No, this piece does NOT belong in the same league as the Swiss heavy hitters, it is in a League ABOVE them! The spring drive blows them away, then they had the balls to make a pink dial men's watch. That piece is just about perfect. IMHO.

@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306

6 ай бұрын

💯🤝

Without a doubt, this the best GS review, and Spring Drive explanation on KZread. And yes, GS does in fact belong in the same league as Swiss watches. This particular piece is a stunner. Regarding the power indicator: I'm with you. I like it. Watches don't need moonphase complications either, but it's still cool to have.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that! Yeah it definitely took a while for me to "understand" this watch, but I think I get it now 😊

@phantomphotography7392

2 жыл бұрын

Smart observation with the moon phase

@sleepdeprived9181

Жыл бұрын

Lol, I guess moonphase is useful when you live under a rock but I agree that it looks cool. I like it on the IWC watches.

This one has been on my list for a while now! Thanks for the great review!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

No prob Nolan! Glad to help 😊

I second the earlier comment - the spring drive explanation was top notch. Nicely done! Just found your channel. Please keep them coming. Subscribed.

I have this watch and it's amazing! Aside from that, your channel is amazing and I'm happy to be one of the pioneers that's going to get to see you grow in the years to come.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that! Will keep the vids coming 👍

I am in love with this thing. Awesome video!

Beautiful watch and unique on its own world. Cant wait to have these on my collection.

Man the dial of these gs are definitely cool and inline with the rolex and omegas. Their growing popularity is a indication of that. Fantastic vid as always!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Phil, this watch is sick when you put magnification on it!

The feedback design of the Spring Drive is a thing of beauty ... it reminds me of the K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system from Bosch from the 1970s.

The watch is very nice, specially for the unique movement. And your videos only get better and better! I must say that I have already tried many KZread videos about watch and stopped following many. Your channel is a keeper! Surely the best channel when we analyse everything as a whole, knowledge, photography, music, and so on. I can imagine the time you spend making each video... congratulations and keep up this nice work!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate you very much Paulo! Thanks for your support 👍

The best Shunbun review by far. Liked, subscribed, thank you.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers 😊👍

The GS dials are fascinating...I could totally see being distracted throughout the day looking at them

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah Seth, they have the dial finish sector covered!

Great review with great cherry blossoms shots

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion Bobby! 😉

Ive got a sbga413 and love this vid 🙌🏾❤️👌🏾 Thank you

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Great watch! GS killing it right now

Ahh I didnt know this one was USA-exclusive. I was planning to pick it up when I visit japan next year. What a gorgeous watch, absolutely lovely.

Wow. Amazing review!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Aray 👍

Great video. Thanks !

Just picked this watch up. Can’t stop staring at the dial. I love the weight of it and I could care less about the bracelet. The bracelet feels fine to me and if it comes down to it, I’ll simply throw it on a grey seude strap. Love the video BTW.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Congrats, I think the bracelet has a ways to go to match the craftsman of the watch, which is superb. Feels like a seiko bracelet on a grand seiko head :)

Another great vid, thanks!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Great video and info, and diagram about the spring drive

Great video, thank you

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

You got it!

Another awesome review man. Great background music and shots with the watch and cherry blossoms works so well together. The animation was informational on how the movement functions. Also cool you threw in the Honda analogy with the NSX.. I was like civic yes, what about th... NSX.. thats the one!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kyle. NSX was my Grail before I discovered watches 😆

Absolute dream watch! One day...

The GS CB spring watch is so cool! Great video. I don't own a GS yet but I can see that they are some of the best watches made in the world and grossly underrated. I would also get the titanium. I agree the SD is the best movement out there. Maybe strap companies will start making more 21mm straps? It looked like you were near UW and cherry blossoms but I have not been there in nearly 20 yrs...my home state

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes I'm in Seattle and it's beautiful this time of year!

Great video

I'm a watch noob at 40yo... Could never be bothered, even in my ibanking career, to wear a bullshit status symbol. These spring drive gs watches have sparked a true excitement in me for this space. Absolutely spectacular. Separately, I echo the previous comments in saying, that this is the best review video of a gs SD watch I've seen to date. Great work.

@wololo4761

Жыл бұрын

LOOK EVERYONE, WE'VE GOT A RICH PERSON HERE WHO COULD AFFORD ALL KINDS OF EXPENSIVE WATCHES BUT DIDN'T LIKE THEM!

Wonderfull video! And to respond to your question, the quality is above R and O 🔥!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I'm learning that as I've worn GS 👍

I’m in seattle too man! Great to see fellow watch enthusiasts in the area.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome Parker! Hit me up on instagram, we are gonna do some local watch get-togethers once it's safe.

@TomJones-tx7pb

Жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Did you ever do them? I am in Seattle also.

Amazing video brother!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks dude!

your subs are going to spike like crazy soon. production quality for your videos is A1 from content to videography and editing

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks dude, working on it 👍

Oh this watch is just a freaking DREAM!!! Absolutely love the way you captured it as well! ❤

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks girl! Grab the wine and cheese and let's talk about it 😆

@catfancy1708

2 жыл бұрын

please buy it so I can see if it does have the pink tint :) its epic

Love the review! I think a lot of people will dismiss Grand Seiko just because it isn't "Swiss." However, after owning multiple Omega's, the finishing on Grand Seiko has always been superior to any of my past Swiss encounters. I still keep my Seamaster because I love the heritage, but I feel like my money goes further with Grand Seiko for the same price. If you ever want to review a 9F Quartz next, you know who to call 😉

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that Kenneth! I relate to my omegas a lot differently that to this GS. It's very interesting how different companies approach luxury in different ways. Keep me in the loop about your latest GS conquests😉

@kennetha.1937

3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial agreed 100%! Grand Seiko is taking a different approach, and it's really like comparing Lexus to Mercedes/Audi/etc. There's never a wrong choice, just different strokes for different folks! 😉

I was thinking to myself tonight that I hadn't seen a Haute Ones video for a while, where's he gone? Then I checked and I had missed this one, sorry mate I am getting older and these things tend to happen 😂. Great quality yet again and the visuals were stunning, that GS is so photogenic.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, glad to see you regardless of timing dear Morgan! Gotta say I'm still trying to understand the brand, but I do think they have something special there with spring drive 👍

Fantastic video. Great information; spectacular watch and superior video production. I'll be back.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for dropping by, see you soon Rick 👍

GS can arguably be said to be in a league all of it's own. It's a much better watch than Rolex (any Rolex). That said, buyers of luxury watches aren't necessarily paying for quality so much as identity. Agree that your explanation of spring drive is spot on. Well done.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill. Yes GS definitely seems to be carving out their own path to luxury and that can be commended. I still think they are working on refining their case design, and just design language in general.

Yes, by far. I have the Spring season model. I find it receiving more wrist time than my 2021 Rolex Datejust 41. It does not scream look at me as a Rolex does.

Spring Drive is THE movement to beat them all.

The perfect watch for a Spring Drive... literally get the car out in Spring, and go for a drive 😂😂😂

GS also have a 4Hz mechanical movement too. The references SBGM221& SBGW258 use variations of it for instance. Anyway, no doubt they’re in the Omega/Rolex league. That’s a no-brainer 😁

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Yes David, as well as quartz. They really have their bases covered 😉

I hope and pray Grand Seiko will add micro adjustment clasps on their steel bracelets

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

You and I both man 🙏

Gorgeous piece and backdrop, the campus cherry blossoms matches the dial literally perfectly, very thoughtful! So I get the second to none craftsmanship and technology with GS but with this price point and segment don’t you think they are up against some major competition, like Rolex OP? Your thoughts?

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kenny. Yes I also have a bit of mental block paying this much for a seiko. What I would say is that it takes a very different approach to luxury and is much better built than a lot of swiss watches in its price range. But I do think they shouldn't keep raising prices.

hi Max.. nice video.. I also just joined WatchCrunch recently In terms of level accuracy, I doubt that GS belongs to the same level of other well known suspected names of Swiss watches..... It is way above that level :-)

I've got Grand Seiko & Omega watches side by side in my collection. Grand Seiko easily holds their place... easily.

Always appreciate hearing your views on a watch. And yes, Grand Seiko is definitely on par with Rolex, Omega, etc. The main (only?) difference, admittedly a big one, is that GS does not have universally iconic designs like the Explorer, Datejust, or Submariner.

@othus123

3 жыл бұрын

Just the snowflake.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Very good point Cecil. It doesn't feel like a design slowly evolved over time. It was tough to know where to come down, but I think more time with different models will definitely further shape my opinion. Nevertheless, it's fantastically built and easily justifies its price.

@rickoleary9975

2 жыл бұрын

It's got the Spring Drive, an invention that will change watchmaking forever. The Japanese esthetics are subtle and beautiful. Grand Seiko is the future of advanced luxury watches. The Swiss are silently in shock !

Thanks for doing this review. What is your wrist size for reference please?

Great channel. Suscribed.

A really nice timepiece. I wonder if it can appreciate over time?

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Word on the street is that it already has.

I wonder if you would compare Seiko Presage Sharp Edged case design to Evolution 9 (especially side profile) and indices of something like SPB167? to Shunbun

This should have a gold seconds hand. Remove the lion emblem on the back and it is chef's kiss.

Max - thanks for the review. I’m close to popping for GS purchase one of these days. I gotta know, did the lack of contrast between hands and dial ever result in legibility issues for you? I perceive it as an issue from images I’ve seen of the watch, but I’ve no way to see it in person without purchasing it. Thanks!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, there's definitely a lack of contrast on this one. I ended up with winter edition which has a blue second hand!

@fieldwalker

2 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial thank you my friend! I’m now leaning that way to!

the rhong that holds me back is the bracelets. ive hearts mixed rumours with some saying they are as standard as the most stand of seikos and regardless of what the dial and movement is like, thsys not good enough for a 6k watch

Beautiful photography and review. I will point out the bracelet uses a pin and collar system not a friction pin. The later is used on lesser watches and can work it’s way out.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Good point, thanks for the clarification

@MidAtlanticTV

2 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Sure thing. I like to point it out because this system which Grand Seiko calls pins and pipes is actually superior to screws in a few ways. 1) Once pressed into the pipe the pin is unlikely to ever work its way out; 2) Because the pin can free wheel inside the bracelet there is less wear so not as much of an opportunity for bracelet stretch; 3) If worn or otherwise damaged the pins and pipes can easily be replaced; 4) No rounded off screw heads or ruined threads. I mention screws because many reviewers chastise Grand Seiko for using the pins and pipes and IMO do so out of ignorance. This is a shame because it sways manufacturers to move to screws when that might not be the best solution. So, even though the pins and pipes are tricky to work with often they are the best option.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that detailed explanation! Makes sense

Mr. Zaratsu definitely got his paycheck for this one!

I think if they added a blue second hand it would be a homerun

I think this is what separates brands like GS versus Rolex. Whenever describing watches by GS it’s always a caveat. It’s pink but only next to pink. It’s good bracelet but doesn’t taper or in 21mm. It’s good but to appreciate it you need a macro lens. It’s good but could be thinner. Etc. It’s never described as it’s just a beautiful and good watch.

I just saw the GS cherry blossom today for the first time. I thought I would never see that watch. Now I have to do what other watch collectors talk about. SAVE MONEY! LoL This will be the first watch I’ll be purchasing for over $5,000 and I’m up for the challenge. But the real challenge is whether or not if I will buy it since there are some legitimate assets I should buy for that kind of money. Anyway. Thanks for this great video!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

It's very pretty 👍

I really want to know how they did the dial.

great review..may be you can take a look at SBGK009 if you get the chance

I bought it I like it bracelet is only let down

Great cinematography and video. I really take issue with your Honda comparison though, not that there's anything wrong with Honda. Matt Farah (noted car guy), put it best; Seiko is like Lexus. Grand Seiko is like the Lexus LFA. These are watches that are equal to or above Swiss brands, but get little credit.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I actual pursued automotive engineering for many years so I've been inside many an engine bay. What's your issue with the Honda comparison? I don't wanna get long winded and talk about the interchangeability of B and K series engines in hondas as a corollary to the SEIKO 5 mod community. If matt farah is going for the Toyota/Lexus comparison to SEIKO/GS, then we are saying the same thing. The LFA is a single model, not a brand.

@cdb5001

3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Lexus is a more luxury upmarket brand, and I would argue Seiko is the same in practice. The Seiko 5 mod community is but one part of the brand. The other part of that is all Seiko products are in house, and the majority of their watches can compete with entry to upper-mid level Swiss pieces. Take for example Tudors, which are considered luxury but utilize ETA movements. Seiko has their own factories, machine every piece of the watch. Provide way better value for the dollar then any Swiss brand. I have a SARX033 and I can tell you the finishing on the case and bracelet is nicer than my Tudor BB for less than half the price. With respect to the LFA, Grand Seiko has its own separate factory and produces all pieces separately at this factory, and like the LFA, uses rare or precious materials to create the product. I think Orient are more like Honda, which again, is not an insult, but great value for pennies compared to other companies. Seiko is just at a higher level, but because it doesn't say "Swiss made", many label babies refuse to give them any credit.

GS is an amazing brand and this model is an amazing watch. If they just improve the bracelet and lower the price they would hit it out of the ballpark.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed Minh, they are getting up there in price 😬

Yes, GS belongs in the same class as the Swiss and the Germans. Check out the SBGM221.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Yes Edward, I've always liked that GMT

Nice artistic touches with the cherry blossom 🌸, GS is superior to 95% of the Swiss/ German produce, saying that I'm contemplating a Zenith 3600 chronomaster sport... any thoughts?🙂

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

They all have their place up at the top tier 👍. Love zenith and what they are doing

Can the lion on the back be removed? That's been my hold off from getting one.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't dared to try, but looks like just regular paint that can come off with some rubbing compound.

You know GS is one of the best even when Snobs praise it.

Why does everybody forget about the automatic 9s65 movement (not a hi-beat)

ayyy UW!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful campus!

As much as I like GS, I think they’re somewhat behind on the material quality front. The bracelet and clasp are a prime example of that. The overall ergonomics seem to be slightly better with Rolex watches

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

It seems that they are still refining case shapes and bracelet quality. The endlink fitment for example is no where near Rolex. But maybe in 5 years 🤷‍♂️

I really think it is better than the Swiss watches. It's in its own league.

If you wanna get a GS, go for the Hi Beat. Spring Drive is just an upgrade of Seiko Kinetic watches. Spring Drive is like using your left hand, go around/behind your neck to a scratch your right ear. It's very ridiculous. I think Khaby Lame would agree. Btw I bought GS Hi Beat 100% mechanical

Rolex doesn't even have an exhibition caseback. Grand Seiko has the best all round package for the money. I'd go for GS eyes closed.

@sleepdeprived9181

Жыл бұрын

Too ugly once you open it. Lol. Does not compare with Grand Seiko or other top tier brands.

The power reserve sundial cut out is so intrusive and destroyed the perfect texture of the main dial.

Seiko changed the watch industry with the quartz revolution, and almost killed the Swiss watch industry. Grand Seiko are about to do it again with its Spring Drive movement which soon will become available at more price levels. The Swiss are shaking in their boots.😉

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, Spring drive is sick! They need to continue trying to make it thinner.

@brianmsahin

3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial Yes!!👍👍

@skzion2

3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial They already have. But ... it'll cost yah.

Bulova Accutron Fork design

Still own the SBGA 413? Thank you. R.

I think that this watch is stunning. The dial is really beautiful. There are only two things that I don't love about this piece: the caseback (why did they cover the movement? 😡) and the bracelet, because, if I'm right, it doesn't taper at all.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

You are right! The bracelet was a disappointment, not very elegant like the rest of the watch

No question that Grand Seiko is equal to, and in some respects, superior to the Swiss brands. In my opinion, GS quality and technical expertise can compete with any brand.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Yes Pete, they pull off a big win in the technical aspect. I think with time they will develop a more consistent design language.

I sold both my Rolexes and just ordered the Sbga413. I think it beats Rolex in every way except brand equity. When it comes to everything else, Rolex can’t win.

The Japanese are amazing

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

They are good at what they do fosho!

gs is maybe even better then rolex. finish and accurey are on another level.

I'd like them more if they found a way to add lume to their hands! 1st👌

@DavidDatura

3 жыл бұрын

On the underside of the hands maybe, reflecting off the dial, like I believe Mondaine uses on some of their models.

@idid1866

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidDatura Wow, that's creative, never heard about that!

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting, but how would that lume be charged? There are some newer models with lume I believe. I do like a bit more complexity to the hands👍

@DavidDatura

3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial I suppose by light again reflecting off the dial onto the lume 🤷‍♂️

I prefer the elegance models

The question of whether GS is in the same league as RLX and OGA is the closest thing to blasfhemy in Horoligal...which watch goes longer without in need of Servicing ?. Rolex or GS? This is Horology 101...and the winner is GS. Case Close.

Makes Rolex look Chavey..

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, they are feeling the heat

@k1ortia

2 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial So they should.

Grand Seiko blows Rolex out of the water.

What grade titanium is it?

@user-rn2ez9rj7z

13 күн бұрын

Grede 5

In 5+ years gs will be in the same league as rolex, omega and patek in terms of consumer demand. Buy one now.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

I believe that as well 👍

This or snowflake ?? pleasee advise

I hear legibility is an issue for a lot of people. Have you noticed?

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah that's why I ended up with the winter for more contrast

This watch scratches way to easily. They should have used Diashield.

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

GS not so cheap anymore

40mm is too much for my tuberculin wrist. 😐

Grand Seiko Spring Drive does not belong in the same league with Rolex and Omega. Why should it be lowered to Swiss standards?

Tell me what better quality or finishing Rolex & Omega deliver over Grand Seiko. Other than marketing and snobbery. Rolexes are bought to impress other people. You buy a GS to impress yourself.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

It's an extremely impressive watch. At the same time it hasn't undergone the slow evolution of something like a speedmaster or submariner. Some care about that, others don't.

I’ve just never bought into the hype of Grand Seiko. I can appreciate the level of craftsmanship but you need a magnifying glass to see them, you can’t see those details just wearing your watch on your wrist. Also, I hate a date function with no cyclops, look extremely cheap to me. Great video Max.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joshua! It does feel a bit over hyped right now. However I disagree that you can't see the fine details. I notice those things reveal themselves as you have more wrist time with the watch. Somehow your subconscious knows even if you can't put your finger on it. The bracelet needs work though!

@joshua7419

3 жыл бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficial thanks for your reply, what are your thoughts on the no cyclops date? Does it not make the watch look like a $40 dollar watch?

@WatchCrunchOfficial

3 жыл бұрын

I generally like no date watches since I rarely find myself trusting the date on a mechanical watch anyway. I don't mind a cyclops on dress watches, but don't really believe they belong on sports watches. As to whether no cyclops makes the watch look cheap, I think it depends on how the date window is executed.

@plusgood15

3 жыл бұрын

@@joshua7419 your logic doesn't make sense, but I suspect you know this.

@joshua7419

3 жыл бұрын

@@plusgood15 I don’t speak nonsense so you’re assumption is incorrect. It’s not “logic” it’s an opinion. If I say my explorer ii is a better watch than this grand seiko it’s not coming from logical facts it’s coming from my opinion and needs of a watch. Perhaps a GMT function is more useful to me than extra polished hour markers or a dial that “resembles” cherry blossoms. If you’re referring to my opinion about the no cyclops date, it gives me Walmart timex vibes. I would prefer no date at all. Thanks for the response.

Swiss watches look dull and bored, however GS has taking its craftsmanship and movement to another level compared to Swiss watches.

Horrible experience with their customer service with this watch. After a day of use, a pin on a non-removable link was broken, and the bracelet a bit loose. I sent it under warranty and they said it was not covered not admitting it was defective. A true shame, I wanted to really start a Grand Seiko collection. Service not on par for a luxury brand.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Ugh, sorry to hear that. Their bracelets are meh...

As a GS fan, I'm getting kinda tired of hearing "Can they" and "Will they". We already know they CAN and they ARE (arguably according to some). I think the watch media needs to shift the narrative, as GS aren't underdogs anymore. They're just different. That's what matters. They're the "thinking person's choice" if you were.

Wanted to add a Grand Seiko to my collection for years now but one thing always stops me... the straps and bracelets. There's no denying the movements and finish work is world-class, but the straps and bracelets are just terrible. Wobbly links, tight, super small, and a clasp with all the finesse of a 20 year old Tag. Sorry to rant, but I really wanted to love GS, and I don't.

@WatchCrunchOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah Tom, the clasp didn't quite sit flush either. They really need to work on the bracelet