserve indicator. Congrats on the new watch!
Cheers
Dear Peter
I just joined your excellent professional chanel . Many thanks for beautiful episode.
I did fall in love of the GS and the Spring Drive exactly as you did . I started with the Spring version SBGA 413 ,and now just purchased the one with the improved Credor movment the SBGY 009 . Manual wind.
Congratulations again , I also congratulate myself for joining your chanel.
With great respect
Nizar
Welcome to the channel Nizar and enjoy the journey in this hobby 👍
Just a lovely video that makes me even more sure of my Omiwatari-purchase a couple of months ago. Thanks and kudos for your great taste…;) /J
Its beautifull. But for omega?
Together with my Dark Blue Rolex 118/209 it’s a perfect collection.
Congratulations on that beautiful GS. That is a great looking spring drive! I like that bor bracelet. Depending on what you buy.......you get an amazing watch for the money. Some people don't like the power reserve on the front. I am fine with it. I have a sbga413, and sbga429 spring drive. Amazing watches!
Again, congrats
Just gorgeous Peter. Love the strap choice and deployant as well.
Congrats, I think grand seiko is very underrated, especially ATM when everybody just want Rolex Submariner. But for real when you show Submariner everybody is like "wow" and that's it, but when you show GS they really wanna watch closer. That is one quality piece right there.
I've got 2 watches i own and I would change absolutely nothing on either of them, one is a GS. So I own 2 perfect watches in my mind. It doesn't get any better than that in watch collecting.
Another example why I think you are one of the best. I am saving so that in a year or 2 I can afford this exact model. It's not the most expensive but it's by far my favourite after the GMT. I would just have aded a bit about the Zaratsu polishing which is world class. I hope you keep it for ever or at least for a very long time.
🙏
Congrats Peter! Such as beautiful dial absolutely stunning 🤩
cheers 🥃
Hello, Peter.
Excellent review and I'm happy for you to be so happy with the purchase.
I do believe that there's a Snowflake in my future, but it will NOT include the power reserve indicator on its dial.
✌️❤️⌚
Peter,
Another lovely review!
Once gain our tastes coincide. Grand Seiko watches are like Japanese art, "less is more" and this understated subtlety allows the individual to perceive beauty through one's own eyes without all the noise and chatter that surrounds us.
The quality of Japanese watch design and construction has long been under appreciated, which is of course a boon for us Grand Seiko lovers as their prices have remained affordable.
As with the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi"; we are the broken/incomplete objects which are made whole by the beauty of the things which surround us. That is, if we really open our eyes and hearts to the beauty which around us.
Cheers mate and keep up the wonderful videos!
Beautiful, Congrats Peter! My 413 is at +1s per month, SD is amazing. Most recently I got the SLGA017 - it’s the sky flake, but with a blue PVD rimmed sapphire, and 100m WR with screw crown ❤ and a 9RA2. 5 day PR.. ‘Blue glacier’ is my best translation attempt for it’s name.
I got this GS previously. The original owner managed to get his hands on a GS bracelet that can fit its lugs. Love it but the only thing that turns me off its the heavy watch case. Felt uncomfortable wearing it with the bracelet. Sold and funded for an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean later.
Masterpiece review, wow, nicely done! A worthy love letter to Grand Seiko, and just cements my desire for one over any other brand offering, as a grail buy. Truly enjoyed watching, and my heartiest congratulations to you!
Spring Drive is amazing, love it on my SBGA443. GS does dress and sporty dress watches well, but still misses the mark on sports watches (dive and non-dive) mostly due to the overall design (case, hands, bracelets). Not a problem for me though as I enjoy my Speedy and FXD alongside the Shunbun.
I love my Skyflake, whilst I have an Omega which covers my dive watch fix the GS is my goto dress watch and seeing it on the Artem strap gives it a totally different vibe. Great vid, thanks and say hello t o a new subscriber
Congratulations Pete. Great footage of the watch. The Spring Drive is the most perfect movement/instrument ever!! The Dials are beautiful! My new favorite watch is the Lake Suwa! The ripples, color are excellent! The Power Reserve Indicator is on the Back!! Oh sure I can sell my Casio Duro, but it will not come close to the purchase price. I would however, finance the Suwa not a Rolex. My flagship watch is the Omega 2222.80, I would not sell it for all the money in the world(almost). Look forward to your next video.
What a pairing with that Artem strap 🔥 Great video
Thank you for the review....could you tell me the bracelet and strap you have on it please.
Ahh you didn’t watch until the end 😔😋
@@PeterKotsa whoops...caught me out there.. sorry. How do you find the quality of the Strapco Beads of Rice vs GS original bracelet.? I have liked the look of it for some time, but not sure of quality.
caught me out there....sorry.
how do you find the quality of the Strapco Beads of rice, comparerd to original Grand Seiko bracelet.? .Thanks Peter. Cheers.@@PeterKotsa
@@grahamjones2840 the quality of this bracelet is ok, not as refined as the GS.
It has split pins rather than screw pins.
Also I wish it tapered a little so as to aid in comfort. So it is only a temporary fix for now, I will be sourcing a new bracelet from somewhere soon..where?..I have no idea 😂
@@PeterKotsa Thanks for that Peter....I think I will keep searching. Cheers.
Ive set a 10 month goal that ends in grand seiko
It's funny because i was thinking of grand seiko and bam, your video autoplayed
I sold my GS and bought the older model Omega Aqua Terra Skyfall.
+ What I like about GS : Flashy, the level and of finishing is second to none for the same price point, I don't think any brand that sell products below 10K can go over GS in term of finishing.
- What I dislike about GS: I have the feelings that it could only be a dress watch, I don't feel comfortable using it as a daily beater because it is way too shiny, especially people tend go wear stuffs a bit more laid back and less formal now. Plus 40mm is too big of a dress watch for my 17cm wrist :(
+ What I like about Omega Aqua Terra Skyfall: the old model case design is way better than its successor - it doesn't have the conical crown, the case is more masculine and to me it is a true GADA watch. The build quality - the level of finishing is 7.5/10 in comparison with GS and somehow the Co-axial movement speaks to me more than the Spring Drive.
- What I dislike about Omega AT Skyfall: I love it too much, my other watches don't have the wrist time!
That being said, GS is on my re-purchase list if they can do these two things: 1. GS please stop making too many watches and too many limited editions! 2. Shrink the spring drive movement for smaller size (36 - 38 mm)
What about the GS dive watches? Looking at their website, they’ve got two of them (I think, but it may also be two different dial colors for the same watch)
I own 2 grand seikos. Spring drive is magnificent. My white birch has the 9RA2 spring drive. The accuracy is better than +0.1 s per day. 5 day power reserve. I prefer the power reserve indicator on the back.
Nice review. If there is a fault it’s how hard it is reconciling our love for mechanical movements with the realization that this isn’t that. It’s a state of the art timepiece that accomplishes accuracy with the precision of a quartz oscillator while generating its electrical power supply by mechanical means which has been how it is still being done across the world but at much greater scope and scale. Maybe this is just me but I think this is still groundbreaking and challenges the veracity of major mechanical timekeeping with 9SA5, itself a major achievement steeped in the pursuit of improvement of mechanical timekeeping.
Well said
Strictly in terms of precision, I'm much more impressed by Rolex's -2+2 sec/day than GS's -1+8 sec/day or -3 +5 sec/day. I'm surprised that GS didn't emulate that standard.for their conventional mechanical timepieces.
I have the spring drive chronograph GMT from G.S. and it is stunning.👍🏴
Great watch Peter , definitely agree truly a engineering micro masterpiece.
I would like to acquire a GS one day , but I won't be getting rid of my Aquaterra it's a keeper. Enjoy your watch lovely choice from Grand Seiko line up.
One thing GS should do is use the IC that is part of spring drive to drive a perpetual calendar mechanism. I know many would say that is cheating but I think it would be a good hack
Nice GS! GS is one of my favorite brand, i own the SGX061 and the finishing is also next level 👌
more beautiful than first love...🥹
Spectacular
I hope one day I’ll be able to afford a SBGA211 Snowflake.
Unless you are in the circle of honor and trust… paying $50k for a “watch” has zero merit for 99.9% of enthusiasts let alone population. Your are an elite .1%!!! Thanks for sharing the experience as we live thru you!
I was going to do the same thing. I just could not bring myself to sell the Aqua Terra.. I use it when uncomfortable wearing the high priced spread!. Watch thief's are everywhere in my town.