One thing is that the people that hand finish GS watches train for around 4 years before they get to polish the watches. It's kinda that JLC or Rolls Royce thing where specially trained are hand painting or hand finishing certain parts. These kinds of things definitely add to the price and can't be compared to mass-produced brands. What people love about Seiko is the amount of expertise and commitment they've put into their watches, whether it's a Seiko at entry level, GS at high-end or Credor (a watch brand that the Japanese Royal Family is known to wear). The history with this brand, their contribution to the industry... just having that portfolio costs money. I remember hearing someone say that you're sometimes paying money to just be part of that brand family, to be part of that club. But these are just my thoughts. I'm like you, I respect and appreciate all brands. Great video btw. Just subbed! 🙌
Thanks! Appreciate the thoughtful comments. I’m generally a Seiko fan (I have a collection of older divers that I’ll take to my grave), but where does GS go from here? They need to simultaneously come up with some new ideas and refocus on QC issues. Spring Drive is a good example of something “neat” but it’s an answer to a question nobody asked. Don’t even get me started on the myriad of special editions they pump out. Maybe I’m just grumpy and prefer my 6105’s and 62mas’ to the fourth variation dial of the autumn in Hokkaido (?!) special edition thing! Now where did I leave those dentures…👴🏽
I kind of agree with you man. I've had fully mechanical and spring drive GS's, and they gave me no more satisfaction than the 5 GS HAQ's that I've owned. Currently own this '261 and it really could be my only watch. Chose to wear it over the weekend rather than my 116200 or 16610, and didn't regret it for a single moment! As you said, it has a lot of wrist presence. Also agree on the bracelet screw links and the difficulty of adjusting, compared with Rolex's big chunky screws for example. Although, just last week, I removed a half link and added a full one on mine after a few glasses of wine, using a cheap ass precision screwdriver and wearing a pair of magnifying eyeglasses. Yeah it was a bit of a mission, but I did it without losing a single one of those microscopic screws in the carpet or making a single mark on the links. No worries!
Lol right on! Yeah the bracelet is an op unto itself but do-able. A bloody micro adjust on the clasp would be nice but I digress. It’s a good looking watch and and it has a “sparkle” that’s difficult to capture on camera. Now if they only used a solar powered movement in these… 🤔
I bought a SBGX269 with the gold indices and all titanium. Its super lightweight and I love the gold accents too. I had a entry level spring drive with champagne dial but i prefer this smaller and lighter version. Plus I’m a sucker for black dials and gold indices lol
Very honest opinions and reviews...as a watch semi watch collector's myself, in my own opinion and experiences throughout over the years, we all made those wrong purchases and decisions when we started in this expensive hobbies. But are the end of the day, it's all about funs and life experiences...no worries at all !! Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate your opinion, thank you! I’ve made a lot more mistakes than correct choices but this is an emotional hobby not always about facts and stats. I tend to buy/sell/trade frequently and as such have had the great opportunity to try a bunch of watches. Not too many regrets either thankfully.
Owners: Are the minute and hours easy to differentiate? They look so similar. And from a distance are the hands thick enough to see, or be easily legible? Say from waist level?
No they aren’t. But the GMT hand is the major issue. It’s the same size and color as everything else (shiny metal). This one doesn’t have legibility as a strong suit but there are other color options that do better.
You’ve seen enough trends. Yet this is one of very few brands that has been doing its own in-house thing for ages. This is all but trend . Shows what you know
Very keen on getting one of these. Disappointing that the second hand doesn’t hit the markers perfectly every time. The sheer quality and accuracy makes for a perfect everyday watch.
@@iceman5036 that certainly often contributes to the appearance of a misaligned seconds hand, but this one was off…no biggie for me but for many it’s a typical criticism of this brand
I've already got my Casio Oceanus ( the titanium one - ? ref. number?) so...not.right now...However, what I do like about these is that you can change the battery yourself & no one can/ doesn't have to mess about with the innards for 50 years (?!)...
"I'm thankful that mine hits the hour markers just right" at that price point, it better. I'm pretty sure essentially all the gs that make it out of the Factory will be hitting the hour markers just right lol. But hey, good review, I do love this watch for the "I paid 2k on a watch and it's a quartz, beautifully elegant but people not in the know won't think it's special" factor lol
I agree with you, they all look the same! Still, the quartz is worth it since you don't have to send it in for maintenance like all other mechanicals, due to wear and tear. Just change the battery and gasket if it needs while maintenance on a mechanical cost hundreds of dollars. I like the GS Quartz but I also like the Tissot Gentlemen for a significantly lower price.
I’m a big fan of Quartz but these seem to have all the disadvantages with few of the benefits. Nice enough watches though and prices are coming down quickly.
I love the Grand Seiko brand due to its quiet and subtle style and its at times innovative technology- which includes quartz, amazing spring drive and hi-beat mechanical ⚙️! Undervalued when compared to Swiss or other watches- and worth the money definitely 👍!
Thanks for the comment! I’m agnostic when it comes to Grand Seiko as I’m sure is evident. They’re a solid “okay” for me. Some are good values, others not so much. I will say that the value proposition in the secondary market is much better and over the last 18m prices have steadily declined to more realistic levels.
It’s not surprising, actually fairly common with Seiko regardless of price point. There’s no alignment function for the hands built into the movement. This is a nice feature in my Breitling Endurance Pro though…
Thanks for the review. I Love everything about this model except the crown doesn’t screw down. Is there a GS similar to this model with a screw down crown?
Very good question and honestly I’m not sure. Seiko (and GS) has such a mind boggling array of similar watches with minor differences it’s hard to keep up.
Completely agree. They do not guarantee parts for the life of the watch either. Meaning if you buy one that’s 10 years old and it goes boom you’re possibly SOL.
Universally positive doesn't exist, so I don't waste time looking for it! I think that no matter how good this watch was, you'd still have said the same things. It seems you already decided that simply because it 'knocks on the door' of the Illustrious Tudor and Breitling bottom end in terms of £'s, that it should be dismissed! You have a gem on your wrist and you don't see it....
Breitling tudor sinn cant even compete with grand seiko, I have a breitling colt, avenger, Rolex datejust, Rolex Aub no date, Omega Aquaterra, Panerai, i brought them all to a watchmaker for service compared it to In and out of the watch, the craftmanship of grand seiko is uncomparable
Your negative about the bracelet is regarding sizing it or the overall quality? Because sizing is done once and then forgotten but the quality has to be right.
Mostly sizing I suppose. Sizing isn’t necessarily a one-and-done thing unfortunately….that’s why there’s micro-adjustment built into so many bracelets. The quality is Omega-ish level which is a compliment. At least they make an effort on the GS line. The lower tier Seiko watches have 🗑 bracelets.
One thing is that the people that hand finish GS watches train for around 4 years before they get to polish the watches. It's kinda that JLC or Rolls Royce thing where specially trained are hand painting or hand finishing certain parts. These kinds of things definitely add to the price and can't be compared to mass-produced brands. What people love about Seiko is the amount of expertise and commitment they've put into their watches, whether it's a Seiko at entry level, GS at high-end or Credor (a watch brand that the Japanese Royal Family is known to wear). The history with this brand, their contribution to the industry... just having that portfolio costs money. I remember hearing someone say that you're sometimes paying money to just be part of that brand family, to be part of that club.
But these are just my thoughts. I'm like you, I respect and appreciate all brands. Great video btw. Just subbed! 🙌
Thanks! Appreciate the thoughtful comments. I’m generally a Seiko fan (I have a collection of older divers that I’ll take to my grave), but where does GS go from here? They need to simultaneously come up with some new ideas and refocus on QC issues. Spring Drive is a good example of something “neat” but it’s an answer to a question nobody asked. Don’t even get me started on the myriad of special editions they pump out. Maybe I’m just grumpy and prefer my 6105’s and 62mas’ to the fourth variation dial of the autumn in Hokkaido (?!) special edition thing! Now where did I leave those dentures…👴🏽
I kind of agree with you man. I've had fully mechanical and spring drive GS's, and they gave me no more satisfaction than the 5 GS HAQ's that I've owned. Currently own this '261 and it really could be my only watch. Chose to wear it over the weekend rather than my 116200 or 16610, and didn't regret it for a single moment! As you said, it has a lot of wrist presence.
Also agree on the bracelet screw links and the difficulty of adjusting, compared with Rolex's big chunky screws for example. Although, just last week, I removed a half link and added a full one on mine after a few glasses of wine, using a cheap ass precision screwdriver and wearing a pair of magnifying eyeglasses. Yeah it was a bit of a mission, but I did it without losing a single one of those microscopic screws in the carpet or making a single mark on the links. No worries!
Lol right on! Yeah the bracelet is an op unto itself but do-able. A bloody micro adjust on the clasp would be nice but I digress. It’s a good looking watch and and it has a “sparkle” that’s difficult to capture on camera. Now if they only used a solar powered movement in these… 🤔
I wish the bracelet tapered but I’ll probably still get one, you can get a great price for a used one too
Agree and agree.
I bought a SBGX269 with the gold indices and all titanium. Its super lightweight and I love the gold accents too.
I had a entry level spring drive with champagne dial but i prefer this smaller and lighter version. Plus I’m a sucker for black dials and gold indices lol
Looked that one up and I agree it’s really impressive! Gold indices are so nice!
Another great review (slowly making my way through them). Hopefully you get a lot more subscribers, great content 👏👏👏
You’re way too kind, thanks very much. 🥰
Very honest opinions and reviews...as a watch semi watch collector's myself, in my own opinion and experiences throughout over the years, we all made those wrong purchases and decisions when we started in this expensive hobbies.
But are the end of the day, it's all about funs and life experiences...no worries at all !!
Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate your opinion, thank you! I’ve made a lot more mistakes than correct choices but this is an emotional hobby not always about facts and stats. I tend to buy/sell/trade frequently and as such have had the great opportunity to try a bunch of watches. Not too many regrets either thankfully.
it is phenomenal
Thanks! My video quality has certainly improved so I appreciate the kind words. Pity about the watch though. 🤓
@@soundsoseriousdo you still own it ?
@@yavornikolov6965no, not anymore
Owners: Are the minute and hours easy to differentiate? They look so similar. And from a distance are the hands thick enough to see, or be easily legible? Say from waist level?
No they aren’t. But the GMT hand is the major issue. It’s the same size and color as everything else (shiny metal). This one doesn’t have legibility as a strong suit but there are other color options that do better.
Looks good on you man.
Thank you very much!
You’ve seen enough trends. Yet this is one of very few brands that has been doing its own in-house thing for ages. This is all but trend . Shows what you know
Appreciate the reply! Check out some of my other reviews. 👍🏽
Very keen on getting one of these. Disappointing that the second hand doesn’t hit the markers perfectly every time. The sheer quality and accuracy makes for a perfect everyday watch.
Maybe I got unlucky with mine, but it’s overall a well made watch.
@@soundsoseriousits the angle on how you look at the dial
@@iceman5036 that certainly often contributes to the appearance of a misaligned seconds hand, but this one was off…no biggie for me but for many it’s a typical criticism of this brand
I've already got my Casio Oceanus ( the titanium one - ? ref. number?) so...not.right now...However, what I do like about these is that you can change the battery yourself & no one can/ doesn't have to mess about with the innards for 50 years (?!)...
Yeah that’s true. A solar powered HAQ movement would be better still.
"I'm thankful that mine hits the hour markers just right" at that price point, it better. I'm pretty sure essentially all the gs that make it out of the Factory will be hitting the hour markers just right lol. But hey, good review, I do love this watch for the "I paid 2k on a watch and it's a quartz, beautifully elegant but people not in the know won't think it's special" factor lol
Appreciate the comment! This one is definitely stealth. 🕵🏽
“I’m not looking for Rolex quality from this watch”.
I agree with you, they all look the same! Still, the quartz is worth it since you don't have to send it in for maintenance like all other mechanicals, due to wear and tear. Just change the battery and gasket if it needs while maintenance on a mechanical cost hundreds of dollars. I like the GS Quartz but I also like the Tissot Gentlemen for a significantly lower price.
I’m a big fan of Quartz but these seem to have all the disadvantages with few of the benefits. Nice enough watches though and prices are coming down quickly.
I love the Grand Seiko brand due to its quiet and subtle style and its at times innovative technology- which includes quartz, amazing spring drive and hi-beat mechanical ⚙️! Undervalued when compared to Swiss or other watches- and worth the money definitely 👍!
Thanks for the comment! I’m agnostic when it comes to Grand Seiko as I’m sure is evident. They’re a solid “okay” for me. Some are good values, others not so much. I will say that the value proposition in the secondary market is much better and over the last 18m prices have steadily declined to more realistic levels.
I am a bit shocked about the fact that the second hand doesn't always hit the markers. There is no auto align function or something like that?
It’s not surprising, actually fairly common with Seiko regardless of price point. There’s no alignment function for the hands built into the movement. This is a nice feature in my Breitling Endurance Pro though…
Take a look at the Citizen NB1050. It has a similar finish with great specs for a fraction of the cost.
Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for the review. I Love everything about this model except the crown doesn’t screw down. Is there a GS similar to this model with a screw down crown?
Very good question and honestly I’m not sure. Seiko (and GS) has such a mind boggling array of similar watches with minor differences it’s hard to keep up.
@@soundsoserious OK, sounds like I need to keep hunting :-) thank you for your reply.
;^)
God it is gorgeous
Thanks! The watch is pretty okay too.
Grand seiko is one of very few brands that makes high quality quartz anymore.
Very true. I think Quartz is going to keep making a resurgence though. I but just as many Quartz as mech tbh.
Breitling does not make one watch that is more desirable than this G.S. or any G.S for thoughts.
G.S is above breitling.
👁️Appreciate your passion!
Only thing keep me away from GS Is serviceability except quartz movements. SBGX261 is only GS i would pic at 1700$
Completely agree. They do not guarantee parts for the life of the watch either. Meaning if you buy one that’s 10 years old and it goes boom you’re possibly SOL.
Universally positive doesn't exist, so I don't waste time looking for it! I think that no matter how good this watch was, you'd still have said the same things. It seems you already decided that simply because it 'knocks on the door' of the Illustrious Tudor and Breitling bottom end in terms of £'s, that it should be dismissed! You have a gem on your wrist and you don't see it....
Well put! Indeed this GS is a lovely watch and one that has far more positive than I expected!
Breitling tudor sinn cant even compete with grand seiko, I have a breitling colt, avenger, Rolex datejust, Rolex Aub no date, Omega Aquaterra, Panerai, i brought them all to a watchmaker for service compared it to In and out of the watch, the craftmanship of grand seiko is uncomparable
Id rather buy a quadtz grand seiko than a Breitling nowadays
Your negative about the bracelet is regarding sizing it or the overall quality? Because sizing is done once and then forgotten but the quality has to be right.
Mostly sizing I suppose. Sizing isn’t necessarily a one-and-done thing unfortunately….that’s why there’s micro-adjustment built into so many bracelets. The quality is Omega-ish level which is a compliment. At least they make an effort on the GS line. The lower tier Seiko watches have 🗑 bracelets.
Dophine hands, not sword hands.
Thank u.