This completely turned me around on GS. I thought the 14 mm thickness was a complete dealbreaker but it looks just fine here. Absolutely gorgeous watch.
Glad to hear! In my experience grand Seiko goes more for ergonomics than strict specification. I’ve definitely had thinner watches that didn’t wear as well. Of course there’s no substitute for trying it in person but most Gs I’ve worn have fit pretty well!
What a beautiful watch, it catches the light so well. I would love to have a hi-beat, the combination of a great movement and an amazing dial is hard to beat here. Thanks for the great video
Nothing short of spectacular. Aesthetically I would choose this over the White Birch any day. A screw down crown/100m water resistance would have been a welcome addition, but over all what a terrific watch. It's a keeper for sure!
This is definitely a watch that changes quickly in light, when I 1st saw it via photos I was interested but was skeptical (maybe the dial would look corny) WRONG ! I called my AD and he fired back with and texted with a video of him gloved and holding it and slowly moving the watch in the light revealing how amazing this watch is. End of story the AD held it for me, I tried it on 2 days later and purchased it same day. Beautiful watch
I've been sitting on the fence a while to pick up a GS... I've owned and still own a few Rolex and Patek watches... I have been wearing my solid gold Rolex Sub / blue dial for a while and wanted something totally different.. this watch really steals the show .. and the price is insane for what you get! Very undervalued especially in this crazy inflated Rolex market.
This is probably the most prominent textured dial from GS as I know, just a bit too "sharp" under some lightings for me though; I also prefer all polished finishing on dressy pieces.
What’s your absolute favorite straps…models and make….links would be great. Thanks for the excellent video. I’m considering buying this model based on your review. 😀
Thanks for posting. I ordered and paid mine over a month ago. It hasn’t arrived yet. A bit worry because I have 7.5 wrist. The watch is 39.5mm. I’m afraid might look to small on me.
I think it’s possible it could look on the smaller side but I don’t think it would look to small. Once you get it just wear it for a week and then decide
Hi, just bought the blue suede type strap for my SBGJ249. Trying to find video's or instructions on how to remove the factory bracelet is proving to be difficult. Do you have any tips? Videos to look at? Any particular tools required? Can't wait to change it up! Great vids too man - keep them coming!
I like a strap on pretty much any watch, but for me the cork strap looks like something you'd rather see on Swatch. On the other hand that plain white siicone job really hit the spot. Totally unexpected on such an artisanal timepiece, but it really brings out the uniqueness of the piece itself. Bravo!
Glad the silicone surpassed expectations haha. The cork is defintely not for everyone and over time hasn’t been my favorite strap for the watch but is still a fun one to put on here and there.
Funny I have my SBGA211 on a smooth leather strap, but I do love the way the bracelet that comes with the SBJ249 looks great on my 7” wrist the bracelet although simple it showcases the case and dial well. Now it is a scratch magnet “Zaratsu “ so I only wear it for going out to dinner or casual occasions. I usually take bracelets off because of the Florida heat but the bracelet stays on the Sho Sho
Yes zaratsu can be a scratch magnet! Glad to hearing your enjoying your GS though, a 9f movement could be a great addition. A 9f was my first Gs. And thanks, I enjoy my Reverso just a timeless design.
Hey for once I have actually tried on a watch in one of your reviews! ( other than the Pelagos) it's true...it's about as stunning as you would think had you never seen a Grand Seiko before, which in my case, was true. Totally agree about the bracelet thing.To me a watch head with that much specific detail and presence is only detracted by a bracelet. Leather or bust! though I like that cork ( not that i'd give Christian a penny, but that's another story) Awesome review. You really did that proud. has to be one of the most beautiful you've owned.
Interesting may have to hear that Christian story! But ya this is quite a lovely watch. Really happy ended up with it. Probably between this and the Glashütte have been the most visually stunning I’ve had so far
@@michaelfierman3256 ah no you mentioned the Oris but not the Glashütte! Still miss that one and may buy it back at some point. We’ll see. Journe may be the next goal post
They are very similar but not the same. The birch is a little bit wider of a grain and has a more sparkly iridescence to it. The 249 since it’s a more shrunken down texture looks much more like the water it’s supposed to vs the birch
This completely turned me around on GS. I thought the 14 mm thickness was a complete dealbreaker but it looks just fine here. Absolutely gorgeous watch.
Glad to hear! In my experience grand Seiko goes more for ergonomics than strict specification. I’ve definitely had thinner watches that didn’t wear as well. Of course there’s no substitute for trying it in person but most Gs I’ve worn have fit pretty well!
What a beautiful watch, it catches the light so well. I would love to have a hi-beat, the combination of a great movement and an amazing dial is hard to beat here. Thanks for the great video
Agreed one of the best Gs releases recently in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
Best strap selection on RUclips
Thank you! I have a strap or two
@@theknightswatch lol
Nothing short of spectacular. Aesthetically I would choose this over the White Birch any day. A screw down crown/100m water resistance would have been a welcome addition, but over all what a terrific watch. It's a keeper for sure!
Your review is honest and on point. Keep it up man!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review
Im picking mine up on Thursday, it really is stunning.
Enjoy it! Great piece
This is definitely a watch that changes quickly in light, when I 1st saw it via photos I was interested but was skeptical (maybe the dial would look corny) WRONG ! I called my AD and he fired back with and texted with a video of him gloved and holding it and slowly moving the watch in the light revealing how amazing this watch is. End of story the AD held it for me, I tried it on 2 days later and purchased it same day. Beautiful watch
I've been sitting on the fence a while to pick up a GS... I've owned and still own a few Rolex and Patek watches... I have been wearing my solid gold Rolex Sub / blue dial for a while and wanted something totally different.. this watch really steals the show .. and the price is insane for what you get! Very undervalued especially in this crazy inflated Rolex market.
Can you please do a review of the Grand Seiko
Gmt Seasons Tōji SBGE269?? Thank you!
This is probably the most prominent textured dial from GS as I know, just a bit too "sharp" under some lightings for me though; I also prefer all polished finishing on dressy pieces.
What’s your absolute favorite straps…models and make….links would be great. Thanks for the excellent video. I’m considering buying this model based on your review. 😀
Some of my favorites come from veblenist
www.veblenist.com
Delugs also makes some good stuff but it’s just personal preference
Thanks for posting. I ordered and paid mine over a month ago. It hasn’t arrived yet. A bit worry because I have 7.5 wrist. The watch is 39.5mm. I’m afraid might look to small on me.
I think it’s possible it could look on the smaller side but I don’t think it would look to small. Once you get it just wear it for a week and then decide
The blue strap looks great, how is it with a black one?
Thank you personally haven’t tried it on a black strap as that’s not really my style but I think it looks good too. Dresses it up a little of course
Hi, just bought the blue suede type strap for my SBGJ249. Trying to find video's or instructions on how to remove the factory bracelet is proving to be difficult. Do you have any tips? Videos to look at? Any particular tools required? Can't wait to change it up! Great vids too man - keep them coming!
Appreciate you! Here’s a good video that runs through just about everything.
ruclips.net/video/Bj2syq_d8VI/видео.html
@@theknightswatch - Got it, and done! Thanks so much!
I like a strap on pretty much any watch, but for me the cork strap looks like something you'd rather see on Swatch. On the other hand that plain white siicone job really hit the spot. Totally unexpected on such an artisanal timepiece, but it really brings out the uniqueness of the piece itself. Bravo!
Glad the silicone surpassed expectations haha. The cork is defintely not for everyone and over time hasn’t been my favorite strap for the watch but is still a fun one to put on here and there.
Stunning watch!
I agree with you on the bracelet!
Funny I have my SBGA211 on a smooth leather strap, but I do love the way the bracelet that comes with the SBJ249 looks great on my 7” wrist the bracelet although simple it showcases the case and dial well. Now it is a scratch magnet “Zaratsu “ so I only wear it for going out to dinner or casual occasions. I usually take bracelets off because of the Florida heat but the bracelet stays on the Sho Sho
BTW I love your reverso, it’s on my list as is the Cartier Santos Medium or the Drive de Cartier. But then again I don’t have a GS 9F watch…
Yes zaratsu can be a scratch magnet! Glad to hearing your enjoying your GS though, a 9f movement could be a great addition. A 9f was my first Gs. And thanks, I enjoy my Reverso just a timeless design.
Hey for once I have actually tried on a watch in one of your reviews! ( other than the Pelagos) it's true...it's about as stunning as you would think had you never seen a Grand Seiko before, which in my case, was true. Totally agree about the bracelet thing.To me a watch head with that much specific detail and presence is only detracted by a bracelet. Leather or bust! though I like that cork ( not that i'd give Christian a penny, but that's another story) Awesome review. You really did that proud. has to be one of the most beautiful you've owned.
Interesting may have to hear that Christian story! But ya this is quite a lovely watch. Really happy ended up with it. Probably between this and the Glashütte have been the most visually stunning I’ve had so far
@@theknightswatch yeah those have to be at the top. Did I tell you I saw that green Glasshütte when I was in New York?
@@michaelfierman3256 ah no you mentioned the Oris but not the Glashütte! Still miss that one and may buy it back at some point. We’ll see. Journe may be the next goal post
@@theknightswatch you need to save some brand for your 25th birthday!
I’m curious to hear the Christian story as well please?
Too busy dial for a dress watch, too plain for a tool watch. But it is a nice watch to see in metal/person
Nice watch. But not the easiest to read
I'm curious if this dial is same as white birch turned 90 degrees? I own one and it looks very similar. Nice review and yes, a very cool watch!
They are very similar but not the same. The birch is a little bit wider of a grain and has a more sparkly iridescence to it. The 249 since it’s a more shrunken down texture looks much more like the water it’s supposed to vs the birch