I found Grand Seiko's answer to the Rolex Explorer
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2022
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Hands-on review of the Grand Seiko SBGX261 9f quartz sports watch.
Grand Seiko vs Rolex.
Best Rolex Explorer Alternative
#GrandSeiko #Rolex #BarkAndJack 
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Have owned this watch for just under 2 years and in that time it's gained 4 seconds. Wear this as my daily and am still blown away by the level of finishing and the accuracy. About time this watch received the recognition it deserves.
How does it do that? Does it allow you to shift the hour hand separately? Or do you not have daylight saving.
I had a nice quartz that allowed hour hand change - perfect imo.
@@greenbow7888 unfortunately it doesn't so I take a reading before I change the time and then another afterwards to restart measuring the accuracy. Hurts me to stop it to change the time. 😆
@@markgill8444 Aha! Keep on enjoying.
Had a feeling you'd be here in the comments somewhere LOL. Hope all is well !
Would you swim with it?
I love how Grand Seiko makes models with quartz, Spring Drive, mechanical, automatic, and hand winding movements. Choice is a good thing. GS is multi-faceted while some other brands are very one-dimensional.
Yeah, it's kind of hilarious because thats what GS gets hated on the most for. They have a wide variety of watches and people love to hate on them saying 90% of the catalog looks like shit. Well, when you've got like 4 dozen different watches and you don't love 90% of them thats fine theres still 5 watches you're going to love. There's something for everyone.
I love how Ferrari makes models with 3, 4, 5, 8 and 12 cylinder engines … oh wait … never mind
@@tangoESPECIAL I think the automotive equivalent is a manufacturer offering vehicles with gas, hybrid, and EV powertrains. A single option may not be right for all buyers.
Still rolex is number 1 👍🏼
@@MDchaz yeah … and slapping the Ferrari name on a puny 3 cylinder car … (aka Quartz movement)
I am a quartz only fan. With an automatic, I always feel like I'm babysitting the watch to keep it running and accurate. With a high accuracy quartz, it just runs accurately all the time. My favorite watch is my Citizen Chronomaster. Everything this Seiko has, but +/- 5 seconds per year, lume, perpetual calendar, solar powered, independently adjustable hour hand, AND super hard titanium case and bracelet. It is simply amazing and looks fantastic.
Those titanium Chronomasters are a whole thing huh.
I still claim GS are better finished, just about. But they're superb and I think I'll crack at some point. That indigo washi dial one... oooh.
Great vid Adrian, I picked up the same watch a year ago and though admittedly there was some initial buyer’s remorse for dropping coin on a seemingly simple quartz, it is now the only watch I actually wear every effing day. Seems to suit every occasion better than anything else (I have) and its quality is staggering
I picked up the Grand Seiko SBGX061 Quartz 7 years ago felt the same at first I was like great just never going to wear this but I recently purchased the Rolex 124270 and ended up trading it for the 214270 Mark II. It just couldn’t replace the GS and now lives happily with the 39mm
I have mine since july and at first I had the same feeling like you had. After wearing it on different occasions and in different places I´m so glad I did purchase it though. Keep rocking!
@@tmxfilms6205 Do you still have the Explorer and GS? I’m waiting for a 124270 but wondering if that GS could scratch that itch.
Have this watch. I couldn’t agree more on how technically amazing it is. I can tell you that the bracelet is so incredibly comfortable that it beats out my other watches as the one I want to put on daily. I love it so much that now I’m considering getting champaign and / or blue variants as well.
Does it at least have half links to help with sizing?
GS bracelets don't have micro adjust. Watch bracelets that don't fit are useless.
@@WatchRob yes.
Have you ever put it on a rubber strap/nato? I’d so, what brand was it?
The quartz tick of the seconds hand was the main thing that prevented me from getting a quartz analog watch. I finally pulled the trigger on my first quartz analog watch in july 2022 and it was the grand seiko sbgp003. Like this sbgx, it also had a simple "boring" dial but was housed in a 44GS case. I am very happy with my GS quartz watch. The accuracy is superb! I set the watch 3 months ago on the day i received it and in that 3 months, it is running at +1 seconds against atomic time app on my phone. This is the most accurate watch i own. And i have since gotten over the quartz ticking seconds hand. 😄
Hi Adrian , loved this video . I have owned my 9F Grand Seiko with the champagne dial for over seven years and at present is accurate to approx 3 seconds per year ( only stopping watch for the daylight savings change).
I have never regretted purchasing this as my first luxury watch before moving onto a couple of Swiss autos (Omega, Breitling).
The finish is superb ( check out the hour markers under a loupe to see why they sparkle). My son prefers this watch to any other in my collection so will give this to him on his wedding day. ( At least then I have an excuse to buy another GS.
Cheers
Dave
Cool, how many times did you change battery ?
@@CyrusDM You can look up the specs: "Approximately 3 years" battery
I would love to see you do a comparison between the 9F and Cartiers quartz movement, as they are the two most distingueshed in house quartz movements out there!
LOL. Citizen is asking you to hold their beer.
I have had mine for more than 2 years now (SBGV223G, the 40 mm case) and often I find myself just staring at the dial, appreciating the fantastic "glow" from the indecies and hands even under low light conditions. As Adrian says in the video, they pick up any light due to the Suratsu finish, it´s quite magic. What I appreciate with this watch is it´s clean simple approach with the jet black dial, you never grow tired of it. A week ago I put on a pale orange strap and wow what a "pop" with the contrasting black dial!
I am a massive fan of the 9F quartz movements and especially like my GMT 9F86. Also they are among the best value watches for what you get in watches, especially when used. A huge benefit of buying a used 9F is that you not have to worry about when it was last serviced or if it will be accurate. It takes a lot of the anxiety out of buying used.
If you like simplicity done masterfully then the amazing SBGW231 or SBGW235 should also be on your list to check it. The indices are simply amazing.
Watches are very funny that way. I don’t know any other item where lower accuracy and more maintenance is usually held in higher regard.
50yr service interval and 10 sec deviation a year what piece of awesomness!
@@Momo_8k lol that's why it's funny to hear the heritage brands talk about making innovations
@@jojotwice8918 whilst producing the same watch design for literal decades
@@Momo_8k Cars, in many ways at least (depending on the kind of cars you're into)
That GS looks really good. The minimalistic look is very well executed. It can be worn dressed up and dressed down in my opinion. The black dial makes it quite versatile as well.
Another great video Adrian, this really reminds me of the Seiko SARB033, but on a whole different level. I personally don’t mind quartz, but my $ always goes towards mechanical watches for some reason. Take care my friend and keep up the great work 👍🏼
“Grand Sarb”
@@aramaprasad 👏
Was gonna say the same thing. Love my SARB033, and even used it’s cheaper than the GS.
Maybe your best video yet! Same humour and style as always, but blended with crisp explanations and some self reflection. Love the way the movement is described - it definitely has a soul!
Thanks a lot Henrik.
Being into horology and the ability to accurately measure time, I am impressed by Grand Seiko quartz movements where plus/minus10 sec/year is the standard. As a practical matter, I appreciate being able to grab my GS when I need a dress watch and know the time is spot on.
Um no shame in that dear, everyone gotta make a living ay
Great video!! Bark & Jack videos on GS Quartz finally convinced me to take the plunge into the world of GS Quartz. Recently got myself an SBGX335 Diver with 9F61 movement. The way the seconds hand lands on the minute marker as it ticks away is mesmerising - the precision! ❤
yes i know right?! the second hands just always hits the min marker like a sharpshooter. it's ridic how precise it is!!
Have got it and it is brilliant. Probably my most favourite watch based on how nice it feels when I wear it.
When I first started watch collecting I didn’t like grand Seiko, I thought Seiko’s where only value for money on either their discounted models or the cheaper models. But boy was I wrong! I think grand Seiko offer something different and seem to have been innovating since 1969!
Great video as always Adrian 🎉🙂
Thanks for promoting the GS 9f Quartz Watches and their perfect simplicity, Adrien! I've been taking my SBGN005 every day for the last couple of weeks out of my watchbox, it's just the perfect daily driver, always accurate, supreme quality, GMT function and - deviating from the "Plain Jane" SBGX261g - nice lume and a gorgeous blue sunburst dial, along with a perfect 39mm case size. Just love it!
Definitely shares the same DNA as the SARB033. Just shows how incredible the value was for that watch when it was on general release.
Much more accurate though. I had and sold my SARB after it lost minutes everyday. No point in having a well finishes watch if it can't tell the time
@@Weakeyedominant Those lower grade movements are always more likely to fail. My SARB033 still keeps excellent time after all these years. Probably around 10 seconds per day max.
You should check out the SUR311. Literally just the same watch but cheaper
The second hand landing on the markers, 🔥
If you're a 033 fan but wanna make a move up then the GS SBGR253 is definitely worth checking out. In many ways superior, it's 9S65A movement in particular, to the Explorer at a fraction of the price. I own the SBGR251 (same watch with the silver sunburst dial) and it's an all day every day pleasure to wear.
Great to see this under appreciated Grand Seiko but like the Rolex explorer it also has a predecessor which I have happily owned for 7 years: Grand Seiko SBGX061 Quartz with both Seiko and Grand Seiko on dial for me I love that I can wear this and remain under the radar just got it serviced and it remains one of the favorites of my collection! Good work Adrian!
I find the bracelet great. Feels substantial, is comfortable. Yes, how the end-links align with the lugs and case... nothing to write home about but in reality I never notice that.
I also really like the GS bracelets. Comfortable, and they just work!
Drilled-through lugs are such a godsend for strap changes. It is easier, *and* it reduces the inevitable scratches on lug undersides from springbars popping out.
Even more so, quick release straps/bracelets.
I hate that my BB58, which is considered a quintessential tool-watch, doesn’t have drilled lugs.
I have had this watch for a few years now, and I love it. I spent many months trying to decide between this and the explorer (older used iterations) but ultimately chose the GS due to the quality of the 9F movement. I appreciate the "set it and forget it" aspect and find that not having to worry about my watch being off by even a few seconds is incredibly convenient, especially for my daily wearer. I find myself wearing my other watches less, and will only pull out something I have to wind and set for very specific occasions. Seeing it side by side with the explorer, it actually shows how good the finishing is on the GS. I would argue it's better than the explorer in terms of case finishing. Not to mention you can pick it up on the used market for around 1500! I'm glad to see my appreciation of this watch is shared by so many!
I just picked mine up new from Seiyajapan for $1560.74
As someone who owns this watch, could you tell me how much does it cost to change the battery?
@@jasonb8746 $20 give or take, depending on where you go. Any local jewelry store that sells watches should be able to do it.
@@jasonb8746 the cost of a new battery is around 5$. The replacement will cost you anything between 15 and 35$ depends if the shop also replace the gasket and pressure-check the waterproofing.
At 04:17, I loved how perfectly the second hand is aligned with the markers. I know it should be the norm (at it definitely is for GS), but this is not always the case, even in the high echelons of the watch market. Thank you Adrian and take care.
This watch is 100% OCD approved...
I have the older one with the Seiko logo on top. It's so accurate. It's the watch I wear the most for work. Lume would be nice, but if you take this watch outside and the sunlight hits those hands and indices, it's beautiful.
I own it and it's fantastic. It's THE WATCH, without unnecessary bells and whistles you don't really need. The beauty lies in its elegant simplicity. That's all you need.
I have always been keen to Sieko since I first saw their kinetic watches and eventually owned one, but I have fallen in love with GS over the past two years! My evening/dress watch will be a GS spring drive(currently in love with the SBGY011: Asaborake). It bodes to them as watch makers, their obsession with time keeping... Not excluding their auto and manual winds, the proof is in their spring drive and now this quartz, that they can create something so technologically superior to most brands and yet make it so elegant... so beautiful. Nothing, in my opinion is more sexy or elegant than the seamless sweep of a spring drive second hand. This marks the umteeth time I have watched this video, and I have downloaded close to 100 pics of this watch on my phone... This GS King Quartz will be my everyday where.
Have the SBGX263 & SBGX265. LOVE them both; bracelets long ago discarded of course.
Try a 265 on a navy croco or lizard strap! Simply stunning.
I agree the simplicity is just about perfect. It so easy to overlook a simple dial, but the interaction with a simple, well thought-out dial is a pleasure. I've got an old Rolex that follows the same dial style, and whenever I put it on, I want to get rid of my BB GMT. This looks like a brilliant watch. My guess is the bracelet likely fits better than it looks too. But yeah on a NATO? Sold. Solid deal for a GS. Such lovely craftsmanship. Agree - if I'm buying a quartz, it's gonna be a GS.
Fantastic watch. Also 9F is also a beautiful looking movement actually. Never understand why GS gets hate on the bracelet though?
Bravo and well done, Adrian👏.....I am in awe of Grand Seiko, as a watchmaker, and a brand. I really feel that they are highly underrated in both categories. The SBGX261 is right up my alley stylistically. If I could only own 1 watch, for the remainder of my life, and cost were no object, without a shadow of a doubt, it would be the SLGH005 "White Birch." Here's wishing you all the best. Cheers.....
A video about a high-accuracy quartz watch is an immediate thumbs up from me! I'm still dreaming about the champagne dial version of this watch.
I’ve been looking for a simple black dial watch to compliment my white Hamilton khaki field. Always liked the black bay 36 but thought it was expensive for what it is. This really has caught my eye! I may have to go and see one in a shop and start saving some pennies. Cheers Adrian 👍🏻
The 36 is worth every penny, even at retail. Get one in person and you’ll appreciate it more. The finishing is great, the dial is stunning, the proportion are perfect and the movement is insanely accurate.
Man those guys really fast to comment;)! GS all the way🎉
I love you Adrian...but comparing it to the BB58...it is a joke hahaha
Reminds me of your video on the IWC Mark XVIII. Another watch that on first look seems boring, but look a little deeper and you see that there is a lot more going on.
I love this watch! I have no issue with quartz. I’m old enough to remember when you were considered crazy to get an antiquated technology that wasn’t as accurate. Not plain, just beautiful.
Quartz movements like Grand Seiko's is definitely a level (or perhaps many levels) above the majority of other common quartz movements and the level of finishing of the watch is impeccable, from the watch case right down to the minute markers, the hour and minute hands. You can literally just pick it up from your drawer and literally go anywhere with it, except for deep sea diving of course. The time will always be accurate for most parts of the year, so you don't have to set the time like the automatic or mechanical watch which loses or gains time everyday. What's not to love about the watch ? But you have to be willing to part with $2K to get one brand new. Or you could get one pre-owned for less than $2K
It’s the Grand Seiko answer to the Casio Edifice EFV-100.
I agree totaly with you Adrian!!! I love quartz movements!!! Especially the ones from GS. They are precise, robust and maintenance-free. Besides, a watch is more than its movement. The quality of the materials, the finish of the case, the hands, the indices, the dial and the strap makes a good watch and not only the movement!!!
Big fan of what Grand Seiko do, also a fan of High Accuracy Quartz movements. The King Quartz Seikos from the 70s are particularly nice, and very affordable. But it’s the high-end Japanese Domestic Market Citizens that I’ve really been getting into recently - the Chronomaster and Citizen The Citizen - I think the pinnacle of Japanese High Accuracy Quartz - combining technology and craftsmanship…
I have the sbgx263 (champagne dial version), and it is great.
Once you've overcome the quartz snobbery you actually end up with something of great engineering and flawless design. This watch is the way to go if you want something reliable for many years, inexpensive maintenance fees, and insane accuracy.
Of course it's not rolex so people won't notice or even say "oh I have a seiko too", but who cares, you've got yourself a piece of art and if you're aiming at quality first, it's the way to go. Can't go wrong with this one at only 2200 new or 1500 slightly used.
Hi, how do you compare champagne dial with black?
I keep coming back to this watch as it has so many things I’m looking for.
Cannot understand why Seiko, Citizen at others do not produce watches with the simple but beautiful 3,6,9 dials.
Customers should also be given the choice between mechanical and mecaquartz movements.
(nice to see a date dial having the same background colour as the dial. If you must fit a date complication at least do it right)
Agreed on the Lume - wish they did it more on their dressier watches.
Great looking piece btw. I Just got my first Grand Seiko Quartz yesterday . I also have a GS Diver Hi Beat. Absolutely nothing wrong with a high end Quartz movement 😊
I have definitely considered a GS quartz recently. You are right, it's not your usual quartz movement.
just bought this piece...it is everything Adrian has said and more! It's an absolute stunner. the way the second hand ticks...it has a solid-ness to it. It ticks with composure, if that makes any sense. The black dial with the razor sharp indices...it's anything but boring. the way light just bounces off...i can look at it all day. the size of the watch is about perfect for my wrist. It would also look great on leather and make it a much more flexible than the explorer (which I'm also obsessing over). I'm lucky to have heard of this piece and fortunate enough to be able to purchase it.
I have this one. It is incredible. I had the sbgx263 champagne dial earlier and for those having issues with quartz I can report 0 seconds deviation over 18 months...outrageous and a source for pride of ownership.
I had an Explorer I 214270 mk2 and a GS SBGA301 which is has a very similar vibe to the one in this video but powered by the Spring Drive movement. This watch is a Japanese market reference. I ended up selling my Explorer as the GS just wipes the floor with the Explorer all day everyday in all aspects! Cheers from Mexico.
I have a version of this watch in 40mm (SBGP011) and like with all GS models, you need to really experience it in real life, with sunlight or shade to fully appreciate it. It looks like a simple black dial, but in strong sunlight you can notice gentle sunburst finishing and very deep bronze tones to it. Also, when the sunlight reflects on the indexes, you sometimes get a diamond-like effect reflecting many colors, thanks to amazing sharp edge finishing. I love it and it's a strap monster as well.
Adrian, when are you going to review Scurfa dive watches?
There is nothing more beautiful then simplicity in design!!! As for the quartz debate, when you create something like the 9F movement it should be classified as in-house quartz which should be on the same level as in-house mechanical. PS I love my SBGP015 which continually impresses me with its accuracy year in and year out!!!
Completely agree with your assesment, utterly capable, plain but finished incredibly well. I tried one of these on at the weekend and it disappears on the wrist. A little too plain for me so I went for the blue dial sbgp013 instead
Respect for showing GS Quartz some love.
My Omega Aquaterra is also visible at night because of the hands and the hour markers. The lume is not great, but the reflection is fantastic...
The poor bracelet is a myth, pretty dissapointing seeing this guy piling on to the myth without thinking for himself. I have this watch and the bracelet is excellent. Silky smooth, very well built and comfortable.
Yup! My Snowflake and SBGN003 bracelets, while lacking in adjustable clasp, are not lacking in comfort! GS make
excellent bracelets and clasps.
100% I have the Skylake and the sbga413, got a GS bracelet that fit the Skylake and both have fantastic bracelets. Extremely comfortable, luxurious feeling, silky smooth as you said.
Yes, I think the gaps between the links and ‘jangly’ nature of the bracelet are deliberate for comfort. Of course GS would be able to make a non rattling bracelet if they wanted. Adrian needs to think outside the box on this one.
Håller med dig helt Lars. Har haft min GS i över 2 år (se min tidigare kommentar här uppe) och älskar armbandet, verkligen premiumkänsla att ha på armen. Bästa hälsning Ulf Hellerström.
I agree, on close inspection you will see the links are tight near the case and slacken of towards the bracelet. It designed for comfort.
I can see why some people might not like it, or think it's poor quality. It's grown on me though and I like it.
I actually borrowed this, along with a Black Bay... and I connected with the GS so much more. I understand that it can look boring, but it's the kind of watch that makes you keep wanting to stare at it because of how it plays with light. And the size is just perfect for a small wrist like mine. Wears better than most Spring Drives in my opinion.
If this GS looks boring, I wonder what you thoughts are about Black Bay? Because I felt that the details in black bay dial were no where near as nice as the GS. The internet told me that the BB58 would be the watch for me, but I was sorely disappointed when I saw it in person.
@@Momo_8k Oh no to me GS doesn't look boring at all! Quite the contrary. But with the BB58, I've heard the same complaints from others. I personally love the GS!
I have the JDM version with a Kanji day date version… SBGT237. Simple also but definitely more interesting.
Thanks for the great review. This is a special watch. I started my watch journey with the Seiko Sarb033, moved on to a lot of other watches (submariner, aqua terra, speedmaster, IWC pilot) in search for "the one watch to wear". After many times actually grabbing my Sarb033 I bought this watch to see if it could actually both feel like a luxury watch while still be a watch that I would wear daily. After two month I can say that it haven't left my arm yet. It has the quality of the other great watches I have, but comes with a simple feeling and prize that makes you forget you are wearing it when you are not looking at it!
Absolutely love Grand Seiko, especially this model. It's their bracelet that feels extremely cheap. Like the dial is made post 2020 and bracelet from 1984.
Agreed but I sometimes where mine on a wrinkled black leather strap and it is outstanding as a dress watch incredibly versatile Grand Seiko SBGX061 Quartz
I've had several in-hand and the thing that kept stopping me from going through with it was the bracelets. Cheap, flimsy, they pinch, the clasp looks like it's going to pop open. I don't know why they can't address this, but this brand would absolutely exploud if they did.
I had mine and I didn’t have any issues with the bracelet. Actually it feels quite comfortable and flexible, I prefer it over stiff bracelets. I think it’s all about personal taste nevertheless it doesn’t look cheap at all IMHO.
No it isn’t Adrian. It is just a clickbait title and you just pretend to be nice.
After I saw your video about the SBGX261, I had to buy it. I got the watch today, and it's absolutely stunning. Thank you so much, Adrian, for bringing this to my attention.
I’ve got an SBGN003. Absolutely love it but not a fan of a £101 battery change + 6-8 week wait via the GS Boutique!
What's that about? I've got an SBGN005 and I'm pretty sure the battery can be changed by any watch shop, as far as I am aware.
@@wingeren I’m pretty sure it can, but I thought it would be a quick battery change at the GS Boutique in Knightsbridge, and so I dropped them an email and they quoted me the £101 and 6-8 week wait time! ‘The cost should be £101 but the service department will confirm that once the watch has been inspected just in case something else may have caused the battery to fail. Once they confirm the price via email you would then pay the service department directly, not in store’…
@@sum11t Wow, that's crazy. Guess I now know not to go to a boutique for service...
@@wingeren Just wonder who else can service a 9F…..
Great video. I also love plain (but high quality) watches.
Great video! GS and Cartier makes among the finest quartz movements out there. Would be fun to see a quartz comparison video. Watch nerdiness on an extremely high level!😅
just picked one up - used. Great deal and I am excited to try it out. I reckon it will be a great daily.
Awesome video. As always. Just ordered mine and I am really looking forward to the 19mm B&J grey nato strap. Cheers.
Yes GS may “do quartz right”, and the finishing is without question, but there’s no way I’m spending £2k on something that requires a battery change. Better to pay the extra £1200 (before and discounts) and go for the SBGR289 or similar if you must have a bracelet.
There are watch makers, and there is Grand Seiko. It doesn't matter what type of movement is fitted, they do the job properly. Thank you Adrian, this is a fine commentary on an excellent watch. I'm actually a steam and clockwork man, so this doesn't float my boat, but that's no fault of the watch 🙂.
I bought my first hybrid movement this year, a GS SBGA413, powered by a Spring Drive. I could have bought a fully-mechanical High-Beat movement. But the technology of the Spring Drive sold me. I didn't know about this quartz movement. I prefer the Spring Drive concept. But as a watch geek (great term!), I thank you for sharing this information.
I also own the 39 mm version of the Explorer. I adore that watch for reasons I cannot explain. I had a Z-Blue Milgauss. While I loved the bracelet and ease of wearing it, the dial was somehow too fussy. The simplicity of the Explorer was the solution.
I see the SBGX line as a perfect alternative to the Oyester Perpetual rather than the explorer. Of course, the OP and the Explorer are essentially the same watch, but the explorer's identity comes partly from the 3,6,9 dial and mercedes handset.
I love this watch! I gave one to my wife for her birthday and it looks amazing on her wrist. The sun light dances on it when she’s driving. Amazing polishing and detail
Brilliant watch. My Father has owned this model and it simply is a brilliant watch the more you look at it. I also love the podcast. You all do a great job, and the humor a part, do shade quite a bit of knowledge. Cheers!
I’ve been reading about the dreaded GS bracelet for years and just told myself id make do or switch it to a strap anyway… After finally getting my very own GS I have to chime in, not nearly as bad as I was lead to believe. I find it well made and comfortable. Obviously it would be way better if it had any form of micro adjustment. It obviously isn’t the best in the segment, just not total trash that needs to be replaced immediately (for me). I get this is super personal, so YMMV. And having drilled lugs, slapping on a nato strap takes seconds.
Thanks for another great video Adrian. And thank you for pointing out that the finishing on that Grand Seiko is so brilliant it helps you see the time even without lume. I love lume for it's practicality -especially the color of the Rolex proprietary blue lume, and I normally wouldn't consider buying a watch without some type of good lume. So I appreciate you making me curious about how the high level of Grand Seiko finishing can help the wearer read the time. I wouldn't have guessed it.
I own the sbgx261 since May 2021 and i love It. It's my everyday watch . Precise und no nonsense.
Love this GS , and it’s a reference to set your other watches to
Grand Seiko and a quartz movement is absolutly fine for me, cause those movements are superior as you said. Love that boring watch ❤️.
Great video! If you ever disassemble a quality ETA movement and service it, you’ll find a new appreciation for standard quartz movements 😀
My nephew just started a real job and this is the watch I gave him. Great all arounder.
That's an amazing gift!
Spring drive I’m getting ok with, but not quartz. Can you review other GS watches? Preferably spring drive and high beat. Thanks
Spring drive is quartz.
@@BarkandJack sure. I mean without a battery. And the other difference is with spring drive the seconds hand moves super smoothly as opposed to ticking. So to me, straight up quartz and spring drive are different.
I have the Oyster Perpetual 34 mm blue 3-6-9- dial, 114200. I love this 3130 movement and dial, hard decisions , do I want to trade up to the explore 36 mm or hang on to my OP. I drive a Subaru Car and love Seiko and Grand Seiko , the Japanese make world class watches at world class prices.
The problem with this Grand Seiko is you could buy a Seiko SUR311P for £150 - change the strap and very few people would know its a different watch.
Great video and great watch! Reminds my of my "Baby GS" SARB033:-)
I own and love a 1985 Rolex Oysterquartz, it also doesn’t have a ”usual” quartz movement and it’s just something you never see someone else wearing.
So although I generally appreciate mechanical movements more, I can fascinate myself for certain quartz models
I'd love to get my hands on an oysterquartz. Genuinely one of the coolest, most under appreciated rolex watches around.
I've been considering this model for a while as a travel watch because it's super accurate, don't have to worry about winding, and it has quick set hour for time zone changes. The other option I'm looking at is the SBGN029, true GMT Quartz with 200m water resistance.
The sbgx261 doesn't have a quick set hour. The GMT models do though.
SBGP003 (black) or the SBGP013 (blue) are the 40mm versions of these. They wear on smaller side too so the optimal size I’d say for most versus the 37mm you show here.
Any decent quartz movement is jewelled and hand assembled, an eta 16 jewelled quartz costs only £60 and it has 7 more jewels than the 9F quartz
Interesting about the polishing. Not my scene but still enjoye fthe video.
You missed out that each second tick is a two stage movement, the first longer than the short to prevent vibration/wobble being visible.
I'm quite proud of myself in the fact my collection has diminished from 7 watches to 4. This is a new addition and will be my daily wear.
Great review and I never thought that I would own a quartz again. This is special, however, so thank you so much for the positive opinions on this piece.
Right there with you Adrian - not all quartz has soul, but Grand Seiko 9F movements absolutely do.
Used to think I needed a cosc certified GMT as my next travel watch, but more and more I keep getting pulled to the SBGN line (used to want the explorer 2 homage 003 but now my sights are on the completely unheralded 027). High accuracy quartz you don't have to wind at home so you can chuck it in a drawer, true GMT functionality for when you are globetrotting, and all under 5K CAD total price - what's not to love?
Bought this watch last year as an upgrade to my SARB033. It is so boring, but I keep grabbing it every day and I "stare" at the watch while driving more than all my other watches...combined. The polishing of the hour markers hit sunlight unlike anything I own. And I, too, like it for its "stealth" factor but I've been surprised at how many guys mention/ compliment the GS.
Love how the seconds hand lines up with the markers on every single tick 👌🏻
Hi Adrian. I love simple because its almost impossible to do well. ( Calatrava Mmmm) Purchased my latest watch, a GO Panorama date based on your review some years ago. I didi not regret it . 23 years ago my wife surprised me with an Omega quartz aqua terra. I was taken aback but inside a little depressed because I wanted the mechanical version. Boy was I was just wrong on so many levels. 23 years later my beautiful aqua terra has been to Omega once, last year for a complete service and looks exactly the same as it did new. I wore it every day for about 15 years in some hairy spots during my time with the MOD. Never missed a beat. My wife now wears it and loves it all the time on a nato and never ever takes it off. My point is quartz has just as much majesty as mechanical and its the relationship and shared good and bad times that makes your watch, your watch! You will never ever sell your Explorer, you love it. I feel this way about my Omega and the 14060 two liner, I stupidly sold. What a prat eh? Love your vlogs and your effing get togethers. Its like an AA meeting for watch geeks. :) PS. I am am also (ike you) an ex RAF brat, perhaps a tad older though. Oh and just to be clear...get the new Explorer 36, you know its irresistable
I’ve had and have a few mechanical watches (Breitling, Rolex, Tudor). I also have a quartz Seiko dress watch. I got it in Japan. It was my first “expensive” watch. I wore it on my wedding day.
I love the movement and I agree with you on everything else!
Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for this watch. I bought the white dial version about 3 years ago and can just stare at the dial and second hand moving for a long long time! While I’m not so keen on the bracelet, the watch does look great on a brown leather strap. Looking forward to some Bark and Jack 19mm Natos!
I don't own a Rolex but got my 3rd Grand Seiko, the Night Birch. Awesome piece! Love it. Movement is loud enough to hear at night on my nightstand.