I can relate to that sinking feeling of not wanting to wear a damaged watch. I’m glad you got it serviced and repaired. The Grand Seiko is so elegant and, in my opinion, there is no movement comparable to Spring Drive. It’s a beautiful piece. Thank you for your review.
I bought my SBGV 221 and 243 used (I'm not wealthy) so both came to me with less than perfect finishing. I only own watches that I wear without concern, and I think used GS may be the way to go in this regard. Their cases are still really lovely and special regardless of imperfections. Both watches are 9F quartz, which is what I wanted, and they have out performed advertised specs even after years of use. The SBGV221 has a champagne dial, and I was not prepared for just how incredibly beautiful it is. Every time I look at that watch I pause and have an, "oh my" moment. It really is by far the most beautiful watch I've ever seen. Neither watch is on a GS bracelet; the 243 came without one, and I don't wear the one that came with the 221 for the same headaches you mentioned. Interestingly, I have a pair of Citizen Chronomasters that both have bracelets without micro adjustments, but I was able to get those to fit quite comfortably. Perhaps because they are titanium and lighter? I would say that the Citizen bracelets are superior to the GS as well, in feel and finish. Great video. I love my GS watches and wear them quite often, to work and play etc. For me buying used allowed me to treat them as special, but not so special that I can't wear them without worry. Works for me.
This is pretty much my experience. Another benefit I discovered of the 9F is that when the battery started running down it ticks every two seconds - this attention to detail is appreciated. The main benefits to me are the fine finishing and the accuracy. How comforting it is to know the TIME of day at a glance.
The best thing I ever overcame as a watch collector was no longer worrying about the scratches. No matter where life takes you, scratches are unavoidable. Since I overcame the whole "scratch worry" I have been able to enjoy my watches more than ever before. For years I have worn Rolex, Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre and the list goes on doing things with them on that would give others a heart attack when it comes to risk of being scratched. Scratches can be polished out from time to time if it's that big of a deal to you. However going through life with a watch you enjoy but are to afraid to wear cannot be undone. Time is a limited resource, and I prefer to freely enjoy the pieces I have collected over the years while I still have time left.
The only thing I fear regarding scratches is them getting polished away during service against my will. From what I've read, GS does that, but we'll see what happens when the time comes.
Have had a snowflake for 18 months now. Great watch. Scratches don’t bother me and they seem much less visible than steel watches get. Bracelet was a bit fiddly for the first month or so until I settled on a length that worked best. (Pin and collar - not screws - on the snowflake which is less trouble IMO). Runs about 2 seconds fast - per month. I wear it five days a week and the 72 hour reserve is perfect - haven’t hand wound it for probably a year. Extremely comfortable to wear to BTW - the lightness makes it ‘disappear’. No regrets.
I can feel you about the first scratches and dings on the watch. I bought my Omega Aqua Terra and BlackBay54 last year in May and July and they both acquired some scratches and dings since then. The pain you feel when you notice the first dings and scratches is unimaginable, but I don’t care anymore. You can’t avoid it. They meant to be worn and I want enjoy them without any remorse otherwise I would loose the enjoyment of the hobby. Now every piece is telling their own story. My Omega Aqua Terra comes also without any microadjustment, but I found a good fit even when my wrist is swollen. It took a while to get to that point but it is possible.
You buy a watch and either stick it in a display case or wear it and appreciate how it takes all the knocks of everyday life and carries on working flawlessly. Every dent and scratch forms part of the history of the watch and while it may reduce the cash value, most of the time it doesn’t affect how the watch works. Like a brand new car, once you have got over that first inevitable scratch you can get on with enjoying your purchase and using it for what it was intended.
Or you can wear it carefully and occasionally and once in a while get it polished. Not everyone wants a banged up watch. Obsessing over every hairline is a bit pointless but theres a reason beaters exist.
“You don’t wear a Grand Seiko to get noticed…”. Too true! I have three at the moment (probably selling one soon though) and love the fact that they duck under the radar. It always tickles me to think about what I’m wearing and how no one else knows or understands it. However, I am actually almost looking forward to my latest acquisition getting marked up. It is an SBGN027 with a fully polished case, and each mark it gets in this case, as it goes through its everyday life of course, fills me with joy. I bought this as a “recovery” watch - I got knocked off my bicycle and run over a few months back, suffering dislocations, broken bones and a minor amputation in the process. My final surgery was just before Christmas and I ordered the watch to be delivered and waiting for me once I was discharged from hospital. I now wear the watch every day. Not all day, sometimes I swap it for another in the evenings, but it gets worn every day. My thinking is that as my body continues to heal and recover, the watch will pick up marks and scuffs to compensate. It’s condition will reverse-mirror my own condition. Just my thoughts (and the bracelet fits me just fine, thankfully!) Keep up the good work and keep well :-)
I have a collection of seiko Watches. However, there is one Seiko watch that I own & it is basically been working for the last 39 years. It's a 1985 digital sports 100, I've had from new. It has no moving parts, so there is nothing to wear out. The battery is a common 3 V battery you can buy in a supermarket & the battery lasts 12 years, so long as you don't use the screen light. So it's only ever had 3 battery replacements in its life & and a waterproof ring seal in the screw down case back. I use it swimming, no problems.
If you lose a small screw like that a magnet (i have a rare earth magnet) really speeds up the retrieval process. I also started working with a large lipped tray so that small things tend to get trapped without making it to floor level.
colleague of mine had 3 rolex watches sent to service in switzerland, one came back, movement was not satisfactorily serviced, sent it back, two came back with deep scratches, one on the back cover, one with a dent in the bezel, both went back. 700 for full service, refurbishing (by hand) and sending back and forth to Japan is "decent", as any other luxury manufacturer would charge the same or more. I had no problem with the tiny screws, but need magnifying glasses and bright light to put them back in without scratching the links. 44GS case is a beauty, but requires attention otherwise those flat mirror surfaces get scratched quickly.
I absolutely can relate to that pain of getting it damaged again and again...the worst one happened to me when one of those little bracelet screws on my SBGJ203 came somehow loose without me noticing off course. Next moment it fell from my wrist from about 1,20m on the concrete floor 💔...one link had come off due to the screw getting loose😢 now I always check and tighten the screws before putting it on 😬
Oh Gary, I love how trusting you are of humanity letting anyone else near your watch, let alone a Grand Seiko in a pub! Agreed that lighting in jeweler's stores is completely different from daylight or domestic homes. One of the reasons I buy everything online - 14 days returns by law in the UK, can check it out at my leisure at home with no sales person BS and pressure.
I wonder why they simply didn't replace the bezel for a new one. Watch was already in the factory and it would make much more sense instead of fixing it.
They are achingly beautiful, but I've tried to avoid anything that requires "being sent away". If it's not SW200/2824/9000/NH powered I just avoid it completely - small minded perhaps, but this has worked for me without fail. The only concession to this are two Omega's (a 50's vintage Seamaster and a 90's Speedy) passed on to me after my dad and grandpa died, but these can at least be serviced locally.
I'm they same, if I have to spend a big chunk of money on a watch, and then have to keep spending big chunks of money afterwards I'm not interested, and it's not like I can't afford it, I'm just a bit too tight! Would rather have NH, miyota, eta or sellita powering a really well made watch that can be serviced (swapped) easily if ever need be, and I don't get too hung up on whether something is in house.
I absolutely agree. That's also the reason why I don't really want to buy watches with modified movements such as the Powermatic 80 or L888 that is made for Longines. I want good old tried and tested 4R/NH, Miyota 8 and 9 series, ETA 2824 and 2892, and of course SW200 and 300 series movements. That way I know, every watchmaker that I go to will not only know how to service and regulate them, but they will also have available parts in case something needs to be swapped out. If I drop my watch off to a watchmaker for a service, I expect to be able to pick it up in a week or two, instead of waiting for months and paying for shipping, tracking and insurance.
Same. The movement snobs always have horror stories. Having to send something worth a Mercedes through post, and pray not only nothing happens during transit, but also in the hands of the manufacture. I'm perfectly happy with my ETAs and basic Rolex Date.
Install a band on it. Wear the watch daily with a band made from textile, leather, silicon, rubber, etc. That's what I do with my SBGN019 and love it. I only wear the bracelet on special occasions such as a wedding. I can beat on the band daily.
It is exactly the same when buying a new car, every ding will keep you up at night. Gary, that is a dress watch treat is as one, funerals, weddings, graduation ceremonies, pictures with your grandchildren, going to see the bank manager to get a second mortgage on the house, interviewing to join a country club. You get it?
Spot on review. I had pretty much the same experience with my SBGA373 (except the pub bit!) where the scratches and marks on the case from normal wear literally took the shine off my love for the look of the dial. I look after my watches but scratches would seem to appear out of nowhere on that mirror polishing. I wore mine on a GS alligator strap which solved the bracelet issues but ended up selling it before I needed to send it to Japan for service/refurb. I've now got a non-spring drive SBGM221 which doen't seem to be as injury prone because of the case shape but I do miss that ultra-smooth Spring Drive second hand sweep!
My dentist got his rolex from his dad on graduation day from dental school. It has over 35 years of dings & history. I love looking at it when i get my check-up.
At this stage, it's more than a watch. It's a piece of art. It's beautiful. I have a Tudor. And similar issues. My every day all the time watch is actually a cestrian! The Tudor comes out on special occasions, but even then most people have no idea I am wearing a Tudor or a cestrian, because it might be a Casio or a timex to them...
Wow, I had almost the same experience in my purchasing decision. I became interested in GS after reading and seeing some reviews (like yours), found a local AD jeweler, and drove over to look at the Cherry Blossom. Among the GS models they had, the 373 grabbed my eye, too, especially because of the intricacies of the GS44 case design. Of all if them the 373 stood head and shoulders, and I found a pristine and under warranty pre-owned. I JUST STARE AT IT, I GAZE AT IT, IT IS THE MOST GORGEOUS WATCH IN MY COLLECTION! I love it more than the "established" brands, that are all great watches, but this one is special. I agree that the bracelet holds it back, so I put it on a dark croc strap, and OMG, it's even better. It almost comes off as a gold watch on the strap. Best watch desugn and decision, ever.
When I buy a watch I buy it for me, not to impress others... I just bought myself an Oris Aquis Small Second Date, and I'm sure that even next summer when I wear a shirt with short sleeves, no one will notice that I have a $3000 USD watch on my wrist... But me, I will know! Great watch BTW!
The first cut is the deepest for sure :) Once my SBGP005 got is first scratched I relaxed. It’s now the only watch I don’t mind scratches on. Must admit, that factory fresh finish was rather special while it lasted :)
It’s an exception watch and simply oozes quality and heritage. The sweep hand is superb. I must admit it would not be my daily watch because I would be concerned about bumps and scratches. Great video Gary.
It is still a beautiful watch, and I'm glad you invested the £700 to get it right. I think it would look even better on a nice brown leather strap, and hopefully more comfortable too 👍
I LOVE this story! Lol. Here's the thing... I dont like expensive watches for this very reason (rather, I like, but don't buy them), I'm also not a fan of Rolex, but after hearing this story, I can help applauding Rolex for their very unique marketing decades ago, they sold watches to people so rich that they didn't baby their watches in the slightest. As a result, many 80 year Olds ended up with a watch that had an absolutely unique menagerie of wear, scuffs abd dings... a diary of a life well spent, kids inherited these banged up beauties and remembered their parents (fathers really) for how vibrant they were in life (based on the heavy wear). Kids remember that gouge from a piece of coral while diving in the Bahamas. I think we're missing this when we baby our watches... the way our children connect with it after we're gone and wear it with pride (or successive owners ftm). As opposed to the watch that Daddy petted more than me... I dunno, I think we're missing the point of man-watch bonding and imprinting if we pet it too much and allow it to give us trepidation instead of supporting us on our adventures... just my opinion anyway.
Well rolex watches were tool watches, they weren't actually luxury, just incredibly built watches to endure its intended purpose, Gary bought a dressy/sports watch. Something that you wouldn't take out for a dive or doing heavy duty task. So its not a marketing thing, nowadays people do baby rolexes. Probably because they're more concerned about being able to resell it.
I was into watches in the 1990s and Rolex was not a luxury brand. Breguet was the King. Any brand which advertises is, de facto, not luxury. It is for hoi polloi.
Love the video! Also, if you didn’t know, 2 half-links equal a full-link and a quarter. I struggled with my SBGA011’s fitment and found this “tip” on YT. Now it fits perfect!
I got me a very lightly used early 2000s quartz - Grand Seiko SBGF021 with the 8J56. What a gorgeous little thing. Keeps time better than anything I’ve ever owned. And for shits and giggles, Seiko made this basically a diving watch, with 200 meters water resistance. Loved it so much, I got an even better one and gifted it to my younger brother. He said to his wife, “… my brother just got me probably the best watch I’ll ever own…”. Thanks for the video
That's why the best Grand Seikos are the models with the least zuratzu finishing. Specifically, the ones with the three link bracelet and none of those shiny links. As an added bonus, they're the most affordable.
I had my first luxury eatch 8 years ago, i got my second last year. I went to one meeting where everyone in the room wore seamasters , speedys and rolex and the like, the speaker said the most impressive watch ive seem today was mine and i bet no on else in the room knows what is it. That made me smile , and annoyed the others lol. It sums me up, i dont buy watches for the attention which many do , i buy them because i like them . i do get people commenting but usually ethusiacs and people that say they like the look but not in the gold digger , mugging, jealousy , negative way .
You've reminded me why I will not spend a small fortune on a watch. I've always stuck to a budget of £500 or so and even then I find it really annoying when I get a bad scratch on a watch. You just can't unsee it. I'm not a collector, but it's THE main reason I will never buy a watch with a polished ring around the glass (bezel?). I'd rather go for one with brushed steel or one with numbers on it (sorry, I've no idea what they're called. I have to say though, given your experience with watches I'm quite surprised that you seem to have issues that are easy to fix. Even professional restoration won't entirely get rid of a bad scratch, but as for some of the other issues: - A small magnet solves the finding the screw dropped on the carpet problem. - I recently bought a little 4-sided polishing stick, basically just a piece of plastic with sanding pads stuck to the side of it and I'm amazed just how good a job it does of getting rid of fine scratches, especially on brushed steel but the finer edge works well on polished steel too. Cost around £3. - Various little gadgets are available to help with screws on straps; something to hold the watch in place and a small magnifying glass wouldn't go amiss. You can buy a cheap toolkit for under a tenner, and a roll of protective film which is ideal for covering the watch to avoid scratches if you're removing links or changing straps - also good for storing bracelets and extra links. I can't suggest much to get around the problem of the prat in the pub, but I wouldn't make a point of showing mine to anybody, it's just not my thing and nobody cares what watch you're wearing anyway. As you said, nobody would notice what you're wearing anyway and most people wouldn't know one brand from another.
Yup, mine a 373 too. Made friends with Cape Cod quite quickly. And only wear it when a shirt sleeve or jumper is worn. And put it on a brown leather strap to save the bracelet. And what a watch, fantastic 😊
I have a White Birch and love it, but the lack of micro adjust is frustrating. I saw a company called steel reef market a replacement link that has micro adjust built in which looks promising in solving that issue.
I had the same experience when I went to the AD, went in to look at snowflake (and the cookie), but decided on the SBGA375, GS44 midnight blue so yummy.
I have several expensive watches and live in an area where no one cares what’s on your wrist. But I love my time pieces and like you, like to look at “ my lovelies” .’ I enjoy your videos and taken your recommendations on many occasions. Let me go on record to say that I own Tudors , Rolexes, Omegas (got a Speedmaster on its way to me) Orises and others, I love the Pagani PD 1701 and most of their 0mega homages. It makes you wonder where the value is in these high end watches. Is the movements, the cases, design or marketing? I hope someone does a true, courageous and daring discussion of this topic. I’ve seen timid discussions of this question. Yup, I’m still a sucker for the high end and enjoy fooling around with the homages. Cheers and stay safe. In The Mountains of WEst Virginia, USA
I've had several GS'. They are extremely nice but the non-adjustment of the bracelet is unacceptable. I have a 9S and wear it on a strap. This' shouldn't be something that one has to do to make it comfortable. I find that owning the HAQ models make sense as one doesn't have to service for the life of the watch and anyone can change the battery. I do dislike how they lose value so, if you're going to buy one, I'd suggest used and make sure it has all the papers and boxes unless you know you're going to keep it forever.
If you ever feel like it. You should send your damaged grand seiko to lapinist. His restorations often come out better than the original(much sharper). Note though: his calendar is BOOKED a year ahead!
It's weird isn't it, scratches tell a story, but those aren't the stories you want to remember. I do like my traska for that, the hardness coating helps, downside is I don't get the good scratches for the memories.
It’s a beautiful watch I look at it this way you buy the watch because it makes you feel good and you like the way it looks you don’t buy the watch to make me feel good
Tragically, the bezel of the Guanqin is made of Tungsten carbide, a very strong and basically indestructible material. But mate, I'm still salivating when I remember seeing the GS in real life and having a fiddle with it! 🤤
Jewelers often have tiny lights in their ceiling in addition to their main lighting that produce specular highlights, i.e. actual mirror-like reflections of the lights themselves that make the metal surfaces sparkle. I would think watch RUclipsrs might want to exploit this trick to show off the watches they're reviewing.
If the bracelet does not fit to your wrist, you should order an additional half link from a grand seiko/seiko boutique and you will get the right fit. My gs was better to me after removing a full link and adding one half. So I currently having 3 half links and it fits well. That's all you need.
How do you insure a watch in the post? Royal Mails special delivery insurance is limited to £2500 and requres an original sales receipt. Completely inadequate for a vintage watch or one youve owned for sometime.
Knowledgeable watch enthusiasts all say that you buy a Rolex to impress others, you buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself. So true. Big GS Fanboy. Just picked up a SLGA023 -- Evo9 blue titanium spring drive diver, 5 days power reserve. Rolex (or anyone else) can't touch it at any price! 🙌
Anyone who doesn’t know about the clock on the wall do notice the second hand when it reaches at 12 and then the minute hand moves. It’s a mondaine clock. It has a unique mechanism.
Bought myself a SBGA413 Shunbun while in Japan last year - I had originally really wanted the winter but the cherry blossom just looked so damn special. Specifically wanted the titanium case for the better scratch resistance. And you can't scratch a bezel if there is no bezel 😄
I wear my GS a little loose, so if my wrist swells a bit throughout the day, it's got the few millimeters to work with. No micro adjustments doesn't bother me at all.
I would just get the quartz version of this watch, and avoid anything you have to send away. That said , the 44gs case is all the quartz seems to come in and it's just too dressy for my liking. I prefer the 62gs case, so that stops me buying it. As for the scratches - roll with the punches , wear is going to happen, that's character every scratch tells a story..
The second hand is the standout feature for me. If it was mine the thought of selling wouldn't even cross my mind. Service costs could be a lot worse and in my experience manufacturers service intervals are very pessimistic. My dads old Rotary from the 70s has never had a service and still works fine, keeps time a lot better than an nh35 I bought new not so long ago.
i have the seiko baby snowflake - it was such a bitch to size the bracelet, i think i saw two different jewelers multiple times, easily over 5 times - but when i finally got it right, it was the best feeling ever, it's my most cherished watch
Any watch nice enough that I don’t want scratched stays in the bank (three of these). All the rest are worn with carefree joy to work then the gym every day-one of many reasons I prefer affordables.
Multiple GS owner here, in regards to the danger of nicks and scratches, the 44GS case on your watch probably shows off zaratsu polishing the BEST but it's also the WORST case design to keep nick and scratch free, I also have be mindful to watch how I wear both my 44GS case watches
Scratching your new watch gives the same gut wrenching feeling as the first time you drop your new (latest) motorbike. But it's inevitable so you have to just deal with it As for the adjustment *problem* , I always wear watches on a bracelet, and I've never had to readjust as I always wear them a little loose anyway. It would appear to me that all your gripes with your GS are "you problems", not necessarily actually faults with the watch itself.
I have a GS Spring Drive Chronograph and I can say that it ranks alongside an Alpha Romeo 2 Litre GTV Bertone that was nothing but rust under the paint and a house that dropped £30K in value during the credit crunch as the worst thing I have ever bought. It rapidly went wrong after I bought it when operation of the chrono function seized the watch. Off it went to Japan for a repair costing £500. When I got it back I put it aside, apart from a few wears. When I took it out again and adjusted the time the hour hand would not move with the minute hand. Off to Japan again for another repair costing £1200. The the thing is for sale when I get it back. My flirtation with owning a GS is definitely over.
Am I the only one who would love to have that movement fitted in a standard Seiko case ? There is something about the angular case that really puts me off and I am not remotely interested in the special polishing.
Why not just put that beautiful watch on a beautiful, high quality leather strap that is worthy of it? There are amazing people doing incredible custom straps online for really not a lot of money so you could even go custom if you want. Personally, I think that watch would look better on a strap anyway. GS bracelets are always the weakest parts of the watch, as you note. And that way you can wear it whenever your want without worrying about tiny screws and lack of micro adjustment.
I feel your pain. This isnt really a grand seiko ownership thing exactly, its a 44gs problem... Its flatness and almost total lack of brushing is more than a scratch magnet, its a hadron collider. My peacock has at lest 3 massive dents in the bezel, a huge scratch mark all the way along the lugs, bunch of micro scratches etc. Though it was probably the most pain id ever felt for a watch at the time, im 90.2% fine with it (the remaining 9.8% still hates me).
PSA. Having owned several 9F movement watches & contrary to what you may have seen on the internet, the seconds hand is not guaranteed to hit all it's marks & is not considered a defect by Seiko service centers. In my experience, I've had better seconds hand accuracy with Casio. Also, the bracelets are sub par IMO & found the spring drive to be top heavy. My favourite GS movement is the 9S manual wind, although I am yet to experience a high beat.
This is one of the reasons (scratching the polishing) that has put me off a Grand Seiko, I’ve tried on a few, Also the overall thickness of the case on such a refined case,hands and dial is also a negative. I tried on the SBGA461 spring drive dive watch recently as it was on a discount, not impressed at all , then they showed me the Evolution SLGA023, blue wave dial and blue bezel. That was stunning but £10,500 and 44mm.
I bought my sbga415 in 2021 and I have zero blemishes on it. Maybe because it's grade 5 titanium and it doesn't have a bezel. I agree they really need to up their clasp game. Mine has pins and collars.
Let's address elephant in the room. Grand Seiko very rarely actually listens to what people want. Let's take that power reserve indicator for instance. It took them an eternity to release a spring drive model without it. When they finally introduced 9R31 caliber where the power reserve indicator is incorporated in the back of the movement, they charged double the price of a regular spring drive. My advise for all the people who want to own a Grand Seiko but don't want to spend big bucks on it, just focus on pre 2017 rebranding watches with double logo (Seiko x Grand Seiko). They are way more affordable (still not cheap) and the dial is better balanced in comparison to single logo Grand Seiko's.
Couple of months for a service is good. An Omega will be away for at least 3 months. The local repairer is at least 6 weeks. Of course, if you want that sweep but not the price (or the looks and having to repaice batteries) you can buy a Bulova.
This is what prevents me from buying luxury watches. I really want a particular Longines Hydroconquest worth over 3000AUD, but I'd be too scared to wear a watch worth that much money out of the fear of damaging it. My OCD would drive me crazy, however, if in my clumsiness, I damage a Seiko 5 SRPG37K, I will be annoyed, but I can afford to buy another if desired.
But was the Guanquin safe? That's the important question here😂😂😂. Seriously though you hit the reasons I won't buy a luxury watch. I'm afraid to wear it.
Not a GS, but aside from the sticker shock the one other thing holding me back from my grail (Speedmaster Pro 3861) is the fact I feel I'll probably almost never wear it vs my affordables given risk of damaging it somehow, or theft.
I can relate to that sinking feeling of not wanting to wear a damaged watch. I’m glad you got it serviced and repaired. The Grand Seiko is so elegant and, in my opinion, there is no movement comparable to Spring Drive. It’s a beautiful piece. Thank you for your review.
A scratch on a watch is not "damage".
@@matyasd007 yes it's called cosmetic damage.. sighh went thru that when i smashed my $3,000 TAG against a concrete step trying to tie my shoes.
I bought my SBGV 221 and 243 used (I'm not wealthy) so both came to me with less than perfect finishing. I only own watches that I wear without concern, and I think used GS may be the way to go in this regard. Their cases are still really lovely and special regardless of imperfections. Both watches are 9F quartz, which is what I wanted, and they have out performed advertised specs even after years of use. The SBGV221 has a champagne dial, and I was not prepared for just how incredibly beautiful it is. Every time I look at that watch I pause and have an, "oh my" moment. It really is by far the most beautiful watch I've ever seen. Neither watch is on a GS bracelet; the 243 came without one, and I don't wear the one that came with the 221 for the same headaches you mentioned. Interestingly, I have a pair of Citizen Chronomasters that both have bracelets without micro adjustments, but I was able to get those to fit quite comfortably. Perhaps because they are titanium and lighter? I would say that the Citizen bracelets are superior to the GS as well, in feel and finish.
Great video. I love my GS watches and wear them quite often, to work and play etc. For me buying used allowed me to treat them as special, but not so special that I can't wear them without worry. Works for me.
This is pretty much my experience. Another benefit I discovered of the 9F is that when the battery started running down it ticks every two seconds - this attention to detail is appreciated. The main benefits to me are the fine finishing and the accuracy. How comforting it is to know the TIME of day at a glance.
The best thing I ever overcame as a watch collector was no longer worrying about the scratches. No matter where life takes you, scratches are unavoidable. Since I overcame the whole "scratch worry" I have been able to enjoy my watches more than ever before. For years I have worn Rolex, Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre and the list goes on doing things with them on that would give others a heart attack when it comes to risk of being scratched.
Scratches can be polished out from time to time if it's that big of a deal to you. However going through life with a watch you enjoy but are to afraid to wear cannot be undone. Time is a limited resource, and I prefer to freely enjoy the pieces I have collected over the years while I still have time left.
The only thing I fear regarding scratches is them getting polished away during service against my will. From what I've read, GS does that, but we'll see what happens when the time comes.
I’ve had an Omega de ville, and an Aqua Terra (both quartz) for 17 years. In that time I have…changed the batteries now and then. 😂
Have had a snowflake for 18 months now.
Great watch. Scratches don’t bother me and they seem much less visible than steel watches get.
Bracelet was a bit fiddly for the first month or so until I settled on a length that worked best. (Pin and collar - not screws - on the snowflake which is less trouble IMO).
Runs about 2 seconds fast - per month.
I wear it five days a week and the 72 hour reserve is perfect - haven’t hand wound it for probably a year.
Extremely comfortable to wear to BTW - the lightness makes it ‘disappear’.
No regrets.
I can feel you about the first scratches and dings on the watch. I bought my Omega Aqua Terra and BlackBay54 last year in May and July and they both acquired some scratches and dings since then. The pain you feel when you notice the first dings and scratches is unimaginable, but I don’t care anymore. You can’t avoid it. They meant to be worn and I want enjoy them without any remorse otherwise I would loose the enjoyment of the hobby. Now every piece is telling their own story. My Omega Aqua Terra comes also without any microadjustment, but I found a good fit even when my wrist is swollen. It took a while to get to that point but it is possible.
You buy a watch and either stick it in a display case or wear it and appreciate how it takes all the knocks of everyday life and carries on working flawlessly. Every dent and scratch forms part of the history of the watch and while it may reduce the cash value, most of the time it doesn’t affect how the watch works. Like a brand new car, once you have got over that first inevitable scratch you can get on with enjoying your purchase and using it for what it was intended.
Or you can wear it carefully and occasionally and once in a while get it polished. Not everyone wants a banged up watch. Obsessing over every hairline is a bit pointless but theres a reason beaters exist.
“You don’t wear a Grand Seiko to get noticed…”. Too true! I have three at the moment (probably selling one soon though) and love the fact that they duck under the radar. It always tickles me to think about what I’m wearing and how no one else knows or understands it.
However, I am actually almost looking forward to my latest acquisition getting marked up. It is an SBGN027 with a fully polished case, and each mark it gets in this case, as it goes through its everyday life of course, fills me with joy. I bought this as a “recovery” watch - I got knocked off my bicycle and run over a few months back, suffering dislocations, broken bones and a minor amputation in the process. My final surgery was just before Christmas and I ordered the watch to be delivered and waiting for me once I was discharged from hospital. I now wear the watch every day. Not all day, sometimes I swap it for another in the evenings, but it gets worn every day. My thinking is that as my body continues to heal and recover, the watch will pick up marks and scuffs to compensate. It’s condition will reverse-mirror my own condition.
Just my thoughts (and the bracelet fits me just fine, thankfully!)
Keep up the good work and keep well :-)
Best wishes James
I remember the video after the 'pub' incident. Heartbreaking 💔
Lol
I have a collection of seiko Watches. However, there is one Seiko watch that I own & it is basically been working for the last 39 years. It's a 1985 digital sports 100, I've had from new. It has no moving parts, so there is nothing to wear out. The battery is a common 3 V battery you can buy in a supermarket & the battery lasts 12 years, so long as you don't use the screen light. So it's only ever had 3 battery replacements in its life & and a waterproof ring seal in the screw down case back. I use it swimming, no problems.
Phenomenal watch, check
Average bracelet, check
Safe to wear in public, check
Not safe to wear to British pub, check.
Ha! Thanks for the great update!
Lolz
If you lose a small screw like that a magnet (i have a rare earth magnet) really speeds up the retrieval process. I also started working with a large lipped tray so that small things tend to get trapped without making it to floor level.
colleague of mine had 3 rolex watches sent to service in switzerland, one came back, movement was not satisfactorily serviced, sent it back, two came back with deep scratches, one on the back cover, one with a dent in the bezel, both went back. 700 for full service, refurbishing (by hand) and sending back and forth to Japan is "decent", as any other luxury manufacturer would charge the same or more. I had no problem with the tiny screws, but need magnifying glasses and bright light to put them back in without scratching the links. 44GS case is a beauty, but requires attention otherwise those flat mirror surfaces get scratched quickly.
I absolutely can relate to that pain of getting it damaged again and again...the worst one happened to me when one of those little bracelet screws on my SBGJ203 came somehow loose without me noticing off course. Next moment it fell from my wrist from about 1,20m on the concrete floor 💔...one link had come off due to the screw getting loose😢 now I always check and tighten the screws before putting it on 😬
You could just put some of the find thread loctite on them.
Oh Gary, I love how trusting you are of humanity letting anyone else near your watch, let alone a Grand Seiko in a pub!
Agreed that lighting in jeweler's stores is completely different from daylight or domestic homes.
One of the reasons I buy everything online - 14 days returns by law in the UK, can check it out at my leisure at home with no sales person BS and pressure.
I wonder why they simply didn't replace the bezel for a new one. Watch was already in the factory and it would make much more sense instead of fixing it.
They are achingly beautiful, but I've tried to avoid anything that requires "being sent away". If it's not SW200/2824/9000/NH powered I just avoid it completely - small minded perhaps, but this has worked for me without fail. The only concession to this are two Omega's (a 50's vintage Seamaster and a 90's Speedy) passed on to me after my dad and grandpa died, but these can at least be serviced locally.
I'm they same, if I have to spend a big chunk of money on a watch, and then have to keep spending big chunks of money afterwards I'm not interested, and it's not like I can't afford it, I'm just a bit too tight! Would rather have NH, miyota, eta or sellita powering a really well made watch that can be serviced (swapped) easily if ever need be, and I don't get too hung up on whether something is in house.
I absolutely agree. That's also the reason why I don't really want to buy watches with modified movements such as the Powermatic 80 or L888 that is made for Longines. I want good old tried and tested 4R/NH, Miyota 8 and 9 series, ETA 2824 and 2892, and of course SW200 and 300 series movements. That way I know, every watchmaker that I go to will not only know how to service and regulate them, but they will also have available parts in case something needs to be swapped out. If I drop my watch off to a watchmaker for a service, I expect to be able to pick it up in a week or two, instead of waiting for months and paying for shipping, tracking and insurance.
Same. The movement snobs always have horror stories. Having to send something worth a Mercedes through post, and pray not only nothing happens during transit, but also in the hands of the manufacture. I'm perfectly happy with my ETAs and basic Rolex Date.
Every luxury watch needs servicing!.. what you goin on about?
@@Murph_82 there is a difference in having it serviced at a local jeweller vs having it sent away to some other place for servicing. Simple.
Install a band on it. Wear the watch daily with a band made from textile, leather, silicon, rubber, etc. That's what I do with my SBGN019 and love it. I only wear the bracelet on special occasions such as a wedding. I can beat on the band daily.
It is exactly the same when buying a new car, every ding will keep you up at night. Gary, that is a dress watch treat is as one, funerals, weddings, graduation ceremonies, pictures with your grandchildren, going to see the bank manager to get a second mortgage on the house, interviewing to join a country club. You get it?
I never leave this recording room…does that count
The story overall is that owning a luxury watch just isn't all that.
Yup
I own a Tudor and a Rolex, and to be honest the finishing on some of my inexpensive watches is just as good.
Spot on review. I had pretty much the same experience with my SBGA373 (except the pub bit!) where the scratches and marks on the case from normal wear literally took the shine off my love for the look of the dial. I look after my watches but scratches would seem to appear out of nowhere on that mirror polishing. I wore mine on a GS alligator strap which solved the bracelet issues but ended up selling it before I needed to send it to Japan for service/refurb. I've now got a non-spring drive SBGM221 which doen't seem to be as injury prone because of the case shape but I do miss that ultra-smooth Spring Drive second hand sweep!
My dentist got his rolex from his dad on graduation day from dental school. It has over 35 years of dings & history. I love looking at it when i get my check-up.
This video is the best advertisement for Escapement Time I’ve seen.
It's a stunner of a watch. It's either scratches or sitting in a box and since japanese things have souls I'm sure it appreciates getting used.
now that you mention it, they really need to come up with watch equivalent of kintsugi
At this stage, it's more than a watch. It's a piece of art. It's beautiful. I have a Tudor. And similar issues. My every day all the time watch is actually a cestrian! The Tudor comes out on special occasions, but even then most people have no idea I am wearing a Tudor or a cestrian, because it might be a Casio or a timex to them...
Wow, I had almost the same experience in my purchasing decision. I became interested in GS after reading and seeing some reviews (like yours), found a local AD jeweler, and drove over to look at the Cherry Blossom. Among the GS models they had, the 373 grabbed my eye, too, especially because of the intricacies of the GS44 case design. Of all if them the 373 stood head and shoulders, and I found a pristine and under warranty pre-owned. I JUST STARE AT IT, I GAZE AT IT, IT IS THE MOST GORGEOUS WATCH IN MY COLLECTION! I love it more than the "established" brands, that are all great watches, but this one is special. I agree that the bracelet holds it back, so I put it on a dark croc strap, and OMG, it's even better. It almost comes off as a gold watch on the strap. Best watch desugn and decision, ever.
When I buy a watch I buy it for me, not to impress others... I just bought myself an Oris Aquis Small Second Date, and I'm sure that even next summer when I wear a shirt with short sleeves, no one will notice that I have a $3000 USD watch on my wrist... But me, I will know! Great watch BTW!
The first cut is the deepest for sure :)
Once my SBGP005 got is first scratched I relaxed. It’s now the only watch I don’t mind scratches on.
Must admit, that factory fresh finish was rather special while it lasted :)
I love mine but I dont wear it enough. Mainly because I dont want to lose that special feeling when I wear it. I love that its under the radar..
It’s an exception watch and simply oozes quality and heritage. The sweep hand is superb. I must admit it would not be my daily watch because I would be concerned about bumps and scratches. Great video Gary.
It is still a beautiful watch, and I'm glad you invested the £700 to get it right. I think it would look even better on a nice brown leather strap, and hopefully more comfortable too 👍
That Mondaine clock movement always cracks me up. So cool
I LOVE this story! Lol. Here's the thing... I dont like expensive watches for this very reason (rather, I like, but don't buy them), I'm also not a fan of Rolex, but after hearing this story, I can help applauding Rolex for their very unique marketing decades ago, they sold watches to people so rich that they didn't baby their watches in the slightest. As a result, many 80 year Olds ended up with a watch that had an absolutely unique menagerie of wear, scuffs abd dings... a diary of a life well spent, kids inherited these banged up beauties and remembered their parents (fathers really) for how vibrant they were in life (based on the heavy wear). Kids remember that gouge from a piece of coral while diving in the Bahamas. I think we're missing this when we baby our watches... the way our children connect with it after we're gone and wear it with pride (or successive owners ftm). As opposed to the watch that Daddy petted more than me... I dunno, I think we're missing the point of man-watch bonding and imprinting if we pet it too much and allow it to give us trepidation instead of supporting us on our adventures... just my opinion anyway.
Well rolex watches were tool watches, they weren't actually luxury, just incredibly built watches to endure its intended purpose, Gary bought a dressy/sports watch. Something that you wouldn't take out for a dive or doing heavy duty task. So its not a marketing thing, nowadays people do baby rolexes. Probably because they're more concerned about being able to resell it.
I was into watches in the 1990s and Rolex was not a luxury brand. Breguet was the King.
Any brand which advertises is, de facto, not luxury. It is for hoi polloi.
Love the video! Also, if you didn’t know, 2 half-links equal a full-link and a quarter. I struggled with my SBGA011’s fitment and found this “tip” on YT. Now it fits perfect!
Hi, yes, I posted a dedicated video on exactly this..maybe it was my video you watched?
I got me a very lightly used early 2000s quartz - Grand Seiko SBGF021 with the 8J56. What a gorgeous little thing. Keeps time better than anything I’ve ever owned. And for shits and giggles, Seiko made this basically a diving watch, with 200 meters water resistance. Loved it so much, I got an even better one and gifted it to my younger brother. He said to his wife, “… my brother just got me probably the best watch I’ll ever own…”. Thanks for the video
That's why the best Grand Seikos are the models with the least zuratzu finishing. Specifically, the ones with the three link bracelet and none of those shiny links. As an added bonus, they're the most affordable.
This is why i have a collection of 20 watches, all well below $500 with 2 exceptions. Not afraid to wear any of them and wear them all !
I had my first luxury eatch 8 years ago, i got my second last year. I went to one meeting where everyone in the room wore seamasters , speedys and rolex and the like, the speaker said the most impressive watch ive seem today was mine and i bet no on else in the room knows what is it. That made me smile , and annoyed the others lol. It sums me up, i dont buy watches for the attention which many do , i buy them because i like them . i do get people commenting but usually ethusiacs and people that say they like the look but not in the gold digger , mugging, jealousy , negative way .
You've reminded me why I will not spend a small fortune on a watch. I've always stuck to a budget of £500 or so and even then I find it really annoying when I get a bad scratch on a watch. You just can't unsee it. I'm not a collector, but it's THE main reason I will never buy a watch with a polished ring around the glass (bezel?). I'd rather go for one with brushed steel or one with numbers on it (sorry, I've no idea what they're called.
I have to say though, given your experience with watches I'm quite surprised that you seem to have issues that are easy to fix. Even professional restoration won't entirely get rid of a bad scratch, but as for some of the other issues:
- A small magnet solves the finding the screw dropped on the carpet problem.
- I recently bought a little 4-sided polishing stick, basically just a piece of plastic with sanding pads stuck to the side of it and I'm amazed just how good a job it does of getting rid of fine scratches, especially on brushed steel but the finer edge works well on polished steel too. Cost around £3.
- Various little gadgets are available to help with screws on straps; something to hold the watch in place and a small magnifying glass wouldn't go amiss. You can buy a cheap toolkit for under a tenner, and a roll of protective film which is ideal for covering the watch to avoid scratches if you're removing links or changing straps - also good for storing bracelets and extra links.
I can't suggest much to get around the problem of the prat in the pub, but I wouldn't make a point of showing mine to anybody, it's just not my thing and nobody cares what watch you're wearing anyway. As you said, nobody would notice what you're wearing anyway and most people wouldn't know one brand from another.
Watches are supposed to be worn lol
Yup, mine a 373 too. Made friends with Cape Cod quite quickly. And only wear it when a shirt sleeve or jumper is worn. And put it on a brown leather strap to save the bracelet. And what a watch, fantastic 😊
Why not changing the bracelet for a leather strap? It would negate most negatives.
I can relate. I like my Tudor but no one notices the watch. I like stealth wearing a nice watch.
I have a White Birch and love it, but the lack of micro adjust is frustrating. I saw a company called steel reef market a replacement link that has micro adjust built in which looks promising in solving that issue.
Seiko LX and Grand seiko a quite safe to go in the roughest neighbourhoods about nobody's gonna stab you for it. Great video. Great video
I have two Grand Seiko, one titanium one steel, honestly since I have GS I don’t really wear the Rolex and Omega anymore
I had the same experience when I went to the AD, went in to look at snowflake (and the cookie), but decided on the SBGA375, GS44 midnight blue so yummy.
I have several expensive watches and live in an area where no one cares what’s on your wrist. But I love my time pieces and like you, like to look at “ my lovelies” .’
I enjoy your videos and taken your recommendations on many occasions.
Let me go on record to say that I own Tudors , Rolexes, Omegas (got a Speedmaster on its way to me) Orises and others, I love the Pagani PD 1701 and most of their 0mega homages.
It makes you wonder where the value is in these high end watches.
Is the movements, the cases, design or marketing?
I hope someone does a true, courageous and daring discussion of this topic. I’ve seen timid discussions of this question.
Yup, I’m still a sucker for the high end and enjoy fooling around with the homages.
Cheers and stay safe.
In The Mountains of WEst Virginia, USA
The best Grand Seikos are made by Escapement Time. Less grief with those.
had to skip the bar story this time, i knew what was coming and i couldnt handle it! hahahah
Your GS is beautiful. Wear it in good health.
I've had several GS'. They are extremely nice but the non-adjustment of the bracelet is unacceptable. I have a 9S and wear it on a strap. This' shouldn't be something that one has to do to make it comfortable. I find that owning the HAQ models make sense as one doesn't have to service for the life of the watch and anyone can change the battery. I do dislike how they lose value so, if you're going to buy one, I'd suggest used and make sure it has all the papers and boxes unless you know you're going to keep it forever.
I have no problem with the bracelet without micro-adjust on my SBGN019. Not an issue. Or install a band on it. HAQ all day long.
Great video Gary 🫣
If you ever feel like it. You should send your damaged grand seiko to lapinist. His restorations often come out better than the original(much sharper). Note though: his calendar is BOOKED a year ahead!
It's weird isn't it, scratches tell a story, but those aren't the stories you want to remember. I do like my traska for that, the hardness coating helps, downside is I don't get the good scratches for the memories.
It’s a beautiful watch
I look at it this way you buy the watch because it makes you feel good and you like the way it looks you don’t buy the watch to make me feel good
Tragically, the bezel of the Guanqin is made of Tungsten carbide, a very strong and basically indestructible material. But mate, I'm still salivating when I remember seeing the GS in real life and having a fiddle with it! 🤤
lol…yeah it is fantastic no doubt!
Jewelers often have tiny lights in their ceiling in addition to their main lighting that produce specular highlights, i.e. actual mirror-like reflections of the lights themselves that make the metal surfaces sparkle. I would think watch RUclipsrs might want to exploit this trick to show off the watches they're reviewing.
If the bracelet does not fit to your wrist, you should order an additional half link from a grand seiko/seiko boutique and you will get the right fit. My gs was better to me after removing a full link and adding one half. So I currently having 3 half links and it fits well. That's all you need.
How do you insure a watch in the post? Royal Mails special delivery insurance is limited to £2500 and requres an original sales receipt. Completely inadequate for a vintage watch or one youve owned for sometime.
Seiko head office is in my town so I drove it there….
The 41GS case shape is very rewarding. Grammar of design, as it is called
I believe it is a 44GS case.
What a great watch to talk about keep on talking about them one day you will have one mil subs
Knowledgeable watch enthusiasts all say that you buy a Rolex to impress others, you buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself. So true. Big GS Fanboy. Just picked up a SLGA023 -- Evo9 blue titanium spring drive diver, 5 days power reserve. Rolex (or anyone else) can't touch it at any price! 🙌
Just remember, it’s not damage it’s patina 😂
🤦🏻♂️
Anyone who doesn’t know about the clock on the wall do notice the second hand when it reaches at 12 and then the minute hand moves. It’s a mondaine clock. It has a unique mechanism.
It would look great on a dark brown leather strap.
Good call.
Bought myself a SBGA413 Shunbun while in Japan last year - I had originally really wanted the winter but the cherry blossom just looked so damn special.
Specifically wanted the titanium case for the better scratch resistance. And you can't scratch a bezel if there is no bezel 😄
Thats one of the down side with the zaratsu polish is that its a scratch magnet.
I wear my GS a little loose, so if my wrist swells a bit throughout the day, it's got the few millimeters to work with. No micro adjustments doesn't bother me at all.
I does the same with my GS. Works fine and never missed micro adjustment.
Omg I'd absolutely cry for a week with the pub thing 😅
I would just get the quartz version of this watch, and avoid anything you have to send away. That said , the 44gs case is all the quartz seems to come in and it's just too dressy for my liking. I prefer the 62gs case, so that stops me buying it. As for the scratches - roll with the punches , wear is going to happen, that's character every scratch tells a story..
The second hand is the standout feature for me. If it was mine the thought of selling wouldn't even cross my mind. Service costs could be a lot worse and in my experience manufacturers service intervals are very pessimistic. My dads old Rotary from the 70s has never had a service and still works fine, keeps time a lot better than an nh35 I bought new not so long ago.
A ‘couple of months’ for a service is good in my opinion my Omega AT service took six months.
i have the seiko baby snowflake - it was such a bitch to size the bracelet, i think i saw two different jewelers multiple times, easily over 5 times - but when i finally got it right, it was the best feeling ever, it's my most cherished watch
Wise has incredible finishing for the money.
Any watch nice enough that I don’t want scratched stays in the bank (three of these).
All the rest are worn with carefree joy to work then the gym every day-one of many reasons I prefer affordables.
Sounds more like a museum piece to be looked at, but not actually used and worn. LOL
Multiple GS owner here, in regards to the danger of nicks and scratches, the 44GS case on your watch probably shows off zaratsu polishing the BEST but it's also the WORST case design to keep nick and scratch free, I also have be mindful to watch how I wear both my 44GS case watches
I wear an SBGA025 as a daily watch and I'd buy it again, if only because those are the most comfortable bracelets in the business.
Scratching your new watch gives the same gut wrenching feeling as the first time you drop your new (latest) motorbike. But it's inevitable so you have to just deal with it
As for the adjustment *problem* , I always wear watches on a bracelet, and I've never had to readjust as I always wear them a little loose anyway.
It would appear to me that all your gripes with your GS are "you problems", not necessarily actually faults with the watch itself.
They’re valid gripes. GS should do better on their bracelets and if nobody complains, they will never be motivated to improve them.
Thankfully Grand Seiko is fixing their bracelets now 🙏
If micro brands can do quick adjust glide clasps for £200 it's a bit poor the more expensive watches don't have them
I have a GS Spring Drive Chronograph and I can say that it ranks alongside an Alpha Romeo 2 Litre GTV Bertone that was nothing but rust under the paint and a house that dropped £30K in value during the credit crunch as the worst thing I have ever bought. It rapidly went wrong after I bought it when operation of the chrono function seized the watch. Off it went to Japan for a repair costing £500. When I got it back I put it aside, apart from a few wears. When I took it out again and adjusted the time the hour hand would not move with the minute hand. Off to Japan again for another repair costing £1200. The the thing is for sale when I get it back. My flirtation with owning a GS is definitely over.
Being in between link sizes is what has finally made me stop wearing mine that I bought and wore for everyday for 6 months straight.
Wish you had video of the guy smacking them together 😅
His smug face is engrained in my mind!!!
@@ilikewatchesI probably would've will Smith slapped him
@@ilikewatches therapy Gary 🤣
Beautiful
Am I the only one who would love to have that movement fitted in a standard Seiko case ? There is something about the angular case that really puts me off and I am not remotely interested in the special polishing.
Why not just put that beautiful watch on a beautiful, high quality leather strap that is worthy of it? There are amazing people doing incredible custom straps online for really not a lot of money so you could even go custom if you want. Personally, I think that watch would look better on a strap anyway. GS bracelets are always the weakest parts of the watch, as you note. And that way you can wear it whenever your want without worrying about tiny screws and lack of micro adjustment.
I feel your pain. This isnt really a grand seiko ownership thing exactly, its a 44gs problem... Its flatness and almost total lack of brushing is more than a scratch magnet, its a hadron collider. My peacock has at lest 3 massive dents in the bezel, a huge scratch mark all the way along the lugs, bunch of micro scratches etc. Though it was probably the most pain id ever felt for a watch at the time, im 90.2% fine with it (the remaining 9.8% still hates me).
i look at it like i look at a new car. It will get scratched, the new will wear off. watches are made to wear. but something to consider certainly.
Waiting for Steel Reef to release their on-the-fly extensions for GS bracelets ⏳
PSA. Having owned several 9F movement watches & contrary to what you may have seen on the internet, the seconds hand is not guaranteed to hit all it's marks & is not considered a defect by Seiko service centers. In my experience, I've had better seconds hand accuracy with Casio.
Also, the bracelets are sub par IMO & found the spring drive to be top heavy. My favourite GS movement is the 9S manual wind, although I am yet to experience a high beat.
This is one of the reasons (scratching the polishing) that has put me off a Grand Seiko, I’ve tried on a few,
Also the overall thickness of the case on such a refined case,hands and dial is also a negative.
I tried on the SBGA461 spring drive dive watch recently as it was on a discount, not impressed at all , then they showed me the Evolution SLGA023, blue wave dial and blue bezel. That was stunning but £10,500 and 44mm.
I bought my sbga415 in 2021 and I have zero blemishes on it. Maybe because it's grade 5 titanium and it doesn't have a bezel. I agree they really need to up their clasp game. Mine has pins and collars.
Let's address elephant in the room. Grand Seiko very rarely actually listens to what people want. Let's take that power reserve indicator for instance. It took them an eternity to release a spring drive model without it. When they finally introduced 9R31 caliber where the power reserve indicator is incorporated in the back of the movement, they charged double the price of a regular spring drive. My advise for all the people who want to own a Grand Seiko but don't want to spend big bucks on it, just focus on pre 2017 rebranding watches with double logo (Seiko x Grand Seiko). They are way more affordable (still not cheap) and the dial is better balanced in comparison to single logo Grand Seiko's.
The power reserve indicator is the best part of a GS.
I personally like the power Indicator but if you don't like it well...good luck lol
@@Unlucky1776I don't mind it but I know a lot of people who just can't stomach it and it's the only thing stopping them from buying a spring drive.
@@bikeman123it's rather a detail that can make or brake a watch. Depends on the person.
Couple of months for a service is good. An Omega will be away for at least 3 months. The local repairer is at least 6 weeks.
Of course, if you want that sweep but not the price (or the looks and having to repaice batteries) you can buy a Bulova.
This is what prevents me from buying luxury watches. I really want a particular Longines Hydroconquest worth over 3000AUD, but I'd be too scared to wear a watch worth that much money out of the fear of damaging it. My OCD would drive me crazy, however, if in my clumsiness, I damage a Seiko 5 SRPG37K, I will be annoyed, but I can afford to buy another if desired.
But was the Guanquin safe? That's the important question here😂😂😂. Seriously though you hit the reasons I won't buy a luxury watch. I'm afraid to wear it.
Not a GS, but aside from the sticker shock the one other thing holding me back from my grail (Speedmaster Pro 3861) is the fact I feel I'll probably almost never wear it vs my affordables given risk of damaging it somehow, or theft.
Love the brand and their products. This watch is lovely