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You buy a Rolex to impress others. I buy a Grand Seiko to impress myself.

With Spring Drive, Grand Seiko stands alone as the only watchmaker capable of showing the moments between the moments.

As someone who owns an Omega, Rolex, Cartier, and Grand Seiko, I can confirm that GS is a notch above the rest in terms of overall quality and value.

Thanks to this channel, I bought a Grand Seiko to add to my collection. For reference, I started with Casios and then Seikos. Few years ago I went and got an Oyster Perpetual 36. Great looking bit of kit. Had the opportunity to buy an Explorer 1 and did so and I love them both. I had the opportunity to get a GS SBGR073. Modest 9S65 movement, no spring drive or high beat. One at beats at the same rate as the calibres in my Rolexes. I got it for less than £2K. A bargain in a sense. It's my favourite watch. The finishing on the hands, indices and case is just sublime. The decoration on the movement is impeccable. Buying it made me feel I got ripped off when buying the Rolexes and in essence, I was. Because the GS just beats Rolex in everything but brand recognition. You buy a Rolex to impress others but you buy an Grand Seiko to impress yourself.

As a Rolex owner, I was DESTROYED by this video.

Nice to see this the day i just bought my first grand seiko, the omiwatari.

Thank you Andrew for this video, highlighting what special about GS. Sorry, bit of a long story here, but I purchased the GS SBGR 309 last year as a way to remember a friend who had passed in 2021. He was an ultra hard core Japanese guy who was incredibly proud of Japanese products (and heritage),and always talked about buying a GS someday. Not knowing anything about the brand (or watches), I listened to him ramble on about the GS quality of movement and the finish. When he passed, I promised his wife I’ll buy one someday as a way to remember him. So, two years after his death and had saved up enough money to buy one, I decided to go with the 309 in 42mm…large, I know. I was not expecting the watch to be this amazing! Good Lord, the mirrored finish of the case, the razor-like hands & indices were like freaking diamonds when light reflected off it! The ink-like finish of the black dial was like the finish on a grand piano. Let me not forget the glorious auto movement under that see through caseback! Everything was absolutely done to perfection! The photos online and KZfaq videos I studied prior to the purchase gives Grand Seiko no justice! It’s a completely different watch in person! My friend wasn’t kidding about the quality of GS. Rest in peace my friend❤👏🏼

Happened to purchase my first GS today (413) and it certainly wont be my last. I'm relatively new to the world of watches and this was my first big purchase, my reasons are pretty straight forward: 1. It looks wonderful 2. I'm a sucker for a smooth sweep 3. I love titanium 4. I think the Spring Drive is a mechanical marvel bordering on witchcraft

I stopped in a Rolex AD to buy the new Air king. I left with my name on a list. Then I stopped in the closet Grand Seiko AD and walk out with a new SBGA415 "Winter" Spring Drive. I had choices between the SBGA 211"Snowflake", the 413 "Shunbun" and the 415. All 3 were in inventory. The Titanium case and the Blue second hand of the 415 won me over.

With a piece of jewelry, which is a luxury watch, it is not about the 'best', but it's about which one you like best.

I wanted a Rolex for my first luxury watch, but they wouldn’t sell me one. I walked into the GS Boutique across the road and walked out with an SBGJ249. I love it. I love the fact that I know it’s superior in almost every way, and no one else does. It’s like a secret no one else is in on. And best of all, it’s beautiful. I catch myself just staring at it. GS for me.

I'm always mesmerized by macro shots of that spring drive sweep. You guys should have an Oscar for pioneering that cinematography.

Each time I wear my SBGE257, I spend an inordinate amount of time just LOOKING at it. The perfection of design and execution makes my Datejust look almost primitive. I'm SO glad that I went for my GS. Spring drive? The icing on the cake...

I was at a jeweler last week and there was a display case full of GS: the details are mindblowingly eye watering and were putting IWC and Rolex on the other display cases at a shame!

I own a GS Omiwatari and quarts 37m SBGX261 and love them both. Recently I saw the SBGY009 in person and was blown away. The indices actually scattered the light like a rainbow! I am in the process of trying to save up for a Toge version of the GMT... you really could buy a complete collection of GS and have an awesome variety to choose from... spring drive, quartz, hi-beat, and more... truly a unique company.

Mind blowing. I have one Grand Seiko with an exquisite dial.But the ones you selected are just the finest pieces of art.

White birch Spring drive owner here.

I must say that the Grand Seiko is an exemplar of perfection that truly captivates my senses. The intricate movements, the artistry of its craftsmanship, and the delicate yet dazzling snow dial that emulates the ethereal beauty of ice and snow are a testament to the expertise of its makers. The impressive 8 day power reserve and the understated elegance of its minimalistic design further enhance its allure. As a connoisseur of fine timepieces, I cannot help but admire the exquisite beauty of the Grand Seiko and appreciate the artistry that went into its creation.

Amazing video as usual Grand Seiko. I love them. I have two (Shunbun SBGA413 and Godzilla SBGA405- my fav of theirs). I also love the Night Birch and the SBGK005 (possibly their best). And the GMTs (particularly SBGE257) are great. There’s a but. And a controversial one! Much as I respect Grand Seiko for their dials and movement. They are watches best appreciated at 6 inches…and in well taken macro shots like this video. You can’t fully appreciate the exquisite detail on the dial from 2 foot or more away, unless you bring the watch close. Yes the finishing is good but you need more… This is where I hope GS focus now. The overall design, feel and bracelet. So it’s less subtle. This is where other brands are beating them (Rolex, Cartier…even Panerai) with iconic designs. AND their bracelet design isn’t there yet, and they don’t taper enough. This is where Rolex beat them. Plainer dials (although amazing natural stone and sunburst options), arguably inferior movements, but much better overall design and beautiful bracelets. This is what you feel from more than 6 inches away. I’m saying this as a fan of GS….but currently they are mostly watches you fully appreciate in extreme close up. I say mostly, as I think the night birch, Godzilla, and SBGK005 are some of the exceptions that hold up from more than a foot away. Amazing video. Controversial view.

There are some fantastic Grand Seiko’s, watchmaking at its best. What I really miss in their line-up is a Rolex Explorer and Omega Aqua Terra competitor, small (max. 37 mm), water resistant up to 100/150 meters with a screw-down crown, no=date and rugged. An icon for decades to come.

Great video! Nobody works harder for your $10k than GS, unbelievable quality for cost. White Birch HB and Shunbun are part of my collection & counting the days until the Omiwatari gets added

Grand Seiko has always made me smile since i heard the history of the brand for the first time. That "let's beat these guys at their own game" approach that you still see in every time piece they produce today. I do love what they do. The finesse and elegance on their watches. I would only wish they would not make so many different ones as you are always in doubt if buying this one as maybe the next one will be amazing... And it will be...

9R02 is a hell of movement. Both the design and finishing are insane. 9R31 is indeed a value pick in this case.

Comparing GS's dual impulse escapement to Daniel's co-axial escapement is interesting because they take somewhat parallel approaches but have completely opposite philosophies behind them. In mechanical watch movements there is an intrinsic trade off between beat rate and wear, since higher beat movements need more torque and the parts move more frequently, both of which generate more friction. GS sees this trade off as worth it for the increased short term rate stability the higher beat rate gives you, and designed the dual-impulse escapement to minimize the drawbacks of the high beat rate through increasing energy transfer efficiency to reduce torque requirements. Daniel's did not see this kind of trade off as worth it, and designed the co-axial with the aim of absolutely minimizing wear and used low beat rates to support that goal, extending service intervals and reducing long term rate drift from lubricants in the escapement aging, but at the cost of lower short term rate stability. It's funny how diametrically opposed conclusions about the beat rate vs wear trade off produced such parallel lines of development.

I own a GS Spring Drive - and it fills my heart with happiness every time I look at it!

‘Told physics to shut up’ OMG that’s got to be up there with ‘kicked the Swiss square in the balance wheel. Excellent stuff Andrew. 😂

Unfortunately most GS's lose value as soon as you leave the store + the availability of GS's makes this video kind of a stretched comparison (also unfortunately because its not a swiss watch it will always be at a disadvantage)

My first big watch was an oyster perpetual. I sold it within 2 months after I discovered GS. Genuinely felt ripped off after seeing what GS does for the same price. I bought an SBGM221 and have bought a cherry blossom and 60th anniversary blue dial dress watch. They’re incomparable and I can only hope we get more brands that execute at the level they do in this price bracket. Something tells me we won’t but, I’d be happy giving them my money for the rest of my life.

The sweep of the spring drive is so divine. Another fantastic video!

Grand Seiko's Quartz movements are astoundingly amazing as well. SBGP017 "Sea of Clouds" is one such example with an exquisite dial and beast of a movement.

Just bought my first GS, the SBGH295 soko frost. It's simply one of the most marvelous watches I've ever seen.

The Seiko escapement is quite similar to the Daniels' co-axial escapement but is more like an older design called the Robin escapement.The Robin escapement is a chronometer style escapement, with impulse to the balance directly from the escape wheel, but controlled by a lever type mechanism, it only impulses in one direction. Seiko have added a second, conventional impulse from the second locking pallet, this prevents the escapement 'setting' and stopping the watch, which was the failure of the Robin escapement in wrist watches. I can't help but think that Seiko didn't want to be seen licencing the Daniels', so came up with the next best thing.

The camera work is incredible.

Grand Seiko is the only other watch I'd consider, if I couldn't have my beloved SMP300M.. The GS is pure beauty, and pure technology, combined in an almost perfect package.. A truly great video,,, thank you so much...

Really love what Grand Seiko make and it's also amazing value for what you get. Looking to buy one myself currently. I found when comparing them to other brands like Rolex it seems to be the case of you need to spend at least twice as much to get a Rolex that is still not as nice looking as a grand seiko. In fact many Rolex's i can't help find boring to look at or even tacky even if still looking high end.

Out of all the watches out there, nothing can beat the spring drive. The smooth sweeping hand is just mesmerising. And we haven't even talk about the dials on GS which are the main attraction (for me).

The Grand Seiko Constant Force Tourbillion Kodo SLGT003 is my grail watch.

Omiwatare is my favorite but I tend to wear more their anniversary 9F with the gold star. Next on the list is a Speake-Marin (the original, before the name was sold off).

I once fell in love with the dial of the SBGA375 the deepest darkest blue dial I'd ever seen.

I am learning more about this brand with your help and thinking it could be the perfect 1 watch collection.

Thanks for putting together this collection GS eye candies for our enjoyment. Mercerizing as always. I personally prefer the Seiko dials for simplicity, both in design and in security, those of us here would know what I mean by the latter. The only down side with the Seiko dials is they were a thing of the past, meaning they are not paired up with the much enhanced movements of recent years such as the 9SA5. Well, such is the joy of, and struggle with, watch collecting.

Looking forward to getting a Seiko or Grand Seiko dive watch with Spring Drive. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

Much better than Rolex. Would love to see superlumanova on the dials.

Still saving for my 1st GS. So many beautiful models to choose from, and it's going to be a difficult decision to make when the time comes.

I would love to add a spring drive to my collection one day.

The question is posed, 'which is your favourite' and this is such a difficult one to answer. Mainly because every time I check, GS has brought out another watch that stops me in my tracks and makes my jaw drop. Honestly, truthfully, and there are no other brands that do this as consistently as they do. I've owned lots of different brands. I like to buy, enjoy, then sell and have another experience with another brand. That pretty much stopped once I bought my first GS. I have sold them but only to buy another one. You just don't admire anything as much on your wrist as you do a grand Seiko.

I think GS feels like a value purchase because it rivals the likes of JLC more than Rolex. It has to do with genuine fine watchmaking and exemplary finishing that’s better for dress watches or more elegant everyday pieces. How many people choose GS for a tool watch?

My son has acquired several Rolex watches, most recently a Pepsi. Curiously, he often asks to look at my Snowflake. I think he secretly admires the intricate dial and sweeping second hand.

Gotta agree with Andrew, I LOVE some Rolexes, had a few Myself, but they ARE outshined by a few other Makers, Grand Seiko is DEFINITELY one of those, real thought been put into the minute aesthetics, I could spout on for Hours about My love for the Grandest of Seikos to be honest..but i'll save You the time lol.

After lots of hit and Miss attempts to get the ‘one watch’ I’ve finally cracked it with the SBGA467 and couldn’t be happier. Thanks to this channel for giving me the final nudge

Superior design, better finishing quality, more advanced technology than Rolex. Enough said.😊

Lovely episode, thank you so much for this one.

thanks, keep it coming, you are doing great!!!

I’d love to get GS. But what holds me back is lack of silicon hairspring to combat magnetic problem. Hope GS introduce it to their movement and as well as weekday display.

"That's such a typical Japanese humble brag. 'Oh this thing? Well yeah you can't really see it, but we only went ahead and reinvented the Swiss lever escapement that has been used for hundreds of years to make it totally better.'" 😅 100% my type of flex.

My next watch is the White Birch 2. That spring drive sweep is so smooth.

Lovely presentation, as always. Thank you for. George

My grail piece was the SLGA009 and I just got it. Worth every penny and I prefer it to my Rolex

I do agree. Im blessed to call a grand seiko part of my other than that humble collection. But the Clickbait title IS a bit much

The slgh013 is on my short list for my first luxury watch along with a 41 datejust with fluted bezel. Come on watchfinder, help me decide.

At Watch & Wonders 2022, GS unveiled the SLGA015. I called Rolex to cancel the order I placed for the Sea Dweller, and went for the BlackStream (nickname for the SLGA015). Every collector must have gone through “Rolex phase” as a beginner, but these days, a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms took over the slot once occupied by the Submariner, the SLGA015 took over the slot reserved for the Sea Dweller. When collecting for my own pleasure, Rolex starts to feel like the Seiko. Everyone have or wants one, but it is beginning to feel boring. I prefer to have something I like, that is special to look at. This is my collection phase anyway. I am collecting for myself.

The Grand Seiko with the snowflake dial has to be my ultimate watch. So understated and over the top at the same time, it's really immaculate.

Comparing with Rolex seems to be a must. Based on my experience Rolex is great, reliable and very precise. No doubt GS has amazing dials and great finishing but the movements? Let’s exclude the spring drive - they are thick - even if not automatic. Hand wound, Automatic and Hi Beat are much less precise as my GMT Master II. Not only on paper but measured. This is where GS can improve. And with the bracelet and with the leather straps too.

Just wanted to say that your videos are fantastic and high quality. Thank you.

I LOVE Grand Seiko. I currently have a 4520-8000 from 1969, a SBGE253 (Spring Drive GMT), SBGA229 (Spring Drive diver), and my newest acquisition which arrives tomorrow, the SBGV245 (9F Quartz movement). It’s crazy how under the radar GS still is considering the value proposition with how much watch you get for the money. This isn’t to say I won’t someday buy a Rolex but I think my heart will always be with GS.

I’ve been waiting patiently for a Grand Seiko! Time to flip one of my swiss for funds

The SBGW231 really reminds me of the pure simplicity and elegance of SBGS001

that's the revolution on Watch Industry, whwn spring drive technology appart, Great Innovation

Alright, I am cancelling my order of a paddling pool now I guess.

SBGR001 owner here. Wouldn't change a thing about it. Mind-blowing how something so simple can be so complex at the same time.

7:34 I saw the documentary of Philippe Dufour back in the days, I think it was named Haute Horlogerie, where he said after been asked what watches he really likes. He said: „A Grand Seiko“ it was in a time, GS wasn’t never thought to be available on European market. It opened my mind.

Wow this review! Simply brilliant. Tnx

So here’s a question: how would you compare the level of finishing between Lange, GS Studio, and a general L.U.C. Chopard with a Geneva Seal?

Such a good last question. I've been a Seiko enthusiast and owner for many years. To me, Seiko has always represented a quality brand but not a luxurious one. Now that I learn more about the GS brand, I have fallen into a deep interest in the quality they represent. But have never jumped into de GS terroir. It is a marvelous place. Incredible pieces. Pricey though. But the wind is blowing in GS direction. Thanks four your work!

Nice Video! Bought my 1. GS in 2018 Limited Edition SBGJ227 green Peackock Dial; the Dial is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I sold the Watch in 2019; much regretted, just this Week i spotted a used Peackock and bought it right away. Now the GS is a keeper! Great Watch at a realistic Price!

Grand Seiko are in a world of their own. No one can compete with them. The Spring Drive, now with the 120 Hour/5 Day power reserve 9RA2 movement takes them into another stratosphere. Rolex will always have its followers and market. That is getting more limited as time goes on whereas Grand Seiko is gaining more and more followers than ever before. See where GS will be in 5 years time! It will take more of The Lion share mark my words.

Wonderful video, fabulous watches. Thank you Andrew. 😊

I recently purchased a GS "Limited Edition" SBGW273. I am amazed by the quality of the finishing on the watch. The dial is remarkable. Very unusual, catches the light in extraordinary ways I have not seen before on a watch. I am impressed. I have other fine watches including a Patek Calatrava, a Brequet 7147 and others of like quality. I have to say the finishing on the GS surpasses these...and the watch cost less than the others also by a significant amount.

Hi, Thank you very much for the video, I like your Chanel a lot. What is the most underrated GS in your opinion?

Spring Drive will never NOT be an absolute joy to look at. Even more so with the exquisitely textured dials!

Great video. The macros were astonnishing!

Andrew that was interesting video regarding in my opinion one of the best watchmakers in World. GS are not flashy but beautiful dials and movement up there with top Swiss makers . Kiku Whirlpool Rare loved the dial 🤔👍

Grand Seiko puts quite a few other watches to shame if you are detail oriented and technically minded. As of today, I own two of them, an SGBP011 with a 9F quartz movement, and the SBGW231 hand wound you showcased here. My watch collection is more or less done, I have all I want, one of those pieces being a Cartier Santos. But if I ever buy one more watch, it will be a Grand Seiko Spring Drive with a hand-wound caliber, like the recent Asaborake with the 44GS case. Then I'll have three case shapes, three movement technologies and three dial finishes. I hope to get there in the next three years.

'Grand Seiko on the other hand told physics to shut up!' LOL - this guy has a way with words!

I am a huge fan of the SPGW281. Simply stunning. Thank you.

I got a GS Snowflake a couple years ago as my first quality watch and love it. The smoothness of the spring drive is unparalleled, except maybe by their high-beat movement. I also love the face of the SBGK015 Ryosendu, but would like with spring drive or high beat.

SBGA-111 is the only one I own, for now. I love it. It's known for the tatami dial.

As always, great work.

On the dial between the G and S, it is a nice touch to add the old logo of Daini Seikosha.

The Shunbun. Favorite and crown of my watch collection. Have to see these in the metal to really appreciate them, imo. Thx for the great video

Grand Seikos are just beautiful

I wasn’t sure what to make of Grand Seiko until I took the time to find a dealer and see for myself. GS makes Rolex look like something from a particularly inept student who wouldn’t make it past the front door, let alone anywhere near where these world standard setting watches are made. My Diver’s 200m is as awesome today as the day I first tried it on. Also not mentioned here but everything is made in-house. Even the Spron alloy in the mainspring is Seiko. Unmatched.

People who think of watches as investments are a plague to the hobby.

Absolutely superb photography. I SHALL own the Omiwatari one day…

I was expecting the 9F quartz movement to be covered as well?

Subjectively there are certain companies, individuals, designers, craftspeople and artisans who strive to produce sublime products and works of art ....that have been obsessively considered and then refined back to the purest form or point of perfection....and then surpass it! ....and some even make their work accessible and obtainable too! Grand Seiko is one such group .... has a lot to be happy and proud about.....as they really seem to have this watch making malarkey ...very well sorted 😂

I love GS, but they're a challenge for me to buy one. There's aspects of their watches that I absolutely love, aspects that I really do not like, and features that I want if I'm going to own something from their brand. The problem is that these three factors rarely align for me in any single watch. I'm waiting for that perfect alignment to come along. I'm confident it will. I just need to be patient.

The Y007, Omiwatari, is one of my favorite watches of all watches. The blue-to-silver color change cannot be captured on camera

Such beautiful pieces. Grand Seiko dials and polishing are second to none. My only preference is that they drop the double branding on some of the dials. I prefer the dials that just have the logo GS and Grand Seiko under it. Spring Drive or Hi Beat on the bottom. 👍