Love the review, Bruce! I own the SBGR051 and if felt it was really time someone did a proper review of one of these beauties! Re: the servicing costs and service interval, mine is 5 years old and has some scuffs and marks. I've polished it a gently with cape cod and it looks nice, but you can have it refinished by Seiko in Japan for about 400 USD. This was the price I was quoted by the UK service center. The regular movement service was also quoted at around 400 USD. Not so bad IMHO, I'll do both when it's time for servicing. I was advised by a Swedish GS AD to not service it until the PR starts to decrease, or if it starts losing time. Mine is still running within +/-2 seconds a day, so I'm very happy with both the movement's longevity and accuracy! Again, great video man!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Oh man I love hearing first hand experience and useful information. Thank you, I am pinning this comment!

@jeffd3802

7 жыл бұрын

Anton Gunnarsson beautiful vid buddy. thank you

@robertd4468

7 жыл бұрын

I got water in my Seiko MM300 (left the crown out while doing the dishes) Sent it to Japan and they refurbished the watch for $425.00 US. The only complaint is that the case got a scratch on it that wasn't there before. I think they should have polished the watch as part of the service.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Robert D agreed

GS = Stealth Wealth

Hello Bruce, I have just watched three of your reviews in row and I really enjoy your approach and style. Thank you.

This is a gorgeous watch, perfectly balanced and sized, and like I told you when I tried it on I didn't even notice the height until you pointed it out. I can't think of a better watch for under 3K. You should be proud of this watch Bruce, it's definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing it with us!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you could try it on man.

Very nice, congrats sir! You are one of the reasons a SBGR271, will be my next purchase after my current SARB035. Keep up the good content.

I enjoyed the video very much. Both visual and oral presentations are excellent.Thank you for sharing!

Superb review! You hit a lot of the major points that make this model as well as many other GS watches special.

I think this watch and its white dial counter part are excellent one watch collection watches. It can be used for all occasions and I love you can see the movement on the back.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

I think that is a very valid comment

Awesome video! Definitely the favorite Seiko watch I'd like to own.

Wow, excellent vid. I appreciate your honesty and knowledge.

You are the best to have reviews on the web Bruce !!

Pure class. Love that ink black dial and the phenomenal finish of the case, bracelet, hands, indices and movement. Think this is my favourite looking GS though shame about the thickness.

Bruce, you're a legend, love all the reviews and also the fact that you're a Seiko fan. Awesome review of the Grand Seiko.

Beautiful watch, that is definitely one of my grail watches along with the MM300. Thank you for another great review, I will be watching this video multiple times. Hope this is a keeper.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lex, glad it didn't flag your comment. Not sure why YT did it before. Yes, the plan is to keep. Though I've been known to flip 'keepers' :(

ThAnks for the review Brian and as a former hardcore Swiss watch fan I learned a few months ago that the hands that go into making a Seiko have more years of experience than hands that build most Rolexes. The Seiko and Orient employ “master watchmakers” to put the movements together.

This watch is incredible, and you presented it very well. My mouth is watering.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

lol thanks Tom

Fantastic, Bruce, great piece! Thanks for sharing, as always.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Really appreciate the variety of situations and lighting you've recorded. This watch looks dead in Seiko's own photography but really comes to life in person.

Beautiful piece, congrats!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great video, Bruce! Just picked up a year-old used one for about $2100. I probably would have bought one new if I could have found one for the price you paid. Even here in Japan they typically go for over $3000 new. Anyhow, your review is spot-on. I guess my biggest gripe is the lack of any micro-adjustments on the bracelet. However, they include some half-links so the fit isn't bad. Certainly fits much better than my SARB035.

That Grand Seiko is a work of art.Beautiful piece!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Carlos

Thanks to your review of the Brightz SDGM003, I fell in love with it purchased one for myself. You could do a comparo with the GS.

I have only been in the watch hobby for about a year and I was originally unimpressed by Grand Seiko. Since then I have grown to appreciate the brand. If I were to get one this would be top of my list.

Love the GS and this review. I agree with you on both the pros and cons of GS. I still keep on staring at the Snowflake dial and it reminds me why I bought it.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

One of my all time favorite dials. I bet it is mezmorizing in person!

Great review. I own Omega and GS too, and while overall I probably prefer Omega for their classic sports watches and movements, the GS bracelet is clearly better finished and more comfortable to me. The flex you mention is part of that comfort.

I really enjoy watching your reviews Bruce. I have to say this piece looks stunning and you make a convincing argument that, for the price, it is the best quality watch you can buy.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Crisisbiker thanks, I appreciate that 👍

Glad that you love this GS so much. Enjoy it every day. A great watch.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mark :)

Yet another very well done review, Bruce. Congrats on your GS. You lucky boy! I'm amazed you managed to contain your usual enthusiasm so well... Like you, can think of no negatives with this one. Utterly gorgeous, and the size is perfect too. Well, where do we go from here? Hope you enjoy your GS for many years.

I also love the looks of this very elegant watch.

Not the first time I watched this vid, but a few minutes ago, I was watching your triple "Baby Grand Seiko" review and started wondering, wait a minute, why do I want a GS again? Why not get an SARX? A minute and a half into this vid and I returned to my senses. The hands and indices are crazy and grab reflections from God-knows-where. The case finishing really is that much better. Man, these GS three-handers are such good-looking watches.

Seriously underrated watch - thanks for the review.

Absolutely Beautiful piece!!!

I agree with the servicing aspect of it. I have the SBGA085. It is a spring drive and it look similar to yours with the highly legible black dial. I dread the day I have to ship it to Japan for servicing. Currently we can only get spring drive GS serviced in Japan.

It's absolutely gorgeous. For the most part, i'm not a dress watch person, but this could change my mind! Congrats!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

great review for one of the best watches on the planet. same quality if not better as rolex breitling jlc or omega. i own one and never regret paying more than 5k euro for it.

SUCH a gorgeous piece! Even your video (which is amazing) still can't do the finishing on these GS's justice! :) *Edit* ok I take it back... When you went into Macro mode... That really shows off how finely executed the polish and brush work is. Your video quality is nothing short of stellar! :)

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brett! I appreciate that coming from you.

Very good video Bruce ! Fantastic quality both watch a filming.thankyou

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that thanks!

Incredible metal work. 37mm is perfect for a piece like this. Love it.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

logwind completely agree

Great review! Just picked up a SARB033 that looks very similar to this!

Very impressive in video, it’s gotta be stunning in person

Love the watch! Very impressive.

It's a stunner. No question about it.

finally Mr. Williams!!! but I have to recognize, what an amazing review. congrats bro. and enjoy it well

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Pedro Dias yes! Finally 😎

This watch is incredible. I have watched this video many times and that watch truly is a timeless design and so razor sharp. It makes me want to put on a nice tuxedo, enjoy a fine cocktail and check the time. With the 100 meter water resistance it could be a one watch collection. I agree Grand Seiko is not for everyone, but if you are looking for high quality the watch speaks for itself. I am glad the resale is not great because that makes it under rated and much easier to obtain for a great price used. It is more for people that truly want the watch long term not just casual flippers who want to try it out.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Very well said Sean!

you have really nice watch! congrats. by the way, have you picked up GS alligator strap for your piece? if so, can you do a really quick review of the strap and the watch?

Every time you surprise me with how knowledgeable you are :) I didn't notice the difference between the bracelets of a Grand Seiko and a Swiss watch. I own an SBGR083 (and the snowflake) which is a cousin of this version. You really need to see it in real life to appreciate how deep and smooth the piano black dial looks. The second hand and logo are in gold and it's really an eye catcher together with the Zaratsu polishing. The black dial is reflective, but luckily not as much as my Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon which functions as a search light :). The movement is a 9S65 and it regrets me to say that it looses roughly 10 seconds a day when it's not worn. I bought it pre-owned so I don't know its history, but I guess it needs a service. But it's not a big deal for me. I think the only point where Grand Seikos can be improved in the future are their bracelets. There's nothing wrong with them and they are very comfortable, but they don't seem to have the same level of sturdiness as - let's say - a Rolex bracelet. I also prefer the bracelet design of Swiss brands but that's entirely subjective. The Grand Seiko collection generally uses three link and five link bracelets and maybe they can come up with some new types. It would reinvigorate certainly some models.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Really nice comment, and I like to hear the personal experience of owning those watches. Fortunately mine is running spot on. It has had a month to settle in. I think I got a really good one out of the box

Hi Bruce , does this grand seiko have a quick date change function ? Thanks

Man, that Omega looked surprisingly pale beside the majesty of this watch.

@SportsWchEsp

15 күн бұрын

I just got one and it sits next to my Omega DeVille in the watchbox - the difference is night and day. Paid $500 less for the GS and it looks like it cost 2x the Omega. I got this to upgrade the Seiko SARB - it’s like going from 1080p to 4k HD

@dipro001

15 күн бұрын

@@SportsWchEsp im an 8 year sarb 33 user. Only wish i could make the GS move.

@SportsWchEsp

14 күн бұрын

@@dipro001 No hate on the SARB at all! Honestly the level of quality is within touching distance of Omega and that’s a big compliment to the SARB

Hello Bruce. I have its younger brother, SBGR307. Silver dial, pretty much the same features you have described. The bracelet is a little different, as I notice yours has some polishing at the links, and mine does not. But it's very accurate, never had to change the time in months (cal 9S68 - the other difference between our watches). You're right. It's so beautiful, sometimes my eyes just gravitate towards it just because. The facets of the hour markers are designed to catch so much light. As you move your wrist, marker would be in the shadow, only to be replaced by another stunning reflection of its neighboring marker. They really know how to make the light play within the dial. It's been 5 years. I hope you still enjoy this watch.

@geomancer6371

2 жыл бұрын

Oops. The other difference is that mine is a 41 mm dial, while yours is a 37mm. Big difference!

thanks for the video Bruce, very nice review, I think your spot on.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir

Hey Bruce, I believe you also did a review of a Sarx035 or 33, how does the Sarx standup to this GS?

This is a great video. I have to laugh because I just bought a Sarb 033 and I don't want to scratch it, just like you. I don't think there's any way to avoid it other than not wear the watch, which is really hard to do.

Great country, great watch.

very nice watch, congratulations. you've made a wise investment on your grand seiko, love your review.

I you could go back, would you have got a 40mm? I also have a 7.25 inch wrist and I'm concerned about the size being too small!

nice review. anyone know the lug-to-lug measurement? I heard 37mm case diameter. Also, is this related to the SBGR253?

Hi Bruce. Am considering to get this stunning watch too. How do you feel about this watch after 1 full year?

That's a beautiful watch Bruce. Great review.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Michael Frontera thanks Michael

Your dial almost looks lacquered. I know what you mean about it being a magnet for finger print smudges, so is mine. I find the high level of polishing from the zaratsu finishing still makes its way through my smudges as it's that awesome of a finishing. I like the way it wears on your wrist. Congrats. Love it, very stunning! I was cringing at the photo of your GS resting on that splintered plank of wood cause your GS is brand new. Great photos.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

haha I make sure to carefully place my watches on that stump when I use it for clips. No damage done

@whatsonthewrist

7 жыл бұрын

Whew regarding no damage done! lol. We might have to review each others one day.

Hi Bruce whatt do you think about the play in the grand seiko bracelet? Omega and Rolex bracelets feel much better. Do you think it feel stretched soon the grand seiko bracelet? Because I just bought a grand seiko thank you so much

So funny! Im trying to sell my same omega as we speak and pick up another GS!!

If there's one thing that drives me nuts about owning a GS is that first scratch/nick/ding. I'd go catatonic. Good review, Bruce!

@das997

7 жыл бұрын

Got one ;-)

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Yes, I am babying it hard, don't want that first scuff!

Woww..!!!!! Congrats on this diamond in the dust, beauty!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I'm in love with Seiko is a very nice watch

Nice review, do you know the height (lug to lug) of watch?

Perfect watch and vid ❗️🙏🏻

I love how this guy makes an intricate love letter-like video review, says its a keeper, and sells it months later. It's a great watch. I'm considering it. I have 9 watches in total and for 11 years my collection didn't change at all. Some people are different. Lol.

great video, I really love GS, shame so many shun the brand. thanks.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Very sharp watch love that black dial

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate

Great idea of getting a sarb 033 in to compare it side to side. I'll tune in!

Very happy to see the review, thanks a lot, I really enjoyed it and will certainly watch it a few dozen times till I will most probably get the SBGR053 myself.. looking forward to more Grand Seiko content, be it comparison, follow up review of...well, like anything hehe. Thanks again and very good choice of music at the beginning, captures the watch perfectly. One question- do you wear it with casual clothes and does it ever look too dressy for a t shirt?

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome comment thank you. Yes, I am a mostly casual guy wearing jeans and a t shirt most days. I think it looks great dressed down a bit. If it were on leather that would be another story. I'll try and get those other GS related videos out quicker

Great review and this watch at $2,700 you paid far out performs a similarly priced Swiss piece.

@tomcognilio1816

5 жыл бұрын

Jason Debly they have the same watch on sale at mall.elady for 2700.00

If you ever think about selling it i'd be the first in line to get it off you ;). Great review of a great watch !

I want a Grand Seiko but I don’t know where to buy one. No dealers nearby and don’t know where to go on the net to get one.

Love this watch! One of my dream watches is the Seiko Snowflake. Would love to see you do a review of the snowflake!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Kaveh Emami those are so gorgeous!

Byootiful watch! Does that come in a white dial?

Man you can see where they got the inspiration for the sarb033. Beautiful

Hey great review Bruce. The watch shows true GS styling which is minimalistic but bold, I own seiko 5 and a diamatic and love them a lot. Is there any specific reason you chose this watch against a high beat GS which looks almost the same?

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Yes, High beat was a little larger and a little more expensive. I just love this smaller case and a classic 28800 bph movement. No knock on the Hi Beat though it is incredibly nice

Reminds me of my aqua terra, great piece brucey

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother!

Can't find this watch on Grand Seiko website anymore. What's the replacement for this watch?

Dream watch! Less flashy than a Rolex, but more "substantial" to my eyes. It's a samurai watch! Is it me, or the dial looks deep brown when under direct sunlight?

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

I noticed that too as I was editing it together. Only in hard sunlight though

Do you think the GS is going to strecht more and faster then the omega braclet because I am thinking off buying a GS GMT

I am thinking about this one. Why did you get rid of yours? My concern is the thickness. I have a black bay 58 which is a dive watch and would be thinner than this.

it's a work of art. this watch was a great deal.

I am quite keen on this watch. How are you enjoying it after a year?

AWESOME watch. Congrats!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that!

Great video Bruce. I have a question concerning Seiko (not Grand though). I'm literally torn between the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 (blue ceramic bezel) and a MarineMaster 300. Both are very comparable in price. I know you've owned or reviewed both so I'd really appreciate any input you can offer. Keep the great videos coming!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Justin. I would say the MM was a more enjoyable watch to wear with more wrist presence. The lume is insane and its a less common model. I found the seamaster to be more comfortable and had a much better bracelet. Cant really help beyond that haha

I've got a beautiful sarb033 and i've been considering this GS for a long while. Not sure if i should dive into it. They both look very much alike, can't say the same to the movement.

@basedorientcoyote8883

4 жыл бұрын

this is miles ahead from the sarb033 in every possible way mate

Excellent summation Bruce. Personally would take a GS over a Rolex any day of the week and will look forward to your future comparo.

@Majorline

7 жыл бұрын

Seriously Brian ? Are you telling me that you equate the quality of the Grand Seiko with a Rolex ? The Grand Seiko is very nice, but not in same league as a Rolex Sub, or GMT. If cost is a determinant, then I can understand your preference. I will agree that the GS is a fine looking watch. If I could get one at a good price I would, it would be a good addition to my Swiss watch collection.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian, I'll see what I can do

@brianhinder3652

7 жыл бұрын

Seriously ... yes. Seiko is PROUD of their GS line. That is evident in the tiniest detail. Also I admire the fact that they put their craftsmanship on display via the exhibition caseback. Something Rolex doesn't do as their movements are not decorated. I also find impressive the GS exceeds COSC specs and is adjusted for 6 positions/temperatures which I'm not sure Rolex equals. BTW I remain perplexed by the number of enthusiasts who express their undying love of mechanical watches yet never actually view the intricacies through either a skeleton or exhibition caseack. For all they know it could be a cheap Chinese movement powering their pride and joy! Finally if the brandname were deleted from Rolex/Seiko so there were no preconceptions ... just one watch against another - I'm sure the outcome would be very interesting indeed.

@Optidorf

7 жыл бұрын

I have a Submariner and when it comes to quality I tend to favour the two Grand Seikos. The Zaratsu polishing and (textured) dials of Grand Seiko easily trump the Submariner. I'd say the quality of the case and movement is roughly the same, but this is comparing apples to oranges as the Submariner has a satin finishing. The Submariner takes the cake when it comes to the bracelet. As a general package a Grand Seiko is hard to beat and I'd say it's offering more value for your money than the Submariner. I think the Submariner is overpriced when compared with a Tudor dive watch (e.g. Black Bay) which is roughly half the price. But there's no doubt that a Submariner is a very fine watch and there is such a thing as resale value where Grand Seiko is - admittedly - a small disaster.

@jschwartz1031

7 жыл бұрын

How is a Rolex Sub better quality than Grand Seiko?

Great video and review!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks :)

Can you please do a comparison of this with a SARB 33? As they are so similar in aesthetics and style I think that will be a very interesting video that no one has done on KZread yet. I am planning to upgrade to this from my SARB 33 and such a video will be a great reference point to me and anyone else thinking down that path. As they are very similar, there might actually be a whole group of people interested in going down this path. I also think that this is much better watch to upgrade to for SARB 33 owners than a much more expensive Rolex explorer.

Why go with this over the SARB033? They look very similar, both automatic movements but an order of magnitude price differential.

Very beautiful GS

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Nice review Bruce. I'm a BIG fan of Grand Seikos and my GS Snowflake is the center piece and ne plus ultra of my collection. Yours is beautiful. Enjoy it. Cheers, John

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks John, always appreciate hearing from you

Please how much does this particular piece cost and where can I buy one please

May I know how much grand seiko cost for movement service every 3 years?

would you have problem using it in dark? Thanks.~

What a whopper, Bruce! Congrats and well done!

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

Why do some people do not consider a Grand Seiko as a luxury watch? I'm a big fan of Seiko and that kind of disturbs a bit.

@Adlore

6 жыл бұрын

Stan M Seiko is making Grand Seiko its own brand now. People don't consider these luxuries because Seiko is associated with cheap watches. Most people who see Seiko's will see cheap watches. Everybody who sees a Rolex sees an expensive watch. Now with the rebranding, hopefully Grand Seiko becomes as prestigious as they deserve to be

I think the very conservative 3-year service recommendation is just Seiko finding it hard to drop old habits. They always low-ball service and accuracy estimates. I'd be astounded if a GS needed service that often. If that was the case then their vaunted MEMS process would be a waste of time. It's a shame they can't show more confidence in their high-end product, as it probably puts alot of people off. Particularly when certain other brands promise service intervals from five to ten years.

@BruceWilliams

7 жыл бұрын

Your absolutely right. It seems like a lot of manufacturers over overly conservative in that respect. I would imagine this 9S could easily go the 5-10 years the other brands tout