I don’t agree about what you say about the watch. Mine wears perfectly fine and I would recommend it!

Man buys watch he's never tried on and complains about the fit afterwards. 🙄

I have a SBGJ255G in titanium. 44GS case. Extremely comfortable! I was super precious about scratches at first, but then I read a story about a man who wore his Rolex every single day for about 50 years. He loved the watch and wore it! That’s what a nice watch is for!

I have had this same problem that you demonstrate in your video with two of my watches and I finally figured out how to resolve it. It is extremely important that the buckle is centered exactly on the flat of the underside of the wrist. If not, the watch will not stay in ideal position and will move around as you wear it as the buckle seeks centering trough your movements. This is especially prevalent with taller and heavier watches. The solution is to make the 6 o'clock side shorter than the 12 o'clock side until the buckle sits absolutely flat on the underside of the wrist. Assuming that the fit of the bracelet is correct, swap links, one at a time, from the shorter 6 o'clock side to the longer 12 o'clock side. As you swap links, use the micro adjustment of the buckle to make sure you have an exact fit and then try to see if the problem is resolved while wearing the watch for awhile as you go through normal movements. This process will be different for all watches and depends on the length of the buckle and links. Once you achieve the proper ratio between the short and long sides, the watch will not move around and it will stay in your ideal position.

I've got this watch for my boys 1st birthday to pass on to him on his 18th birthday. It is Top heavy on the bracelet but i found the solution in swapping out the bracelet for a rubber strap and it fits like a glove now. Its a fantastic watch!

my Grand Seiko is 2 years old now.. and while i dont use it hard or heavily, its got nothing near that level of scratching, but i agree. i think you need to baby it to keep it pristine. but its hard to notice the tiny scratches it does have in normal use. the shine overshadows them

The first moral of this sad story is always try on a watch, especially if you've never really worn one before and the second lesson is that sometimes man maths can be painful. Let's hope the next GS is more to your liking. Fingers crossed.

My grand seiko fits perfectly and it’s really comfortable. Have not got a clue what the dude is on about . The polishing still looks fantastic after a year of use .

I would never buy a watch with the expectation of a great return value. For me, it would just feel like I bought it as an investment not because I liked it and wanted it. Great watch though, I love Grand Seiko.

Ouch, wow and thank you. GS and spring drive are a grail for me so really helpful to have that insight before I trip over esp. as they are a little out of reach for me just now (which may have helped me from tripping over w/o seeing this). Like you I have a vintage GS (6246) which I love but I have been hankering after a new one so really helpful to hopefully learn from your experience. Here’s hoping the one you have in the pipeline lives up to your expectations.

At the end of the day it’s a very personal thing. In my opinion you should always try on a watch before buying. As for people saying seiko or grand seiko is just seiko …. Not really sure they know what they are talking about. A lot of people seem to have opinions but not very well informed ones. Too much watch snobbery on Swiss brands I feel…Most Swiss brands are great but Grand Seiko is in my opinion GREAT too.

Great video, bravo. In East Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea), new GS is retailed at about 70% to 75% of list price, depending on the model. A mint, used one, at about 60% to 65% list is about right. You didn't overpay for your GS, at US$4,000. But when you re-sold shortly after initial acquisition, you should expect to get 55% to 60% of list price (minus dealer margin if you go for a trade-in), for a near-mint item. You did alright re-selling it at US$3,500, excludign tax and platform fees.

Thank you for honest feeling and cost about owning a spring drive. I have a chance to buy a new SNR051 at good discount but I guess I can hold out for an even better deal on secondary.

Thank you for sharing the story, the new GS looks much much more elegant and hopefully you fall in love with it.

The GMT 9F SBGN003 is a truly cracking watch. Perfect for the smaller wrist, beats the claimed accuracy of 10 seconds per year and flies under the radar when you don’t want to draw attention on your wrist gear.

I sold a troublesome Batman and bought one of these with the profit. It fits me like a glove, it's accurate and flies under the radar a bit. Best of all, its not a Rolex!

sorry to hear that. I think this has also happened to a good portion of us here. It is part of the journey and we learn. And yes, the watch market has slowed down significantly and you are right to say that postings hardly get a sniff in nowadays. The market really was red hot from the tail end of COVID, rose further through 2021 and peaked at 2022. Theres a sharp drop this year.

This is one of the most interesting videos about watches I’ve seen maybe this year. Thank you for sharing this experience

Spring drive. Great technology. Seiko and Grand Seiko amazing company, excellent finishing etc. Good at everything. But... the GS watches are so boring lmao. I have to say I think you probably picked the most interesting one. And this is coming from someone who loves (and owns) regular Seikos.

Thank you for sharing your views. I've always heard people saying GS is not the most comfortable watch, but I have yet to see a good explanation. Today I finally know the reason.

I am wearing this exact watch as I watch this. It's one of my favorites, and I bought it new in Japan tax-free with the $ strong against the yen. Best bargain in a long time. I bought mine at Yodobashi Camera in Kyoto on sale at original yen price -10%.

Your video is the most honest and useful review on KZfaq. Really appreciate it. I can also feel that you really love all watches even if some of them don't work well for you.

I get it! For me, after beauty and quality, it’s all about fit and comfort.

Great vid and thanks for the info. I have only recently got into watches. I was looking and researching for 3 months. Before I bought my first watch it is a Sekio 5 srpd63. It was a comfortable watch to wear and at a good entry price point in my opinion. I also own a timex scout which is my daily work wear. I continue to look at different watches and vids of reviews. I think my next watch will be more of the dress style. Thanks again for your video

I have a GS Black Diver - titanium strap and case and the strap (because it's titanium) is too light for the watch - it feels insubstantial and the watch does tend to slide to one side. My solution is to wear it on a silicon strap - better for a "wet" watch anyway and more comfortable on the wrist. It also preserves the titanium bracelet in pristine condition for if I ever want to sell the watch - which I don't plan to do but "just in case". Spring Drive is superb btw.

Not really a rant, just a good tale of sensible advice. My issue is I have an 8 inch wrist ! Many watches I'd like are just too small for me. A 40mm is as small as I go if that's nearly all dial but a bezel kills it. Just about get away with my Longines Big Eye. My sweet spot is probably 42 or 43mm. Always try a watch on if you can you may be surprised what you can and can't wear. Have been thinking about a GS myself. Good warning about that high polish issue, it does scream Scratch Magnet!

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have a Grand Seiko SGBW231 (paid full retail at $4300) and I know I would lose at least $1k if I sell. I have had it for years now, still love it and so if I did sell, I look at that loss as the cost of enjoying it for years. It sucks when you know immediately it wasn't the right watch for you. But your willingness to share helps us all!

Totally totally get what your saying about the balance,I found that as well,as if the watch would,could actually FLIP OVER.

Have owned the GS gmt Quartz you have coming You are going to love it, wears stunningly, at least on my wrist

I have this watch with the black dial and bezel. Got it for almost a 18% discount. I love it. I have a large collection of watches and feel this was a good addition.

I have been collecting watches for a long time and aside from a couple of crazy years just passed when new watches all seem to have vanished and used ones selling for unreal prices, preowned watches took big hit on resale. Even Rolex models today with only a handful of exceptions lose substantial money on resale especially when you consider the sales tax you paid and the 13% commission eBay takes.

Thank you for sharing your story Sam. I keep thinking about buying a SBGE001. I will be much more cautious if I decide to pull the trigger on one. I hope your SBGN029 works out better for you 🤞

Wow, what an eye opener. Thanks for sharing - I know it's hard to share lessons we aren't proud of - but I'm sure you saved many people money and pain.

Informative story. I find that my Sinn 104 fits my wrist, in particular the top of my wrist, better than any other watch I've owned.

This is how I feel when I look at the dimensions of a lot of Grand Seikos. They're stunning, but they're too bulky. I have the SBGN005, the predecessor the SBGN029, and I adore it. It's light and small enough that I can easily forget it's on my wrist. And it's best grab and go watch I own as it never loses or gains significant time. Hope you really enjoy it!

Super useful review. Your shots of the polishing and scratches validated my concerns. I am looking for the very same quartz GMT. Now I know what I should be paying for it used. Thanks again

Very, very useful and informative video, thank you very much

I appreciate your honesty and integrity.

I have the predecessor of your incoming GS, the SBGN005. It has an amazing fit on my 6.5 inch wrist, so you should really enjoy it.

1st video I've seen from your channel. I like the production style. I have a similar model Grand Seiko (just different colorway) and love it. Fits me great on the original bracelet or on a fabric strap (how I normally wear it). It's one of my favorite watches. I suppose it comes down to how it fits you, which is a very personal thing. Sorry you did so poorly on the trade. I keep my watches so don't really get concerned with trade values.

I'm new to the channel. Thanks for sharing your story....love the details, e.g. the Ford Focus, and first months rent. Most of us can relate. I'm intrigued with the spring drive and finishings of the GS. But like you, I can't find one I really love.

Bought a 9F GS online directly from Japan (lovely customer service even with an online purchase on their part). Even with import duties, it’s significantly cheaper than it is in Canada to buy that watch. Your findings certain match mine.

Excellent point of view. Few people talk about how the watch actually wears on your wrist.

Great video. I was looking at GS for ages - I tried a 37mm on at the watch store and it really wore incredibly well - went to chrono24 and bought a 37mm immediately and haven’t taken it off! I originally wanted a 39mm gmt quartz - which itself was amazing. I do understand issues with bigger watches being oddly weighted sometimes, though I think big watches are getting an unfair bad rep right now.

I understand your experience but to try to sell anything immediately after you have bought it is to ask for a kick in the rear! That's life! There is definitely a lesson to be learned over the 'fit' and I have certainly made the mistake of not trying a watch on the wrist prior to parting with the cash. We all have different wrist shapes and sizes. I discovered that several of the Grand Seiko models just looked bulky on my wrist type. However, after some time in a local showroom I discovered that a GS quartz black dial SBGX261G @ £2,000 37mm hugs my wrist like an old friend. I put this down to the lugs which dip down below the actual case back. It looks and feels wonderful . The quartz movement by it's nature is also significantly slimmer. (I have a Cartier de Santos (mechanical) which is equally brilliant on my wrist . The square case of the Santos is curved and so is the crystal which not only looks sophisticated but it is also very comfortable...particularly on the croc strap). I like the metal Bracelet strap on my GS, it is not tapered, but it is silky and secure. I find the clasp neat and nothing like as hideous as the celebrated Rolex clasp. The GS does not extend . Temperature extremes are not a problem in the UK - at least not yet! I have a Rolex Explorer 36mm which is great, it is two tone, and I bought it this year from my local AD at RRP. There is some online chatter concerning how the 'Tool' nature of the watch is subverted by the addition of Gold. Yeah right - how precious some people are! Mine is unlikely to be challenging the slopes of Kilimanjaro any time soon. So this old tool will carry on wearing it - in rotation of course!

Been wearing a SBGA413 (titanium) for 3 years now almost daily. Idk about the steel, but the titanium handles scratches very well

Ouch, hard lesson for sure. It seems far more difficult to sell watches these days. Last year in Chrono24 I was able to sell quite easily. These days, selling the same caliber of watch, as you say, doesn’t get a sniff. Lots looking, but just low ballers. Anyway, best of luck on your new GS! Great vid 😎👍🏼

The watch journey is a costly one, I as well would love to buy a spring drive but after watching your video I just couldn't live with the weight. I've been wearing titanium that's treated and I've been really happy. I enjoyed the details of the watch experience I'm sure many watching can relate.

Very interesting video to me indeed because I am looking to buy a Gran Seiko for my 50th birthday (I use that as an excuse). I am thinking an entry level 39mm sub 5k I tried one on last year it fits good. But some concerns I had like scratched up zaratsu, servicing, and maybe reselling if I actually don't like it. Also considering 9f quartz watches also. I'm interested to see what you think of the quartz Grand Seiko.

I have the panda 50th anniversary with the 44gs case. Its a lovely thing. Wears perfectly even though its quite tall being a mechanical chronograph

I’ve got many Seikos. Their movements are workhorses and usually are way more accurate than their specs. I have vintage 6309s and 7626 divers that run less than 5 seconds per day with a beat error close to 0.0. I had to regulate them, but the potential definitely there.

I bought a iwc pilot chrono thinking it was my dream watch after months of research and even going to the boutique to try it on. However, after months of wearing, i decided to let it go as i was never comfortable wearing as it was big and top heavy. I bought multiple straps to try and get it right until it hit a point that i just wanted to get rid of it. So i took a hit to trade for a classic speedmaster. It was painful. But after getting the speedmaster, i realised it was a watch that i never thought of buying but it brought so much joy and relief.

nice review. i just bought a grand seiko spring drive for under 4k with tax included USD. unfortunately, unlike Rolex and Omega's, the cost of a new grand seiko drops precipitously in price; I would say at minimum 20 percent once you wear a brand new/unworn one. I think in this case, going pre-owned is the way to go.

GS Quartz watches have low center of gravity due to low profile. I have SBGX261 and SBGN003 (GMT) both very nice. If you like the look of that watch you will be happy with it. I preferred the look of now discontinued SBGN003 and as it was in Japan still available that’s what I went for.

Always try on. Lesson learned, thanks for the honest review

Super interesting story! Definitely food for thought as GS Spring Drives are my holy grail.

You'll love the new one their great 😊

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want". Interestingly, I just bought a Squale 101 ATMOS 2002 Heritage model and find that it wears top-heavy and wobbly on my wrist. But here's the thing: I like that about it because I don't ever want to forget I'm wearing it. (Fortunately, there's no issue with the crown biting into the back of my hand.) The off-balance feel is a constant reminder to admire the watch and then roll my wrist 10 or 15 times to keep it wound. It's like being around a person you find attractive to the point of distraction or driving a car with such a great exhaust note that you miss what's on the radio. It takes all sorts to make a world.

Excellent video and thank you very much for being honest about it without coming across as whining about your own poor decisions, you owned up to it and told the story and it happens to a lot of us

Great review Sam. Enjoyed the story… sorry for the hit to the wallet.

Very interesting Sam. I have been intrigued by the same watch but that size and weight are concerning. Thanks for the heads up. I would definitely try one on now instead of buying first.

Sam, I feel so bad that you didn't like the fit. It looked soo good on your wrist. I hope the replacement fits more comfortably.

Great points. I went through the same journey looking for a spring drive and noticed how bad the weight balance was. In the end, went with the GMT grand seiko quartz and it was perfect

Great delivery ... and educational ... thank you.

That's a handsome watch! Such a shame about the fit and the depreciation hit. Looking forward to seeing how the new quartz GMT wears, thinking about picking up that piece myself

It’s good at the end of the video you admitted your mistakes. You should have gone into your local shop to try on, I don’t see a problem. Also on GS’ you can get discounts. Suggest you try the watch in person before purchasing. I hope the GS quartz turns out better.

I got the "quartz version", and tried the spring drive multiple time : le quartz is way, way thinner, and way more confortable to me.

Very interesting story with a good life lesson. Thanks for sharing.

Interesting. I have the SBGE 255 and fine it wears great. I guess eveyone's wrist is different and also how they like to wear watches. Wearing comfort is one of my biggest things with a watch also.

Also the zaratsu finishing isnt polishing its a case finishing technique that gives zero distortion, which leads to being able to polish it to a mirror finish, look at other cheaper brands and as much as you polish it the image will still be distorted, minor scratches will polish out with a jewellers polishing cloth,

I have Seiko Samurai. It is 200g, 44m watch, but it so comfortable and always stays in the center of the wrist.

I completely agree it’s not easy to find one you like. They have great ingredients, but rarely a perfect recipe. Then it will be only available in certain markets, and it won’t fit you properly because there is no micro adjustment! I have a couple but have given up on the brand now. People make a big deal about the dials but I find most of them annoying, and then they cut an odd shape hole in it for the power meter!!!!!

I recently sold my 9F GMT (SBGN023) and bought a second hand Mistflake SBGE285, IMO the by far nicest spring drive GMT they make with the perfect measurements, it's also titanium and very light. Plus it has a steel bezel which I like much more. It fits perfectly on my 6.5" wrist and has the same beautiful texture of the snowflake but in a darker gray. The one that you bought is unfortunately too thick. If it's any consolation, that's very normal to lose that kind of money when selling a GS. Always buy GS used when possible (I've bought loads of brand new GS watches when I first got into the brand so I know how much you lose when selling them). Or pretty much any watch for that matter unless you hold on to certain Rolex watches for years. Anyways, losing thousands of dollars when flipping a GS is quite normal, it happens to me all the time :) It gets a bit better when you buy second hand and then sell. And yeah Japan is great, on my last trip I bought 3 super rare JDM GS that I will keep forever (SLGH015 / SBGA425 / SBGA473).

All of those big watch resellers lowball like crazy. I inquired about selling my SBGA407 which is in excellent shape and retails for $5,800, their offer was also $2,500. That seems to be the generic response for them. I said no and I’m glad I did as I love the watch and wear it quite often. I let go of a different piece and got a great price on Chrono24. Actually double what my AD offered to buy it back for. Hope the quartz works out for you!!

I have the quartz gmt you shown. Love it.

Interesting. I have the iceman version of this watch, and it wears well on my wrist. Might just be a difference in body shape, or something. Good video. I am glad you enjoyed Japan!

It's so difficult to sell a watch now. Sorry to hear about your bad experience with GS. I own SBGH001 and I am very happy with it.

Highly recommend the SBGB027. 200 meters of WR, amazing looks and it wears a bit smaller than 39mm on a strap.

I have the same watch and I love it. Does NOT feel top heavy at all to me. So accurate. I'm not a big guy either. My wrist size is 6.5". Purchased in Japan.

Yup, if at all possible try it on first. I was dead set on buying a Sinn 556 a few weeks ago and even though I had tried one on before, I thought I had best try it again. To be sure, to be sure as the Irish say. Loved it btw, but the timing is wrong for another purchase just now.

I have the same watch and it is my favorite. It wears better than my Omega Moonwatch .

I'm not 100% in the same boat as you when it comes to Seiko movements compared to Sellita movements. I have a Seiko SARB033, it's over 6 years old at this point, never serviced, it works as it did in the first day. Flawless and within spec. I recently, 3 months ago, purchased a Sellita powered Swiss watch by a very popular brand and it stopped working after 3 months. 3 months! I'm currently in the warranty process, hopefully it will work fine, but essentially my $300 Seiko works a lot better than my over $1k Swiss watch.

I always find the Seiko’s so thick, just bought a Hamilton Murph that is 2mm’s thinner, H10 movement hasn’t lost a second in the week I’ve owned it. 🤓

I have the SBGE257 for more than 18 months. I do not have issues wearing it. The bracelet has multiple half links for adjustment. One needs to understand the thickness is limited by the height of the movement, water resistance capability etc., The SBGE257 is about the same height of Rolex Millgauss. The date at 4 o'clock is keeping to the tradition of where the date window should be, i.e. next to the crown. The crown at 4 is to protect it. Power reserve is a handy feature but it could be better positioned. My Grand Seiko does not have scratches on the case yet. I always put the watch down on the side with a piece of tissue underneath it. BTW, I own watches from other brands. The SBGE257 is not the best, but it is good for an everyday watch, especially if you travel frequently.

I wear titanium cased GS watches, and they are all very comfortable. It’s hardly noticeable. The difference in weight between the stainless steel and titanium watches can make so much difference?

Beautiful GS but I see what you mean about the watch not sitting well on your wrist. Sometimes we get caught out, but you made the right choice by moving it on.

It’s really cool you have been honest and admitted your mistakes. People are very quick to judge in general and as humans we all make mistakes. I’ve lost lots of money on lower value watches I’ve brought and ended up hating. It’s easily done. Guess each time we just try and learn and attempt to not do it again lol. I’m a new subscriber enjoying the content.

I feel like I have very similar taste in watches. I really like Grand Seiko, however, I really like smaller sports watches and they don’t really have anything that ticks all the boxes for me. Ended up going with a omega Aqua Terra as it’s more sporty and has lume. Still wonder whether I should have gone with a GS but there’s always next time. Agree about low end Seiko movements, particularly the 6R range, they’re pretty crap for the money.

Very informative and useful review. I think wear is so subjective as everyone's wrist is different. Some pieces feel heavy to some people and not others. Appreciate the honesty and the educational video Sam. Great job!!

Absolutely agree! 👍 the GS watches are Amazing, but hang heavy on the wrist.

1.56 and really enjoying the video ! … Teddy Baldasmere got me into watches and I’m happy to have found you. Lovely footage and editing of Japan 🇯🇵

I bought a Grand Seiko watch that I didn't try on and regretted it and then proceeded to buy another Grand Seiko watch that I didn't try on. Great to learn from You Tube watch experts!

Much appreciated tale, sir.

Great story of your experience, and thank you so much for sharing it with us. I have not gone down the GS rabbit hole(yet) and I think you will help steer me (us) in the right direction. Cheers my friend.

Super helpful and honest review.

Interesting review. Balance point isn't something I've previously considered though I do have an MM200, which sits pretty high and is quite weighty with it. I wouldn't castigate yourself too harshly on the 'woulda coulda shoulda front by the way. We've all of us done that at some point or another. Usually more than once!

I know exactly what you're saying. I'm selling my Hanhart for the same reason. I hate a top heavy watch. That being said , my GS fits like a glove. The lack of loom is fine with me. I have other watches for that.

You really didn't do bad at all. If it was me, I would have lost my shirt. I probably would have changed the band and probably would have removed the icky sticker and would have taken $2500 for it. So, it wasn't as bad as you think. Good going!

I remove all or perhaps leave one link on the 6 o'clock side. With the flask high on the left part of my wrist holding any heavy watch

I have a small wrist 6.75...mine fits great/comfortably...was the clasp centered on the underside properly? I have no slippage what so ever....I'll never part with it....scratch free....mirror polish still today.