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Grand Seiko Night Birch - Best Rolex Datejust Alternative?
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- Опубликовано: 21 сен 2022
- A brief review of the Grand Seiko Night Birch. Overall a beautiful watch at a very reasonable price point! If you're near Miami, go see Luis at the Design District boutique!
@ 1:43 - Watch Details
@ 9:30 - Setting the Watch
@ 11:40 - On the Wrist
*hZ should be vibrations per hour in the video.
Waiting for the Spring Drive version of this watch, like they did with the white birch. What an absolute stunner and awesome showcase on your end - much appreciated!
Yes the spring drive is fantastic. I'll definitely be looking out for other unique dial variants with that movement. Thanks for the comment!
Boy, I like that dual impulse escapement 36K watches myself.
Almost 2 years later and still no spring drive for the night birch...
What a beautiful watch. I too own a Rolex and a GS, the Rolex is an icon design wise and a wise investment haha but the GS has far more detail and fine workmanship to it, especially in the dial. Mine has the older 9S85 hi-beat 36000bph movement and I often put it to my ear to listen to the busy sound of the hi-beat while imagining high speed locomotives.
Yes, aside from Rolex's meteorite dials which are pretty awesome, I'd agree that GS puts a lot more hand work into the design and creation of their dials. I'm with you on listening to the movements too, it's awesome thinking about what's actually happening.
Stunning watch ,,grand seiko are getting more and more popular and the quality of the product is there for all to see ,its the first time I’ve seen this particular model but wow it’s beautiful great choice my friend
Appreciate that man, yes I am really happy with how the dial/strap combo turned out!
Pretty amazing, I just wish they made dial sizes around 37mm-38mm
@@Elijah-fc3ex yeah I believe they do have some in smaller sizes but not this particular ref. There are also some Credor models that have smaller sizing so those may be worth looking at.
Rolex and GS are not really competitors, they both bring something different to the game and both are very good at what they do. I'm not a Rolex fan by any stretch of the imagination but they do make exceptional simple watches.
I agree that they both bring something very different to the industry. And there's no one thing that has to define or be the purpose of every watch. I don't think Rolex tries to compete in the real high horology game, and that's okay. Each brand is unique and that's why there are plenty of niches out there to find the right watch!
@@JamesCarian I agree to a large extend but the one thing most you tubers miss is Rolex trying to position Tudor as a competitor to Omega rather than Rolex.itself. Rolex is trying to gather high horology prices with no high horology principles. Very little hand finishing on both the case and the movement
@@garyboyle695 I don't worry too much about what the brands are doing, I think ascribing motives/strategies that may or may not be accurate muddies up so many topics...I just want them all to keep making awesome watches for me to admire, learn about, and possibly buy one day!
The dual mainsprings don't have anything to do with the frequency, they give the great power reserve plus more even torque distribution helps maintain accuracy as the power reserve gets low. The high beat is created through design, hairspring etc
Thanks for the help on this! I am still learning as I do these reviews. Any great resources you're familiar with in understanding more about the mechanics of movements?
@@JamesCarian The tech knowledge will come with the addiction 😂 fantastic review and great recoding quality, keep up the great work. 👌👌
Beautiful piece GS is really developing stunning pieces
Thank you! And yes, they continue to impress with the landscape-inspired dials, polishing, and price point also.
I like your review and lighting.
Hey thanks for the comment, I appreciate that!
that finishing is insane
Agreed! No lume required, she shines in the dark just fine (even better in bright light). 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
This watch cannot be hyped enough. True understated austere elegance. It must be seen in person to be appreciated.
100%. A little lighting in the boutique and you can see the shimmer or almost sparkle in the dial. Thanks for the comment!
Wife and I stopped by the grand Seiko boutique in the design district of Miami a few weeks ago. Like you, we had a great time there. Tried on many watches, and almost went for the blue dialed skyflake, but wound up getting a Breitling super ocean heritage. At the Breitling boutique. Grant Seiko is definitely on my list for the next watch though.
Did you work with Louis? He was great when I was there. GS has so many awesome options with the variety of dials, Skyflake is excellent. The Breitlings are lovely as well, they tend to be a bit big for me. Nice pickup, hope you enjoy it, and thanks for stopping by the video!
@@JamesCarian We worked with the store manager, Joel. He kept saying, “ You’ll be back for this piece” and he was almost right - it was *so* close between it and the Breitling. Great video by the way - I’ve subscribed. 😊
@@Kermit26297 haha that's awesome. I still remember going through everything in the boutique and it was like "and then we have this last piece I want to show you" and it was the white birch in steel and this in titanium. I was mesmerized by the dial.
You do exactly what I have done to my GS Lake Suwa, rubberb alligator like swimskin strap with stainless steel spring drive movemnt 😊
Yes, I love their straps and they've got some perfect color options to go with GS dials. Thanks for the comment!
So it is a Hi-Beat 9SA5 36 000 Titanium. You should start by saying so. For a Seiko fan that's the essential.
If you think 8000 dollars is reasonable, well , that's an opinion.
Thanks for the feedback! I'll work on being a bit more streamlined in future reviews. Also, I'm not sure where you got that number from, I did not mention that in the video. Here is the product page from Grand Seiko that includes the pricing: grandseikoboutique.us/products/watch-hi-beat-80-hours-night-birch-slgh017
I would take it in a min for 8K new LOL even used they are going for 8
GS all day everyday!
They are beautifully made. Thanks for the comment!
not sure what happened, the thumbnail photo in you tube somehow made the watch looked purple! but when i came in it is really just dark black
It's an interesting piece, I think in brighter light the dial looks like a dark brown (which is why I went with the deep brown & black strap), but in darker lighting it does look more black, absolutely. Just another reason I like dials, when the light plays with them and has an effect on the color. Thanks for the comment!
Been buying grand seiko for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger on getting the latest movements. Looks good. The rubber is the best! I use that on my IWC yacht club. Perfect straps
GS continues to innovate in the movement space, it is impressive. And the birch dials are some of the best they've made (I'm a bit biased of course). Only and always Rubber B! Thanks for stopping by the video!
Grand Seiko is the only brand I can think of where you can manually change the date forward as well as backward by turning the hands. It's a small detail that gets overlooked.
It's a great point. GS has so much that is truly unique to them as a brand. Thanks for stopping by the video!
The date can be set backwards or forwards on the Rolex GMT Master II and the Sky-Dweller as well
@@SaddleSC Thanks. I don't really look at Rolex so this was helpful. I'm sure there are other brands that do this but I have found many models do not, even on higher end brands. My JLC MC Date has an instant date jump but the date can't be rolled back, as an example.
Beautiful watch, great review
Thank you for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it!
hey james great job with the watch and the video! hope to see more!
Thanks for the support! I hope to be able to continue adding to the collection! 🙂
Just wish they were sized a bit smaller, these would be huge hits in the 36m size range
Yeah it seems like GS tends not to offer different sizes of the same model, but they do still have plenty of variety in sizing across their collections.
I agree but more 39 - 40 then 36 for me, yeah still big but that dial can take up as much real estate as it wanted
Can u share a link for the rubberB strap which looks like leather? Thanks for e review!
You got it. Thanks for the comment!
rubberb.com/universal-straps/universal-vegan-watch-strap-swimskin-alligator-22mm?selected-color=187
Wish it was smaller, then id buy it for sure.
I've come to love the size on this one, but I know they do offer lots of other options in the smaller sizes. It is a special piece though 🙂
That looks so amazing on that strap buddy. Subscribed
Appreciate that man! I always like those better, pretty rare that I go for the bracelets.
@@JamesCarian also nice comp between the 5hz movement vs the usual. You could definitely see it!
@@michaelfierman3256 yes I'm a huge nerd when it comes to technology and mechanics in watches so that kind of thing is super interesting to me. And the spring drive is even smoother, very cool stuff from GS.
@@JamesCarian GS may be better than Rolex in every way but won't provide you it WON'T give you social status and it won't help you have sex with desirable ladies..ROLEX WILL
Hi James, could you link where you purchased the strap from? Thanks!
You got it! These are such great straps:
rubberb.com/universal-straps/universal-vegan-watch-strap-swimskin-alligator-22mm?selected-color=187
Nice video!!! Congrats!!!
Hey I appreciate it, thank you for the comment!
Indeed beautiful. But I heard a lot of the newer high beat releases are having accuracy issues.
Interesting, haven't noticed anything on that but I will keep an eye out for it!
@@JamesCarian good for you. I believe it is only in some batches!
This is a beautifull watch...
Hey thanks for the comment! It is one of my favorite GS dials.
Lovely watch and very nice review!!! Congrats n wear in good health ma friend!! Did u swap out the bracelet due to smaller wrists?
I appreciate that! I did originally have the factory bracelet sized for my wrist, but personally I just prefer straps most of the time. There's some sort of fine balance for me in making a sports watch still sporty but also a bit dressy at the same time, if that makes any sense haha.
why the GS logo and grand seiko spelled out?
seems over done
Certainly each brand does this differently...what are some of your favorites that you think do a good job of simplifying that?
Rolex have their crown logo with 'ROLEX' in caps underneath. Similarly Omega, Breitling and almost every major Swiss brand. How is GS different?
@@zahimiibrahim3602 - I dont care what rolex does - GS/Grand Seiko is duplicative
I don’t think it’s a good idea to change the dates at 9pm😮😮 10:21
Excellent choice.
Appreciate the comment, thank you!
Dial is very nice but diameter is too big for a dress watch in my opinion.
Interesting, it does feel small to me on the wrist (by comparison to a few of my other pieces). What size do you prefer for dress?
@@JamesCarian36-37mm is perfect for a dress watch
@@jlyutiup do you have one or two that you own in that category? I'd be curious to know what you have in mind!
@@JamesCarian I like GS SBGW231 which is 37mm
@@jlyutiup that is a great piece!
that thing is beautifull. i want to have it.
but i could tell the strap isn't reall leather from a mile away. even before you mention it.
but it is a great fit with the dial. but i would go for something like that that is reall leather instead. this even made the watch look cheaper.
reall leather takes a bit of time to break in. but once its there. it will look so good.
Appreciate that, it is a great watch! I love matching the strap with the dial, especially this one, such an amazing texture.
It's a beautiful piece and I love the sweep of the hi-beat. And oh, the dial....
One gripe I have with these newer GS's is the cut off hour. My older Grand Seiko still has the pointed, but less bulky hour hand.
Out of curiosity, would you have preferred the older hour hand style on this model? Or is it worth getting used to the new one?
Still something I struggle with concerning newer Grand Seiko's...
I guess I don't have a lot of context on the older hand design. I do like this style, from my understanding the hand is meant to exactly match the width of the hour markers so there's attention to detail there. That's really what matters to me is that GS is intentional about what they're doing with the design. I think it looks fantastic.
@@JamesCarian This, exactly! When the hour hand lines up to the hour, it looks so satisfying
@@jakeblargh yes, you can really tell the design engineering that went into making that match up perfectly.
Link to strap? Any other strap recommendations?
rubberb.com/universal-straps/universal-vegan-watch-strap-swimskin-alligator-22mm?selected-color=187
Rubber B is my preferred. I've also found Delugs to be pretty good, or www.abpconcept.paris/.
Une grand Seiko, ça vole beaucoup plus haut que toutes les autres montres de marque suisse ! J’ai la chance d’avoir une SLGH003, et j’en suis tout simplement ravi c’est de loin la plus belle montre de haute horlogerie que j’ai eu entre mes mains.
Oui! Grand Seiko se démarque définitivement de tant d'autres marques. Merci pour le commentaire!
Nice RubberB band, any link to buy for that particular band?
rubberb.com/en/universal-straps/universal-vegan-watch-strap-swimskin-alligator-22mm?selected-color=187
Beautiful dial.
Thank you! I've looked at so many GS dials and still think this (and the original white birch) are some of the loveliest textures.
High beat should technically result in lower power reserve. The fact that they can achieve 80 hours of reserve on a high beat is completely unheard of at this price point.
Yes - and the two barrels affects more with the accuracy, not the power reserve/efficiency. I am still continuing to learn about the technical aspects of watches! The 80 hours is definitely impressive, I agree. This is a fantastic model line, so many of the birch series look amazing. Thanks for the comment!
What is the rotor made of?
This was actually difficult to find, but based on a few sources it sounds like some combination of tungsten and aluminum. Great question! It's not emphasized by GS at all.
hi James , thanks for the nice video. One thing is missing in this video is the accuracy comparison to rolex time it from owner perspective (not reading spec). I used to think that GS make better quality watch than Rolex with half the price (hence the value for dollar) - this was before I own one GS. Then I went to buy 4 of them and soon learn the reality of GS. GS actually is overvalued as you really time the accuracy of this against rolex or omega or even some high end seiko, not to mention the horrible service period in case of repair. I think a good value watch should include all this, not only fancy dials and some marketing story. I love GS still especially the dials, I just hope they can improve more but this will not happen if all reviewers only paint beautiful aspect of the watch.
This is one reason why it bothers me when people hate on Rolex. The fact is they still test their pieces to one of the highest standards in the watch industry at +2/-2. So no, every dial isn't hand made, etc, but overall the quality is hard to beat. And that doesn't take anything away from GS.
Way better than a date just. I hate the cyclops
I still like and appreciate Rolex but, just an entirely different look and feel here. Thanks for the comment!
@@JamesCarian Tbh I would like more Rolex watches if they didn't have the Cyclops and you could get them at retail. Because I don't like the cyclops, I tend to like Rolex watches like the Daytona or Explorer which don't have it.
@@Harpreet06 well I'm sure everyone is with you on the getting them at retail part 😂 I think they do well at putting it on the right watches honestly, I don't mind it. And to your point, you can avoid it by going after certain pieces without dates.
Rolex = 8 ticks a second. Grand Seiko = 10 ticks a second. The dual impulse escapement is only a Grand Seiko as well. No one else has it as they invented it.
Thanks for the comment on this!
Looks so much better on leather strap. Imo the bracelet is too big
I do love it on this strap, absolutely. Don't mind the bracelet but strap adds more elegance, plus matching the dial is 👌🏻👌🏻
Exquisite piece, although it looks huge on you, for my taste and with all due respect of course.
I appreciate the comment! This is actually the smallest watch in my collection haha I find different people have different preferences on case size/thickness, I guess I've just gotten used to wearing somewhat larger pieces.
@@JamesCarian I somehow went the opposite path, from Big Pilot and 43/45mm divers down to 34 mm vintage pieces. I have 8.5" wrists, so almost anything fits.
@@marvinberwart oh that's interesting! I am always curious about people's journeys with watches, it seems each one is individual and unique in its own way. Yeah I went 42, 44, 38...and it just didn't have any wrist presence for me so I returned it, and now I have the GS at 40. But it's still on the lighter side being titanium and not steel. I think for me there's a very big "feel" component of it being on the wrist, in addition to needing a unique dial/strap combo. I like going off the beaten path when it comes to style (and everything else haha).
@@JamesCarian Wrist presence is a determinent factor indeed, I mostly wear 70's integretad bracelet pieces, and I find the wrist presence amazing even though the case is never larger than 36. The seamless junction of the bracelet with the case makes up for the diminute size of thoses pieces, in my very subjective view.
And talking about going out of beaten path, I think vintage is in a class of its own.
@@marvinberwart yes it's a great point, as with all watches or brands I think it takes some understanding to truly appreciate vintage pieces. I haven't ventured there just yet...but we will see where the journey goes 🙂 right now the only piece I do wear on a bracelet is my YM2, it just seems so appropriate with the watch. But some of those integrated bracelets are part of the whole experience of a particular piece. If I ever get the opportunity to take a look at something like that I definitely will!
Never met a vegan alligator - I have the SLGA021 spring drive , but it is a chubby watch. The bracelet and the date change is a letdown. They are not even at Tudor level with the bracelet and they need to change the date without cocking the date for 5 min. like a 20$ timex. I think they need about 5-10 years more of refinement to get to Datejust level.
The only piece I own which changes immediately is the JLC. All of the others have that few minute delay at the date change. And yes, still nothing like a Rolex bracelet!
@@JamesCarian Rolex DJ should - Mine changed with an audible click
@@jayoungrn yes, I have a Sky Dweller - it does click but there's that few minute delay until after midnight for it to change.
All grand seikos are just like fingerprints and I love it. No two alike and just so beautiful. Might crash if I wear it while driving just staring at my wrist instead of the road
Absolutely. They just require a lot of pulling over to take pictures in the right light 😂
They all have stamped dials that are identical
a great watch because of the craftsmanship, the technology , the details and the great value for money. the watch is finished and assembled by humans and not by machines like rolex watches
Machines can also produce some pretty great products 😉 but I wholeheartedly agree, the value in GS is hard to beat.
@@JamesCarian Take a look at Minute 1:50 🙂 ruclips.net/video/ihQ37865DZ4/видео.html
@@gg.komorebi I have seen this video! Always enjoy Kevin and Teddy. They're some of the guys who got me looking at the brand in the first place.
Can i ask your wrist diameter?
Circumference is ~ 6"!
the's beautiful! :)
Thank you, appreciate the comment - I am loving the watch!
Rolex alternative? LOLLL 🤣 GS is another level bro
Great videoo broo 👍🏻👍🏻
@@HobiSeiko all in what you look for with a watch. I think both Rolex and GS are great brands for different reasons.
Unfortunately this is only really an alternative to the Datejust 41
I wasn't really talking about any particular size, just the functionality in general. But yes it's closest in size to the 41. Otherwise you'd have to look at a different GS reference to compare to like a 36mm DJ.
SUBBED!
Awesome, glad you enjoyed the review!
What Rubber B strap is this?
It's one of their universal options, so it will work with any watch not just Grand Seiko. Waterproof "vegan" alligator leather. This one is for 21-22mm, they also have some options for 19-20mm lug width I believe:
rubberb.com/en/universal-straps/universal-vegan-watch-strap-swimskin-alligator-22mm?selected-color=187
@@JamesCarian Thank you, did you get the brown or black color strap?
@@bdg5593 this one is the brown. I have the black on a different watch, which I also love. They also have a navy blue (depending on which lug spacing you're looking at).
The higher the beat rate, the LESS efficient a movement is
You mean if we're talking the amount of energy it requires right? But better at keeping time given environmental factors?
38-39mm would have been nicer
I think they do have quite a selection of pieces in that size! I love the size on this one.
It’s a beautiful watch, clean and simple. I don’t see any correlation with a datejust. They are straight up hideous looking grandpa watches.
Haha I can't say I agree with the last part there because I do think many Datejusts are very attractive watches...but yes, the GS has a different type of elegance to it that is refreshing and truly its own. Thanks for the comment!
People buy Rolex to impress others, people buy GS to impress themselves
I think you can buy any brand for either reason. Both are still great in their own ways!
Really ?? hand built and assemble and hand polish by ONE MASTER SENSEI, versus robot assemble 1,2million soon 2.5 Mass product???!
It’s like comparing MODEL T to Silver Shadow 😂
Nothing wrong with liking both...and it doesn't make Rolex inferior in any way. My Sky Dweller has been more accurate than this the entire time I've owned it, and yet this has a dial and polishing that stands out over the SD. Both are great pieces. If you feel that way about it, put up some reviews to compare the two and share! Clearly you have an affinity for GS, which is great...get that message out there!
People buy GS because they want GS. Enough with with this nonsense comparison.
Sure, but you could say that about many brands. 🙂 It's more a comparison about sheer function and cost. As many have pointed out, there are plenty of reasons to love GS that aren't offered with Rolex.
#grandseikotherolexkiller
Why every great watch have to be a “Rolex alternative?”. It is a Cliché. Rolex is not the center of the world.
I agree, just using it as a point of reference. Could've been an alternative to Omega, Breitling, or several others. You are welcome to title your watch reviews differently 😉
Stop saying best Rolex alternative! GS is a great watch…
I agree! It is definitely a great watch. Rolex is still held up as a standard in fine watchmaking (though there are plenty of other fantastic brands as well) hence the comparison.
If you buy this watch as an ALTERNATIVE to a Rolex, it’s kind of sad and un respectful. Buy them for what they are.
I'm talking in terms of functionality. Obviously there are plenty of differences in design, brand, inspiration, etc.
Funny you see a GS as a rolex alternative. GS is superior in every way. I guess you are in the horology hobby purely for image and not for the quality of the craftmanship. Rolex id 100% machine made as you might be aware of. GS is still mainly a hand craft..
I think everyone looks to buy watches for different reasons. I'm not here to make judgements about why someone chooses to buy a particular watch - that's up to them. In speaking of this as a Datejust alternative, I'm just talking about the functionality of time & date, at a similar price point. There are lots of watchmakers out there, I think it's one of the great things about the industry... there's plenty of opportunity for us all to find what we like! Cheers.
Lol, bingo.
Rolex has no chance under macro and don’t even bother with exhibition case back.
The quality, innovation, and finishing are in the same league as entry models of Big 3+1 (ALS).
Still, I have to give credit to Rolex to still maintaining their core of being tool watches, tough as nails. Now they have become luxury sport watches for flexing.
@@KC-bv9kf yes Rolex knows their brand and they don't try to be one of the others. And I think that's okay!
@@JamesCarian since I am giving my two cents, I must say that you have great tastes with your lineups! What took everything up two levels are your modifications. I am quite envious that I have not considered those color combinations.
I’m stealing your ideas, but I will give credits if anyone asks:)
@@KC-bv9kf hey I appreciate that! The only thing I've changed is I did put my YM2 back on factory bracelet, somehow it changed the character too much for me on Rubber B after a while. Sky Dweller will always be my first love, and only ever on the alternate strap. And of course the GS, I feel the same. Got rid of the Omega, in hindsight I should've went for a bigger size (hard to wear a 38 after a hefty 42/44), so perhaps at some point I'll put one of those back in the lineup. Always poking around for options, of course. :) Feel free to steal any/all!
sorry but i'm not paying £9k for a seiko, rather save a little more money and buy an actual rolex lmfao
The only question would be, how long might you need to wait for the Rolex 🙂 but yes I'm sure there are plenty of people with no real affinity for GS who would prefer something else. Nothing wrong with that!
Not a rolex alternative. It's a fucking seiko lmao, grand or not
Still has more hand finishing than any Rolex model, while offering similar functionality. And Seiko also owns Credor - if you've not seen those pieces they're worth taking a look at! Respectfully disagree on this one!
Another Rolex Fanboy!!
Yes, I am a huge fan - that's why I own two of them. Also Grand Seiko at this point, Omega, and then several brands I haven't yet owned like JLC and Patek. Which brands are you a fan of? I didn't see any reviews on your channel, you should post something up there my friend!
This shits all over a Datejust boss!
Haha I appreciate the comment! I will say some of the new fluted dial Datejusts are really nice and it's cool to see Rolex doing something different with dials. But, the texture on the GS is superb for sure.