Grand Seiko DESTROYED Rolex

If you’re thinking between a Rolex and a Grand Seiko, check out these 5 times that Grand Seiko destroyed Rolex. Might give you some food for thought!

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Featured Watches:
Grand Seiko Snowscape SLGH013
Grand Seiko 20th Anniversary SBGM235
Grand Seiko Omiwatari SBGY007
Grand Seiko Elegance SBGW231
Grand Seiko Masterpiece SBGD001

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[itsQP]

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

[sdaafasfad]

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.

[angMohit]

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.

[iSupes]

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

[TA-mujt]

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 YouTube 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❤👏🏼

[mrdisco]

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

[snakeman]

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.

[tudorserban]

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

[ogpicker]

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...

[Leptospirosi]

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!

[docfluty]

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.

[gregfelix]

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.

[jeffdj]

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

[gainsbourgchartier]

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

[tapaschakraborty]

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

[_Sam]

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.

[somedigitalist]

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.

[baxoutthebox]

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.

[richdell]

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

[djsmiley]

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.