Wow. This was the most honest review of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch I've ever seen. I don't even think I've ever heard anyone say anything negative about them ever. I think these are fantastic watches, but I am partial to their 36,000 high-beat watches with a red face. Although both are out of my price range.
Thanks for watching, and for your continued support! I appreciate it. Grand Seiko's red and burgundy dials look incredible. My next Grand Seiko, when the time comes, will be a Hi-Beat. The new 9SA5 movements are quite incredible.
This is the best, most detail oriented and honest review I've seen on Grand Seiko, Four Seasons. Thanks, for a great video, coupled with a fair minded critique.
Same here i just cannot make my mind up between this and spring. If you have purchased any since your comment please let me know. I dont want to spend money and regret it later on as this will be the only watch i buy and keep for life. Many thanks
This is a very fair and good review. I have the Winter and love it. I have to make myself wear the other watches in my collection and miss this watch when wearing my other watches. I take that as a sign that this is a keeper.
Their divers don't really speak to me, as well (but I'm not really a diver guy to begin with). That said, GS are the current masters of the GADA watch: slightly sporty, yet luxurious semi-dress pieces that can take a beating are so hard to nail, but they do it over and over again. Just waiting for some slimmer, smaller case options on their spring drive models (sub-39mm x sub-11mm). Greetings from Germany!
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I don't believe the bracelets are worth the $800. They don't even continue the design aesthetic of the SBGV243/SBGV245. Seems pointless.
Good+ honest review. I also like the ‚all-grey‘ aesthetics and I understand your impression on bracelet+ clasp, that are still not the standard of Rolex for example.
I love the bracelet fits perfectly for me and better polish and finitions than a Rolex Oyster perpetual one at the same RRP price point. I think GS bracelets suffer from the opinion of a few that has spread and escalated too much in videos like these
You know, up until I discovered your channel, I was perfectly content with my budget watch enthusiasm that topped out at Nodus. However, if you keep making videos and writing reviews about Grand Seiko and Ming, both my wallet and I are going to be in serious trouble. Nevertheless, once again, a thoroughly enjoyable and informative review. Thanks, man! 👍
Haha, my apologies to your bank account and wallet. Unfortunately I can't afford to do many of these expensive watch reviews, so you don't need to worry! I'm still a micro-brand guy at heart, and the next review will be a Halios Universa.
@@BeansAndBezels No apologies necessary. And I suppose it’s a good thing that your next review will be for an awesome microbrand that is nearly impossible to get. I just need enough willpower to avoid Halios for an hour after it drops until it sells out. Problem solved 👍😁.
Stunning video covering everything! When you were talking about endlinks play I took my SBGA465 for check and it has little play on one side - something I wasnt ever thinking about before. I dont mind going everywhere with my GS because nobody in public ever noticed - just ADs. To talk about bracelet it doesnt pull any hair and clasp is tiny compared to Rolex. I was lucky to find my fit. Mine runs like 5s per month faster - perfect everyday watch that I adjust only when month is under 31 days (used to adjust time daily on 6R15 and weekly for ETA 2824).
Nice review! I was surprised at the manual wind on the Spring Drive when I got one too. The sound reminded me of manually pushing against a small motor or something. Whiny might be the best way I can describe the sound.
Excellent review as always. If Grand Seiko had any other name, it would be as coveted as Rolex by the masses. Pity about the Seiko bracelet being a travesty. Eagerly awaiting the Halios Universa review with it's amazing bracelet.
Thanks for watching, and I agree with you. There is so much that this brand has to offer, that many other "high end" watches cannot. But I think Grand Seiko will have their moment in the sun very soon. They just need to iron out a few wrinkles and they can go after the big boys with no mercy.
On thing I like a lot is that the 62GS looks a lot slimmer than the 44GS or the snowflake. The absence of bezel and the box shaped sapphire crystal visually flatten the case. In fact I’d go as far as to say that it looks 10mm instead of 13 whereas the snowflake looks its thickness
Thanks for watching. Yeah, this watch wears a bit slimmer than it reads on paper, but given how squat the dimensions are, you tend to see the height from certain angles.
It’s why I walked out of the boutique with the Spring instead of the Snowflake I intended to get. Side by side the Snowflake’s dial was the only thing that had me second-guessing the decision. In every other way the seasons watch was visually more interesting.
Great review. I’ve just encountered this model at my AD and thought it’s near perfect. Love the case and dial. Besides the bracelet which has little to do with this model I also find the rehaut minute track to be a major shortcut and a visual distraction on this model and on the White Birch. The minute track was perfectly printed on the dial itself on the Snowflake but now they slap what looks like a Presage rehaut on everything which leaves a thin gap with the dial. The effect is less pronounced on this one because the rehaut is angled steeper but it’s still there. It’s well discounted in my neck of the woods but at the end of the day, I know I could never get a proper fit from the basic clasp on the Snowflake and it will be the same issue here.
My Spring (pink) watch had end links that were much more firmly attached. I finally managed to remove the bracelet after bending the pins on two Swiss tools. I also slightly bent the bracelet pins. When I put on a Cordovan dark brown strap I discovered l disliked the result. The re-assembled watch may have a very slightly greater play in one of the end links now. I should probably see if I have any duplicate pins. These watches are amazing. I have many Orient watches, and the GS totally obliterates them. However, I'm not going to wear such an expensive watch everywhere. There is room for my Orients. I just see watch design and production differently now. The pink dial has a polished cap to the seconds hand that looks identical to that on the power indicator, though the latter may or may not be slightly smaller.
Thanks for your awesome review. I want a new Grand Seiko and now with spring drive. I am looking for the white birch spring drive, the Four Seasons Autumn or your version of winter. Hard decisions…if money doesn’t matter i would by all three😂
Thanks for watching! I would go with the White Birch Spring Drive, specially given the current prices on the pre-owned market. The Evolution 9 is a great watch if priced correctly.
wonderful video ❤.. How much did you get it for ? In the USA what’s the best discount for this watch offered ? Heard grand Seiko gives good discounts on GS
Thank you. You should be able to get 20-25% off this model currently if you spend some time searching for details. Much lower if you are open to pre-owned pieces.
Sure the Bracelet is not perfect. but Grand seiko doesnt charge 8k or above here. I was lucky it suits me very well so i can't really complain here. Would i pay 8k for the Winter if it had a perfect bracelet+ clasp... i guess i would but im already so happy with it. Finding a nice 21mm Strap will be the next mission =) Kudos to the photographer, who did the macro shots on your website. These actually reassured me to pull the trigger. cheers!
Thanks for watching, and I agree with you. For the price, this GS is an excellent watch and a "bargain". I'm the photographer too, so I appreciate the kind words.
@@BeansAndBezels Ah great ,haha! Yes a bargain indeed. The list Price started at 6300$. When i visited the shop it was already at 6700$ and my AD told me that Grand Seiko was about to raise their prices again in september. i got mine for 6400$ in the end. Everytime i look at this watch im in disbelief why it actually didnt cost about 8k just like the other high end brands charge. Now is actually the very best time to get a GRAND SEIKO. People are starting to realize and they will never be as "cheap" as of today
Great video bhai (im guessing you are desi I could be wrong lol!). Im currently trying to decide between this exact watch or a Zenith defy classic skeleton. Any opinion on those two?
Thanks for watching! I would go with the GS over the Defy Skeleton, but that's a completely personal preference. I've tried on the Defy lineup and the only one that blew me away was the Defy Classic (I think that's what its called?) in blue. As for skeletons, I would 100% pick the Chronomaster 38mm Skeleton El Primero over this watch, although that has a significantly higher MSRP.
You maybe right in that the Zaratsu term is only given to case polishing by Grand Seiko. The origins are however in the polishing done by hand on Sallaz machines, which I think the diamond cut indices and hands are also polished on? So I may be wrong in saying the indices and hands are 'Zaratsu'. As for mirror polishing, yes that means nothing. Apologies if I used the terms interchangeably.
@@leyay7540 I just updated my above response. You may be right. Although Minase did manage to polish their indices and dial elements on Sallaz machines!
Unfortunately no, but that's a great idea. I'd have to see if I have footage of any of the good/bad/ugly bracelets I've reviewed so far, but I might look into it.
I've never heard of them before. Looked them up, they don't seem to sell in the US, perhaps indirectly. Strange thing, for all the work they appear to do, and for the price ( > $4K ) why are they using *base* ETA2824/SW200?
The case on the Divido was a lot more impressive than the Grand Seiko, and any other Grand Seiko I've handled. The Minase design is just ridiculously complex, and the brushing and zaratsu polishing is just incredible. I personally prefer the dial design of the Winter, but the Minase's dial is more technically challenging and has a lot more hand work and detail.
The sad truth is that this wasn't even a short time based on all the other watches I've bought (and sold) over the last 2-3 years. This sale was primarily because I needed the money and couldn't part with anything else. Thanks for watching!
![Grand Seiko Seasons "Winter" [SBGA415] - Owner's Review](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YSIp1-ksbqY/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow. This was the most honest review of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive watch I've ever seen. I don't even think I've ever heard anyone say anything negative about them ever. I think these are fantastic watches, but I am partial to their 36,000 high-beat watches with a red face. Although both are out of my price range.
Thanks for watching, and for your continued support! I appreciate it. Grand Seiko's red and burgundy dials look incredible. My next Grand Seiko, when the time comes, will be a Hi-Beat. The new 9SA5 movements are quite incredible.
"Non-fictional" wait list... 😅😂🤣 Loved that!
Haha, I had to throw some shade at Rolex. It wouldn't be a Grand Seiko video if I didn't!
@@BeansAndBezels Absolutely! Good work! 👍😅
I was just about to leave that same comment
I just got one cuz Nicole hated them.
Rolex are watches for noobs.
This is the best, most detail oriented and honest review I've seen on Grand Seiko, Four Seasons. Thanks, for a great video, coupled with a fair minded critique.
That is humbling and very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave this comment. I appreciate it.
I love that you got this, B&B. It's just so nice and subtle, refined and underrated. Enjoy it, and thanks for posting!
Thanks for watching, and for the continued support! I love it, and its been a treat so far.
I'm debating between this and spring, but I keep coming back to this watch.
Love your voice probably the best watch reviewer I've watched so far!
Thanks for watching!
Same here i just cannot make my mind up between this and spring. If you have purchased any since your comment please let me know. I dont want to spend money and regret it later on as this will be the only watch i buy and keep for life. Many thanks
This is a very fair and good review. I have the Winter and love it. I have to make myself wear the other watches in my collection and miss this watch when wearing my other watches. I take that as a sign that this is a keeper.
Thanks for watching! And I'm happy to hear that this is a watch you've connected with so strongly. It is a beauty for sure.
I love your takes “irrational needs for a luxury watch” 🎉
Amazing quality! This watch is definitely on the list
Thanks for watching!
Just purchased this watch. Good review, thanks.
Thanks for watching! Congratulations on the new watch.
Their divers don't really speak to me, as well (but I'm not really a diver guy to begin with). That said, GS are the current masters of the GADA watch: slightly sporty, yet luxurious semi-dress pieces that can take a beating are so hard to nail, but they do it over and over again.
Just waiting for some slimmer, smaller case options on their spring drive models (sub-39mm x sub-11mm).
Greetings from Germany!
Another great review! You comments on the bracelet is the reason I haven't paid the 800 dollars to put one on my sbgv243.
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I don't believe the bracelets are worth the $800. They don't even continue the design aesthetic of the SBGV243/SBGV245. Seems pointless.
This was an amazing video. Props to you for making such a well-thought-out and well-executed review! I look forward to seeing more. Great job!
Thanks for the very kind words!
Good+ honest review. I also like the ‚all-grey‘ aesthetics and I understand your impression on bracelet+ clasp, that are still not the standard of Rolex for example.
Thanks for watching!
I love the bracelet fits perfectly for me and better polish and finitions than a Rolex Oyster perpetual one at the same RRP price point. I think GS bracelets suffer from the opinion of a few that has spread and escalated too much in videos like these
Just what a an OCD riddled perfectionist like me needed! 🙂 Thanks a lot!
Thanks for watching!
You know, up until I discovered your channel, I was perfectly content with my budget watch enthusiasm that topped out at Nodus. However, if you keep making videos and writing reviews about Grand Seiko and Ming, both my wallet and I are going to be in serious trouble. Nevertheless, once again, a thoroughly enjoyable and informative review. Thanks, man! 👍
Haha, my apologies to your bank account and wallet. Unfortunately I can't afford to do many of these expensive watch reviews, so you don't need to worry! I'm still a micro-brand guy at heart, and the next review will be a Halios Universa.
@@BeansAndBezels No apologies necessary. And I suppose it’s a good thing that your next review will be for an awesome microbrand that is nearly impossible to get. I just need enough willpower to avoid Halios for an hour after it drops until it sells out. Problem solved 👍😁.
Such a great review! Videography is excellent. Review content is excellent. And delivery is fantastic. Well done.
Thanks for watching!
Stunning video covering everything! When you were talking about endlinks play I took my SBGA465 for check and it has little play on one side - something I wasnt ever thinking about before. I dont mind going everywhere with my GS because nobody in public ever noticed - just ADs. To talk about bracelet it doesnt pull any hair and clasp is tiny compared to Rolex. I was lucky to find my fit. Mine runs like 5s per month faster - perfect everyday watch that I adjust only when month is under 31 days (used to adjust time daily on 6R15 and weekly for ETA 2824).
Thanks for watching! Yeah, the Spring Drive movements are amazing.
Congrats on this beautiful piece my friend!
Thanks Josh!
Great content, congrats on the new watch!
Appreciate it!
A good review as usual.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Super review, I am getting drawn into GS more and more each day. I love the quartz version I own but I see a spring drive or hi beat on the horizon.
Good call, I think the Spring Drive really is the best of both worlds!
Nice review! I was surprised at the manual wind on the Spring Drive when I got one too. The sound reminded me of manually pushing against a small motor or something. Whiny might be the best way I can describe the sound.
Excellent review as always. If Grand Seiko had any other name, it would be as coveted as Rolex by the masses. Pity about the Seiko bracelet being a travesty. Eagerly awaiting the Halios Universa review with it's amazing bracelet.
Thanks for watching, and I agree with you. There is so much that this brand has to offer, that many other "high end" watches cannot. But I think Grand Seiko will have their moment in the sun very soon. They just need to iron out a few wrinkles and they can go after the big boys with no mercy.
@@BeansAndBezels Agreed. My jaw dropped when I saw the SLGH005.
On thing I like a lot is that the 62GS looks a lot slimmer than the 44GS or the snowflake. The absence of bezel and the box shaped sapphire crystal visually flatten the case. In fact I’d go as far as to say that it looks 10mm instead of 13 whereas the snowflake looks its thickness
Thanks for watching. Yeah, this watch wears a bit slimmer than it reads on paper, but given how squat the dimensions are, you tend to see the height from certain angles.
It’s why I walked out of the boutique with the Spring instead of the Snowflake I intended to get. Side by side the Snowflake’s dial was the only thing that had me second-guessing the decision. In every other way the seasons watch was visually more interesting.
"My fighting chance at finding happiness", haha, well said!
The sad part of that line, was that it was mostly true haha. Thanks for watching!
@@BeansAndBezels Great review! I really admire their dials and movements, but are a bit too bulky for me, and thus went with Credor instead.
great video buddy!
Thanks a lot!
Great job, my friend!
Thank you very much!
Wow. Maybe this watch has touched perfection
I already know that within a month it will be at my house…
Thanks for watching!
Great review. I’ve just encountered this model at my AD and thought it’s near perfect. Love the case and dial. Besides the bracelet which has little to do with this model I also find the rehaut minute track to be a major shortcut and a visual distraction on this model and on the White Birch. The minute track was perfectly printed on the dial itself on the Snowflake but now they slap what looks like a Presage rehaut on everything which leaves a thin gap with the dial. The effect is less pronounced on this one because the rehaut is angled steeper but it’s still there. It’s well discounted in my neck of the woods but at the end of the day, I know I could never get a proper fit from the basic clasp on the Snowflake and it will be the same issue here.
Thanks for watching, and for your sharing your thoughts!
Whats the discounted price?
My Spring (pink) watch had end links that were much more firmly attached. I finally managed to remove the bracelet after bending the pins on two Swiss tools. I also slightly bent the bracelet pins. When I put on a Cordovan dark brown strap I discovered l disliked the result. The re-assembled watch may have a very slightly greater play in one of the end links now. I should probably see if I have any duplicate pins.
These watches are amazing. I have many Orient watches, and the GS totally obliterates them. However, I'm not going to wear such an expensive watch everywhere. There is room for my Orients. I just see watch design and production differently now.
The pink dial has a polished cap to the seconds hand that looks identical to that on the power indicator, though the latter may or may not be slightly smaller.
Congratulations on owning a Spring. Those are gorgeous watches!
Thanks for your awesome review. I want a new Grand Seiko and now with spring drive. I am looking for the white birch spring drive, the Four Seasons Autumn or your version of winter. Hard decisions…if money doesn’t matter i would by all three😂
Thanks for watching! I would go with the White Birch Spring Drive, specially given the current prices on the pre-owned market. The Evolution 9 is a great watch if priced correctly.
wonderful video ❤.. How much did you get it for ? In the USA what’s the best discount for this watch offered ? Heard grand Seiko gives good discounts on GS
Thank you. You should be able to get 20-25% off this model currently if you spend some time searching for details. Much lower if you are open to pre-owned pieces.
Sure the Bracelet is not perfect. but Grand seiko doesnt charge 8k or above here. I was lucky it suits me very well so i can't really complain here. Would i pay 8k for the Winter if it had a perfect bracelet+ clasp... i guess i would but im already so happy with it. Finding a nice 21mm Strap will be the next mission =)
Kudos to the photographer, who did the macro shots on your website. These actually reassured me to pull the trigger. cheers!
Thanks for watching, and I agree with you. For the price, this GS is an excellent watch and a "bargain". I'm the photographer too, so I appreciate the kind words.
@@BeansAndBezels Ah great ,haha!
Yes a bargain indeed. The list Price started at 6300$. When i visited the shop it was already at 6700$ and my AD told me that Grand Seiko was about to raise their prices again in september. i got mine for 6400$ in the end. Everytime i look at this watch im in disbelief why it actually didnt cost about 8k just like the other high end brands charge. Now is actually the very best time to get a GRAND SEIKO. People are starting to realize and they will never be as "cheap" as of today
When you say 49.5mm between endlings just after lug to lug, what do you mean by that? From crown to left side or from the exterior of the lug to lug?
I love this watch is so different - rolex every schmuck wants and wears a rolex
True!
Great video bhai (im guessing you are desi I could be wrong lol!). Im currently trying to decide between this exact watch or a Zenith defy classic skeleton. Any opinion on those two?
Thanks for watching! I would go with the GS over the Defy Skeleton, but that's a completely personal preference. I've tried on the Defy lineup and the only one that blew me away was the Defy Classic (I think that's what its called?) in blue. As for skeletons, I would 100% pick the Chronomaster 38mm Skeleton El Primero over this watch, although that has a significantly higher MSRP.
very nice review mate, question what camera did you record the macro footage on >?
The place where the bracelet connects to the watch degrades the quality of the whole watch.
What was the watch you mentioned this pales to in comparison for case finishing? 2:01
I believe I was referring to the Minase Divido - ruclips.net/video/Gr2RyvIYpIY/видео.html
great overview
Thank you!
Zaratsu polishing should only apply to cases. Mirror polishing doesn't equal to Zaratsu polishing.
You maybe right in that the Zaratsu term is only given to case polishing by Grand Seiko. The origins are however in the polishing done by hand on Sallaz machines, which I think the diamond cut indices and hands are also polished on? So I may be wrong in saying the indices and hands are 'Zaratsu'. As for mirror polishing, yes that means nothing. Apologies if I used the terms interchangeably.
@@BeansAndBezels I believe hands or indices are too small to polish by that machine.
@@leyay7540 I just updated my above response. You may be right. Although Minase did manage to polish their indices and dial elements on Sallaz machines!
@@leyay7540 I updated my written review and included a correction here. Thanks for correcting me!
@@BeansAndBezels Still a quality review and I also like this watch very much 👍
Do you have a video talking about bracelet designs and quality in detail?
Unfortunately no, but that's a great idea. I'd have to see if I have footage of any of the good/bad/ugly bracelets I've reviewed so far, but I might look into it.
How does this rate against the Minase Divido? Esp. the dial & case
I've never heard of them before. Looked them up, they don't seem to sell in the US, perhaps indirectly. Strange thing, for all the work they appear to do, and for the price ( > $4K ) why are they using *base* ETA2824/SW200?
The case on the Divido was a lot more impressive than the Grand Seiko, and any other Grand Seiko I've handled. The Minase design is just ridiculously complex, and the brushing and zaratsu polishing is just incredible. I personally prefer the dial design of the Winter, but the Minase's dial is more technically challenging and has a lot more hand work and detail.
Why did you sell it after owning it for such a short time? Great review though.
The sad truth is that this wasn't even a short time based on all the other watches I've bought (and sold) over the last 2-3 years. This sale was primarily because I needed the money and couldn't part with anything else.
Thanks for watching!
'summer' and 'autumn' Will it be released?
Thanks for watching. But I don't have access to those two models to review/photograph.
Just see how bulky , thick , non- elegant , trinkets looking it is , sorry.
You're not wrong. It is thick, bulky and a bit non-elegant. But this case design was definitely intended to be more sporty than elegant.
By far the best video on this watch. Wow! You never should have sold it, but I understand there were financial reasons so that's that
Thank you for watching! It sure was a beauty, but there are always other watches I want to check out, so sacrifices need to be made.
@@BeansAndBezels What piece is higher in your view?