Here’s my experience. About 10-years ago I flipped a bunch of wonderful vintage Omega that had been fully refurbished by STS to buy a 11660 Dweller. I was so disappointed with it, and so flipped it 6-months after. I had massive remorse for the watches I lost, and never really recovered my vintage collection the same again. The problem I found was I become bored of the one watch. Nowadays I prefer to have a selection of cheaper watches rather than the ‘one’ grail piece.
I find enjoyment lookin at my 12 watch box and looking for what's missing. I needed more color. I needed fewer divers. I needed more dress and less date complications. Soon, I'll find something else. Currently, my most expensive watch is a $900 Zelos Thresher GMT with 2 Direnzos behind it. Funny, because my 3 go to watches are a black dial Kamasu, a new blue Tsuyosa small seconds and a gold Jack Mason 1st gen Ellum quartz. I may flip those Direnzos and Zelos for something a bit more upscale...
Your Seamster Geneve is a beauty, looks to be in amazing condition. I own one too, a 1968 vintage that i bought it in Iran in 1978 what a beauty. Still in perfect running condition. Now I can do a little research and hopefully find out what what she is worth. I'm considering selling it, hoping to make a good profit from it.
Great that will fetch you some cash. *I used to be a collector, but I liquidated my collection to venture into real estate. In January, I acquired homes in Malibu for $22million, and the returns on investment far exceed what I earned as a collector.
How did you grow your portfolio to $22m, I'm impressed, I have a lump sum in the bank, the rates are not impressive so I'm moving it, what's your cash flow like?
I have a financial advisor (trader) she grows my liquid assets and I reinvest the weekly payouts back into real estate and long-term ETFs like VOO and SCHD. I have also started acquiring some tech ETFs, including IITU and IUCM.
There is nothing else like that Grand Seiko Cherry Blossom both with its dial and secondly with the spring drive movement. Perhaps cap off your birthday with a visit to Japan with the mrs, visit the Seiko museum / factory and purchase the watch. That way it will be a keeper with heaps of sentimental value.
@@67nearmintthese GS watches are 15 - 20% cheaper in Japan and there will be a sales tax saving. Also I wouldn’t call make memories / having a trip with the mrs as adding an expense to the watch.
Gotta be careful though, I was there in January and they'd actually sold out of the Shunbun in their GS store. Of course there's gonna be other places to buy it from in Tokyo, but just prepared not to make the big deal of visiting that area in Ginza to be capped off with the purchase made there, to save disappointment.
Good call on the Grand Seiko. I finally pulled the pin on a Snowflake recently- It's rarely left my wrist since, I find myself staring at it when I should be doing other more productive things, and it's made me wonder if I really need much of my collection.
I bought that watch lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning but not flashy. Good taste, Sir.
Watch addict asks watch addict whether he should buy a watch.😂😂 Jody, do not ask us degens, ask the person that really matters and when she shrugs and says "it's not as if i could stop you anyway", go buy your small pink object of desire.
I got fed up and opted out of watch collecting. Back to the old days where people had only a watch at a time to use. Currently rockin’ a marathon gp quartz until it dies and will replace it for another similar everyday watch once it accomplishes its mission in this world. Not much to think every morning and it has its charm to see a watch be there at your service everyday doing just what’s supposed to, tell accurate time, apart from the financial benefit that comes living a more frugal life. At the end it hasn’t prevented me from admire beautiful timepieces from afar.
Im tempted to do the same, its a pain trying to decide what to wear and constantly looking for something new, my favourite is my rado integral from the 90s. I dont need anything else.
Agree, I’ve owned 7 watches in my life, and until 2 weeks ago I’d only ever had 5 when bought 2 Casios to wear when I’m doing activities that might destroy or cause me to lose the other 2 watches I have. For me, the joy is in the use of it, not the owning of it. When I am wearing one of them, I don’t wish I had another watch to put next to the watches I’m already not using.
I lusted for a yellow gold day date and saved for 5 years for one. Then I wore one and realized it’s not for me. And that’s ok. We need something to aspire to achieve and a new grail watch is not a bad thing.
@@impyrobot They are absolutely beautiful watches but a solid gold watch in my rural farm town was going to have too many “The Sopranos” vibes for me. I’ll still get one someday in white gold.
Used is definitely the way to go, and if you can combine it with a trip, all the better! The value drop on new Grand Seikos makes them so attractive second hand.
I recently bought the same, it's 100% the ONE purchase for me. It's about 3x more than I've ever spent, and I'm by no means swimming in money. It's as close to I've ever been to believing a one-watch collection exists (close, but no cookie!). Sometimes you just KNOW the watch is for you, and this is indeed the case for me with the Shunbun. I've a tiny 16cm wrist and it first right at the edge of what I consider a tastefully-sized watch. If necessary, I would sell some other pieces for it. It was a lot of money in my mind at the time of purchasing, and it still is - but after purchasing, it feels like a bargain, even though I will have to make sacrifices elsewhere to recover the funds put towards it. It's so amazing that I've yet to even pay attention to the Spring Drive movement, which was what drew me to the brand in the first place.
You were one of the biggest influences on me during the pandemic and now I’ve got the bug. But I’ve sold a lot of the watches I don’t wear over these past 4 years to get ones I like. My categories are luxury, mid tier, beater. Within those categories I have a few of each style and I try to keep it colorful. You’re a RUclips watch icon at this point and you def deserve the watch you like the most. It seems like you keep a lot of watches you probably don’t wear. Sell them all. Don’t worry about depleting a box. Get the one you want. You owe it to yourself!
I just bought my grail watch (a maen manhattan 37) which is a lot of money for a high school student like me, and I think if you can afford it and you would rather have it than the money it costs you should absolutely get it. I got mine to reward myself for exceeding my savings goal, and I’m going to get the back engraved with something meaningful. I think of your going to buy something expensive you should do it for a reason so that it will have meaning. At the end of the day a meaningful position is way more fulfilling than a higher bank account balance (if you can afford it).
Hi Jody! I would have purchased one of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches with the gorgeous dials already - if they would come with lume! And yes, spending this amount of money is worth it. When you are honest to yourself you know you‘ve spent way more money on dozens of watches combined. And if you could pick one nice watch you are going to wear for the next centuries to come it’s more than worth it. Take your time and hunt the best one down. Best wishes, Claus
Congrats on falling for the Shunbun. I bought one three years ago, and it is one of very few watches I've bought at retail. Zero regrets. It often finds its way into rotation and can be significantly transformed with strap changes. It is one of my only watches that is regularly noticed and appreciated by normies. It kind of doesn't go with anything I normally wear, therefore it goes with everything. To me, it represents the pinnacle of pre-Evolution 9 GS and will likely live on as one of their top icons. Very comfortable, very attractive, very accurate, pretty expensive, but... you know you're going to get it.
I just spent $46 on a 1975 Certina and I'm loving it to bits. I have way dearer stuff but for me the price doesn't equate with the enjoyment. If it's expensive I have to get a really good deal on it before I spend, patience is key.
I didn't start collecting until I turned 68. By my 70th, I had accumulated about 20 watches (incl a $1,400 DWISS auto, thanks to your review). I picked my grail watch to commemorate turning 70 in good health, retiring from a successful 45-year career, and moving to Mexico. The watch I selected was the GS SBGE275 GMT LE spring drive, selling for $7.3K. I now have 40 watches, but no purchase has come remotely close to the GS. My second tier purchases are $1-2K, and include the Tissot PRX chrono, two more DWISS (!?), and the WISE ADX101YG on pre-order. The GS will remain king of the hill forever. (Note: I missed the SBGN011 when it was $2,200 delivered to the US, as I gambled it would drop another hundred. It's now $300 more.)
This has been out for a while now. This is a legend. I have 2 spring drives and love them! They are so much more reliable than full mechanical. Its worth it!
Buy it! I was dreaming about an Explorer for 3 years and came accross one in Goldsmiths (back in 2017), I walked in to the store and said ... I want that Explorer in the window, paid, walked out and haven't regretted it ever since! It's not a regular on the wrist, but it's there when it's needed.
I say go for it. I recently bought a Blancpain FF 5015, I got a great deal on Chrono24 from a dealer in Japan. I sold some watches, consolidated the collection to a total of 6 watches. The watch puts a smile on my face and gets plenty of wear. I’m so glad I bit the bullet and made it happen.
I have the Cherry Blossom Grand Seiko, and it really is the grail watch. It's my daily wear for the same reasons your Seiko is. Super light, comfortable, and accurate. Great fit.
I hope you get your Spring Drive, Jody. It looks awesome, but I can't get one because I need a car😁 Out of the ones you just showed, I think my favorites are the square G and the SKX's. I keep my watch collection in a backgammon box under my bed. There are 11 of them, including seven Casios, a Citizen, a Fossil, a Timex Ironman, and an Invicta Prodiver (currently on-wrist). My Citizen Promaster is always in rotation since it's solar-powered, and the other two currently in rotation are the Casio Forrester and the Invicta.
I purchased the sbga413g a year ago and got a good discount. However, I put it on an oxblood leather strap to lift the cherry blossom out of the dial and also allow for swelling of the wrists.😁 one of the best features of this watch which no one ever mentions is that it has a date complication that you can actually read without magnifying.
Excellent collection Jody...has anyone noticed that our box of microbrands and Ali Express brands tend to have the most fun watches? Finally, get the Cherry Blossom if you really like it , but don't pay full retail.
Love the Shunbun! I'm Coming up to the same landmark Birthday next year, bought my grail GS a little early! On a trip to California earlier this year, I got the SBGA429 Soko Spring drive, US only model from 2020 originally I think and discontinued. But GS Rodeo Drive had one. It is a 39mm steel case, and is also the 'cheapest' (relatively) spring drive. These do lose money very quickly, so used is always a 25% + discount! But I love it, have been wearing it pretty much every day since purchase.
You only live once as they say, go for it Jodie! I spent waaaay too much money on my grail watch a couple of years back and I enjoy it almost daily, some regret (mostly the money!) but zero regret on the watch! My only gripe with GS is the non adjustable bracelet.
I was bummed you were giving up on the Pepsi UNTIL I saw you pivot to the GS sakura!! Nice move! Yes, consolidate the King Seiko and other GS and bring your grail watch dreams to life! I may have to follow suit... many pieces in your boxes mirror my own. I especially enjoy wearing my "Magnum" Momentum and the Citizen.
Get the Shunbun - you know you want to. I tried on one and am now saving for it. That dial and seconds hand are mesmerising. And it feels like a very high quality watch.
I think you'll be happy with the GS. Fun fact, Piaget has Spring Drive alternative, the 700P movement. But they are made in very low numbers... I'm not even sure if they still make them but yeah, I believe it's the only brand outside of Seiko (GS Credor) that did this concept.
My grial is Omega Aqua Terra, nothing is too much if is what you REALLY want and you have the money. Really nice and beautiful watch Jody, wish you get it!
Jody, really great to meet you at the Time & Tide Pop-up in Sydney. I'm the one who wore a Black Bay Pro (which looks good on your wrist). Great collection btw.
First off, I love this episodes tshirt! My feeling on the Cherry Blossom, it's better to have 1 watch you love to wear and will last you than have so many that you wear occasionally or never.
On my 70th my Wife knew I had been looking at the 2023 TAG Glass Box in Blue date at 6:00. Plenty o’ vids on the watch. Beside the STUNNING dark blue dial (sunburst…no words…gotta see it. ) Got it from the AD & got a 10% discount (Thank you Elvis at Zadok’s in Houston) but what cinched the “deal”…..39 mm diameter powered by an in-house auto, tri-compax, vertical clutch/column wheel …….$6750.00 USD…uh..arghhh…, uh, excuse me. Wife’s fault. I have never cracked 4 figures for any watch. She had already bought it. Got the Luxury Experience….so, I hardly know where to go. So yes Jody, I have had that experience. Oh, & By The Way my red Eribus rocks!
My philosophy: watches should do one of three things… 1) Tell a story, 2) Hold a memory, 3) Check a box, and should always 4) Make you happy! The more of these things a particular watch does, the more likely you are to keep it. If you set up an expensive purchase as a reward for reaching a goal, it will then hold that memory and the watch will be more important to you! Just advice from Al ( not AI but AL… my name. So confusing!)
Jody, I also divide My collection by brands or styles. Casio box., Citizen eco-drive box. Automatic subs homage box, field watch box, Pilot watch box from 10-20 pieces each. Finally the single Rolex Submariner box. Love them all.
I can relate! I'm priming myself to buy my first expensive watch, an ETA BB36. I could just save up for it. But the only way I can justify spending that much on a watch is by sacrificing some of my collection to do so. This would include watches I really like. However you're able to get that GS, go for it!
Don't know if this helps Jody (or if you'll even see this comment), but last year I saw a limited edition Grand Seiko (the SBGJ275) at a jeweller's event I'd been invited to, and became obsessed with it. I had long admired the brand and knew my grail watch would likely be a GS. Ironically, my other option was the one you are interested in. I couldn't stop thinking about the watch. Cost was a major consideration as it was almost twice the price of my next most expensive watch. In the end, it came down to asking myself "how much will I regret not acquiring this while it is available?". The answer ("very much") sealed it for me. Tracked one down, bought it. Should add I have a wonderful wife who supports and sometimes abets my addiction - can't neglect the WAF with any major purchase after all! Zero regrets. Do it!
Hey Jody, I can’t believe you made a video on the experience you had trying on my watch!! But of course I think you should definitely get the cherry blossom. Definitely not biased or anything. 😂 but for myself to be able to get that watch I did sell a lot of my collection to get it so maybe that might be the way to go. But either way can’t wait to see you with the cherry blossom!!
Even though my collection of Watches isn't too impressive, I do have a few key pieces that I was lucky and astute to buy in having great timing when I purchased them. My preference has always been for Vintage Timepieces for their artful looks and interesting stories from their previous owners lives, when I can get them. There were a handful of interesting and unique pieces that you showed us Jody, but I guess I was expecting more from you on the artful end of things as well as far more complicated pieces. In hand I have my 70's 5512 No Date Submariner I found at a Pawn Shop back in 1995. I paid a whole $750.00 for it with box and papers. Again, I was lucky and knew what I was buying, even back then. Next on my list was a 1950's Date just (Bubbleback) with red numbers on a 2 tone jubilee bracelet. That one I got 8 years ago from an online auction for a total cost of $1400.00. after that I found a 1950's Patek Philippe Calatrava on a 18k Gold bracelet, That one I don't wear too often and only for special occasions. I also have an assortment of other less expensive pieces that were not necessarily "GRAIL" Watches, but ones that were out of the ordinary. In addition to that set I also have my group of "TRIBUTE" pieces by Pagani and the like, simply because they look great, I can beat them up and I don't have to worry about someone robbing me for THAT Watch. As many of others have sited, you purchase a "GRAIL" Watch more for emotional reasons or to mark a special occasion. For me, there is also the artistry, the history and the unique characteristics that draw me in and intrigue me. Then I also strongly suggest you do your research about the Brand as well as the Specific Model. At that point, no matter the price then ask yourself is it a value to you as well as what are you willing to sacrifice to get it.
Before you buy the cherry blossom look at the evo 9 white birch. You may like it more with the white dial and spring drive. Plus I would look at c24 for great deals on both!! Go for it Jody! You only live once mate!
Some people have 6 watches. Others have 6 BOXES. Props, Jody. That Spring Drive is smooooooth. You should buy it because you are well-positioned to catch and release if you should so fancy. Go for it.
The GS 62GS case is the best case design on the market followed by their new Evo9. Having had the 413, it wears smaller. It’s a beautiful watch. My only bother is that the dial is mostly silver unless in low light & then it’s a very light pink. So most of the time the seconds hand disappears against the dial. But it’s still my favourite!
Yes you should definitely get that Grand Seiko, and sell the other 2 watches to part finance it. I did something similar to get a couple of my grail watches to mark a significant milestone b'day. You have a year to decide mill it over logically. 😊
You can never replace the watches memory box, they are priceless. If you see dollar signs instead of the other watches then it’s a good indication to sell a few, especially to fund an aspirational grail purchase. It will be condensing the ‘collection’ boxes into the ‘memory’ box which is far more valuable.
Jody, you finally replaced the battery in the Omega! Hurrah! 😃 I also love the GS Shunbun, but the closest I will ever get, is if an Ali company makes a pinkish dial that I can swap onto a Seiko 5. 😂
Do it Jody! 50 is a big big birthday and if you can do it by moving pieces you already own there's no financial stakes! (And you can rebuy them later😂😂)
I recently purchased a GS SBGM221 as a late 40th b-day gift for myself and am in love with it. That said, I've already earmarked the shunbun for a 50th b-day gift. Or maybe 45th. Or maybe 43rd. Or maybe 40.5th.
GS is my grail too. I've tried this cherry blossom on in the dealer where I live. Some day I will. Totally worth it, for the materials and the spring drive tech. Do it
Jody and I are the same age and I can’t believe we are both turning 40 next year. Crazy! 😆. But I have said a Spring Drive GS GMT has been my Grail as long as I can remember. I keep changing which model I want though. Currently it’s the SBGE253. Thanks for the great video and update!
Interesting. I love the 9F and now that you explained spring drive, this one seems like a marvelous piece of engineering as well as being an exceptionally attractive watch. The price makes it silly for most of us but getting a very special deal on it would make it very tempting. It's modern mechanical anachronisms that I have no interest in at all but this thing is splendid. 😊
Hey Jodie, love the chanel, always have!! Hey buddy you know its going to be on your wrist, its a given! Once that cog is set in motion it just happens, you know it, it's like the force 🤷♂️ It was the same for me and my Tudor and MM 300, way out of my price range but it happened. GS Spring drive is my grail now also so good luck, it's a beauty 👍
I was recently in Tokyo and tried on a few Grand Seikos. The two that were standouts for me were the Grand Seiko White Birch models (SLGH005 and SLGH009). One has a Spring Drive, and the other an interesting hi-beat movement with twin mainspring barrels and a clever dual impulse escapement. The cherry blossom looks like it has almost the same case, but with a power indicator. The 22mm bracelet on the white birch is a bit too large for the overall scale of the watch, but it looks like the cherry blossom might be a 21mm?
I simply couldn't believe when you mentioned the Grand Seiko cherry blossom. That watch was also on my shortlist. The dial is incredible, and the finishing superb. But then, I tried it on at my AD and...... 😢 it just didn't look right on my wrist! I guess it just shows that you need to try before you buy 💰 😅
My grail was also my exit watch, I haven’t wanted another watch since it’s too good. Steel colour dial 36mm OP that’s been on my wrist daily for over 5 years.
Here’s my experience. About 10-years ago I flipped a bunch of wonderful vintage Omega that had been fully refurbished by STS to buy a 11660 Dweller. I was so disappointed with it, and so flipped it 6-months after. I had massive remorse for the watches I lost, and never really recovered my vintage collection the same again. The problem I found was I become bored of the one watch. Nowadays I prefer to have a selection of cheaper watches rather than the ‘one’ grail piece.
😂
Love that sea dweller, fantastic watch
AGREED! I get bored even with my absolute fav watch. Im just an indecisive person 😅
Rolexes look great on screens but rather disappointing in person.
I find enjoyment lookin at my 12 watch box and looking for what's missing. I needed more color. I needed fewer divers. I needed more dress and less date complications. Soon, I'll find something else. Currently, my most expensive watch is a $900 Zelos Thresher GMT with 2 Direnzos behind it. Funny, because my 3 go to watches are a black dial Kamasu, a new blue Tsuyosa small seconds and a gold Jack Mason 1st gen Ellum quartz. I may flip those Direnzos and Zelos for something a bit more upscale...
Your Seamster Geneve is a beauty, looks to be in amazing condition. I own one too, a 1968 vintage that i bought it in Iran in 1978 what a beauty. Still in perfect running condition. Now I can do a little research and hopefully find out what what she is worth. I'm considering selling it, hoping to make a good profit from it.
Great that will fetch you some cash. *I used to be a collector, but I liquidated my collection to venture into real estate. In January, I acquired homes in Malibu for $22million, and the returns on investment far exceed what I earned as a collector.
How did you grow your portfolio to $22m, I'm impressed, I have a lump sum in the bank, the rates are not impressive so I'm moving it, what's your cash flow like?
I have a financial advisor (trader) she grows my liquid assets and I reinvest the weekly payouts back into real estate and long-term ETFs like VOO and SCHD. I have also started acquiring some tech ETFs, including IITU and IUCM.
Sure it's all about DCA, could you please share her name with me or any details so I can look her up online? Thanks!
She is well known as - Diana Leayani Lara. please do your own research.
There is nothing else like that Grand Seiko Cherry Blossom both with its dial and secondly with the spring drive movement. Perhaps cap off your birthday with a visit to Japan with the mrs, visit the Seiko museum / factory and purchase the watch. That way it will be a keeper with heaps of sentimental value.
great idea
Good way to turn a $9k watch into a $15k expense, though.
@@67nearmint exactly, a "reason" to visit Japan when the yen is at generational lows? Can't wait to go back!
@@67nearmintthese GS watches are 15 - 20% cheaper in Japan and there will be a sales tax saving. Also I wouldn’t call make memories / having a trip with the mrs as adding an expense to the watch.
Gotta be careful though, I was there in January and they'd actually sold out of the Shunbun in their GS store. Of course there's gonna be other places to buy it from in Tokyo, but just prepared not to make the big deal of visiting that area in Ginza to be capped off with the purchase made there, to save disappointment.
Just release a special limited edition Erebus GJAGS (Get Jody A Grand Seiko) where all the proceeds go toward your Cherry Blossom Grail!!!
😎👌
A light-pink Erebus Ascent!
@@ia3215ooooooh I could support that!
Good call on the Grand Seiko. I finally pulled the pin on a Snowflake recently- It's rarely left my wrist since, I find myself staring at it when I should be doing other more productive things, and it's made me wonder if I really need much of my collection.
I bought that watch lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning but not flashy. Good taste, Sir.
I love spring drive, but not the ones with the power reserve on the front: the ones with the power reserve on the back are amazing!
Watch addict asks watch addict whether he should buy a watch.😂😂
Jody, do not ask us degens, ask the person that really matters and when she shrugs and says "it's not as if i could stop you anyway", go buy your small pink object of desire.
Hilarious😅
He already has his "small pink object of desire" we're talking watches..............Oh! sorry crossed wires😂
😂😂😂
Ha
I got fed up and opted out of watch collecting. Back to the old days where people had only a watch at a time to use. Currently rockin’ a marathon gp quartz until it dies and will replace it for another similar everyday watch once it accomplishes its mission in this world. Not much to think every morning and it has its charm to see a watch be there at your service everyday doing just what’s supposed to, tell accurate time, apart from the financial benefit that comes living a more frugal life. At the end it hasn’t prevented me from admire beautiful timepieces from afar.
Im tempted to do the same, its a pain trying to decide what to wear and constantly looking for something new, my favourite is my rado integral from the 90s. I dont need anything else.
Agree, I’ve owned 7 watches in my life, and until 2 weeks ago I’d only ever had 5 when bought 2 Casios to wear when I’m doing activities that might destroy or cause me to lose the other 2 watches I have. For me, the joy is in the use of it, not the owning of it. When I am wearing one of them, I don’t wish I had another watch to put next to the watches I’m already not using.
Great perspective!
Since my grail is the GS Snowflake I say go for the Cherry Blossom!
Mine too🎉
I lusted for a yellow gold day date and saved for 5 years for one. Then I wore one and realized it’s not for me. And that’s ok. We need something to aspire to achieve and a new grail watch is not a bad thing.
I got a gold green day date recently and it's beautiful 😍
@@impyrobot They are absolutely beautiful watches but a solid gold watch in my rural farm town was going to have too many “The Sopranos” vibes for me. I’ll still get one someday in white gold.
Used is definitely the way to go, and if you can combine it with a trip, all the better! The value drop on new Grand Seikos makes them so attractive second hand.
The Shunbun has been my grail watch since I first saw it... That dial is stunning 😍
You are the best personality in this hobby. You deserve this GS. PERIOD
I recently bought the same, it's 100% the ONE purchase for me. It's about 3x more than I've ever spent, and I'm by no means swimming in money. It's as close to I've ever been to believing a one-watch collection exists (close, but no cookie!). Sometimes you just KNOW the watch is for you, and this is indeed the case for me with the Shunbun. I've a tiny 16cm wrist and it first right at the edge of what I consider a tastefully-sized watch. If necessary, I would sell some other pieces for it. It was a lot of money in my mind at the time of purchasing, and it still is - but after purchasing, it feels like a bargain, even though I will have to make sacrifices elsewhere to recover the funds put towards it. It's so amazing that I've yet to even pay attention to the Spring Drive movement, which was what drew me to the brand in the first place.
You were one of the biggest influences on me during the pandemic and now I’ve got the bug. But I’ve sold a lot of the watches I don’t wear over these past 4 years to get ones I like. My categories are luxury, mid tier, beater. Within those categories I have a few of each style and I try to keep it colorful. You’re a RUclips watch icon at this point and you def deserve the watch you like the most. It seems like you keep a lot of watches you probably don’t wear. Sell them all. Don’t worry about depleting a box. Get the one you want. You owe it to yourself!
Yes, you should. That watch is absolutely amazing.
Wow Jody congrats on turning 25 soon!
I just bought my grail watch (a maen manhattan 37) which is a lot of money for a high school student like me, and I think if you can afford it and you would rather have it than the money it costs you should absolutely get it. I got mine to reward myself for exceeding my savings goal, and I’m going to get the back engraved with something meaningful. I think of your going to buy something expensive you should do it for a reason so that it will have meaning. At the end of the day a meaningful position is way more fulfilling than a higher bank account balance (if you can afford it).
Nice watch!
Congratulations mate! Enjoy your Maen.
Great watch! Well done
What a fantastic watch and mindset! You, young sir, are going places!
Hell yeah thats a good one
I bought my dad a waveceptor thanks to your review. Its his first watch in decades and never takes it off. Thank you.
Hi Jody!
I would have purchased one of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches with the gorgeous dials already - if they would come with lume!
And yes, spending this amount of money is worth it. When you are honest to yourself you know you‘ve spent way more money on dozens of watches combined. And if you could pick one nice watch you are going to wear for the next centuries to come it’s more than worth it. Take your time and hunt the best one down.
Best wishes,
Claus
The Casio box is awesome, love Casio 😍
Congrats on falling for the Shunbun. I bought one three years ago, and it is one of very few watches I've bought at retail. Zero regrets. It often finds its way into rotation and can be significantly transformed with strap changes. It is one of my only watches that is regularly noticed and appreciated by normies. It kind of doesn't go with anything I normally wear, therefore it goes with everything. To me, it represents the pinnacle of pre-Evolution 9 GS and will likely live on as one of their top icons. Very comfortable, very attractive, very accurate, pretty expensive, but... you know you're going to get it.
I just spent $46 on a 1975 Certina and I'm loving it to bits. I have way dearer stuff but for me the price doesn't equate with the enjoyment. If it's expensive I have to get a really good deal on it before I spend, patience is key.
Gave up on the Oceanus? I love them.
What's an Oce Anus?
@@thegorn 🤣
My dad has the shunbun it is stunning I've never seen a dial change colours so much. Such a great piece
I didn't start collecting until I turned 68. By my 70th, I had accumulated about 20 watches (incl a $1,400 DWISS auto, thanks to your review). I picked my grail watch to commemorate turning 70 in good health, retiring from a successful 45-year career, and moving to Mexico. The watch I selected was the GS SBGE275 GMT LE spring drive, selling for $7.3K. I now have 40 watches, but no purchase has come remotely close to the GS. My second tier purchases are $1-2K, and include the Tissot PRX chrono, two more DWISS (!?), and the WISE ADX101YG on pre-order. The GS will remain king of the hill forever. (Note: I missed the SBGN011 when it was $2,200 delivered to the US, as I gambled it would drop another hundred. It's now $300 more.)
This has been out for a while now. This is a legend. I have 2 spring drives and love them! They are so much more reliable than full mechanical. Its worth it!
Buy it! I was dreaming about an Explorer for 3 years and came accross one in Goldsmiths (back in 2017), I walked in to the store and said ... I want that Explorer in the window, paid, walked out and haven't regretted it ever since! It's not a regular on the wrist, but it's there when it's needed.
I say go for it. I recently bought a Blancpain FF 5015, I got a great deal on Chrono24 from a dealer in Japan. I sold some watches, consolidated the collection to a total of 6 watches. The watch puts a smile on my face and gets plenty of wear. I’m so glad I bit the bullet and made it happen.
I have the Cherry Blossom Grand Seiko, and it really is the grail watch. It's my daily wear for the same reasons your Seiko is. Super light, comfortable, and accurate. Great fit.
Love the collection. Great unique pieces. A vintage Bulova Spaceview would be a nice addition.
The "winter" looks great also.
I hope you get your Spring Drive, Jody. It looks awesome, but I can't get one because I need a car😁 Out of the ones you just showed, I think my favorites are the square G and the SKX's.
I keep my watch collection in a backgammon box under my bed. There are 11 of them, including seven Casios, a Citizen, a Fossil, a Timex Ironman, and an Invicta Prodiver (currently on-wrist). My Citizen Promaster is always in rotation since it's solar-powered, and the other two currently in rotation are the Casio Forrester and the Invicta.
Glad you found the Irish coffee presage. Great looking watch. Thanks for sharing your collection with us.
Spring Drive is the best, most innovative movement. End of. Cherry Blossom 🌸 🌼 ♥️ 😍 😊
Congrats on turning 30 next year! That Grand Seiko looks amazing, it's probably my grail dress watch.
I purchased the sbga413g a year ago and got a good discount. However, I put it on an oxblood leather strap to lift the cherry blossom out of the dial and also allow for swelling of the wrists.😁 one of the best features of this watch which no one ever mentions is that it has a date complication that you can actually read without magnifying.
Excellent collection Jody...has anyone noticed that our box of microbrands and Ali Express brands tend to have the most fun watches? Finally, get the Cherry Blossom if you really like it , but don't pay full retail.
Just go with the heart, just take your time and see how you feel..... good luck!
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY. The Cherry Blossom is a stunner! Imagine if they did one with the spring drive power reserve on the back though.
Love the Shunbun! I'm Coming up to the same landmark Birthday next year, bought my grail GS a little early! On a trip to California earlier this year, I got the SBGA429 Soko Spring drive, US only model from 2020 originally I think and discontinued. But GS Rodeo Drive had one. It is a 39mm steel case, and is also the 'cheapest' (relatively) spring drive. These do lose money very quickly, so used is always a 25% + discount! But I love it, have been wearing it pretty much every day since purchase.
I bought a Longines Moonphase for my 50th birthday when in Geneva. So glad I did.
Ooooooook Jody, you have send me down a deep rabbit 🕳️ 😂 I think you need it, but I’m having trouble with what strap🤣😂
I think you should not only show us your SOTC, but give us a view of those lovely boxes too!
You only live once as they say, go for it Jodie! I spent waaaay too much money on my grail watch a couple of years back and I enjoy it almost daily, some regret (mostly the money!) but zero regret on the watch! My only gripe with GS is the non adjustable bracelet.
If that scratched WaveCeptor has an acrylic crystal, it buffs out easy with some Polywatch polish!
I love that Hamilton PSR… definitely a classic.
Your Seamster Geneve is a beauty, looks to be in amazing condition too. That watch is an absolute grail for me, you're a lucky man- get it serviced! 👍
Love the honesty in your videos Jodi. ❤
I was bummed you were giving up on the Pepsi UNTIL I saw you pivot to the GS sakura!! Nice move! Yes, consolidate the King Seiko and other GS and bring your grail watch dreams to life! I may have to follow suit... many pieces in your boxes mirror my own. I especially enjoy wearing my "Magnum" Momentum and the Citizen.
The cherry blossom GS is a stunning watch. I'd have one in a heartbeat
Go for it Jody! My grail watch is the sky flake. Good choice for a milestone birthday.
Get the Shunbun - you know you want to. I tried on one and am now saving for it. That dial and seconds hand are mesmerising. And it feels like a very high quality watch.
I think you'll be happy with the GS. Fun fact, Piaget has Spring Drive alternative, the 700P movement. But they are made in very low numbers... I'm not even sure if they still make them but yeah, I believe it's the only brand outside of Seiko (GS Credor) that did this concept.
I love that cherry blossom GS as well! Nice pick Jody!
The GS Shunbun is on a different level. I too have been looking at my watch box with dollar sign eyes for the same reason.
The new GMT II with the black and gray bezels pretty cool as well the monochrome tutors really nice
I love pink watch dials. Pop version of salmon.
My grial is Omega Aqua Terra, nothing is too much if is what you REALLY want and you have the money. Really nice and beautiful watch Jody, wish you get it!
Jody, really great to meet you at the Time & Tide Pop-up in Sydney. I'm the one who wore a Black Bay Pro (which looks good on your wrist). Great collection btw.
Happy early 30th, Jody!!
First off, I love this episodes tshirt! My feeling on the Cherry Blossom, it's better to have 1 watch you love to wear and will last you than have so many that you wear occasionally or never.
On my 70th my Wife knew I had been looking at the 2023 TAG Glass Box in Blue date at 6:00. Plenty o’ vids on the watch. Beside the STUNNING dark blue dial (sunburst…no words…gotta see it. ) Got it from the AD & got a 10% discount (Thank you Elvis at Zadok’s in Houston) but what cinched the “deal”…..39 mm diameter powered by an in-house auto, tri-compax, vertical clutch/column wheel …….$6750.00 USD…uh..arghhh…, uh, excuse me. Wife’s fault. I have never cracked 4 figures for any watch. She had already bought it. Got the Luxury Experience….so, I hardly know where to go. So yes Jody, I have had that experience. Oh, & By The Way my red Eribus rocks!
My philosophy: watches should do one of three things… 1) Tell a story, 2) Hold a memory, 3) Check a box, and should always 4) Make you happy! The more of these things a particular watch does, the more likely you are to keep it. If you set up an expensive purchase as a reward for reaching a goal, it will then hold that memory and the watch will be more important to you! Just advice from Al ( not AI but AL… my name. So confusing!)
I couldn't agree more.
Hi where can I purchase the wooden watch box shown for the big hitters?
Jody, I also divide My collection by brands or styles. Casio box., Citizen eco-drive box. Automatic subs homage box, field watch box, Pilot watch box from 10-20 pieces each. Finally the single Rolex Submariner box. Love them all.
I can relate! I'm priming myself to buy my first expensive watch, an ETA BB36. I could just save up for it. But the only way I can justify spending that much on a watch is by sacrificing some of my collection to do so. This would include watches I really like. However you're able to get that GS, go for it!
Don't know if this helps Jody (or if you'll even see this comment), but last year I saw a limited edition Grand Seiko (the SBGJ275) at a jeweller's event I'd been invited to, and became obsessed with it. I had long admired the brand and knew my grail watch would likely be a GS. Ironically, my other option was the one you are interested in. I couldn't stop thinking about the watch. Cost was a major consideration as it was almost twice the price of my next most expensive watch. In the end, it came down to asking myself "how much will I regret not acquiring this while it is available?". The answer ("very much") sealed it for me. Tracked one down, bought it. Should add I have a wonderful wife who supports and sometimes abets my addiction - can't neglect the WAF with any major purchase after all! Zero regrets. Do it!
Hey Jody, I can’t believe you made a video on the experience you had trying on my watch!! But of course I think you should definitely get the cherry blossom. Definitely not biased or anything. 😂 but for myself to be able to get that watch I did sell a lot of my collection to get it so maybe that might be the way to go. But either way can’t wait to see you with the cherry blossom!!
Even though my collection of Watches isn't too impressive, I do have a few key pieces that I was lucky and astute to buy in having great timing when I purchased them. My preference has always been for Vintage Timepieces for their artful looks and interesting stories from their previous owners lives, when I can get them. There were a handful of interesting and unique pieces that you showed us Jody, but I guess I was expecting more from you on the artful end of things as well as far more complicated pieces. In hand I have my 70's 5512 No Date Submariner I found at a Pawn Shop back in 1995. I paid a whole $750.00 for it with box and papers. Again, I was lucky and knew what I was buying, even back then. Next on my list was a 1950's Date just (Bubbleback) with red numbers on a 2 tone jubilee bracelet. That one I got 8 years ago from an online auction for a total cost of $1400.00. after that I found a 1950's Patek Philippe Calatrava on a 18k Gold bracelet, That one I don't wear too often and only for special occasions. I also have an assortment of other less expensive pieces that were not necessarily "GRAIL" Watches, but ones that were out of the ordinary. In addition to that set I also have my group of "TRIBUTE" pieces by Pagani and the like, simply because they look great, I can beat them up and I don't have to worry about someone robbing me for THAT Watch. As many of others have sited, you purchase a "GRAIL" Watch more for emotional reasons or to mark a special occasion. For me, there is also the artistry, the history and the unique characteristics that draw me in and intrigue me. Then I also strongly suggest you do your research about the Brand as well as the Specific Model. At that point, no matter the price then ask yourself is it a value to you as well as what are you willing to sacrifice to get it.
Splurge on the brand new cherry blossom, you deserve it!
Before you buy the cherry blossom look at the evo 9 white birch. You may like it more with the white dial and spring drive. Plus I would look at c24 for great deals on both!! Go for it Jody! You only live once mate!
Love the BREITLING Navitimer! ❤
Some people have 6 watches. Others have 6 BOXES. Props, Jody. That Spring Drive is smooooooth. You should buy it because you are well-positioned to catch and release if you should so fancy. Go for it.
Awesome collection there Jody, if ever you get bored of the bronze Zelos mako please please bare me in mind, I’ll wait 😂😂😂
I can’t believe Phoibos didn’t make your list! I remember you being a fan 5-6 yrs ago and Phoibos was big part of your channel for years!
The GS 62GS case is the best case design on the market followed by their new Evo9. Having had the 413, it wears smaller. It’s a beautiful watch. My only bother is that the dial is mostly silver unless in low light & then it’s a very light pink. So most of the time the seconds hand disappears against the dial.
But it’s still my favourite!
Yes you should definitely get that Grand Seiko, and sell the other 2 watches to part finance it. I did something similar to get a couple of my grail watches to mark a significant milestone b'day.
You have a year to decide mill it over logically. 😊
I purchased a Skyflake when I retired. I love this watch!
You can never replace the watches memory box, they are priceless. If you see dollar signs instead of the other watches then it’s a good indication to sell a few, especially to fund an aspirational grail purchase. It will be condensing the ‘collection’ boxes into the ‘memory’ box which is far more valuable.
Jody, you finally replaced the battery in the Omega! Hurrah! 😃 I also love the GS Shunbun, but the closest I will ever get, is if an Ali company makes a pinkish dial that I can swap onto a Seiko 5. 😂
Do it Jody! 50 is a big big birthday and if you can do it by moving pieces you already own there's no financial stakes! (And you can rebuy them later😂😂)
I thought Jody was turning 30 😉
I recently purchased a GS SBGM221 as a late 40th b-day gift for myself and am in love with it. That said, I've already earmarked the shunbun for a 50th b-day gift. Or maybe 45th. Or maybe 43rd. Or maybe 40.5th.
Love love the GS cherry blossom, hopefully can afford one some day
GS is my grail too. I've tried this cherry blossom on in the dealer where I live. Some day I will. Totally worth it, for the materials and the spring drive tech. Do it
That grand seiko is so unique and not in a bad trendy way. I think you must pull the trigger when the clock strikes midnight! 🎉😇
Love that quartz Seamaster.
Jody and I are the same age and I can’t believe we are both turning 40 next year. Crazy! 😆. But I have said a Spring Drive GS GMT has been my Grail as long as I can remember. I keep changing which model I want though. Currently it’s the SBGE253. Thanks for the great video and update!
Fun collection of course . I think that you've solid instincts Doctor and in that we only live once get it like you like it .
Interesting. I love the 9F and now that you explained spring drive, this one seems like a marvelous piece of engineering as well as being an exceptionally attractive watch. The price makes it silly for most of us but getting a very special deal on it would make it very tempting. It's modern mechanical anachronisms that I have no interest in at all but this thing is splendid. 😊
Buy it! And yes, I’d get rid of the quartz grand seiko. When would you choose the quartz over the cherry blossom?
Hey Jodie, love the chanel, always have!! Hey buddy you know its going to be on your wrist, its a given! Once that cog is set in motion it just happens, you know it, it's like the force 🤷♂️ It was the same for me and my Tudor and MM 300, way out of my price range but it happened. GS Spring drive is my grail now also so good luck, it's a beauty 👍
Thanks .. would you tell us about your watch boxes and from where to get them ?
Good luck with the 413, it's a stunner. It's only draw back is the clasp. I got the 415 3 years ago and it still blows me away.
I was recently in Tokyo and tried on a few Grand Seikos. The two that were standouts for me were the Grand Seiko White Birch models (SLGH005 and SLGH009). One has a Spring Drive, and the other an interesting hi-beat movement with twin mainspring barrels and a clever dual impulse escapement. The cherry blossom looks like it has almost the same case, but with a power indicator. The 22mm bracelet on the white birch is a bit too large for the overall scale of the watch, but it looks like the cherry blossom might be a 21mm?
Looks outstanding, sell the other Seiko's...... and look for a good rebate?
I simply couldn't believe when you mentioned the Grand Seiko cherry blossom. That watch was also on my shortlist. The dial is incredible, and the finishing superb. But then, I tried it on at my AD and...... 😢 it just didn't look right on my wrist! I guess it just shows that you need to try before you buy 💰 😅
Do it.
GS spring drive is my grail so I'll live vicariously through you😅
My grail was also my exit watch, I haven’t wanted another watch since it’s too good. Steel colour dial 36mm OP that’s been on my wrist daily for over 5 years.