Are Rolex Bracelets Really That Good? Bracelets from a GMT Master II, A Submariner and a Grand Seiko
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Hey Everyone,
I hope this video finds you well!
Here I thought I'd take a semi deep dive into bracelets. Hope you enjoy!
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Have a great day!
-Sanjay
The comparison usually comes down to GS’ limited approach to micro adjust, and the additional looseness in the links. While I think micro adjust, and in fact, quick adjust should be standard, I think the “looseness” is misunderstood. GS bracelets are designed to be comfortable when worn with a more snug adjustment. The looser link is intentional so that the bracelet can flare at the wider part of the wrist. Tight linked bracelets like those found on Rolex watches can’t be worn in that snug old-school way without discomfort.
Very helpful. I've been hesitating on buying a Grand Seiko due to complaints about the bracelet, but maybe they are overblown. I prefer the 2-button mechanism of the GS; it's more convenient to open.
Might be a subjective thing but I too find the GS bracelet very comfortable. The clasp as you mentioned isn’t the best but at the same time it works and might be part of the comfort. I would also add that GS bracelet (same with Omega) tends to have some play at the case and/or looks out of place.
Some great points! Thank you for sharing, my friend!
I love this contrarian video topic! Despite being a huge GS and Seiko fan, I still believe firmly that they should make a big investment in improving their bracelets, but that‘s what straps are for…
Well said, hope they continue to improve 🙂
Thanks for the video. There's a lot of group think going on in the forums and watch groups about how GS bracelets are bad and rolex bracelets are the best with no nuance whatsoever
Other than microadjust my own opinion is that GS bracelets are some of the most comfortable I've worn while Rolex bracelets on the other hand have tended to eat into my wrist due to the sharpness of the bracelet edges and just not provide very good fit due to the excessively long swing arms
There's also been an inability to objectively assess the quality of the milling/finish on GS bracelets which you have rightly pointed out are of a very high standard and not worse off than a Rolex which many would like to believe
Why no taper though? Kills me
GS bracelets have quiet a bit of play between the center and the outer links. My SBGX293 feels much more comfotable on my wrist than my BB58.
Just had a grand seiko in hand it it felt disappointing. The end links and gap between case/lugs and bracelet didn't compare to rolex at all.
Suggest measuring clasp thickness next time. Many clasps with on the fly are too thick. Makes it worse than without imo.
Great point! I'll keep that in mind for next time!
In my experience, the Rolex oyster bracelet is my favorite. Comfortable to the point I forget I'm wearing a watch. I've never worn a GS bracelet long enough to know how comfortable they are because all three I've owned lacked adjustment haha. Still, just in handling them, I didn't think they compared favorably to Rolex bracelets. That is just my subjective and limited opinion LOL. Great job, Sanjay!
Thanks so much, Clayton! If anyone's opinion/knowledge is limited, it's mine. That's why our chats are so valuable to me haha
I will take a GS over a Rolex 99 out of 100 times. I will give kudos to the Rolex clasp though. It feels extremely secure and fits with the bracelet nicely. The GS clasps are easier to engage and disengage. On a diver or tool watch, the Rolex clasp is a slightly better fit. The lack of the trigger on the side also looks more elegant.
I agree. GS bracelets are really comfortable, but not as "solid". I value comfort!
Great presentation and discussion. I'd be perfectly happy with either bracelet. Although I do think the Rolex is better engineered and more practical for the wearer.
Thanks so much for watching. Yes indeed, the Rolex bracelet is more impressive on the technical front!
watches aside, you're an amazing person man! Hope to one day meet you at a watch meetup!
That's very kind of you to say, my friend. I'm looking forward to the day! 🙂
My biggest bug bear 🐻 is with male end links. Especially for us smaller wristed people. They have ruined otherwise excellent watches on many occasions. I wish my op had female end links.
So true, when it comes to wearability!
I've started to realize that a female end link is really difficult to pull off in a visually cohesive way...
Thanks for watching as always, my friend!
Extensive showcase. It's a good reminder that a better clasp and taper does not necessarily mean a more comfortable bracelet. I am also in the GTA and maybe will run into you sometime.
Hey! Great to meet a neighbouring watch enthusiast 🙂
Hope we run into each other at some point as well!
Oftentimes excessive taper leads to balance issues especially with say, the Rolex sports models or the new Omega Speedy 3861. No such issues on lighter cases like the DJ or OP though I must add
Great detailed comparison Sanjay. It’s rare to see such an extensive comparison review on bracelets so it was refreshing topic. By the way, did you see that Grand Seiko released small 44GS case SBGW303? What is your thoughts on that?
Thanks so much for the kind words, my friend. I did see the SBGW303. It's a gorgeous dial with my fav GS case design. My main gripe with these models was the shape of the hands but I think I'm starting to warm up to them 🙂
Yes Sanjay, yes they are!
Haha I'm sure that President bracelet is excellent 😉
I use to have the same opinion with the braclet and clasps until owning a GS, when you understand japanese mentality then you realise why these braclets are the way they are, basically if you want them to be more Swiss then just buy a Swiss watch in the first place.
If you are comparing the Submariner clasp then you need to compare a GS dive watch clasp, apples v apples.
Ah the comparison continues… I wish I could compare a Rolex bracelet to Grand Seiko one first hand for a significant period of time. The truth is that I own 5 Grand Seikos and Zero Rolexes. The reason? Can’t find them at retail.
On the other hand, being a fountain pen collector/enthusiast, once I discovered Japanese trio of Sailor, Pilot/Namiki and Platinum/Nakaya, I pretty much gave up on Mont Blanc. Although, I still love Pelikan and Graf Von. Just the brand name alone doesn’t interest me anymore.
I would love to buy a couple of Rolexes at retail and compare them myself. I wait for the day…
Hopefully soon, my friend! 🙂
Also, great to hear that you're a fellow fountain pen enthusiast as well!
From my personal experience Rolex and Brietling have the best bracelets out there.
You're probably right 🙂
GS bracelet is the achille's heel of the otherwise good watch ..... too bulky, no taper, and no on-the-fly micro adjust
Newer Rolex bracelets have improved so mucg over the last 10-20 years. GS bracelets are simply awful and on a 6-8k watch it is unacceptable.