Grand Seiko vs. Omega (A Debate).
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 08. 2022
- We are going LIVE on WEDNESDAY!! Download whatnot and see us on August 29th at 4pm EST! www.whatnot.com/invite/theoan...
NOTE: there are NO give aways in the comments section of this video
Our Podcast! open.spotify.com/show/5sNbQ2G...
NOW AVAILABLE ON APPLE PODCASTS!!
Want to buy a vintage Rolex, Omega, Tudor, Cartier, etc...? Well then check out the T&H watch shop would ya!
theoandharris.com
Grand Seiko has been full steam ahead for a while now. They go above in beyond in any way they can and the watch industry has CERTAINLY noticed. However, are their tactics effective enough to start to take some market share from Omega? It may seem totally unlikely and maybe even a dumb topic but HEY! We are a couple of dumb guys having some dumb fun! So what happens when you put up a Speedmaster vs. a Snowflake?
Follow Christian: / christianzeron
Follow Michael: / michaelkristy_
...
Partnership contact: michael@theoandharris.com
Watch inquiries: info@theoandharris.com - Jak na to + styl
Absolutely love your videos, especially these involving debate of two notable brands - an active discussion about popular icons in Omega and Grand Seiko is great, and I appreciate points on both sides of the table 👍
GS and Omega are my favorite two brands, and own both. I'd take a slightly different tack and say it's apples and oranges, both having their place and complementing each other extraordinarily in a collection. GS makes astounding dress watches and dressy GADAs that are just head and shoulders above anything this side of holy trinity particularly in their level of hand craftsmanship (dials, dial furniture, zaratsu finishing). That's not Omegas thing at all. Omega makes some of the GOAT sport watches, mass produced, go to the moon or the Mariana Trench, or for that matter the Olympics. GS will never catch Omega's legacy in sports in a hundred years, and Omega could never devote the time and energy to even touch GS quality without seriously repositioning themselves, which they have no reason to do. So on my wrist, it's SMP300 for a daily sports watch, GS SGBA201 for just a ridiculously classy dress GADA. Great video and thoroughly enjoyed this discussion!
Grand Seiko’s quality to price ratio is really top notch. And they retain their value extremely well.
I've tried hard to love GS and am completely open-minded to them, but like many others here the aesthetics of their watches just don't appeal to me. And I completely respect the quality of their watches - I'm just waiting for them to take that craftsmanship and produce a model that I can't resist! Omega, on the other hand, has many references I'd love to own.
Totally reasonable. No love for the aesthetic of the SLGA007, SLGA009 or SBGP017?
Facts. Omegas has top tier movements, finishing, AND design. GS falls short on design, which is critical when spending thousands of dollars.
Same
I feel the exact same way. I never connected to any of GS's watches.
I completely agree with this. I’ve looked at loads of grand seikos and tried them on. I went to the GS boutique in Knightsbridge, London and spent 2 hours trying on everything. Nothing really made me think ‘yes this is the one’. Omega have many iconic timepieces and their newest sector dial is fabulous, blows the omiwatari out of the water. GS vs Omega? No chance
Seiko va omega? Different proposal
I always appreciate the thoughtful insights from the both of you, it’s always a treat to watch.
Everything else aside: I've been to almost every major watch boutique in London and the level of attention, luxury, and service in the GS boutique in comparison to everything else was remarkable. I own an Omega, but the experience of just BROWSING at the GS boutique makes me want to buy that as my next watch.
Very interesting debate. I always had my eye on an Omega but when push came to shove I opted for a GS primarily because of the technology and the finishing. It threaded the needle between dress and casual for me. I do like that Globemaster and it may make a perfect addition to my two watch collection and I would have a complete three watch collection.
One of the things that I have always admired about Grand Seiko is the no compromise type of attitude that they have. It is the type of mindset that delivers amazing product at the relatively acceptable price. The mindset that the Japanese have towards creating product is one of the many things I admire from them and I am always astounded by the level of details that they do towards their products at Grand Seiko.
Someone once said, buy a Rolex to impress others, buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself...enough said.
Who?
Very well put Daniel, when I loop my grand Seiko wow, never gets old, Jeff.
I rather a Submariner or a Speedmaster. Grand Seiko dosen't do a dam thing for me and they change their styles way to often so nothing will be iconic
I agree with the Rolex impressing others...but Omega? While it's my favorite luxury watch brand and is leaps and bounds ahead of Rolex as a watchmaker (IMO) most people won't spot an omega or give a shit. Everyone knows Rolex and pitches pants tents. I'll stick to my Omega.
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Snowflake
Only just came across you guys recently, great content delivered in an accurate amusing way. Keep it going. Also your open letter to Breitling was incredible.
Love your content. Eager to see actual watch reviews every once in awhile!
I love these kind of videos. Keep up the great work!
I would argue both sides of this point… GS was my first watch and I LOVED it, but I eventually sold it for an omega which I still wear. All points are valid 🤷🏻♂️
Love this type of content. I am not in the position to purchase either brand, but I still enjoy learning from experts. Please keep it up.
A lot of great points presented guys. What’s your take on the Evolution 9 GMTs? I personally feel those were their 1-2 punch to the sports watch that really blues the line between sports and dress much like Rolex gmt does.
Omega was my first luxury watch and that emotional attachment is far too strong for me. That being said, experiencing Grand Seiko's in person is incredible. Not just the intricacy of the dials, but the entire boutique experience.
Love your videos. Always look forward to them every time I get the notification. I have a GS and am thinking about getting a speedy as I’m not willing to overpay for those damned Daytonas
Always a good day when a new T&H video drops
I agree with Michael, lacking the excitement factor is one of the largest “downsides” of Grand Seiko.
I have been the biggest fan of your channel . Keep killing it with the oxfords and chubbies . You really got me addicted to watches and I recently just purchased a 1998 birthday speedy . Completely in love with it . Thank you for all the videos and love . NH
When I first got into watches, I didn't pay GS any attention. I just thought they were very sporty high end Seikos. Now I've learnt more and explored their elegance line, I think they are producing the best looking dress watches, definitely at their price point, and maybe beating some brands at a much higher price point.
I’d get vintage GS or King Seiko, such a cool story about the factories competing even if it’s embellished; also my family has a seiko streak running from my dad buying himself and his dad a seiko, and then myself doing the same for my dad.
You guys always make my day with these videos!
Maybe it’s the name. But I could never see myself choosing a GS over an Omega. I’ve also just always been wanted a speedy and a sea master so that might Also have something to do with it.
I'm the same. I think some of their dials look amazing but they change their models every 6 months and resale value is horrific if you want to trade in / swap out. You will always be able to sell a speedmaster or seamaster without getting completely hosed in your investment.
@@Weakeyedominant Yes I agree I don't like when they change styles so quickly. Pick one style and stick with it so it becomes iconic ✨ Breitling is another brand that's constantly changing the Super ocean way to often
Great video idea! The GS v Omega debate is a very interesting one.
Love this channel, always so insightful, you guys have inspired me to wear more dress watches everyday
Easier said than done, but I’d love to see Grand Seiko featured as the next Bond watch. New actor, new direction for the series, big opening for a watch company that has been killing it through a pandemic.
I visited my local design district with all the watch shops and I was so ready to go with GS. But when I got to the store and put them on the watches felt kinda flat, also I guess the rep wasn't as enthusiastic and, side note, no financing option. When I got to Omega the reps really walked me through everything made me fall in love with the speedmaster and aqua terra.
Sorry to hear you had that experience. Personally, I've never been to a GS boutique or AD where the sales associates weren't enthusiastic and ready to go into all the nitty gritty on a dime.
Please don't finance watches
Never finance consumption!
@kieran finney then you haven't seen enough models. They haven't had a primarily polished case in the heritage line since the Snowflake. And the Evo9 line is primarily brushed. Bracelets also vastly improved and super comfortable in the Evo9 line.
@kieran finney their marketing is really muddy, true, and their bracelets aren't at Rolex quality (then again, no one's really are), but I definitely wouldn't say the cases have no life to them. Hell, in my collection of 5 or so luxury pieces, they're the only ones where the case finishing and execution REALLY pops every time for me, and that's despite owning two Cartiers with beautiful shapes of their own.
Was thinking of adding a Grand seiko sbgm 221 GMT or paying way over the odds for a Rolex Pepsi ,thoughts?
Another great vid! I must say, GS is an incredible brand, but I believe that omega will absolutely dominate the mass market for the foreseeable future. I do also think that GS will continue to gain popularity and will reach higher levels, but omega is ingrained so deep in the hobby that it would be very difficult for GS to overtake them.
This is literally the only channel I have notifications turned on for
Hard to choose one over the other.
Omega is like a great steak, perfectly cooked and brought to the table still sizzling, in a dimly lit steak house that was established before your parents, parents were born.
GS is that is also like a great steak, only sliced into perfect pieces and presented on a slab of granite with a single sprig of rosemary, in an open concept restaurant thats mostly windows.
Both steaks taste delicious, but one is more about the art, and the other is more about the tradition. At least in my opinion.
Thanks for the great content. Just subscribed to your podcast!
Great video. Commented for the competition. Big fan of the channel. Keep it up. And brown Jordaan loafers would be the choice.
The cinematography and production value in your manufacturer pieces is second to none.
At this point Theo and Harris are probably the most quality producer of watch content on CZcams
If Grand Seiko exists for watch lovers, they need to work on releasing more reasonable watch sizes. More 36-38mm releases! Most of their stuff is dressier and 40+ looks silly. I adore the brand otherwise.
Agreed i have some pre big wrists and am overall big dude(186cm 107kg) they look pretty normal on me. But for smaller guys 40+ def looks off. Their chronographs and divers are even too big for big fat guys. They need way more stuff around 40 and under.
They do have smaller sizes. 37mm and 38mm. Plenty of them.
Maybe it's because I've lived in Japan for a long time, but Grand Seiko's styling doesn't really excite me. My doctor wears a Grand Seiko, and it's not because he's a watch guy. It's just the watch to wear for a doctor here. GS knows this market segment well, and they're mostly older and don't do sports watches. I hope that GS's popularity overseas pulls their marketing department to be a littler more daring.
Love the debate. Interesting topic. Love how “beat” was defined do the debate stayed practical and meaningful.
Fun thought exercise, highlighted what is really great about both brands.
To me, anything is possible, but not anything is probable. Omega would have to make a lot of poor decisions, consistently; and Grand Seiko would have to make a lot of very strategically good (and lucky) decisions, very consistently. Even then…
What brands are next for debate?
As much as I love both brands, I think it's nearly impossible that GS can release a sportwatchs that rivals (in appeal) to a Speedmaster or a Seamaster. Great video guys!
Ya agreed seamaster 300m and speedy cant really be beat. They can beat omega at dressy stuff but the sporty stuff nah dont think they can.
Great video, I'm a new subscriber and i love your videos
Props on the Breitling video, I hope you will give us an update should something interesting happen with that situation.
I’ve always wanted a Grand Seiko. On another note, I recently subscribed on Instagram and some of the reels are hilarious. 🤣 I love this channel and all the great content.
Agreed! For a dress watch, I’m actually debating between grand Seiko and Cartier… and that’s the extent of my desire for grand Seiko 🤷🏻♂️
Very well thought out pros and cons on two very good watch brands. I'm now liking Grand Seiko more now than ever before, but I'll still pick Omega for the time being. Thank you for keeping the watch community informed.
Grand Seiko can beat Omega on two very important areas, accuracy and innovation. Spring drive is one of the greatest innovations in horology and it's accuracy is second to none.
😂 jokes aside, which watch is the taiwan special edition? I can’t seem to find any information on that
Excited for the future of watches. Hope Grand Seiko improves their bracelets/clasps soon.
Great debate and perspectives I respect both brands but the quality and time put into GS puts them above in my eyes
Doubt : Should we buy a watch which retains its value so we can sell and buy another watch without putting additional money, essentially one watch investment for life. Or should we buy a watch we love even though it doesn’t retain its value and be more expensive to replace in the long run.
What quanity do you consider a small collection? A large collection? The perfect collection to wear on a regualr basis and not get bored?
GS makes too many great watches.. smaller tighter catalog (the rolex model) would promote more interest and recognizable models. People who are new to the brand can get lost in a decision and in the meantime purchase a speedy (guilty). I agree they need work on the sports line. Would love to see another SE watch like the Godzilla maybe samurai or Japanese sword related. Thanks for the great video.
You both had great points. I really enjoy your content.
Very interesting debate. A lot to consider here.
I love my Grand Seiko. For me looking down at it nearly takes my breath away how beautiful and intricate it is. BUT, I've seen myself in pictures with it, and from any other perspective besides up close it looks like a very generic, plain watch. I cant put my finger on exactly what it is. It could be some subtle elements of Japanese design vs Swiss that just haven't caught on yet. Either way I love it. Especially with Seiko in the name. It is a watch that doesn't shout "look at how much money I have." It under promises and over delivers. Nobody is going to mug you for your Grand Seiko or think you are flexing, but anybody who is paying attention can't help but be impressed.
I agree. I see it like Japanese street wear. If you love it you love it and if you don’t, then you don’t really get it.
I feel like Japanese luxury cars are the same. They need to over deliver to compete with the established European luxury. The Japanese brands are bang for their buck in a way and very well built and they have their fan base and are well respected with enthusiasts. I like GS and I like Omega.
This.
Love the channel!
I love both brands. GS has better finishing and technologically more advanced, but Omegas heritage and iconic designs push them ahead of GS in my opinion. The Aqua Terra is just so damn gorgeous
Technologically they aren’t more advanced, their only card is a quartz movement. Besides that, Omega is technologically better.
@@diavalus I agree… mostly. The new 9SA5 movement is epic, but if you’re comparing an SBGR317 to a black Aqua Terra, the Aqua Terra is more technically advanced. That said, GS has spring drive, which is even more advanced than the caliber 8900… but at that point, is it apples to apples or are we comparing different things?
@@Sk3tchPad I see your point, and I think you’re correct. Comparing quartz to mechanical is comparing apples to pears. Omega has tungsten bezel, ceramic dials, extreme water ratings, Metas and black polishing, GS has zaratsu polishing, well polished movements and many others.
This said, I think one should own both brands, they are fantastic. I don’t see them as competitors, I wake up in the morning and depending what kind of day I will have, I will choose either Omega or GS.
Defining the "beat" is key. Own the frame, own the deal.
I have had my eye on grand seiko for a long time. The textured dials are incredible. Definitely have to pick one up in the near future.
Now that is an interesting idea! GS gaining market share by going straight at each Swiss brand’s undisputed heavyweight. A Speedmaster alternative that is a better value, a submariner alternative that is actually available for purchase, etc etc.
Just got off work...cant wait to get my coffee and relax and watch!!!😎⌚️✌️Thanks guys....
Great video and topic. I love grand seiko and excited to see them making smaller sizes!
Fascinating that y'all think GS is having a slow year, feels like one of their hottest years in terms of pace in a while. Kodo, a new wide appealing set of GMTs, their best diver yet, their best sports chrono yet, new Whirlpool, new Peacock, Spring Drive and titanium variations of the White Birch, and a bunch of other standard 9S8 releases. VERY strong and steady stream so far.
Thx for that. But that does play into Christian’s point about marketing - how are they getting the word out? I watch 20+ CZcams watch videos a week - never heard of any of these new drops.
@@WestCoastAce27 that's less because of GS and more because CZcamsrs just over focused on Rolex LHD and Tudor BBPro during W&W for clicks lol. The GMTs and Divers were on Hodinkee front page at W&W first day, it was covered on other publications, and it was a headliner of GS's own content next to the Kodo. Spring Drive White Birch was waitlisted for almost the first half of the year too. I still haven't been able to see a Black Birch in person.
New Whirlpool and Peacock, however, were explicitly kept pretty quiet. Announced at a GS owner's event, quietly showed up on the online boutique, sold out everywhere in the first hour or two because they're super limited and special ones. Those models at this point are explicitly made to appeal to existing collectors and secondhand value because those are NUTS watches lol.
amazing content. ive been watching you and your companies growth since anna. keep liquor run going please. yours truly
need more podcasts than once a week!!
Grand seiko needs more content showcasing and explaining their history even as it relates to seiko. The content they put out a few years back beautifully displayed their craftsmanship and gave an inside look into their build process and facilities, that’s what sold me on grand seiko, but not enough to commit to buying their product. More content from them may push someone like me over the threshold to purchase. What better company to hire than Theo and Harris. GS call these guys!
I think GS can make itself more desirable to the mass market by going around them and positioning themselves as a high horology brand with watches like their constant force tourbillon. I do think they could use some changes in their design language but if you can appeal to a certain segment at the top others will follow and try to emulate their style. Personally I love GS but prefer Omega as brand because of their variety, history, and “classic” quality-but at the end of the day most GS models simply don’t resonate with me and give me that tingly feeling inside that makes me want to buy a watch.
Also, I’ve tried so hard to love Grand Seiko but I fell in love with mechanical watches (via Theo and Harris) and really enjoyed Omega’s quality and mainly the history of the company. My first watch was a Nomos Orion followed by an Omega Seamaster Aquaterra. Maybe one day, Grand Seiko, just not now.
Loved this dialogue. I already kind of see Grand Seiko in a similar light to JLC. Extremely fine watches; super premium movement with nearly unbeatable finishing. They have a few things holding them back but I agree that their greatest road block is lack of a good sports watch line. They simply dont, not cant, compete with other brands that do have them. Beautiful dress watches, stunning and an incredible value proposition. Dress watches just aren't really popular right now.
Love the video, I can see myself getting a GS eventually however I've always seen Omega as superior
😂 those debate tactics
Would love to see this debate revisited in about 10-15 years' time.
Very insightful conversation.
Can anybody tell me what the opening song before this video starts is?
Long time fan since day one when Christian talked in his parents back yard about the credibility of archieluxury😂
I really appreciate your professional evolution, from pure watch making over to marketing and everything that goes with it. And not afraid do throw punches at the big boys, keep it up👀
Great video as always!
Grand Seiko and Omega are not only an interesting debate in the modern era, but in the vintage era as well!
I have the sbga407 and love it. I thought I would use it formal settings only, but have found that I’m wearing it as much as my diver. Love it. Perfect in a 2 watch collection
I like that your comparing these two brands because so often do I hear “grand seiko is better than Rolex” which I always thought might be absurd.
Gran Seiko are they easy to service ?
Great takes, both brands are great in their own way.
I recently got my first big boy watch. I wanted to go with GS as I was always fascinated with Japan. But the reps didn’t look enthusiastic and were just pushing to buy the watch rather than just present the watch. I went to omega boutique in Las Vegas and I had a blast with everyone at boutique and ended up getting the seamaster 300. But the itch is still there and I guess next bonus will be going towards a GS.
Do you mind if I call my mom real quick? Hah! That one got me.
Theo and Harris is much more than just watches. Great channel!
Both Grand Seiko and Omega are beautiful watches, but which one is generally most precise?
GS spring drives are more accurate by far
Correct me if I'm wrong. I think the latest GS limited edition releases are in Thailand, not Taiwan. (Koke-iro/SBGH303, Nami/SBGY021, Hikari/SBGY025)
I purchased Omegas in the past for its versatility where they can pass as dress and sport. I feel like most grand seiko’s are dressy and with post COVID not going into the office and out to events as much, I see myself grabbing a “everyday watch” rather than a dress watch for my everyday life.
Dude love the John call out!
Just got my first GS, a 9F quartz. My Longines VHP now seems so inferior to it I can't believe I ever wore it. If GS figures out some marketing and releases some attainable sports watches they'll get massive.
It’s such a good movement that
I agree. Seiko can make good sport watches. Seiko got the SKX, Alpinist, Arnie, King Turtle, the Tuna, the Monster. Just make a GS version of the Alpinist and it will do extremely well.
F9 is a good movement it can be serviced you can get it serviced and it will last a life time. It is a long interval too like 20 years. Super accurate as well and quartz made Seiko what it is so it also a bit of history with it too.
@@alexlilano1931 so good right! I got myself a spring drive and hi beat36000 too recently and they’re all pretty impressive
I’m thinking about buying a Grand Seiko SBG with the quartz movement over an Omega because the price wins. I can get one brand new significantly under the official RRP, and there are no Omegas at that price point.
Im actually curently strugeling to decide if i want to buy a GS Winter or an Omega Globemaster as my first Luxury piece. Would love any Input.
Globemaster. The annual calendar is a stunning watch in person.
Great debate. On point. GS for the win though
Imagine if GS did an OP like simple watch with beautiful colorful dials and improved steel bracelet + clasp with screws... not too complicated... average ppl don't care about the internal overcomplications
I bought my wife a Tudor Royal recently, and she was with me the whole time when we were looking for her first mechanical entry level luxury watch. I asked her if she might be interested in a Grand Seiko for ladies, she literally said "Why would I go for a Seiko if I want a luxury piece?"... I am giving this as an example to show that people who know about Omega and Grand Seiko know their shit, but Grand Seiko is still an unknown brand for people who don't know about high end luxury watches. With this being said, I think that Seiko is Grand Seiko's monkey on the back, however, with good advertising strategies (because obviously they already have the good build quality and heritage) Grand Seiko might beat Omega and even some more similar luxury watch brands.
They basically have to stop making regular seikos. Swap to one of their other sub brands. Orient. Brightz astron prospeX what ever. Just stop sticking seiko on all their lines. Can you imagine if there's a little swatch badge on all omegas 5k watches? It would kill their sales dead
Just out of curiosity, which Tudor royal variant did you get her ?
@@rage8kage totally correct, thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
@@leroyjenkins9000 I don't know the exact reference but it was the S&G version with a white dial and diamond numerals
Im still fairly new to watches, although im now 3 seiko's deep. I think my progression will eventually lead me to Grand Seiko, they have had some stunning pieces.
Doubt Grand Seiko will beat Omega as long as Seiko is in the name. Lots of watch snobs will never accept anything with the name Seiko on it.
Nice video! Love to see "other brands" getting attention.
I am an “entry level” enthusiast. I own Bulovas and a Ball Engineer III. I have a grail collection in mind, and if i were to bounce one for an omega/GS, I would never take an Omega. I just find their designs mostly boring, and the only watch of substance is the Speedmaster. Highly Meh brand. GS is at least taking daring approaches with dials
Grail Collection:
Red dial grand seiko whose name i forgot
Cartier Santos bracelet blue dial
JLC Reverson Duoface + moonphase
Rolex Datjust41 blue/green flutes/jubilee
Breitling superocean green dial
Love the chemistry you guys have. Even when your your not getting on the point you still sound interesting...staying on point, for me grande seiko Will always be to big, or too shinny or too dressy. I think Omega designs would always look more apealing, specially the reissue ones.