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2 Cheapest Ways to Get into a Grand Seiko | SBGW231 + SBGV243
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- Опубликовано: 14 авг 2024
- Grand Seiko prices are climbing, but what if you want to get into the brand at the budget end. In this video we explore 2 options at the 2-4k range that are sure to impress!
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You say the black one can be had for $2000. Do you happen to have a link to one? I've been wanting one for a long time, and around $2000 is what I was hoping to get one for
It’s really hard to beat that 231 imo. Love how the dial has a subtle dome to it. Understated, but still complex! Great vid!
Use the word inexpensive over cheap. Cheap devalues anything, gives it the poor quality vibe.
Pedantic
No no, it’s grand seiko we know the quality. We need really the cheap word to get intrigued 😂
Affordable or accessible
Povo
Really interested in GS but I’m holding out for a smaller spring drive model. A 36mm case with a spring drive movement would be perfection!
I have enjoyed my SBGA083. 38 mm, screw-down crown, classic looks, etc.
Credor?
No, it’s a Grand Seiko. The Grand Seiko SBGA083. It’s a Spring-Drive model.
Sorry. The SBGA083 is 39 mm, not 38 mm.
@@bobbywatchaddict523 I meant Credor might have the smaller case sizes OP is looking for. But still no 36mm. Credor GCLP995 is 38.
I was able to get an sbga283 for 3k. Love it. Can’t stop staring at the spring drive movement
As a die-hard Seikopath (there are regular Seiko, GS, J Springs, Lorus, and Alba watches in my collection) I wholeheartedly approve of this vid! New subscriber earned. 😊
Cheers Johnathan, just ordered another SEIKO 🤔😉
Got one of the 9F sports last year from Japan for like £1600… nice to see them being appreciated!
I own a 231. I honestly think it is the best looking watch they make, which just so happens to be priced very well. It's a vintage Omega seamaster and Calatrava love kid.
Yeah I'm tempted to trade my spring drive for one. It's just so classy
I own the sbgw275 & 277 Genbi Valley watches and I really want to own a 231 or 235 before they retire them. The 231 is a sure fire classic 🏆
I own the 231. Works surprisingly well casually not just as a dress piece
There's lots to think about here. Most importantly, it's honestly refreshing seeing/hearing a channel that is thoughtful and where you can tell watches are your passion. It's been a lot time since a watch video captured my interest properly like this.
The cream dial GS is really something. I don't know the watch, but I've known it's image as the best of the best (without knowing more). There is no Rolex that looks this good, to me. The height wouldn't bother me much. What does bother me a ton is the lack of lasting options for straps, for watches in general. A bracelet rips arm hair and is heavy, and cold in the winter, and sometimes bugs my wrist, with usually poor resizing ease. A leather strap worn every day will crap out after a year, and get gross after 6 months. And for this dress watch, obviously rubber is a no-go. This strap issue has really stumped me because I don't like divers, the only watch style that actually works well on rubber.
If you want a poor man's version of this GS, check out the Q Timex 1978 Reissue in 35mm. At least the strap is replaceable for 30 bucks, and the dial is fantastic. Never thought a 35mm Timex would be my favourite watch. See here:
theslenderwrist.com/timex-q-1978-review/
The 231 was the one I fell in love with first too! The hands are PERFECT and when the light hits the markers it is so beautiful!
Such simplistic beauty 😍
Great review, Max! I've been kicking around getting a GS and one of these may be the ticket! I appreciate the price point, and actually like that they're quartz. The hardest thing about buying Grand Seiko for me is the lack of AD's. It's difficult to spend what they're asking when I can't see it in the metal first, or have a place I can drop one off for service if I buy one. I can't wait until we start to see a larger network of AD's in North America. Until then I have to wait until something comes to my neck of the woods second hand, or until I travel where there's an AD, and I still have to worry about repairs and service. The lower price point and lower maintenance of these quartz offerings make them very appealing to someone without a local GS dealer.
Yes absolutely. Grand Seiko makes an order of magnitude less watches than the big boys so it'll take a bit before they can match the volume and service, but it shouldn't be long 👍
I just purchased a GS SKGP-001 quartz for $2400 USD - (duty free in Tokyo jeweler) This watch retailed $3200 USD plus tax.
I prefer the SBGW231 over a lot of GS's more expensive watches. To me, this clean/minimalist execution is exactly what I want from the company known for it's finishing. It there was a thinner/automatic version of this dial (maybe a pure white version), I would immediately buy it.
Beauty in simplicity. Hard to get right but they did it here!
What do you think of their SBGX347? It's 34 mm, has a pure white subtly textured dial, and it uses their (mind blowing) 9F quartz movement. It also only doubles up the 12 o'clock hour marker, which to me makes more sense.
I seriously considered that quartz model repeatedly over the years. I actually love the small dial, the look…. A little conflicted about buying a quartz though (I know its great for since it’s made by GS). It just remains to be one of the watches I’ve never pulled the trigger on
Again , 3 for 3 on the videos of yours that I've happened to watch . So pleased that there's a watch community in the Seattle area that really appreciates this passion.
GS are not yet on my radar but reviews like this are moving the brand up my ladder of priorities - especially since I never seem to have a flintstone handy when I need one! Great content and presentation - as usual! Thanks!
Haha, Thanks Milan for getting my silly jokes 😉
I used to think that too but I recently went to a luxury watch store in Las Vegas and saw GS on display next to Rolex. They seem to think it's up there.
Price irrespective - the SBGW231 is one of the nicest dress watches out there.
This is the first of your videos I’ve watched and I’m buying in. You’ve got great content, unique perspective, and your well researched. I’m a sucker for entry level stuff so please keep it coming.
Loved the video, love Watch Crunch, and I love Grand Seiko. You now have me thinking about a quartz watch. I could see wearing the black one every day.
They should make the SBGW231 in a spring drive version too. I think it is the most beautiful Grand Seiko (probably because I don't like date windows on a dress watch, particularly when they're at 3 o'clock. Orient, do you read???).
Thanks for the effort put in this video.
Best regards from Belgium
The SBGW231 is my absolute favorite dress watch. Stunning
The cheapest way to get a Grand Seiko is to cut down the wish list and save up to get the watch.
I want an Omega and a Rolex sports/tool watch before the GS. Oh yeah, I guess I should cancel my trip to Florence, Italy and delay my wish to become a Paneristi.
Just bought a pre-owned SGBX343 and am loving it. For me, this tool-watch is the perfect Daily Driver. It took 2 years with a Spring Drive to soften me up for full on Quartz tho :)
Congrats Rob! Quartz all the way
Grand Seiko Quarts is nice. However Max, I've been searching high and low for a very accurate quartz over the last few week. The Longines VHP seems to be the most accurate. And it's half the price. Don't get me wrong...I love the GS. I agree the finishing might be the best I've seen. But, I'm just not sure I can justify 2k on a quartz. Really nice video. Well done. Thanks.
@@mybrainlikesthings fascinating, thanks for sharing! Where do you get all this information from? I’m looking to buy my first GS and am currently thoroughly enjoying geeking out on the details.
You make a valid point, but tbh what appeals to me (and many people, I suspect) are the Grand Seikos with those incredibly intricate dials like the Lake Suwa, Snowflake, Spring etc. Without that, the brand kind of loses its luster.
Thé beauty of simplicity will last
Your macro shots are amazing. Keep up the great content!
Dude, this video is so good. I've never seen a video that made the 231 justice. Thank you!
also, how big is your wrist? @WatchCrunch - sorry, I'm new here
Thanks man! That's my buddy's wrist and I think his is 7"
@@WatchCrunchOfficial Ah that sounds good. Mine are 7.5", so I was worried it would wear to small but it looks perfect. Thanks!
Good stuff again Max. My SBGA373 is my favourite watch and not too much more than the '231. More sporty though. SBGR261 is kind of the auto-with-date version of the '231and sits between. Almost bought that, more stunning than any pic or video will convey. You have to see and handle them to understand what makes GS so great. If you have any kind of collection and the price works for you, a GS is a must-have. Artisanal hand-finished class that nothing Swiss near the price can match.
Still enjoying my SBGW231. Class straight up
So good 👌
The SBGV243 looks amazing! besides it is always a good idea to add to your collection a high end quartz for worry free wear. I think this will be the perfect replacement for my Breitling Colt Super Quartz. Great watch who lost a couple minutes in NINE years, at the time of it's first and only battery replacement. My advice, when thinking about a beater, think about quartz, super if you can.
Just picked up the Cherry Blossom yesterday and am in love..
My favorite "budget" Grand Seikos are the 42mm SBGR301, 307, and 309. I own the 307. Real deal stainless steel sports watches with incredible dials for around $4500 new.
Very cool, a bit big for me but if you got the wrist for it 👍
Try one on. You might be surprised.@@WatchCrunchOfficial
It’s like you read my mind I’ve been looking at the sbgw231. Great video!
Thanks Neil, good luck on the hunt!
video production quality as spot on as grand seiko styling and detail
Really the one that I love is SBGW231, hopefully and soon they will release it with a date, it would be the perfect watch for me.
I have owned a SBGN005 since November 2019. It has been accurate to + 1 second a YEAR since I took it out of the box.
These in house quartz are amazing!
Thank you Sir.... I was just investigating SBGN005 as affordable GMT. What sells me on that - you touched on - that watch also has a manly case like the SBGV243, which is quite handsome. Thanks for that tip (SBGV243). Some Quartz-phobe comments on the thread... lots of upside with the 9F movements... from a guy who enjoys winding his automatics.
Thanks Max, I didn't really understand your video because you never said MOONSWATCH at all actually. I didn't realise there were other watches.
Breath of fresh air to see this video
There, now it says Moonswatch 😅. Thanks Morgan, it's all your fault
@@WatchCrunchOfficial 😂😂Sorry mate.
SBGA083 is about $3,500 new. Also, a good choice. Spring drive movement, date window, 38 mm, screw-down crown, classic looks.
Sorry. Not 38 mm. It’s 39 mm.
I have SBGW231 but the SBGV243 is really attractive shape and its own character! I want to get 243 either
Great video Max, thanks. Excellent GS choices...strongly considered the 231, though a bit small and do not have a need for a dress watch per se. Owned the SBGN005, a solid, reliable 9F gmt option. Now have the Autumn SBGH273. Another 9F to consider is the SBGP015...nice blue dial, 200m water resistance. 👍⌚🇯🇵
Thanks David, the SBGP015 has a very cool matching colored bezel 👍
Thank you for your input. A long time Seiko lover, short on finance. I long for a simple GS.
Lovely watches. Great insight here.
Although I love having lume on my watches, how many of us and how often have to read the time in absolute darkness.. likely more so in dim setting at the darkest. As such, the excellent polished hands and indices of thE GS catches and reflects enough light to make even in very dim lighting scenarios fairly easy to read.
Hey, a quartz watch by GS, even by Seiko, is not a bad way to go since they are maybe the pioneers and leaders of the quartz movement in it's earliest days. And, at least GS grows their own quartz crystals for perfection.
Exactly! Quartz has gotten a bad rep but there's definitely different levels
I have the SBGW001 which is the 1st gen of this watch "series." I really prefer watches with solid caseback, so the SBGW001 is perfect for me. Mine comes with its Oyster style bracelet, in addition to the crocodile strap. When on the metal bracelet, the watch looks more sporty and looks somewhat like a vintage Rolex OP. Definitely a keeper.
I landed an SBGW001 years ago when they were mostly to be found in Japan. I believe the acronym is/ was JDM (Japanese Domestic Market). It's just stunning. The face up top has the marvelous SEIKO logo , and then GS and grand seiko on the bottom...which IMHO balances the face perfectly. Every once in a while someone stops my in public after picking their jaws off the floor. On an Hirsch Alligator strap with a GS buckle...it rivals the Calatrava no question.
*me* in public
Nice one, my next buy will be a dress watch (don't have one). It will be a milestone purchase. Currently thinking about JLC Mut Date, the SBGW231, or a cartier tank.
I have one GS Quartz , an SBGP007 (I think that’s the number). Every time I look at the dial I feel happy and forget that apparently quartz watches are not so cool. Thank you for the content
That's the feeling we are all after 😍
SBGW 231 is my favorite minimalist dress watch. SBGM 221 is also one of my favorite.
Oh the GMT is so 🤤
great review....but the holy grail of affordable, fantastic GS is the quartz SBGF021.....believe me, I just landed one and it's incredible value for money :).....but very few around :(
They should reissue the 245. Great looking watch on the strap. No idea why they removed it from the cataloge
I bought the Snowflake at a huge discount when it came out. It is my favorite watch.
good talk, Max... SBGX341 is a better contender for this line up.. you should do a video on it
A very underrated gs would be the sbgx347. An absolutely beautiful and one hell of a gorgeous watch 🤤🤤
Nice one indeed 👌
GS sbgm221 is one of my favorite watches, definitely on the top of my list for this year.
I love that watch! Another dream dial 🥰
Hey Max! It would be cool to see your SOTC
Yes yes, definitely coming soon
Awesome review. I have sbgv243 and being after sbgw231 for a while now. Then want to get a SBGJ in summer time. GS have so many attractive watches are my endless list and excitement lol.
You've got the GS game figured out Wayne 👍
Great video and some awesome options to experience GS. One of my favorite brands 😍
I have an sbga055 that waterproof 10 bar. Great daily beater.
I would not use the word 'cheapest' as it does not apply in any way. If you are talking about trying to buy a watch without spending a fortune, the SBGW231 seems like a good idea. Or you could go for a similar looking model, the SBGR261, which is automatic. If the quartz appeals to you, consider saving for a while and get the Spring Drive.
I have the SBGV246 Grey Beast and yes it gets a ding here and a scratch there but for me its a proper go anywhere do anything watch with the size, water resistance and quartz.
We need the id on that red/brown leather strap. Great video as always, amazing quality.
Great video as always and really enjoyed this as a snowflake owner. quick obersavtion though, does grand seiko not finish their hands at the bottom side to the same level cause you can see some scratches/dust at the bottom side of the second hand. See the reelection at 2:20
Coincidence, I am planning to buy the sbgw, I am very close to it in fact. Great video as always, thnx👌👌
Yes, it's on my short list 👌
Me to and still not buying since the second hand price are horroble low end up buying tudor
Good video, good narrator. U have a new subscriber
Cheers! Welcome to the channel 😁
First Grand Seiko watch is the $10k evo9 Hi-Beat 36k 80hr, gonna work my way down to the cheaper ones. :)
thanks to your review, bought both 😂
Shame the SBGW231 now retails at $6300 AUD in Australia. Beautiful watch though
I own two GS an have been looking at this model for a while now. I think it's time to add it to my collection . Loom who needs it when your markers are cut like this. Oh and you might want to look at the GS quartz GMT worth every penny of the $3500 I paid
Great choices still on the low end from GS 👌
Finally succumbed to the 231 today. What’s the strap you have on yours in the video?
First time i see you, great videos my friend! You have a new subscriber.
If you don't mind a pre-owned watch, you can get a bargain on an older spring drive that reads "Seiko" at the top of the dial and Grand Seiko at 6:00. These older style watches seem to trade at $1K less than the new style.
More get preown since new is too expensive 6k for seiko rather a tudor or omega
Does the SBGW 231 have a power reserve indicator/ winding indicator? How can I tell how much power reserve is left and can protect the winding movement?
Great video showing the quality of GS.
I have owned a GS 9f quartz ( champagne dial) for nearly seven years and at present it is accurate to 2 seconds per year . Absolutely amazing and coupled with the finish ( it really glints in any light) , it’s my favourite watch.
Cheers
Dave uk
I bought a used GS SBGN005 a few months back for around 2.000€ and I'm really enjoying it and the ease of use of a quartz makes it the perfect "I don't wear a watch everyday because of the pandemic and now possible working-from-home opportunities"-watch. Fix the date every two months and you are set.
I’m an accuracy fiend so the solar-powered The Citizen A060-movement watches look more attractive. Still a bit expensive. I’m wearing a Certina thermocompensated-quartz at the moment that so far seems well within the 10-seconds-a-year standard.
Excellent review, thanks
These are all just too thick. I’m a large Grand Seiko fan, but it’s so hard to own one next to a Rolex. Gonna give the Omiwatari a try though :)
I agree completely with the SBGV243, the case design and Hi-Yellow making it a standout apart from their other references. I was fortunate enough to acquire one from a fellow watch collector in near mint for under $2500 total. I am sure the 243 will sell above the retail price in short time . For me it has such an industrial/utility flair (antimagnetic) . It’s my luxury beater, as even though I am careful I wouldn’t mind the look of wear on it. It’s my only 9F watch out of the GS watches I own .
It's such a tough sucker! Glad you got a good one 👍
Where did u buy?
@@arifazman5057 I bought from another member of a Grand Seiko group on Facebook, he has a good record of selling with references.
That quartz is a beauty!!!
GS coming up STRONG in the world of high end horology.
Yes but, a number of years ago, I got everything the SBGV243 hasin the SARB033. AND it's an automatic, not the Q word.
Interesting watches, but I still prefer the MoonSwatch 😅 (for that price point).
Thanks for the video!
Well said and love the Grand Seiko !
If it wasn't clear already, Grand Seiko's move became crystal clear last summer. Less than a year ago, you could get a Spring Drive for less than $4,000. And then, all of a sudden, they discontinued the low end models, and replaced them with near identical ones, a millimeter bigger (a downgrade in my book), for a thousand dollars more. Meanwhile, Seiko is filling in the space that Grand Seiko vacated. I'm not saying they're evil for doing it, they really have done a lot to raise their brand equity in the last couple of years, but it is disappointing to someone like me. I'm glad I got the SBGA413 before they raised the price by $300.
Good point, and now Seikos are getting spring drives 🤷♂️
And zaratsu polish, etc. etc. Yet they just separated Grand Seiko from Seiko. It's kind of incoherent. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
There great watches , I'm considering the quartz movement myself.
The 231 remains one of my most sought after dress watch. Had one in my hand almost pulled the trigger but the owner wouldnt bugde a single penny. Then it was no longer available.
One day
This is going on the personal list 🔥
I feel like the loudness of the design and the quartz movement are completely antithetical to what makes the Grand Seiko brand so special in my opinion. Not saying anythings wrong with them but if Im gonna buy a GS it'll be beautifully inspired by nature and utilizing their proprietary sweeping hands spring drive movement.
always love gs, my dad used to wear this watch back in 1975-1979... if i ever wear a watch it would be gs, but i dont.
I appreciate videos like this
I appreciate people like you 😉
Excellent video Max. I have been waiting for this one for some time. Never could narrow down my Grand Seiko search until now.
Glad I could help my man 👍😉
Love the video!
I bought a 231 for my wedding last year, it was perfect. It also doesn't look too bad on a more casual gray or tan alcantara strap. Even though my collection is primarily Omega, I can't seem to bring myself to have at least one or two Seikos in the box. For now it's the 231 and the Seiko SBDX001 marinemaster.
Congrats on the wedding and the watch 👍👍
These are great picks max. I also like the new sbgx347 and 349. A very wearble 34mm and time only
Very nice for smaller wrists 👍
Righttime out of Denver and Topper are both ADs of GS AND they have a nice selection of used GS for, IMO, very, very reasonable prices ($3-5K) for the spring drive and hi-beat versions. I've been eyeballing their spring drive titanium diver that can be had for @ $3.5K. I do not understand the totally inflated Rolex prices when GS is a better product and more strikingly beautiful for the comparable series. Now, as for the "heritage" of rolex... I say that the Blancpain FF is the true OG for half the price!
ruclips.net/video/NrTEnE2oi3Q/видео.html
MEMS? the model you mentioned has no electronics inside which is "E" stands for
Seiko DNA is all came but from Swiss Movement that is the reason TagHeuer got its closest resemblance to TC78
Seiko improves the robustness technology of their movemment capabale of competing against its predecessor in history of watchmaking
Great content but i dont think you can just say forget about this go for GS because its 2 way different pricetiers
correct me,if i'm wrong but isn't it 0.5 min loss maximally in 3 years??
3x10secs. precise greets from berlin.
Top shelf content Max 🤙
The quartz offering is beautiful, but why don’t they make it a mechanical quartz? Might attract more buyers.
Top presentation, well done.
Seikotrava is a great watch for driving at night
I am convinced on buying both of them! Thanks for the great review and beautiful shots. I really like the leather straps. Could you please tell me where I can buy the straps or at least their model / manifacturer?
Is like i want to buy but nah then you buy a omega?😅